Does using two filters make coffee stronger? We have heard several myths about using paper filters to brew deeper and richer coffee. Beware, however. You may want to avoid using two coffee filters for multiple reasons. Let’s explore more.
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With two paper filters, can I achieve a cup of stronger and richer coffee? I have heard that using two filters can slow down the extraction process, which should yield stronger coffee?
Owly Choice reader Pat
There is a belief among some coffee drinkers that using two coffee filters can brew stronger coffee. But, is this claim true?
There are many factors that influence the flavor of coffee. The origin of the coffee beans, the roast level, the quality of the roast, the grind size, and the quality of the coffee machines can all impact the depth, richness and flavor of your favorite beverage. However, using filters may also influence the drink.
It may seem that using two filters can make coffee weaker because the coffee will be twice as filtered. As a result, a lot of the flavors, oils and components in the coffee will be filtered out. At the same time, however, using two filters will slow down the brewing and will extend the extraction time, leading to stronger coffee. But what is the quality of our coffee when we brew using two filters? And is it recommended to use two filters?
The short answer is: you should not use two filters. Here’s why.
What does a filter do in coffee brewing?
The taste of coffee comes from oils and flavors contained in coffee grounds. Therefore, coffee filters act as a medium that allows water and coffee grounds to interact. In that interaction, water extracts coffee flavors from coffee grounds, and passes those flavors into a cup.
There are two basic types of filters:
- paper filters
- permanent filters
You can explore the differences between paper filters and permanent filters in our earlier article about filtered vs unfiltered coffee.
Two filters stronger coffee?
So one can only wonder: if coffee filters can allow for a sufficient extraction of coffee components, then what happens when we use two filters?
Using two filters will significantly extend extraction time. Although more oils and coffee components filter out, the extraction time in water is much longer. Therefore, the result is a cup of significantly over-extracted coffee. You will notice that coffee is more bitter, but that is different from strong coffee.
A warning from manufacturers
Many manufacturers of coffee makers specifically advise against the use of two filters.
If the machine comes with a permanent filter, the manufacturers recommend using either a permanent mesh filter or a paper filter, but not both at the same time. As we described earlier, using two coffee filters may actually damage a coffee machine by overflowing. Therefore, manufacturers want to protect themselves from negative reviews, by providing this critical piece of advice to consumers.
Owly’s conclusion: how many filters to use for coffee?
Coffee filters allow only a certain contact time between water and coffee grounds. They have the type of permeability that allows for appropriate coffee extraction, and that also allows the desired amount of flavor to pass through from coffee grounds to coffee cup.
With that in mind, we do not recommend using more than 1 coffee filter. The strength of the coffee is not increased by using two filters, but by using a smaller amount of hot water to a larger quantity of coffee grounds. This will help maintain the desired coffee flavor, and will not compromise in any way the quality of the brew.
What do you think?
Have you tried using two coffee filters to brew stronger coffee? What did you think? Do you see much of a difference?
Let us know in the comments!
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