There are two main effects on espresso paper causes when placed between the puck and the floor of the portafilter basket, both leading to improved extraction of espresso from the ground coffee, which improves the taste. Firstly, at the base of the espresso puck filter paper acts as a barrier between the ground coffee and the portafilter basket holes, preventing small or "fine" grinds from travelling to the holes with the liquid coffee and blocking or partially blocking the holes, or flowing out of the basket and into the cup. Secondly, espresso paper reduces the flow resistance between the bottom of the puck and the base of the basket, which increases the flow of liquid coffee through the puck, particularly at the outer edge, leading to more even extraction across the puck and an improved taste.
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No, but using paper for espresso as a coffee filter can improve the taste and reduce the variability of espresso, without the need to spend thousands on pro-grade equipment. It wasn't until the s that people in the coffee community began investigating using paper filters for espresso, more than 100 years after the first patent for an espresso machine was awarded (to Angelo Moriondo in Turin). As more and more people have gained access to espresso, first in espresso cafes as they exploded in popularity around the world, then at home as machines became smaller and more affordable, the science, knowledge and expertise around making espresso has leaped forward and many innovations have been introduced over the years. Using a coffee filter for espresso machine brewing is one such innovation, backed by evidence from scientific experimentation as well as more subjective 'taste tests' by experts. Today espresso coffee filters have support from famous baristas such as James Hoffman, Scott Rao and Lance Hedrick.
If you use an espresso paper filter, you could consider espresso to be filtered coffee. In general, however, filtered coffee usually refers to a range of coffee preparation methods which use paper filters inside a funnel to hold the coffee grinds while hot water passes through the funnel. The other primary difference between filtered coffee vs espresso is that filtered coffee uses gravity to pull the water through the ground coffee, whereas espresso machines use a pump to force the water through the coffee puck at elevated pressure. (An exception to this rule would be coffee made by French press or cafetière, which could also be considered filtered coffee, but the coffee grinds are immersed in the water prior to being separated using a metal filter on the end of a piston.)
Filter can papers play a role in brewing more sustainable espresso, if they are sourced and manufactured in the right way. We know that the environmental impact of each coffee we consume is already high, so we have a commitment to minimising the environmental impact. Our filter papers are not only biodegradable but also locally made, from paper pulp that is produced using renewable energy sources. Our paper manufacturing sources wood from forests certified by FSC and PEFC, ensuring responsible forestry practices. To further reduce our carbon footprint we invest in carbon credits to offset the emissions from our operations and delivery. Moreover, by ensuring a consistently delicious cup of coffee, our espresso filter papers can help reduce the likelihood of waste generated from unsatisfactory brews, with potential carbon footprint savings that outweigh the lifecycle impact of an espresso filter paper.
The relationship between cholesterol and coffee revolves around compounds found in coffee called diterpenes, the most notable of which are cafestol and kahweol. These compounds can influence cholesterol levels in the body. Research indicates that unfiltered coffee, such as espresso, contains higher levels of cafestol and kahweol compared to filtered coffee. These substances have been shown to elevate cholesterol levels by enhancing the body's production of LDL, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Using a paper filter for brewing coffee can significantly reduce the amount of cafestol and kahweol that ends up in the final cup. Paper filters trap these compounds, preventing them from being ingested. So, while cafestol in espresso and other unfiltered coffee can contribute to higher cholesterol levels, coffee made with paper filters can mitigate this effect, potentially making it a healthier option for those concerned about their cholesterol levels. Always consult a medical professional if you have concerns about your health or diet. Please note that we are expressly not making any claims about the health benefits of our particular filter papers, as we have no evidence about their impact on blood cholesterol or any other aspect of your health. We have a more thorough discussion of this on our page Why Filter Espresso?. Always consult a medical professional if you have any concerns about your health or diet.
Espresso baskets come in various different types, by size, shape and dosage. The most common sizes are 58mm, 54mm and 51mm, referring to the internal diameter of the basket at the top of the opening. Every espresso machine is designed with a specific basket size, so if you know the brand and model of your own machine, it is straightforward to obtain the size. The shape of the basket can change between three main options: straight-walled, tapered, and single shot, each with a different profile. Straight-walled baskets use a straight profile for the sidewalls of the basket, close to vertically aligned, although in practice for the majority of these baskets there is very small but constant inward sloping angle to the walls, which helps with manufacturing and also the structural integrity of the finished basket. Tapered baskets have a pronounced inward angle that starts about half-way down the sidewall of the basket. The top section is straight to allow for a tamper to descend to compress the coffee grinds into a puck, while the inward sloping bottom section is intended to reduce under-extracted coffee grinds at the lower outer edge of the coffee puck, which may be a problem with straight-walled baskets (although this is not the case if you use a straight-walled basked in combination with an espresso filter paper). The third option is the single shot basket, which also has two sections to the profile: a straight top section and a lower section that tapers in significantly, sometimes with a curved profile, to reduce the volume of the basket and enable a coffee dose of 7-8g or below.
To vary the dosage, which is the weight of coffee grinds in the puck, baskets can be designed and manufactured either shallower or deeper, corresponding to the height of the basket if you place it on a flat surface. Dosage below 8g is usually achieved with a shallow basket and the single shot profile. Larger doses are considered "double" or even "triple" shots and are achieved using deeper baskets with the straight-walled or tapered profiles.
Most basket designs also include rounding to smooth the internal angle at the base of sidewall, known as filleting.
Once you dive into the world of pour over coffee, there’s no going back.
You’ll discover how the smallest change, like grind size adjustment or a brew recipe, can have a huge impact on the flavors in your cup.
At some point in your specialty coffee journey, you’ll ask yourself: “Should I use a paper or metal filter for pour over coffee?”
The choice to use a paper or a metal pour over filter all depends on how you want your coffee to taste.
In our quick guide to pour over filters, we’ll help you decide which is best for your coffee preferences, plus:
At first glance, all coffee filters look the same. They prevent coffee grounds from ending up in our drink, why does it matter which filter I choose?
Coffee filters play a distinct role in the flavors, characteristics, and aromatics in the final cup. And, as a result, filters are not “one size fits all.”
Most pour over coffee drinkers opt for a paper filter.
Paper filter materials absorb natural oils and sediment, producing a bright and clean-tasting cup of coffee.
Paper filters became the standard due to decades upon decades of bad-tasting coffee. The design of a paper filter was capable of transforming a coffee that tasted burnt, carbon-y, or bitter into something far more palatable.
Thanks to modern roasting innovations and better sourcing practices, however, we don’t need to use paper filters to brew a flavorful cup of coffee.
Pros:
Cons:
Metal pour over filters are typically made from stainless steel mesh.
Unlike paper filters, metal pour over coffee filters allow some oils and sediment to end up in your cup. These oils and micro-grounds are responsible for the luscious mouthfeel and rich flavors many enjoy in a cup of coffee.
Coffee is an intensely aromatic experience. With more than 700 aromatic compounds found in coffee’s natural oils, your morning cup of coffee can taste and smell like jasmine, dark chocolate, cinnamon, orange zest, and a world of other exciting flavors.
Those who enjoy coffee’s sweet and rich flavors prefer metal pour over filters for this reason.
And, the tiny amount of sediment left in the cup aids in the coffee’s overall mouthfeel—producing a heavier-bodied cup than that of a paper filter, similar to French Press coffee.
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Pros:
Cons:
Neither type of pour over filter is superior to the other. Rather, they fit some lifestyles better than others.
To help you choose the right filter for your home brewing needs, answer these quick questions.
Each filter will elicit different flavors and characteristics from the coffee. The right choice for you depends on your coffee preferences.
For vibrant flavors and a clean cup, opt for a paper filter. Or, for a rich mouthfeel and intensely aromatic coffee experience, brew with a metal filter.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice! It’s up to your taste buds.
Read: How to Learn to Taste Coffee
The best filter for your home pour over setup also depends on how much you’re willing to spend.
A metal pour over filter is a one-time purchase of $15-$30. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a different reusable filter for each brew method. A cone-shaped metal filter won’t work in a flat-bottom brewer and vice versa.
Paper filters are not reusable. You’ll need to restock your supply when you run out. A pack of 100 pour over filters costs anywhere from $8-$15, about $0.08 per filter. Depending on how many pour overs you make a day, a pack of 100 filters can last quite a long time!
Filters are not an overly expensive purchase. But, if you’re trying to save money in the long run, a reusable metal filter will do the trick.
Making pour over coffee is fun… until you have to clean it up.
Paper filters are simple. Throw the grounds and filter out or into the compost pile and you’re done. Metal filters, on the other hand, require a good scrub to remove micro-grounds from the stainless steel mesh.
When you need a quick clean-up solution, paper filters are your best bet.
Coffee drinkers who care about the environment and following a sustainable, no-waste lifestyle find that the metal reusable coffee filters best suit their needs. While recycled and eco-friendly paper filters do exist, they still contribute to waste.
Brew methods like the AeroPress or Hario V60 offer metal and paper filter options. Some more niche or newer brew methods may not have a metal filter counterpart available yet.
Before choosing one filter material over the other, make sure your brewer doesn’t require the use of a specific filter.
It’s all about using the right coffee.
You can have the most expensive metal filter or an abundance of paper filters and still brew bad pour over coffee.
If you’re brewing with low-quality or cheap beans, it doesn’t matter what type of filter you use—it will still taste bad. Spectacular pour overs start with expertly-roasted specialty coffee beans.
Read: What Makes Specialty Coffee Special?
Specialty coffee is roasted to highlight the coffee’s delicious natural flavors, acidity, and other characteristics. You’ll be able to taste exciting notes like citrus, walnut, red apple, rose, and everything in between.
No matter if a paper or metal pour over coffee filter meets your needs, make sure you have the freshly-roasted coffee to brew with!
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