Hello! This week we want to talk about a hotly debated topic in the coffee community: permanent filter vs. paper filter. Especially in these times, sustainability is an important part of the world of coffee, but can this happen at the expense of taste? Or is the paper filter not an environmental sinner at all? Grab your favorite filter coffee - whether brewed with a permanent filter or a paper filter - and let us enlighten you. Have fun!
The reusable: permanent filter
It is affectionately called a permanent filter and it really is a classic in the coffee world. Grandma probably still has one, the nylon filter that has survived many, many coffee moments. Permanent filters are actually made of different materials: nylon, plastic, metal and even coated with precious gold. Once you have bought one, they are a loyal companion. But are permanent filters also a better choice than filter paper? We get to the bottom of the matter.
Attention - taste in danger!
Permanent filters require a lot of care. Many simply don't look good over time. Coffee oils and fats settle in the small openings and grooves and can significantly affect the taste. On the one hand, it is the old oils that can make the taste rancid and on the other hand, the freshly dissolved oils are not filtered out in the permanent filter (like with filter paper) and the coffee gets a fuller flavor. The material of the permanent filter can also have a more or less strong influence on the result. Therefore, the permanent filter should be cleaned with natural or chemical cleaners depending on the instructions for use.
The unique one: paper filter
Invented by Melitta Benz and since then it has become an indispensable part of the world of coffee: the paper filter. It is important to use white filter paper, as brown filter paper can give your coffee a woody taste. Thanks to modern treatment methods, the white filter papers are now more environmentally friendly than ever before!
With a paper filter you can be sure that your coffee is free of off-flavors. The coffee is clear and pure because oils and fats are filtered out very well. This may mean that some people find the coffee lacking a little body, but for others this is the only true coffee enjoyment.
Better for the environment?!
Many people use the environmental aspect to put permanent filters in a better light. We can discuss this, but it is a fact that no forests are cleared to produce filter paper. Most filter papers are so environmentally friendly that they can simply be thrown into the organic waste or compost. Cleaning permanent filters requires a lot of water and chemical cleaners are not exactly environmentally friendly. Permanent filters can save you money in the long run, however, as the paper filters have to be bought again and again. Here is a link to our paper filters if you need a refill ;)
Conclusion: What counts is the coffee
Whether you use a permanent filter or a paper filter is up to you. Personal preferences and perhaps a pinch of nostalgia decide what is the best choice for you. I am clearly on the filter paper team, as the aftertastes of the permanent filter simply bother me. The most important thing is the quality of the coffee. As always, it should be top-notch - luckily I have really good coffee for you!
With this in mind, I wish you always delicious coffee in your cup!
Your Kaffeebrewda