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Taste Differences Between Filtered Coffee and Non-Filtered Coffee

Posted: While Drinking Coffee!   |   Coffee Related Articles

Does using a coffee filter help the coffee taste better? Should you switch your coffee brewing method from filtered to non-filtered, or visa versa? This article will explore the differences between filtered and non-filtered coffee.

espresso machine buttons

The Benefits of Using a Paper Coffee Filter when Brewing Coffee at Home

When using a coffee filter to make coffee at home you can easily improve the quality of the cup of coffee. Coffee filters are designed to remove unwanted things from your coffee, such as, obviously, coffee grounds which can ruin a good cup of coffee. Also, a coffee filter can remove oils from the brewed coffee, resulting in a smoother and cleaner taste. By using a paper coffee filter, you can brew a cleaner cup of coffee that is free from undesired particles.

Using a paper filter can make your brewed coffee easier on your stomach, since the filter removes some of the compounds that can cause stomach discomfort. This is evident especially on your 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee of the day.

The Environmental Benefits of Using a Paper Coffee Filter

For those concerned with the environment, the coffee filter is a much better choice than the pre packaged coffee pods, or Single Use K-Cups. Even with the biodegradable K-Cups the paper coffee filter is much smaller and can be composted quickly. Eco-friendly coffee is a good thing.

Three Coffee Brewing Methods that Can use a Paper Coffee Filter

Drip Coffee – The auto-drip is one of the most popular ways to brew coffee at home. The auto-drip is always know for requiring a coffee filter. Some auto-drip coffee makers come with a mesh basket, which can filter out coffee grounds, but is not the best for filtering out oils and other smaller particles. The mesh filter can also have an old coffee taste after awhile. Stick with paper filters. Requires: Auto-drip coffee maker, electricity, water, filter, coffee

Pour-Over Coffee – This method also uses a paper coffee filter when making the coffee. The hot water is poured over the coffee grounds, which have been placed in a paper coffee filter. Similar to the auto-drip, but quicker. Requires: Pour-over system, hot water, coffee.

AeroPress Coffee – An Aeropress uses a paper filter to keep the grounds out of the cup of coffee. If you have not used an AeroPress, just think of it as a French Press, but with a paper filter. Requires: Aeropress, hot water, coffee.

Three Coffee Brewing Methods that Do Not Require a Paper Coffee Filter

French Press – The go to for making coffee at home when you do not have filters available. The French Press will give the coffee the true taste, not filtered. While this is desired, the oils and coffee grounds will not be a good thing to experience often. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to limit your drinking of French Press made coffee. Requires: Hot Water, Coffee.

Moka Pot – The Moka pot is the stove top coffee maker that does not require a filter. This is a pure coffee brewing method that will give your coffee a very strong taste, by design. The taste is not for everyone. Requires: Water, Stove, Coffee.

Espresso – Made with an espresso machine, which does not use a paper coffee filter. This is an intense coffee flavor to experience. Requires: Espresso machine, electricity, water, coffee.

As you can see, the non-filtered coffee tends to have a much stronger and, to some, a much harsher coffee taste. The paper filter is the way to go for that smooth and clean cup of coffee.

espresso drawn

Does Filtered Coffee Have Less Caffeine?

The paper filter can have a very small affect on the levels of caffeine in the brewed cup of coffee. The caffeine content differences may not be noticeable, especially if you find the coffee you drink has just the right amount of caffeine already. It is the unfiltered coffee that would have more caffeine, mostly due to the length of time the water is in contact with the coffee grounds, but also more oils, and perhaps some unwanted coffee grounds. The caffeine will pass through the paper coffee filter, so the caffeine levels will barely change.

The caffeine content differences will come from how long the coffee is brewed.

I recommend, using grounds made from the same bag of coffee beans, to make 1 cup of coffee with an auto-drip coffee maker, and 1 cup of coffee with a non-filtered method such as the French press. Then, take a sip of each cup of coffee and see if you can taste the difference. Odds are that you will find the auto-drip much smoother to drink, while the French press has a much more clearer coffee taste. Your stomach will like the filtered coffee better.

If you are using an auto-drip coffee maker, the pour-over method, or the Aeropress coffee brewing method which all require a paper filter, you will find that the filter makes a big difference in the quality of the coffee you make at home.

Read More: Reasons to Use a Paper Filter when Making Coffee


Questions and Answers - Taste Differences Between Filtered Coffee and Non-Filtered Coffee

About Mr We Got Coffee

About Mr. WeGotCoffee
We Got Coffee is where I share all of my coffee obsessions, meal prep guides and recipes for things that pair well with coffee. I also throw in lots of humor and caffeinated wisdom. Read More...

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