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Run out of coffee filters? Weigh the pros and cons of five substitutes
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So, you go to make your morning cup of Joe and find that you’re out of coffee filters. No! You can’t function without your coffee! Well, worry not because you’ve come to the right place. There are 4 alternative ways to brew a delicious cup of coffee without using a regular coffee filter. Tea bags, mesh sieves, paper towels, and cloth towels are great substitutes. Read on to learn which alternative coffee filter method will work best for you and your coffee needs.
What to Use as a Coffee Filter Alternative
- Reusable tea bags: Fill a tea bag with coffee grounds and steep like tea.
- Fine mesh sieve: Soak coffee grounds in water and then filter through a sieve.
- Paper towels: Line a pour-over or drip basket with paper towels, like a regular coffee filter.
- Cloth napkin or towel: Drape the cloth over a pour-over or basket, then use as normal.
- Clean cotton sock: Fold over a pour-over or basket and use the inside as a filter.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
The 5 Best Coffee Filter Substitutes
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Reusable Tea Bags The best coffee filter alternative? Reusable tea bags ! Put 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 mL) of coffee grounds 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, then remove it 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.
- Alternatively, you can cut open a pre-filled tea bag, dump out the tea, and refill it with coffee grounds. [1] X Research source
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Fine Mesh Sieve Try using a kitchen gadget to whip up that morning cup of coffee! Start by placing your grounds at the bottom of a measuring cup. Next, 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. [2] X Research source
- 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.
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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. [3] X Research source
- 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.
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Cloth Napkin, Dish Towel, or Cheesecloth For a reusable, more eco-friendly alternative, try using a clean cloth napkin, dish towel, or cheesecloth . 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. [4] X Research source
- 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.
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Sock In dire circumstances, a clean, unused cotton sock could work as a makeshift coffee filter. Fold the edge of the sock over the pour-over or drip basket so the sock is open, acting as a pouch. Scoop your desired amount of grounds into the sock and pour in the hot water. Remove the sock and the grounds once all the water has passed through.
- Pros: Socks are super easy to come by—you likely have a clean pair in your closet!
- Cons: This method can alter the taste of your coffee (especially if you’re using a sock that’s been washed with detergent before) and potentially filter lint into your coffee. Because of this, it’s not the most hygienic.
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Tips
- If you often forget to stock up on regular filters, consider purchasing a reusable coffee filter ! These can be used multiple times and only require some cleaning to maintain.Thanks
- Try having instant coffee on hand in case you run out of filters. This way, you can have your morning caffeine boost, and make sure to order more filters.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/5P3KiCAIV84?t=37
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vLE424900k8?t=341
- ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/1324694/coffee-filter-alternative-paper-towels-napkin/
- ↑ https://ineedcoffee.com/how-to-make-pour-over-coffee-using-a-cloth/
- ↑ https://www.backwoodshome.com/easy-to-make-reusable-coffee-filters/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/w3A_Z1J78HY?t=23
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-aeropress-coffee-two-ways-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-210815
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8eYttBbL0Us?t=36
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