Aeropress Paper Vs Metal Filter: Is One Better For Your Coffee?
Are paper or metal filters better for your Aeropress? Let’s investigate.
The Aeropress is a wonderful, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile coffee maker. I’m a longtime fan. By tweaking your recipe – grind size, dose, water temperature, or brewing technique – you can brew coffee to anyone’s taste.
The filter choice is another parameter that makes a huge difference in the final drink. This article dives into the Aeropress paper vs metal filter debate, so you can decide which warrants a place on your coffee bar.
Aeropress Paper Filters
Aeropress paper filters are the round paper discs traditionally used when brewing with an Aeropress. Typically, they are bleached without chlorine or other harmful chemicals, so pre-wetting is not mandatory. Aeropress also now sells an unbleached natural paper version, which requires a quick rinse with hot water to remove any papery taste.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Clean-tasting coffee
- Easy clean-up
Cons:
- Disposable
- Need to keep buying
Aeropress Metal Filter
Aeropress Metal Filter
Several brands offer metal mesh filters for Aeropress. Most are made from stainless steel, without or without a coating. The main variance between brands is the size of the holes, which range from about 100 to 300 microns – suitable for different grind sizes and coffee styles. A popular and good-quality option is the Able Disk, and recently, Aeropress has released its own version (1).
Pros:
- Full-bodied coffee
- No waste
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- More expensive upfront
- Harder to clean
Aeropress Paper Vs Metal Filters: A Head-To-Head Comparison
There are many different filters for Aeropress, each useful for brewing a particular style of coffee. Read on to learn which are the best coffee filters for you – or why you might want to keep both metal and paper filters on hand!
Coffee Style
Using a paper filter yields the smooth and clean cup the Aeropress is known for. It continues to be the preferred option for Aeropress inventor Alan Adler, who famously resisted releasing a metal version (2).
“Whenever we did a taste test, the paper filter always won.”
The paper filter removes any coffee oils as well as any silt or sediments, like what you find at the bottom of a French press brew. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on your taste.
A metal filter yields a coffee with a heavier body, bolder flavor, and richer mouthfeel by keeping the coffee oils and fines in the cup. The resulting beverage has a texture that approaches espresso rather than drip coffee.
Winner: It’s a tie! Both brew great cups of coffee, so it just depends on what you like.
Price
A good-quality reusable stainless steel Aeropress filter costs about $15. You can find cheaper options online but at a loss in quality. Metal filters made by laser-etching are much better than those using a woven metal mesh. Aeropress sells a pack of 350 paper filters for $8.
Assuming you brew just one cup daily, you’ll have paid the cost of a metal filter in 2 years.
However, it is possible to reuse your paper filters if your budget is tight.
Winner: The metal filter is of better value in the long run if you don’t lose or damage it.
Ease of Use
Brewing coffee with your Aeropress coffee maker works the same way regardless of your choice of filter. First, place the filter in the filter cap, attach it to the brewing chamber, and rinse everything with hot water. Next, Add ground coffee and hot water and allow to steep. Finally, press down with the plunger to complete extraction.
The difference between paper and metal filters comes at the clean-up stage. Paper filters are a bit easier because you can simply toss them in the trash – or better yet, the compost, as they are biodegradable.
Cleaning a metal AeroPress filter is only slightly more of a challenge. Most days, a quick rinse with water will remove any coffee grounds. Occasionally, give it a proper wash with warm soapy water to avoid coffee residue build-up or remove stuck particles.
Winner: Paper filters won’t simplify brewing, but they win this round for the easy clean-up.
Sustainability
A metal reusable coffee filter is the best option for the environment, provided you treat it well and don’t need to buy replacements. But if you love the taste of paper-filtered coffee, you can dispose of your coffee filters sustainably in the compost without fretting too much about your environmental footprint.
Winner: The reusable metal filter takes this round, as long as you take good care of it.
The Verdict
Both metal and paper Aeropress coffee filters brew delicious, albeit different, cups of coffee. So there is no wrong choice!
Use a paper Aeropress filter if you…
- Enjoy a cleaner cup of coffee with no silt and crisp flavors.
- Prefer a simple clean-up after brewing.
- Can afford to keep buying filters.
Use a metal filter instead if…
- Prefer a full-bodied cup of espresso-style coffee.
- Don’t want to generate any waste.
- Want to buy one filter and save money in the long run.
FAQs
Using two filters in an AeroPress is a popular strategy for producing an even cleaner cup. It is also helpful for avoiding any leakage if you’re not brewing coffee using the AeroPress inverted method. Just know that you will encounter more resistance when pushing the plunger.
The standard AeroPress Micro-Filter is made from paper, while the metal filters are made from stainless steel. The Gold Tone AeroPress filter is also made from stainless steel – not gold – but has a titanium coating.
Paper-filtered coffee can be healthier only if you are particularly prone to high cholesterol. Paper filters absorb oils from the brewed coffee, including cafestol and kahweol, which have been linked to increased levels of LDL cholesterol (3).
The best coffee for AeroPress is entirely a matter of personal taste because it is such a versatile brewer. Try a dark or medium roast bean for a sweeter, more caramelized profile. Experiment with lighter roasts for more fruity and floral notes with bright acidity.
References
- Bryman, H. (2022, August 3). Aeropress Has Launched a Reusable Steel Filter of Its Own. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2022/08/03/aeropress-has-launched-a-reusable-steel-filter-of-its-own/
- Bryman, H. (2017, November 6). Alan Adler Presses On: Inventor Retains Aeropress Company, Adding Products. Retrieved from https://dailycoffeenews.com/2017/11/06/alan-adler-presses-on-inventor-retains-aeropress-company-adding-products/
- Irving, M. (2025, March 26). How You Make Your Coffee Could Affect Your Cholesterol Levels. Retrieved from https://www.sciencealert.com/how-you-make-your-coffee-could-affect-your-cholesterol-levels
