Filter Conundrum

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeffrey S. Miller on January 25, 2008 at 6:41pm

Yeah, that happens. Filter baskets do trap bacteria that grow over time, it's almost impossible to clean them without leaving some type of soapy residue. You should be able to get paper filters from any grocery store. I've never noticed a difference in brands, and paper is biodegradeable.

Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on January 29, 2008 at 3:39pm

At the cafe, I use unbleached paper filters, and the coffee tastes great. If you're really set on using the filter/cone thing, try soaking it in boiling water with baking soda (be careful it doesn't fizz all over you!) for a couple of hours, and then rinse well with boiling water again and let dry. That sometimes gets off the residue left behind after washing with soap or in the dishwasher.

Permalink Reply by Restaurant Guru on January 30, 2008 at 5:10am

Thanks for the tips! I'd just been washing that wire filter with regular dish soap, so maybe that was the problem.

Permalink Reply by Carol Ott on January 30, 2008 at 6:29am

Aaack. Dish soap is the devil. :)

I don't have a dishwasher at home, so I have to use dish soap...but for things like coffee cones, airpots, etc -- I either use boiling water and a cleaner made for airpots, or I use baking soda and boiling water. White vinegar and boiling water works great to clean out your coffee maker -- run it through with nothing in the cone...you might have to do it twice to get it clean, and just make sure you rinse to get the vinegar out. Cleans out all the "gunk" inside the water reservoir.

Permalink Reply by Betsy Robinson on March 11, 2008 at 8:22pm

I have used salt and lemon successfully to clean coffee pots and filters...but again gotta rinse well with hot water. Salty coffee isn't that great!

Permalink Reply by Spencer on May 12, 2008 at 1:44pm

I recommend using URNEX brand cleaners with all coffee equipment. These are food safe cleaners specifically designed for coffee.

Gold filters, white paper, or unbleached paper is all about personal preference. The gold filter is more if a sieve and lets through more oils and fine particles leaving a heavier, richer, earthier brew. White or unbleached filer paper will not change the taste of the coffee (taste sample blind and determine for yourself).

The best coffee for you is what you personally like, not what others like,