Best Coffee Filters: Top 11 Reviewed

Are you in a hurry? our top pick for the best coffee filters are the melitta 600 basket coffee filters.

You may have the best coffee pot on the planet…

but unless you have a decent filter, your coffee will still taste bad.

Like a gatekeeper, the filter determines what goes into your cup and what stays behind.

I’ve done hours of research so you don’t have to, and managed to find the best coffee filters for different brewing methods.

No matter what type of coffee maker you have, you’re sure to find a suitable filter on this list.

Let’s get to the point!

best coffee filters: our top 11 picks

melitta 600 basket coffee filters(best bulk paper filters)
if you care about fsc unbleached coffee filters #2(the best unbleached paper filters)
melitta cone coffee filters #4 (best bamboo filters)
melitta 3.5 percolator disc coffee filters(best percolator disc filters)
aeropress coffee replacement filter packs(best paper filters for aeropress)
height the mesh: premium filter for aeropress machines(best reusable filters for aeropress)
the green polly organic hemp cloth coffee filter cone(best cloth filters)
cozihom reusable pods (the best reusable k-pod filter)
gold reusable basket coffee filter(best reusable basket filter)
#4 reusable permanent cone coffee filters (best steel cone filter)
cuisinart gold tone strainer(best gold tone conical strainer)

melitta 600 basket coffee filters

There’s only one thing worse than running out of coffee filters: running out of coffee filters early in the morning.

but if you buy filters in large packs, that won’t happen very often.

That’s why I like this pack of 600 melitta filters. if you make coffee twice a day, this pack can last you… well, almost a year!

plus, it’s so affordable you can even buy multiple packs at once and it’s good to go until you retire.

these melitta filters are designed to fit all 8 to 12 cup drip machines that use basket filters.

They are made from premium quality paper, which makes them thicker than most filters on the market. That makes this pack a great option for those who love their coffee without sediment.

material: bleached paper
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: basket
size: 8-12 cups

if you care fsc unbleached not 2 coffee filters

I recently started composting, so naturally these filters caught my eye.

Not only are they unbleached and chlorine free, but the packaging is also made from recycled paper.

There is literally no waste!

Once you’re done using them, you can throw the filters in the compost pile and the box in a recycling bin.

And if you don’t have a compost pile at home, don’t worry. you can take your used filters to a composting facility and dispose of them in an environmentally friendly way.

At a fairly affordable price, you get a pack of 100 filters. They are suitable for most 2-6 cup coffee makers that use conical filters.

Just be aware that an unbleached filter can give your coffee a papery taste.

These filters are also guilty of that. but you can easily avoid this by rinsing them under hot water before filling them with ground coffee.

material: unbleached paper
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: cone
size: 2-6 cups

Melitta #4 cone coffee filters

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered bamboo filters and I’m so glad I did.

They are a much more sustainable and ecological option than paper filters. bamboo is a source of natural renewal, so no forest was cut down so we can enjoy a cup of coffee.

plus, bamboo filters are compostable, unlike paper filters that are bleached with chlorine. so when you’re done using them, you can throw them in the compost pile and use them for gardening.

Like a paper coffee filter, bamboo filters also trap oil and sediment, giving you a clear cup of coffee.

They hold their shape well when placed in a coffee maker, which is often not the case with a paper filter.

these melitta cone filters are size #4 which means they fit most 8-12 cup machines.

material: bamboo
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: cone
size: 8-12 cups

melitta 3.5 percolator disc coffee filters

for all you coffee maker fanatics who prefer their coffee without sediment, these disc coffee filters will be a lifesaver.

As you know, a percolator doesn’t really need a filter, since it has a filter basket. but, the holes are big enough to let some oil and particulates into your coffee, and that’s not to everyone’s liking.

these melitta filters are designed with a hole in the middle and can fit all percolators.

They are made from bleached paper but do not contain chlorine. this means that they are completely safe for your health and do not affect the taste of your drink.

Like other melitta filters, these are made from high-quality paper that won’t tear or dirty, no matter how neglected it is.

They’re also compostable, so you can dispose of them in your personal composter, used grounds and all.

material: bleached paper
used for: percolator
shape: disc
size: one size

aeropress coffee replacement filter packs

Initially, the aeropress coffee maker comes with 350 filters. Depending on how often you drink coffee, you could finish that stack in a fairly short amount of time.

This is a replacement pack only, which means they are the same filters that came with the coffee maker, but in bulk.

For a very affordable price, you get 700 filters that will save you the hassle of buying for another half a year, at least.

I was surprised to see that these filters also work for nespresso vertuoplus. And it also fits in Hamilton Beach single serve coffee makers. so if you have any of those, you can be sure that these filters will do the job.

What makes them so great is the micro-woven paper. it doesn’t let any particles through, so what you get is a smooth, strong cup of coffee without any unwanted bitterness and low acidity levels.

I also love the fact that they are biodegradable so it minimizes your overall waste.

material: paper
used for: aeropress
shape: disc
size: one size

height the mesh: premium filter for aeropress coffee machines

the aeropress coffee maker comes with paper filters, and they are not to everyone’s (or rather, coffee’s) liking.

Whether it’s an environmental issue or you don’t like your coffee without sediment, I can think of several reasons why you might go for a mesh filter.

The height filter is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which makes it resistant to corrosion. this means that it can last practically forever, as long as you maintain it properly.

it’s easy to clean: a quick rinse will suffice. It’s also dishwasher safe, but if you run it under the tap after every use, that’s all it really needs.

The mesh is so tight that you can use this filter with any grind, no matter how fine.

Still, it doesn’t stop the essential oils and flavors from running through your coffee. so if you like a bold cup of coffee, this filter beats paper any day.

material: stainless steel
used for: aeropress
shape: disc
size: one size

the green polly organic hemp cloth coffee filter cone

Fabric filters have their advantages, so not including one on this list would be blasphemy.

keep particles out of your coffee while allowing oil to pass through, giving you a rich but sediment-free cup of coffee.

The hemp these filters are made from is hand-picked and woven on local farms. hemp is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow plant, making it a more sustainable and renewable resource than paper.

It takes years for a tree to grow, while hemp is ready to be harvested in just four months.

Also, hemp filters are reusable.

after each use, simply rinse the filter with hot water and let it air dry. They are durable and can withstand over 600 washes. so this pack of three filters can last up to a year or two!

These are #4 conical filters and are suitable for most pour over coffee makers.

material: fabric
used for: pour over coffee pots
shape: cone
size: #4

cozihom reusable capsules

My biggest issue with k-cups is the environmental factor, so I was really excited to see these reusable pods.

they solve all my problems!

They are made of bpa-free plastic with a fine mesh filter made of 304 stainless steel.

both materials are resistant to high temperatures and dishwasher safe. Since washing a filter can be a tedious job, this is a real lifesaver.

Another great thing about these is that you don’t even have to measure your grounds. simply fill the pod and place it in your single serve machine, and brew your coffee.

It also features a sealing ring that prevents leaks and messes.

but the best part is the price. a pack of four costs about the same amount as you would pay for four regular capsules.

of course, they would be full of reasons, but hey, it’s a unique deal. reusable pods, on the other hand, will stick around. In addition, you can load them with freshly ground coffee, so you get a more flavorful infusion.

material: bpa free plastic cup and 304 stainless steel fine mesh
used for: drip coffee machines that use pods
shape: k-cup
size: single serve

golden reusable basket coffee filter

A permanent coffee filter is not only ecological, it is also economical.

It’s a one-time purchase that costs no more than a pack of 100 paper filters that you’ll use in a few months.

This gold strainer is made from 100% surgical-grade stainless steel, so it will last you a long time.

It also doesn’t absorb any flavors, and the mesh is wide enough to let natural oils through, resulting in a bold cup of coffee.

It is shaped like a basket and fits most 8-12 cup coffee makers. After use, simply rinse it in the sink or throw it in the dishwasher. cleaning doesn’t get any simpler than that.

material: surgical grade stainless steel
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: basket
size: 8-12 cups

reusable permanent cone coffee filters #4

There are also great reusable options for coffee makers that use conical filters.

Personally, I really like this ruoying filter, for several reasons.

first, it’s made from surgical grade stainless steel. that is the most corrosion resistant grade of steel. You can also leave this filter in the rain or take it swimming in the ocean; oxidation is out of the question.

It’s also very easy to clean. simply discard the grounds and rinse them under running water. Or, if you’re too lazy, just toss it in the dishwasher and once the cycle is done, you’ll have a clean filter waiting to be used again.

This is a #4 filter, which means it can fit most 8-14 cup coffee makers that use conical filters.

this includes cuisinart, ninja, hamilton beach, kitchenaid and oxo coffee makers. but if you are not sure if it is suitable for your machine, check the list of compatible coffee machines.

material: surgical grade stainless steel
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: cone
size: 8-14 cups

cuisinart gold tone filter

If you’re one of those people who loves a full-bodied cup of coffee, then a gold-tone filter is the perfect choice.

The mesh is wide enough to allow natural oils and some tiny particles to pass through, while keeping the soil in one place.

In the world of filters, your coffee doesn’t get any richer than this.

This cuisinart strainer is conical in shape and size #4. the box specifies all cuisinart models that are compatible with this filter. but, in general, you can get it to work in almost all 8 to 14 cup drip coffee makers.

Because it is made of stainless steel, it is durable and easy to maintain. you can rinse it in the sink or put it in the dishwasher if you’re too lazy to wash it manually.

material: stainless steel
used for: drip coffee makers
shape: cone
size: 8-14 cups

things to consider when buying a coffee filter

As you can see, there are tons of different filter options, but you can’t pick just one.

Each filter is designed for a specific brewing method, so make sure the one you choose is suitable for the equipment you’re using.

These are the things to consider when choosing.

subject

With most coffee makers, you have a choice of filter material.

paper

A paper coffee filter does the best job of keeping particles and oil out of your coffee.

Now, this is something you either love or hate.

Paper filters can be bleached or unbleached.

A bleached filter does a slightly better job of keeping smaller particles out of the bowl. but it’s not the most environmentally friendly option available.

An unbleached paper filter, on the other hand, can give your coffee a slight papery taste. but rinsing it before brewing is a quick fix.

The main disadvantage of paper filters is that they are not reusable. you throw them away after each use. Sure, this makes cleanup a doddle, but in the end, that’s a lot of waste.

metal

A metal filter is the permanent alternative to a paper filter.

if you take care of it properly, you can probably use it for the rest of your life.

literally.

but the thing about metal filters is that they let some sediment and coffee oil through. again, this is something you want or don’t want in your coffee, depending on how you like your poison.

Also, cleaning a metal filter can be a bit tedious. you should rinse them well after each use, and if there is any sediment stuck in the mesh, you should make sure to get it all out.

fabric

Cloth filters are not as common as paper or metal ones, but they are worth mentioning.

why?

because if you like your coffee with oil but without particles, then this is the best option for you.

If properly cleaned after each use, a cloth filter can be used at least a hundred times before needing to be thrown away. so you get a good amount of use before they end up in the trash.

shape

in terms of shape, you don’t really have a choice.

That’s because each coffeemaker has a designated filter shape.

Most large electronic machines use bucket filters, while smaller ones often use cone filters.

Then there are manual coffee machines, and most of them have a specific filter shape.

Take the example of air presses and percolators. they use disc-shaped filters, which you can’t use in your drip or pour-over coffee maker.

size

The same goes for size: your coffee maker determines what size filter you need.

Basket filters come in only one size because they are designed for large machines.

cone filters, on the other hand, are manufactured in four sizes: #1, #2, #4 and #6.

#1 is designed for single cup brewers, while #6 is for large capacity machines. those in the middle use filters #2 or #4.

to summarize

There are tons of different options on the market, so choosing the best coffee filters is no easy task.

First, you need to make sure the shape and size are suitable for your coffee maker.

then, you can choose between different materials, if your preparation method allows it.

But no matter what kind of coffee maker you have, there’s definitely a coffee filter on this list that fits the bill.