Percolators can also use paper filters to brew filtered coffee. This way, you can drink coffee from your percolator without worrying about the “bad” coffee elements that increase cholesterol. Let’s find out more!
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I’ve read that coffee can increase “bad” cholesterol. Therefore, I need to drink filtered coffee. Can I use a paper filter with a percolator? If so, how can I brew filtered coffee in a percolator?
Owly Choice reader Alice
Alice reached out to us with a very interesting question whether percolators can use paper filters to brew filtered coffee. The short answer is: yes!
We have recently posted a series of articles on filtered coffee vs unfiltered coffee, and the differences between paper filters and metal filters.
Though there are some differences in flavor and strength, the major difference between paper filter and metal filter is that paper filters brew filtered coffee, while metal filters unfiltered coffee.
Paper filters get rid of the “bad” elements such as cafestol or kahweol. Those elements are known to stimulate and increase LDL cholesterol levels in human body. Therefore, people with specific conditions, such as increased cholesterol levels, should use paper filters and drink filtered coffee.
We have some good news! You can get a paper coffee filter for your percolator to brew filtered coffee (and get rid of the bad cholesterol).
Percolators and paper filters to brew filtered coffee
There are two ways that percolators can use paper filters and brew filtered coffee.
- Filtering coffee through a paper filter AFTER brewing. You can pour hot coffee through a paper filter after you brew it in a percolator. Essentially, you would take a percolator, pour hot coffee over a paper filter and allow it to drip into a cup. You can use any #1 or #2 paper filter for this, such as this Melitta #2 pack of 100.
- Using a paper filter in a percolator DURING brewing. You can use a paper filter in a percolator. Melitta came up with a paper filter that fits a percolator. Those are called Disc Paper Filters, and they are made with high quality paper filters.
A paper filter yields much brighter and sweeter coffee, as it filters out heavy coffee oils and other components.
Owly’s conclusion
You can use percolator to brew coffee, even if you prefer drinking filtered coffee. While percolators typically do NOT use paper filters and, thus, brew unfiltered coffee, there are paper filters that fit percolators.
What do you think?
What do you think about paper filters in percolators? Have you brewed filtered coffee in a percolator? Was it difficult or easy?
Let us know in the comments!
A twist on the filter deal. I put the coffee in the basket. Then put the filter on top of the coffee. It prevents the grinds from floating up as the water goes through. Otherwise you get grinds in your cup every time.
Course coffee with my percolator comes out weak when using coffee filters. I have to us fine ground coffee
As you mentioned, it’s pretty easy to make your own filters for a percolator. Unfortunately, the poop percolator has had a bad rap for making bad coffee. This is definitely not true. Percolators make perfectly fine coffee. The trick is to only let the percolator to perk for 2-3 minutes. Most people perk their coffee for 5-10 minutes, thus creating nasty coffee. I’m guessing that a paper filter will also add additonal smoothness to your coffee.
What about a wrap a round filter?
I have been using paper filters in my percolator for years. People can flip the coffee basket upside down and poke a perfect hole using the basket stand to make the flat bottom filter fit securely. I use a couple at a time. The next step once the brewing is complete is to filter the hot coffee with a couple of paper filters an a funnel over a coffee carafe with a thermal liner. The end result is a clearer, none bitter, sweeter tasting hot brew.
Hi!! I’ve been using filters in my percolator for years, but recently Ive been having an issue with water pooling in the filter basket instead of draining through. Happens with a disc filter or drip style filter.
I’m grinding the same coarseness i have for years and using the same brand fillers. Any idea what is happening?
Great article. Thank you The coarse ground idea is very helpful. I’ve been using a percolator with brown paper filters from Amazon for several years.. Good to know that helps reduce bad cholesterol.
If need be you can fashion your own filter out of almost any basket type drip machine, as the Melitta isn’t always available. I need it to filter out unwanted elements for serious health reasons, although at the moment I dumped my Keurig (of 4 years), and went back to a 10 cup electric percolator. Unfortunately I have quite a stash of regular grind, and I’m not crazy about sediment at the bottom of my cup. Filters fix that pronto…but I also like how it smooths out the rough edges of the flavor itself. I think I’ll keep using a filter no matter what. It’s nice to have that great cup of coffee I remember from the 60’s and 70’s. It’s worth the 3 extra minutes over a slow/strong cup prepared by Keurig and the like. Long live percolators.
I just got a new percolator for Christmas. After reading about it online, I realized that I should use these disc filters in order to control the cholesterol levels for both my husband and me. Now, I’m wondering if I could use more fine ground coffee instead of using coarse grind coffee. Please advise.
Hi, Marie,
Thank you for dropping a note! Welcome to Owly Choice. We are very excited to have you with us 🙂
That’s a wonderful question! We would advise against using fine coffee grounds in a percolator with a paper disc. We do not recommend using fine grounds because your coffee would come out significantly overextracted.
Coarse coffee grounds are a perfect match for a percolator, with the proper brew time. Fine grounds (even if a paper disc is used) would would greatly increase the interaction of coffee grounds with water (extraction). Your coffee will be coming out bitter, over-extracted and tasteless.
We hope that helps! We look forward to seeing you at Owly Choice again!
-Owl
As long as you don’t mind a sediment at the bottom of every cup of coffee, go ahead and use regular grind. I’m in the same boat myself right now. Just keep your machine uber-clean to play it safe. You will find that the taste is pleasantly altered. It takes out any rough edges. You can make your own filter (in a pinch) out of any non V-shaped paper cones with a flat bottom. The machines are very forgiving.
Owly,
thanks for this article. I have a bad cholesterol and make coffee by using a percolator without filter. I did not know that a such coffee can increase cholesterol. Horrible, I take cholesterol pills and drink coffee that increase cholesterol. I must change the process of coffee brewing. First of all, I must use a paper filter in a percolator during or after brewing.
Best wishes for you, Owly. 🙂
Hi, Cristine,
So happy to hear that you found the article useful! Yes, we do recommend that a paper filter should be used! You have 2 options to use a paper filter in a percolator, so it’s up to you!
-Owl