As evidenced here at BOTL, on other boards and out in the general public, many people are seeking to improve their coffee experience. We've had a good bit of discussion about the importance of using good quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. To a lesser degree, we've talked about the effect brewing equipment and proper water temperature have on the flavor of coffee and lesser still about grinders (blade vs. burr).
All of these factors have a significant impact on how our morning (or evening) brew will taste but one thing that hasn't gotten any airtime yet is the filter. You know, that little thing you toss in the basket to keep the grounds out of your cup.
In my opinion, the filter is one of the most crucial components in making a good cuppajoe. In fact, my second biggest coffee revelation, after switching from pre-ground to fresh-ground coffee, came the day I first used a permanent filter. It was a 23k SwissGold filter and the difference it made in the flavor of the coffee was, to me, astonishing. I haven't bought a paper filter since and that's been something like 15 years ago. I have tried some of the other permanent filters that are available like the gold-tone mesh and stainless steel mesh but for my money nothing works quite like SwissGold, though I couldn't explain why. The one I used to brew the cup I'm drinking now has been in use for about 10 years and has outlived three coffee makers and one marriage.
I feel the big difference between paper and permanent is that the paper filters absorb some of the essential oils that give coffee its flavor whereas a permanent filter allows all of it to pass through into the pot. I've always called these oils the coffee "essence" but I don't know what name the pro's have for it. The first thing you notice with a permanent filter is the oils or "essence" floating on top of the cup. It weirded me out a little at first since I thought it was some crud that had come out of my machine. Once I tasted the brew though I never looked back.
If you decide to toss the paper filters and go this route be prepared for an experience but also for a little mud in the bottom of your cup. Even though my grinders have become more sophisticated compared to my original $9.99 whirly blade, I've not found an adjustment that will keep all the sludge out of the cup without limiting the flavor extraction. For me, it's a small price to pay for a great cup of coffee.
All of these factors have a significant impact on how our morning (or evening) brew will taste but one thing that hasn't gotten any airtime yet is the filter. You know, that little thing you toss in the basket to keep the grounds out of your cup.
In my opinion, the filter is one of the most crucial components in making a good cuppajoe. In fact, my second biggest coffee revelation, after switching from pre-ground to fresh-ground coffee, came the day I first used a permanent filter. It was a 23k SwissGold filter and the difference it made in the flavor of the coffee was, to me, astonishing. I haven't bought a paper filter since and that's been something like 15 years ago. I have tried some of the other permanent filters that are available like the gold-tone mesh and stainless steel mesh but for my money nothing works quite like SwissGold, though I couldn't explain why. The one I used to brew the cup I'm drinking now has been in use for about 10 years and has outlived three coffee makers and one marriage.
I feel the big difference between paper and permanent is that the paper filters absorb some of the essential oils that give coffee its flavor whereas a permanent filter allows all of it to pass through into the pot. I've always called these oils the coffee "essence" but I don't know what name the pro's have for it. The first thing you notice with a permanent filter is the oils or "essence" floating on top of the cup. It weirded me out a little at first since I thought it was some crud that had come out of my machine. Once I tasted the brew though I never looked back.
If you decide to toss the paper filters and go this route be prepared for an experience but also for a little mud in the bottom of your cup. Even though my grinders have become more sophisticated compared to my original $9.99 whirly blade, I've not found an adjustment that will keep all the sludge out of the cup without limiting the flavor extraction. For me, it's a small price to pay for a great cup of coffee.
