Permanent coffee filters are simple to use. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Whether you’re using the permanent filter that came with your drip coffee maker or if you’re investing in one for your AeroPress, this article will help you get started. You will find this article helpful if you plan to use a permanent filter in your drip machine or pour-over brewer.
How to Brew with a Permanent Coffee Filter
1.) Set Up Your Coffee Maker
Whether you’re brewing with a Chemex or a drip machine, the first step is to get your coffee maker ready. If you’re using a drip machine, you must add water to the tank, place the permanent coffee filter in the basket, and ensure your carafe is in place. If you’re using a Chemex or other pour-over, start boiling the water and place the reusable filter at the top of the brewer.
2.) Grind Your Coffee
You’ll want to start by grinding your fresh coffee beans. Make sure that you’re grinding to the correct consistency for your brewer. Medium is the ideal grind for most drip machines and medium-fine works best for most pour-overs.
3.) Pour the Coffee Grounds into the Permanent Coffee Filter
Next, you want to carefully add your coffee grounds to the permanent coffee filter. There’s no need to use a paper filter – just add the ground straight into the mesh or perforated metal filter. Once the grounds are in the filter, you’ll want to gently tap the filter to level off the grounds.
4.) Brew as Usual
Now it’s time to brew your coffee! Push the start button on your drip machine, or start pouring in the hot water for a pour-over. There’s really no mystery about this step…just do what you normally do.
5.) Clean Your Permanent Coffee Filter
This step is where the process differentiates from the standard paper filter route. Instead of throwing away (or composting) your filter and grounds, you need to clean the permanent filter. Next, you need to pick up your reusable filter and dump your grounds into your compost bin or trash can. In certain cases, you may need to use a spoon to get the bottom layer of grounds out. Make sure that you don’t scrape or tear your metal filter!
Once your grounds are gone, you can thoroughly rinse the filter. Turn it upside down and spray water through the holes. You want to spray from the outside – this is the best way to clean out most of the grounds.
There’s no need to use soap every time you brew. You just want to make sure the filter isn’t clogged with oils or fine grounds. Once you’re done cleaning the filter, it’s time to let the filter totally dry out before putting it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brewing coffee with a permanent coffee filter isn’t difficult. However, there are a few hurdles you need to take into account. Here are a few questions that we field on a regular basis.
Do You Need a Paper Filter to Brew with a Permanent Coffee Filter?
No. The permanent filter replaces paper filters, which, in turn, makes for a more eco-friendly option. Furthermore, adding a paper filter to a permanent filter in a drip machine can cause it to overflow. Doubling up on filters makes the water drain more slowly through the coffee grounds, which makes for a stronger brew and a slow brewing speed that your machine will likely not be able to handle. If you’re using a pour-over, you can manually adjust the water flow, but the coffee may still come out too strong for your liking.
How Does a Permanent Filter Affect the Brewed Coffee?
Permanent coffee filters are typically made from perforated metal sheets or a fine mesh designed to catch the coffee grounds while allowing everything else to flow through. If you brew with a permanent filter, your coffee will be full-bodied with a thicker mouthfeel. The natural oils in the coffee beans will come through into your cup, which yields a richer flavor and a fuller experience. On the other hand, you will also find quite a bit of coffee sediment, especially if you grind your beans too finely. In the end, you can expect a cup of coffee similar to that brewed with a French press.
What are the downsides of using a permanent coffee filter?
Permanent coffee filters save you money since you do not need to purchase paper coffee filters. The flavors are stronger and richer, and there’s a lot more mouthfeel. However, recent research suggests that paper-filtered coffee is healthier since paper filters remove cholesterol-raising oils and compounds. Paper filters also produce clear, grit-free coffee, whereas permanent filters typically yield a murkier cup of joe. Lastly, you’ll have to put in more time and effort to keep your permanent filter clean.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, this article helped you understand how to use permanent coffee filters and answered a handful of key questions. Reusable filters are a great option for a number of brewing methods, but you do need to make sure you keep the filter clean and avoid using paper filters. Here’s to saving the planet by not using paper filters!
