Coffee Gold Filter Vs. Paper

Coffee filters provide a barrier between ground coffee beans and brewed coffee. While paper filters are more common, gold filters have grown in prevalence in recent years. Which produces the best cup of coffee? The answer depends on who you ask.

History

Paper filters were patented in 1908 by Melitta Bentz in Germany. The Melitta company is still a major producer of paper filters today. Gold, an inert metal, was not used to filter coffee until much later.

Function

Filters are used to keep coffee grounds out of the carafe as the hot water passes through the brew basket. Paper filters are discarded after each brew, whereas gold filters are reusable.

Types

Paper and metal filters are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. True gold filters are plated with 23-karat gold, while gold-tone filters are made of stainless steel coated with gold.

Benefits

Widely available and inexpensive, paper filters keep fine grounds out of the finished brew most effectively. However, gold filters allow the natural oils of the coffee to penetrate into the brew, releasing a richer coffee flavor.

Considerations

There has been some controversy over the use of bleached paper filters and increased exposure to dioxins. A safer alternative may be unbleached or oxygen-bleached filters.

References

• The Joy of Coffee
• All About Coffee Makers

Resources

• Coffee Detective
• About Coffee Filters