10 Best Coffee Filter Papers [In 2023]

You would imagine that choosing a coffee filter papers would be an easy job, but it is only once you go to buy one that you realise there is a whole world of complications out there.

From bleached to unbleached, size differences and the shape of your equipment basket, once you have narrowed down what you need, there is the choice of dozens of brands on the market.

We have picked out the best, for whichever machine you need, and your particular preferences. Here is our guide to the best coffee filter papers on the market.

The Best Paper Coffee Filters

Filtropa Bleached Coffee Filter Papers

Overview

The Filtropa brand is well known and loved for their papers, and not only are they great quality, but they are also great value.

They may be bleached, but they are taste and odour free and use an oxygen-based process to get to their white colour. They’re then bonded without chemicals or glue, so you don’t have to worry about your coffee touching them.

Robust, they won’t disintegrate which is great news as seeing they have to get wet. Size 4, one paper will make 6-8 cups of coffee in a suitable maker, and they are biodegradable at the end of the process.

These are great if you own the Clever Dripper, as they are the perfect fit. But they are designed to fit a whole host of machines and makers universally.

Melitta 6658076 Filter Coffee Makers

Overview

Melitta has put a lot of design thoughts into these filters. First of all, they aren’t your average papers – three patented Aromazones with specially arranged Aromapores ensure that your filter coffee develops its flavour perfectly, and the use of plastic means they are stronger than paper but still work in the same way.

The top zone prevents bitterness and guarantees a balanced aroma. The middle zone supports even, consistent brewing while refining aroma. The lower zone unfolds the first aromas in your coffee.

The multi-tiered micro-perforation concept allows just the right amount of water to drip through as well, and with no nasties. Plus, as they come ready-made as a bag, they are super easy to just pop into your filter and get ready.

The bags are 100% compostable despite the plastic and maintain sturdiness with their tear-resistant configuration and double-seam. Being non-bleached and natural, they’re Chlorine-Free and FSC Certified. You can buy a bleached alternative, however, which has used oxygen for the white colour.

Aerolatte Coffee Filter Papers

Overview

If your paper ripping or becoming too damp is a concern for you, you’ll be pleased to hear that these filters have a super-strong, double-secure, two-sided patented wave seam that will not burst or split.

They’re designed primarily for aerolatte’s No. 4 Size Ceramic Coffee Filter or similar V60 cone-style dripper, but will fit any glass or ceramic dripper of similar size and are also universally compatible with both traditional and modern ‘drip’ coffee makers (manual and automatic).

They use non-recycled wood and chlorine-free virgin pulp that is supplied from forests in Switzerland that are certified as responsible and sustainable, and the paper is also free from any environmental pollutants.

Once you’re done, the papers are fully disposable and biodegradable, and they also come in a handy compact box which makes it easier to store them safely and prevent any damp from getting in.

AeroPress TKC81R24 Filter Papers

Overview

An Aeropress requires smaller, particular sized discs as opposed to filter baskets or cones. So, buying them from actual Aeropress themselves makes a lot of sense.

First of all, you get 350 of them, so even if your Aeropress is actually your regular coffee maker, you’re set for months. Brilliant for the price. The micro-filter has been designed to remove grit for a smooth cup of coffee, and you can immerse the coffee in the water without worrying about it passing through over time if you like a stronger cup.

So, pop your Aeropress into your dedicated zippered Nylon tote bag and then add a few paper discs, and you’re good to go.

If You Care Coffee Filter Baskets

Overview

For a basket filter, you need a paper with a flat base as opposed to one with a point like a party hat. While they aren’t as popular, there are still some great picks out there.

These rank highly, especially for anyone who wants chlorine-free, simple and biodegradable filters. As suggested in the name of the brand, they are also good for the planet compared to some other paper filters, being compostable and made with no artificial fibres.

They’re certified for communal composting as well as the backyard pile, so great if this is where you usually try to put all your waste.

They are 60mm deep and the base is 80mm, so check the dimensions of your reusable filter basket to see if they will fit, but they are designed to be pretty universal.

Hario VCF-02-100M

Overview

These filters are the authentic, real deal if you own a Hario V60 drip coffee maker. The correct thickness and size, allowing for the proper flow rate with no nasty bits coming into the coffee.

There are a few comments from people who had bought copycat filters from brands such as Rombouts, but the difference in the end taste and quality is high, so choosing any other filter works out as a false economy.

The various sizes available will fit any size of V60, and they are also available in bleached white if you prefer. They’re also made from natural fibres so will eventually break down when disposed of.

Chemex FP-2 Filter Papers

Overview

Pre-folded into a conical shape which means an easier job for you, these papers are from Chemex and great if you own one of their CM-1 drippers.

They will only fit the CM-1, pint-size model (but ones for the other models are available too). Each filter uses special fibres which make the paper stronger and absorb more of the oils vs. some other brands, resulting in a smoother result using the Chemex.

Bravilor Filter Cup Papers

Overview

These papers will fit into any Bravilor quick filter coffee pour and serve range of coffee machines, and models such as Novo, ISO, Mondo and TH.

You get 1,000 filters, which is great if you are a regular coffee drinker or if you own one of the Bravilor filter coffee machines in a professional setting. They’re wrapped in packs of 50 which is great for keeping the other ones safe until they are ready to be used.

The price is good too, working out as roughly 0.02p per paper, so it is actually economical to buy this many at once. And if you were to use two per day, it would still last you over one year!

AIEVE Coffee Paper Filter

Overview

With 400 pcs of 54 mm Unbleached Espresso Filter Puck Screen Portafilter Paper Compatible with Breville Barista, Mr. Coffee and Other Espresso Coffee Maker, you’ll be able to make the perfect espresso without wasting a single drop.

This filter is made from 100% unbleached cotton fiber, so it’s totally eco-friendly—and it’s also incredibly durable. It can withstand up to 600 pounds of pressure per square inch, which means it won’t crack or break under any circumstances.

AIEVE Coffee Paper Filter for Espresso Machine is an essential item for any serious coffee lover who wants to get the most out of their machine. And when you buy it today, we’ll throw in a bundle of complimentary filters as well!

Kalita Wave Paper Coffee Filters

Overview

Designed primarily with the Kalita Wave dripper 185 in mind, these large paper filters provide the perfect size and base for a uniform extraction.

You get 100 in a pack, but can buy in bulk if you want to stock up and have found your perfect filter. They are oxygen bleached, for environmental sustainability, and are made from premium thick paper which keeps the extraction slow for anybody who likes a full-bodied taste.

This also means that they won’t rip or break when wet, which is good news for anybody not after a coffee full of sediment and bits of paper.

They will also fit any pour-over makers the same size as the Kalita Wave dripper in either glass, ceramic or stainless steel.

Coffee Filter Paper Buying Guide

Size

Your particular maker will need a particular sized filter paper, to ensure it comfortably fits and no coffee can escape around the edges or underneath.

We have a guide on how to choose the best filter for your coffee maker, as well as information about the size you will need. For most cone papers, a general rule is:

• #1: 1 cup makers
• #2: 2-6 cup electric coffee makers/1-2 cup non-electric
• #4: 8-10 cup non-electric/8-12 cup electric
• #6: Anything 10+ cup non-electric (such as pour-over)

Basket papers will come in sizes 8-12, and makers which need a flat disc filter (such as the Aeropress or French Press) will need a paper specific to that brand and model.

If in doubt, ask your manufacturer. Also bear in mind that most manufacturers will sell a range of coffee filter papers for their own products.

Bleached or Non-Bleached?

There is no difference to the end result, so it isn’t a big issue. There are also no health issues despite sounding quite ominous.

With bleached, there is an extra step in the production process which involves either oxygen or chlorine so they aren’t as good for the environment as non-bleached.

But non-bleached do need to be soaked and prepared before using, to get rid of the ‘untreated’ paper flavour before you make coffee.

You may have a preference based on whether you are concerned about the planet, but in the end, they should all break down and biodegrade as they are made from paper.

Again, read our guide linked above for all you need to know about filters.

Capacity

This is how many are in the box. Think about how many cups of coffee you make per day, and also bear in mind that it will be cheaper to buy a smaller packet.

However, larger bulk packets may be more expensive to buy as a one-time, but often work out as better value in the long run. You will just have to ensure that if you buy a pack of 1,000, they will definitely fit your machine – a wasted packet is no good for anyone.

FAQs

Where can I buy coffee filter papers?

All of the big supermarkets will likely keep some in stock, so Lidl, Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco are all great bets if you’re looking for something quick.

But of course, we always suggest buying online from the likes of Amazon. This will give you more choice and precision, as well as lower prices and the option of bulk buying. Most big

companies sell online, with genuine products.

Why should I choose filter papers over metal?

When conducting your research, you may also have seen that metal filters are available. So why should you opt for paper?

First of all, the tightly woven absorbent paper coffee filters capture oil components which are not effectively captured when using a metal or nylon mesh filters. These can alter the end taste of your coffee, meaning it tastes bitter.

Paper is also better at capturing micro-grounds which can slip through the mesh on a metal filter and cause the coffee to go a bit gritty.