Are you looking for alternatives to coffee filters? What to use instead of a coffee filter? There are several smart ways you can substitute coffee filters. Find out what is best for you!

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I ran out of paper filters. What are the best coffee filter substitutes? What can I use as alternatives to coffee filters?

Owly Choice reader Ann Marie

Jarrett reached out with an interesting question: what are some excellent alternatives to coffee filters?

You want to brew your coffee, you are ready to start, but you realize that you are out of coffee filters. If you have a permanent coffee filter and you do not have any health issues that would require you to avoid unfiltered coffee, you should definitely go for it.

However, what happens if you cannot use a permanent filter? Are there any coffee filter substitutes equally efficient? Do they brew equally delicious coffee?

If you find yourself without a coffee filter, you typically have three options:

  • Run to the supermarket to buy a pack of coffee filters,
  • Brew your coffee without a filter, or
  • Use an alternative to a coffee filter.

Today, we will help you with some coffee filter substitutes to save you time and energy!

best coffee filter substitutes

Easy and convenient coffee filter substitutes

#1: Paper towel or napkin

Paper is typically among the best replacement for coffee filters. Therefore, you may want to consider using a paper napkin or kitchen paper towel as a coffee filter substitute.

These two are among the most popular coffee filter alternatives. There are many YouTube videos that demonstrate different ways in which a napkin or a paper towel should be shaped to substitute a coffee filter.

We strongly recommend white paper towels and napkins. Colored ones contain additional chemicals that will be transferred to coffee during the brewing process.

#2: Fine mesh strainer

As coffee filter substitutes, fine mesh strainers and sieves are very similar to permanent filters. They work similarly, and filter coffee in the same manner and fashion.

A strainer (for baking) or a tea sieve can be be a very good alternative to coffee filters. Strainers and sieves are typically made of a metal mesh capable of holding coffee grounds and separating them from the coffee liquid.

Because their shape cannot be changed, we can use them only in one specific way: we can place coffee grounds in a strainer over the mug, and then pour hot water into the sieve, over the coffee grounds.

#3: Cheesecloth

Cheesecloth is a thin gauze-like woven cotton cloth. In fact, cheesecloth inherits its name from the cheese making process, where it drains and separates water, milk and cheese.

Cheesecloth is extremely versatile, and it can successfully serve as one of the alternatives to coffee filters.

In order to substitute a coffee filter with cheesecloth, you need to cut out a piece of clean cheesecloth, large enough to fit inside the brew basket of your coffee machine, a mug or a dripper. You then need to add coffee grounds inside the cloth, and pour hot water over the grounds.

If you use the cloth directly in the mug, remember to remove it after a couple of minutes. If you want your coffee strong, you can leave the grounds to soak for longer.

To end a brewing process with a cheesecloth, grab the corners of the cloth and gently lift it. Making sure that the coffee grounds remain inside the cloth, and allow the extra coffee liquid to drain before throwing the cloth and the used grounds away.

#4: Kitchen towel

Fabric kitchen towels can also make great alternatives to coffee filters. They work in the exact same way as cheesecloths, which we explored earlier.

You can place the towel in the center of a mug, dripper or coffee maker. Place coffee grounds inside the towel and then pour hot water over grounds.

Unlike cheesecloths, dish or kitchen towels are much better at filtering coffee ground particles. Therefore, a cup of coffee should be free of any unexpected grounds.

Ensure that the kitchen towel is clean before using it. Any dirt, residue or smells will find their way to your cup of coffee. Once used, the towel can be cleaned and used again, but keep in mind that the coffee will leave a stain.

Owly’s conclusion: what to use instead of coffee filter

There is no reason to panic if you run out of coffee filters. There are many things you can use as coffee filters. The chances are you will find a quick coffee filter substitute in your kitchen.

Our most favorite alternative is paper towel followed by kitchen towel. Paper towels or napkins do a great job at filtering coffee grounds, and are nearly as efficient as regular paper filters. On the other hand, kitchen towels are great at filtering out any coffee particles.

If you are not a fan of any options we have mentioned, you are always welcome to not use any filter at all (though this is not recommended for people with high cholesterol).

In conclusion, not all is lost when the coffee filters are over, because you can find suitable substitutes in your kitchen or around your house. Just use your creativity!

What do you think?

What do you use as a coffee filter substitute? Why did you need to use alternatives for coffee filters?

Share your story with us! Let us know in the comments!

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