different sizes of cone filters
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Many coffeemakers exist in the marketplace today with varying features, including the filter size. The filter can either be cone or basket shaped, as well as either a permanent or paper type. The cone filter size must match the coffeemaker for the appliance to run properly, making flavorful coffee each time while avoiding any operational mishaps like overflowing coffee grounds.

Cone Filter Identification

Depending on the coffeemaker's manufacturer, a cone filter is shaped with a large, round opening that narrows down into a point. This filter type is commonly used with a drip coffeemaker. Hot water drips down into a coffee-filled filter. The hot water moves through the coffee grounds and eventually drips out of the coffeemaker and into the pot, resulting in a fragrant brew. Many coffeemakers come with permanent cone filters that can be washed out and reused. Paper cone filters are used once and discarded. The paper filters typically fit snugly into the coffeemaker, just like the permanent filter, and word just as well.

How to Determine Filter Sizing

Cone filter sizing depends upon the coffeemaker's size. Number 1 size filters are mainly for small, one-cup coffeemakers, both electric and non-electric. Number 2 size filters work with electric coffeemakers equipped with four to six cups, as well as two-cup non-electric makers. Number 4 size filters fit electric coffeemakers with eight to 12-cup capacities. Number 6 size filters work with 10-cup non-electric coffeemakers. Find the specific cone size for each coffeemaker marked on the original packaging, as well as on the coffeemaker (either on the side or bottom) itself.

Are Permanent Coffee Filters Better Than paper?

Both permanent and paper filters have their benefits and drawbacks. Paper offers a clean filter for each coffee brewing session, but contributes more waste accumulation within landfills. Permanent filters save paper, but can become grimy with coffee residue after many uses. Additionally, consumers save money by reusing the permanent filter, rather than purchasing new filters.

How to Clean Permanent Filters

For those who opt for a permanent, mesh filter, wash it regularly. That means washing it in warm, soapy water (and rinsing it thoroughly) after each brew. Coffee lovers who go too long without a regular rinse will need to do a deep clean to remove funky odors and possible bacteria that's built up. To clean a grimy mesh filter (gold or other metal), soak it overnight in a solution of one part water to two parts vinegar. When it's finished soaking, give it a gentle scrub with toothbrush or non-abrasive kitchen sponge and rinse before using.

Shape Benefits

The cone shape contributes to quality cups of coffee. Coffee concentrates down at the filter's narrow point. The coffee's density creates more movement from the dripped water across the coffee's surface area. More water saturates through the coffee grounds, as opposed to just slipping in between the individual grounds. As a result, coffee drips downward with more flavor absorbed from the grounds.

Filter Considerations

Consumers should choose a paper coffee filter with care. Cheaper filter manufacturers use paper that can burst from the heated water infiltration. In addition, cheap paper may alter the coffee's final taste, emitting chemicals from the filter paper into the coffee. In contrast, permanent filters typically use gold-plated metal or plastic as filter material. Although plastic may alter the coffee's taste slightly, the gold mesh does not contribute any flavor at all. The gold mesh allows the coffee's true flavors to bloom during the drip process.