The Surprising Impact of Your AeroPress Filter on Your Coffee

Last week, I discussed the latest release from AeroPress - the Flow Control cap. One of the most exciting features of this new cap is its compatibility with both paper and metal filters. But which filter is right for you? Let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.

Paper and metal filters are the most popular options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. So, which one should you choose?

Paper Filters

Paper filters are a popular choice for AeroPress users for several reasons, including their ability to absorb some of the oils present in coffee during extraction. This leads to a cleaner-tasting flavour profile with a less enhanced body. The AeroPress paper filters are the round paper discs traditionally used when brewing with an AeroPress. They are bleached without chlorine or other harmful chemicals, so pre-wetting is not mandatory, but I still recommended. However, if you brew coffee frequently, the cost of continually buying new paper filters can add up.

Metal Filters

Reusable metal filters, on the other hand, are a more sustainable option that helps to reduce waste. Several brands offer metal mesh filters for the AeroPress, with variations in mesh size, design, and the type of metal used. Recently AeroPress has released its own version as well.

According to AeroPress, the main difference between its metal and paper filters is that "the reusable metal filter allows oils to pass through for a somewhat fuller-bodied cup of coffee, whereas the paper micro-filter keeps out those oils for a cleaner flavour profile." By keeping the coffee oils in the cup, the metal filter yields a coffee with a heavier body and creamier mouthfeel.

One potential downside of metal filters is that they require more maintenance than paper filters. Proper cleaning is essential to consistently extract high-quality coffee when you brew with them.

Ease of Use

Whether you use paper or metal filters, brewing coffee with an AeroPress is relatively straightforward. However, cleaning up is easier using paper filters because you can toss them in the trash or compost. It's a sad truth that disposable products usually make our lives easier.

Conclusion

Both metal and paper AeroPress coffee filters brew a delicious, albeit different, cup of coffee. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a clean-tasting, less oily cup of coffee and don't mind buying new filters regularly, paper filters are the way to go. If you prefer a fuller-bodied, creamier cup of coffee and want to reduce waste, a reusable metal filter is the better option.

credit: AeroPress

🔎 Cafe in the spotlight:

Filter Coffee Lab

📍Via Santa Maria, 30, 56126 Pisa, Italy🕑 Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Sat: Closed Sun 9:00am - 4:00pm

During our European travels last year, finding good coffee was often a challenge, especially in small towns like Pisa. Let's be honest, Italian coffee can be underwhelming, especially if you're into specialty coffee. That's why stumbling upon Filter Specialty coffee shop in Pisa was a delightful surprise. Tucked away in one of Pisa's narrow streets, not far from the Leaning Tower, this cafe exudes an inviting industrial-style vibe.

Filter Specialty Coffee sources their beans from a local Tuscan roaster, Le Piantagioni del Caffe, ensuring that their coffee is of exceptional quality. If you're in Pisa and looking for a truly delicious Italian coffee, then this is the place for you. I spent fifteen minutes walking there every day from our hotel just to get a decent cup, and it was worth it every time.

credit: Filter Coffee Lab

👨‍🍳 Recipe of the week

Kalita Wave

• Kalita Wave 155 Dripper

• 15g of ground coffee

• 250g (mL) of just-boiled water

• Extra water to rinse the paper filter

Step 1 : Place the Kalita paper filter in your brewer, gently press in and carefully rinse.

Step 2 : Add the 15g of coffee.

Step 3: Start your timer and pour 45g of water just off the boil to saturate the coffee grounds.

Step 4: At the 0:45 mark, fill up to 110g.

Step 5: At the 1:30 mark, fill up to 250g and very gently swirl the brewer.

Step 6: Wait for the coffee to finish draining down and enjoy! Expect a total brewing time of 3:00-4:00 min

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