In a hurry? Our top choice for the best coffee filters are Melitta 600 Basket Coffee Filters.

You might have the best coffee maker on the planet…

But unless you have a decent filter, your coffee will still taste bad.

Like a gatekeeper, the filter determines what goes into your cup and what stays behind.

I’ve done hours of research so that you don’t have to, and I’ve managed to find the best coffee filters for different brewing methods.

No matter what type of coffee maker you own, you’re sure to find a suitable filter on this list.

Let’s get to the point!

Best Coffee Filters – Our 11 Top Choices

Melitta 600 Basket Coffee Filters (Best Bulk Paper Filters)
If You Care FSC Unbleached No 2 Coffee Filters (Best Unbleached Paper Filters)
Melitta #4 Cone Coffee Filters (Best Bamboo Filters)
Melitta 3.5 Percolator Disc Coffee Filters (Best Percolator Disk Filters)
AeroPress Coffee Replacement Filter Packs (Best Paper Filters For AeroPress)
Altura The Mesh: Premium Filter For AeroPress Coffee Makers (Best Reusable Filters For AeroPress)
The Green Polly Organic Hemp Cloth Coffee Filter Cone (Best Cloth Filters)
Cozihom Reusable Pods (Best Reusable K-Pod Filter)
GOLDTONE Reusable Basket Coffee Filter (Best Reusable Basket Filter)
RUOYING #4 Reusable Permanent Cone Coffee Filters (Best Steel Cone Filter)
Cuisinart Gold Tone Filter (Best Gold Tone Conical Filter)

Melitta 600 Basket Coffee Filters

There’s only one thing that’s worse than running out of coffee filters – and that’s running out of coffee filters early in the morning.

But if you buy filters in large packages, that won’t happen very often.

That’s why I like this pack of 600 filters from Melitta. If you brew coffee twice a day, this pack can last you… well, almost a year!

Plus, it’s so affordable, you might as well buy several packs at once and you’re set practically until you retire.

These Melitta filters are designed to fit all 8 to 12 cup drip machines that use basket filters.

They’re made of premium quality paper, which makes them thicker than most filters on the market. That makes this pack a great choice for those who love their coffee sediment-free.

Material: Bleached Paper
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Basket
Size: 8-12 cup

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If You Care FSC Unbleached No 2 Coffee Filters

I’ve started composting recently, so naturally, these filters caught my eye.

Not only are they unbleached and chlorine-free, but the packaging is also made of recycled paper.

There’s literally no waste!

Once you’re done using them, you can throw the filters onto the compost pile and the box in a recycle bin.

And if you don’t have a compost pile at home, don’t worry. You can take your used filters to a composting facility and get rid of them in an environmentally friendly way.

At a rather affordable price, you get a pack of 100 filters. They’re suitable for most 2 to 6 cup coffee makers that use conical filters.

Just keep in mind that an unbleached filter may give your coffee a somewhat papery taste.

These filters are also guilty of that. But you can easily avoid this by rinsing them with hot water prior to filling them with coffee grounds.

Material: Unbleached paper
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Cone
Size: 2-6 cup

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Melitta #4 Cone Coffee Filters

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered bamboo filters, and I’m so glad I did.

They’re a much more sustainable and eco-friendly option than paper filters. Bamboo is a naturally renewing source, so no forest was chopped down so that we can enjoy a cup of coffee.

Plus, bamboo filters are compostable, unlike paper filters that are bleached with chlorine. So after you’re done using them, you can throw them on the compost pile and use them for gardening.

Just like a paper coffee filter, bamboo filters also trap oil and sediment and give you a clear cup of java.

They hold their shape well when placed into a coffee maker, which is often not the case with a paper filter.

These Melitta cone filters are the #4 size, meaning they fit most 8 to 12 cup machines.

Material: Bamboo
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Cone
Size: 8-12 cup

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Melitta 3.5 Percolator Disc Coffee Filters

For all percolator fans out there that prefer their coffee sediment-free, these disc coffee filters will be a life-saver.

As you know, a percolator doesn’t really need a filter, since it has a filter basket. But, the holes are big enough to let some oil and particles through to your coffee, and that’s not to everyone’s liking.

These Melitta filters are designed with a hole in the middle and they can fit all percolators.

They’re made of bleached paper but they’re chlorine-free. This means they’re completely safe for your health and don’t affect the taste of your brew.

Like other Melitta filters, these are made of high-quality paper that won’t tear and make a mess, no matter how careless you might be.

They’re also compostable, so you can just dispose of them in your personal composter – used grounds and all.

Material: Bleached paper
Used For: Percolator
Shape: Disk
Size: One size

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AeroPress Coffee Replacement Filter Packs

Initially, the AeroPress coffee maker comes with 350 filters. Depending on how often you drink coffee, you could go through that pile in a rather short amount of time.

This is just a replacement pack, meaning these are the same filters that come with the coffee maker – but in bulk.

For a very affordable price, you get 700 filters that will save you the hassle of shopping for another half a year, at least.

I was actually surprised to see these filters also work for Nespresso VertuoPlus. And it also fits into single-serve Hamilton Beach coffee makers. So if you have either of those, rest assured these filters will do the job.

What makes them so great is the micro-woven paper. It doesn’t let any particles through, so what you get is a smooth, strong cup of java without any unwanted bitterness and with low acidity levels.

I also love the fact that they’re biodegradable, so you’re minimizing your overall waste.

Material: Paper
Used For: AeroPress
Shape: Disk
Size: One size

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Altura The Mesh: Premium Filter For AeroPress Coffee Makers

The AeroPress coffee maker comes with paper filters, and they’re not everyone’s cup of tea (or better said, coffee).

Whether it’s an environmental issue or you don’t like sediment-free coffee – I can think of several reasons why you might opt for a mesh filter instead.

The Altura filter is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which makes it corrosion-resistant. This means it can last practically forever, as long as you upkeep it properly.

It’s simple to clean – a quick rinse will do. It’s also dishwasher safe, but if you just run it under the tap after each use that’s all it really needs.

The mesh is so tightly woven, you can use this filter with any grind no matter how fine.

Still, it doesn’t block essential oils and flavors from racing through your coffee. So if you like a bold cup of joe, this filter wins over paper any day.

Material: Stainless Steel
Used For: AeroPress
Shape: Disk
Size: One size

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The Green Polly Organic Hemp Cloth Coffee Filter Cone

Cloth filters have their perks, so not including one in this list would be blasphemy.

They keep the particles out of your coffee while letting the oil through, which gives you a rich but sediment-free cup of java.

The hemp these filters are made of is picked by hand and weaved on local farms. Hemp is a fast-growing and easily cultivated plant, which makes it a more sustainable and renewable resource than paper.

It takes years for a tree to grow, while hemp is ready to be harvested in as little as four months!

Plus, hemp filters are reusable.

After each use, just rinse the filter with hot water and let it air dry. They’re durable and can withstand over 600 washes. So this pack of three filters can last you up to a year or two!

These are #4 conical filters, and they’re suitable for most pour over coffee makers.

Material: Cloth
Used For: Pour over coffee makers
Shape: Cone
Size: #4

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Cozihom Reusable Pods

My biggest issue with K-cups is the environmental factor, so I was really excited to see these reusable pods.

They solve all my problems!

They’re made of BPA-free plastic with a fine 304 stainless steel mesh filter.

Both of these materials are resistant to high temperatures and dishwasher safe. Since washing a filter can be a tedious job, this is a real life-saver.

Another great thing about these is that you don’t even have to measure your grounds. Just fill the pod up and put it in your single-serve machine, and get your coffee brewing.

It also features a sealing ring that prevents leaks and messes.

But the best part is the price. A four-pack costs around the same amount you’d pay for four regular pods.

Of course, they would be filled with grounds but hey, it’s a one-time deal. The reusable pods, on the other hand, will stick around. Plus, you can load them with freshly ground coffee – so you’ll get a tastier brew.

Material: BPA-free plastic cup and fine 304 stainless steel mesh
Used For: Drip coffee makers that use pods
Shape: K-cup
Size: Single serve

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GOLDTONE Reusable Basket Coffee Filter

A permanent coffee filter isn’t just environmentally friendly – it’s budget friendly as well.

It’s a one-time purchase that costs no more than a pack of 100 paper filters that you’ll go through in a few months.

This Goldtone filter is made of 100% surgical grade stainless steel, so it’ll last you a very long time.

It doesn’t absorb any flavors either, and the mesh is wide enough to let natural oils through, which results in a bold cup of coffee.

It’s basket-shaped and fits most 8-12 cup coffee makers. After use, just rinse it in the sink or throw it in the dishwasher. Cleaning doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Material: Surgical grade stainless steel
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Basket
Size: 8-12 Cup

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RUOYING #4 Reusable Permanent Cone Coffee Filters

There are great reusable options for coffee makers that use conical filters, too.

Personally, I really like this filter by Ruoying, for several reasons.

First, it’s made of surgical grade stainless steel. That’s the most corrosion-resistant grade of steel. You might as well leave this filter out in the rain or take it swimming in the ocean – rusting is out of the question.

It’s also very easy to clean. Just throw away the grounds and rinse it under running water. Or, if you’re too lazy, just throw it in the dishwasher and once the cycle is done, you’ll have a clean filter waiting to be used again.

This is a #4 filter, meaning it can fit in most 8 to 14 cup coffee makers that use conical filters.

This includes Cuisinart, Ninja, Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid and OXO coffee makers. But if you’re unsure it’s suitable for your machine, just check the list of compatible coffee makers.

Material: Surgical grade stainless steel
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Cone
Size: 8-14 Cup

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Cuisinart Gold Tone Filter

If you’re one of those people that love a full-bodied cup of coffee, then a gold tone filter is the perfect choice.

The mesh is wide enough to let the natural oils and some tiny particles through, while still keeping the grounds in one place.

In the world of filters, your coffee can’t get any richer than this.

This Cuisinart filter is conical in shape and a #4 size. The box specifies all the Cuisinart models that are compatible with this filter. But generally, you can make it work on almost all 8 to 14 cup drip coffee makers.

Since it’s made of stainless steel, it’s durable and easy to upkeep. You can rinse it in the sink or put it in the dishwasher if you’re too lazy to wash it manually.

Material: Stainless steel
Used For: Drip coffee makers
Shape: Cone
Size: 8-14 cup

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Things To Consider When Buying A Coffee Filter

As you can see, there are tons of different filter options out there – but you can’t just pick one.

Each filter is designed for a specific brewing method, so you have to make sure the one you go for is suitable for the equipment you’re using.

Here are the things you should keep in mind when choosing.

Material

With most coffee makers, you have the option of choosing your filter material.

Paper

A paper coffee filter does the best job at keeping particles and oil out of your coffee.

Now, this is something you either love or hate.

Paper filters can be either bleached or unbleached.

A bleached filter does a slightly better job at keeping the tiniest particles out of your cup. But, it’s not the most environmentally friendly option available.

An unbleached paper filter, on the other hand, can give your coffee a slightly papery taste. But rinsing it prior to brewing is a quick fix.

The main downside to paper filters is that they’re not reusable. You throw them away after each use. Sure, this makes cleaning up a piece of cake, but in the end, that’s a lot of waste.

Metal

A metal filter is the permanent alternative to a paper filter.

If you take proper care of it, you can probably use it for the rest of your life.

Literally.

But the thing with metal filters is that they let some sediment and coffee oil through. Again, this is something you either do or don’t want in your coffee, depending on how you like your poison.

What’s more, cleaning a metal filter can be a bit tedious. You need to rinse them thoroughly after each use, and if there’s any sediment stuck in the mesh, you need to make sure you get it all out.

Cloth

Cloth filters are not as common as paper or metal, but they’re worth mentioning.

Why?

Because if you like your coffee with oil but without particles, then this is the best option for you.

If properly cleaned after each use, a cloth filter can be used at least a hundred times before you need to throw it away. So you get a pretty good amount of use out of them before they end up in the garbage.

Shape

In terms of shape, you don’t really get the option of choosing it.

That’s because every coffee maker has a designated filter shape.

Most large electronic machines use bucket filters, while smaller ones usually use conical.

Then there are manual brewers, and most of them have a specific filter shape.

Take the AeroPress and percolators for example. They use disk-shaped filters, which you can’t use in your drip coffee maker or a pour over.

Size

The same goes for the size – your coffee maker dictates how big of a filter you need.

Basket-shaped filters come in one size, because they’re designed for large machines.

Cone filters, on the other hand, are made in four sizes: #1, #2, #4 and #6.

The #1 is designed for a one cup coffee brewer, while the #6 is for large capacity machines. Those that fall in the middle use either #2 or #4 filters.