The Best Coffee Filter Substitutes
Reusable Tea Bags The best coffee filter alternative? Reusable tea bags! Put 1 to 2 US tbsp (0.062 to 0.125 c) of coffee into the tea bag and seal it with string or by folding it tightly. Place the tea bag in your mug and pour over hot water. Let the coffee steep for several minutes, remove, and enjoy. Pros: This method is mess-free and incredibly easy to do at home or on the road. Plus, the tea bag material is made for small grounds and is likely chemical-free already. Cons: Reusable tea bags aren’t in every household, so this method may not be as accessible for you. Rating: 4/5 While it still doesn’t compare to using a regular coffee filter, this method is a simple and easy way to make a perfect cup of Joe. Alternatively, you can cut open a pre-filled tea bag, dump out the tea, and refill it with coffee grounds.
Fine Mesh Sieve Try using a kitchen gadget to whip up that morning cup of coffee! All you have to do is put your grounds at the bottom of a measuring cup. Pour your desired amount of hot water on top of the grounds. Wait at least 5 minutes (or longer for a stronger taste) before pouring the coffee through a fine mesh sieve into a mug. Pros: You can control how strong your coffee is with this method. Plus, it requires zero waste. Cons: Not everyone has a mesh sieve, so this method may not be super accessible for you. On top of that, fine grounds may pass through the sieve, which can make your coffee gritty. Rating: 3/5 While this method is super easy and customizable, it may not be the best for those who use finer coffee grounds.
Paper Towels In a pinch, some clean paper towels can help you achieve a decent cup of Joe! Simply line your pour-over or drip basket with paper towels. Place your desired amount of coffee grounds inside, and gradually pour hot water over the grounds. Remove the paper towels and grounds once the water has dripped all the way through. Pros: Paper towels are convenient and relatively inexpensive—practically everyone has them at home! This filter alternative also doesn’t change the coffee-making process or leak coffee grounds. Cons: There can be possible traces of chemicals in paper towels that could filter into your coffee and change the taste. On top of this, cheaper paper towels can break more easily, leading to a messier clean-up. Rating: 3/5 This method is decent but isn’t the best alternative out there.
Cloth Napkin or Dish Towel For a reusable, more eco-friendly alternative, try using a clean cloth napkin or dish towel. Place the napkin or towel over a pour-over or drip basket. Secure the cloth in place with a rubber band. Put your desired amount of grounds in the cloth, then slowly pour over hot water. Remove the cloth with the grounds inside once the water has completely dripped through. Pros: You likely have a clean cloth somewhere in your house, so this method is very convenient. Plus, the thick cloth material doesn’t allow finer grounds to slip into your cup. Cons: Coffee can stain cloth material, and if not secured properly, coffee could leak outside of the pour-over or drip basket. In addition, what you use to clean the cloth may alter the coffee’s taste. Rating: 2/5 This method isn’t ideal and can cause more clean-up and mess than necessary, but it can work in a pinch. Alternatively, you can also use a cheesecloth following this method.
Can you make your own coffee filter?
Yes, you can make your own coffee filters at home. If you like using regular coffee filters but always forget to stock up, don’t worry! Try making a reusable coffee filter for an eco-friendly, zero-waste alternative. All you have to do is toss out the compostable grounds and clean the coffee filter after each use. Follow these steps to make a reusable coffee filter: For a basket filter (this creates 1 filter): Cut a 11 in (28 cm) circle out of muslim cloth. Sew a zig-zag stitch around the outside edge of the circle. For a cone-style filter (this creates 2 filters): Cut a 11 in (28 cm) circle out of muslim cloth. Fold the circle in half and cut along the fold to make 2 half circles. Fold the half circles in half to create a cone shape. Sew a zig-zag stitch along the straight edge of the cone. Open the cone and sew a zig-zag stitch around the outside edge.
Expert Brewing Techniques & Hacks
If you’re a coffee aficionado, you may struggle to get that perfect cup of Joe at home. Well, worry no more because we spoke to barista Rich Lee to bring you the best hacks and tricks! Take a look at these techniques and tips for getting the perfect cup of coffee at home with or without a filter: Store coffee grounds at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, as “the fridge is harmful to coffee because of the moisture.” The more water that filters through your grounds, the more bitter it’ll be. The higher your water’s temperature, the stronger tasting your coffee will be. Look for bleached paper filters, as they add less of a paper flavor to your coffee.
Comments
0 comment