Coffee Filter - Paper Filter

Paper Filter

Coffee filters of paper are made from about 100 g/m2 crêpe paper. The crêping allows the coffee to flow freely between the filter and the filtration funnel. The raw materials (pulp) for the filter paper are coarse long fiber, often from fast growing trees. Both bleached and unbleached qualities are made.

Typically coffee filters are made up of filaments approximately 20 micrometres wide, which allow through particles less than approximately 10 to 15 micrometres.

For a filter to be compatible with a coffee maker, the filter needs to be a specific shape and size. Common in the United States are cone-shaped filters #2, #4, and #6, as well as basket-shaped filters in an 8-12 cup size.

Other important parameters are strength, compatibility, efficiency and capacity.

If a coffee filter doesn't possess enough strength, it will tear or rupture, and many of the coffee grains will collect in the coffee pot. Compatibility describes a filter medium's resistance to degradation by heat and chemical attack; a filter that is not compatible with the liquid passing through it is likely to break down, losing strength (structural failure). Efficiency is the retention of particles in a target (size) category. The efficiency required is dictated by the particles or substances trying to be removed. A large-mesh filter may be very efficient at retaining large particles, but inefficient at retaining small particles. Capacity is the ability to "hold" previously removed particles while allowing further flow. A very efficient filter may show poor capacity, causing increased resistance to flow or other problems as it plugging up prematurely and increasing resistance or flow problems. A balance between particle capture and flow requirements must be met while ensuring integrity.