9

From time to time, I find myself somewhere, where I have to make coffee using a drip machine. Often it is one that takes flat-bottom, paper filters.

When I am in this situation, I am usually working with a weak coffee. To strengthen the taste of the coffee, I reason that using two paper filters instead of one will increase the extraction time of the coffee (which I prefer in this setting).

My question:

Will using two paper filters actually have a significant change on coffee extraction time? Or is the difference insignificant?

2
  • 2
    That would be actually very interesting if you measured the time and reported the comparison, I think! Commented May 17, 2015 at 15:26
  • At first thought, I would think double-filter would filter-out more, and make it less strong in flavour; but you're suggesting that it filters more slowly so as to increase extraction time. Perhaps that will work, but might get bitter from more time; how about changing other parameters? E.g.: use finer grind, or different beans, or more grounds? Also, what do you mean by "weak coffee" -- bad quality beans? And is flat-bottom (versus cone) relevant in this case? What I do in this case: I have a collapsible pour-over camp filter cone that I bring along with me. :)
    – hoc_age
    Commented May 18, 2015 at 1:37

1 Answer 1

4

Yes, because it allows more time for coffee to be extracted as it stored in a longer time for coffee to drip. However, other parameters also have effect regarding this issue (such as, type of bean, roasting profile, temperature, brewing method) But using double filter since it also filter the "flavor", making it stale (you may lose the pleasant acidic, fruity flavor, or other unique flavor your bean may offered) and double filter can make your coffee over extracted thus unpleasant bitter flavor. If you want your coffee strong you may want other experiment

  1. Use fresh coffee bean the older the coffee, they tend to lose their flavor. The fresher, the better. You have to store your bean properly too, keep it in air-tight container, avoid direct sunlight
  2. wait to grind your bean, until the last minute coffee lose a bit of its flavor after grinding. Ground coffee is also more sensitive to the moisture
  3. Use different kind of bean You may use robusta, it naturally has more "caffeine" compared to Arabica, therefore can "hit" you harder

  4. Use different kind of roasting profile the darker the roast, the bitter it is, but it has less caffeine.


when brewing

  1. Pre-warming the equipment or insulating it basically the hotter the temperature you get bitter flavor, to avoid the "upleasant bitter" you may adjust the water temperature according to your preferences. Temperature loss often occurs as a result of heat absorption by the equipment itself (and therefore stale flavor), so pre-heat the equipment would prevent it
  2. Use finer grind Coarser grind can make your coffee under extracted
  3. Adjust the amount of your coffee
  4. Adjust the steeping time

In the end it comes down to your preference(s). No single technique is right for everyone. Enjoy your coffee immediately after brewing

My explanation might not answer your question directly, double filter affect your coffee, yes it is. But other factors simply can be neglected

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.