You know that you might have the best Espresso Machine ever, but still, your best – branded coffee might be a disaster? Of course, there might be many factors behind this failure, but in 90% of the cases, there is one specific element that causes it. Espresso machine coffee ground extraction is made amidst the filtering system of the unit. In case the filter is too tight, your coffee might feel watery like. In case the filter is too loose then you will see patches of coffee grounds in your espresso shot, and this is not definitely a great experience!

In order for you to achieve the right consistency of the brewed coffee, it is important to select the appropriate filter. It is important to mention that different espresso machines are compatible with different filters. Filters might differentiate from each – other based on size, type, weight, etc. Based on this, we have selected the most chosen espresso machines and prepared a Buyers’ Guide section on their respective filters.

Further on, you will be able to check and pick up one of the best espresso machine filters included in our review. We need to inform you that the selected filter models are unique in terms of compatibility, but they are sharing the same amount of excellence when it comes to exceeding coffee lovers expectations. Thus, each of the models is the best one of the related espresso machine gamma.

Buyers’ Guide!

1. What are the main types of filters?

The most profound division we can initially make in regards to espresso machine filter types is whether they are disposable or re – usable. The disposable ones are usually made of paper material and once the coffee is brewed you have to remove the filter from the filter holder and dispose of it.

Meanwhile, the re – usable ones are made of durable materials that are resistant to high temperatures. The most common material found to be used for re – usable filters is stainless steel one. It offers shiny finish which makes the filter easy to be cleaned and also does not interact with coffee grounds regardless of the high temperatures.

2. How long does a re – usable filter last?

A good reusable filter can go up to 7 – 8 years of lifespan. Regardless of heavy usage, the stainless steel filters are known for their long resistance.

3. When and how should we clean a reusable filter?

Reusable filters are generally easy to be cleaned. All you need to consider is using abundant water, smooth cleaning cloth and the recommended cleaning solution. Reusable espresso machine filters are usually cleaned after each espresso shot. The coffee ground is removed and the filter watered throughout. Anyways, a serious cleaning is necessary at least once in 2 – 3 days.

4. Can I use the same espresso machine filter for all types of espresso machines?

Unfortunately, no! Espresso machine filters are coming in different shapes or sizes and they are compatible with a selected, predefined gamma of espresso machines. Thus, whenever you are about to purchase a new box of filters, make sure you inform the vendor on the type of espresso machine you have.

5. Which is the best approach? A reusable filter or a paper one?

We need to make some elaboration on this topic before coming to conclusions. As a matter of fact, many coffee lovers do not identify any taste differentiation between these two types of filters. The consumers’ main focus when having to choose between these two types is generally focused on usage easiness.

The paper filters are disposable ones, which means that you use them and take them away. You will not have to hand – wash them or add them to your dishwashing machine pile. Meanwhile, quite the contrary happens in the case of reusable filters. You have to detach them from the filter holder, remove the coffee grounds and then start cleaning them. During the morning routine, this might become a headache. We have to emphasize that leaving them unwashed might add more headaches as the coffee ground won’t be easily removed after some hours.

When it comes to taste, even though as previously stated, consumers are not generally able to understand the difference, there are some notes to be taken. Metal filters aren’t considered to be catching all the elements (coffee grounds). Thus, they are sometimes allowing the escape of certain micro – particles and oils. This micro – particles might impact the taste and flavor of the espresso shot. On the other hand, the reusable paper filters, are generally better in this regards. They are able to prevent the escape of oils and micro – particles. Because of this, experts say that coffee that has been filtered through a paper filter is sweeter than the one filtered through a reusable (metal) one.

6. Which is most expensive version?

In the short – term approach, disposable filters are considered to be cheaper than the reusable ones. But, if you have a long – term approach, we have to be honest – The reusable filters are far more economical. They are properly offering the return on investment.

7. Are the paper filters eco – friendly?

Most of the paper filters are considered to be eco – friendly. They assimilate after a period of time without imposing any risk to the environment. Anyways, make sure you are buying from reliable vendors in order to avoid the risk of plastic elements in the disposable filters.

8. Which is the detailed flow one has to follow in order to properly clean a reusable filter?

Remove the porta – filter from the unit and soak into the water together with the basket. Next, all you need to do is rinse it throughout with abundant water. Once this is done, make sure you have detached all the porta – filter parts in order to separately clean them. Let them rest until properly dried and attach them back into the clean espresso machine unit.

Review time!

1. Able Brewing – DISK Coffee Filter for AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker

This is a stainless steel filter that is compatible with the AeroPress coffee and espresso maker/ machine.

PROS:

• Full taste and flavors – The stainless steel approach is able to provide all coffee flavors in your cup of coffee or espresso shot.
• Easy cleaning – Thanks to the shape and round edges this stainless steel filter is easy to be cleaned after each usage.
• Durable construction – The design and material combination provide to this filter a long lasting life and full efficiency regardless of heavy usage.

CONS:

• Cleaning necessity – The only disadvantage in regards to this type of filter is the fact that, when compared to disposable filters, it needs to be cleaned.

Overall:

When purchasing a new filter for your espresso machine make sure you consider all your habits. If by any chance you have plenty of time during your morning routine, and you do not mind to hand – clean your AeroPress espresso filter, this is a good choice for you.

2. Mr Coffee PF4SP 4-Cup Permanent Filter

Mr Coffee is another espresso machine brand that is highly selected and bought in the market. Considering the number of the consumers, we are bringing into your attention espresso filters for this brand as well. The models compatible with this filter are:

• Cafe Frappe (BVMC-FM1)
• Cafe Latte (BVMC-EL1)

PROS:

• Easily portable – This model uniqueness stands in the handle that facilitates the transporting process whenever you need to clean, attach or detach the filter.
• Dishwasher safe – The top rack of the filter can be washed in a dishwashing machine.
• Fine mesh – The filter is designed similarly to a basket. This feature allows you to render an excellent mesh.

CONS:

• Fragile – Because of the fine mesh this basket – like filter is reported to be fragile towards pressure.

Overall:

This filter is coming with an attractive design. Its handle is an interesting finding that allows the users to carry it from one place to another.

3. Breville BWF100 Single Cup Brewer Replacement Charcoal Filters White

The next Breville filters coming into your attention are charcoal ones. They are compatible with many of the Breville brand espresso machines.

PROS:

• Compatibility – This set of disposable filters are compatible with many Breville espresso machine models:
  • BES900XL
  • BES860XL
  • BES840XL
  • BKC600XL
  • BKC700XL
• No strange odors – Thanks to the charcoal filtering abilities your coffee will taste only like coffee and it will be free of other strange odors released by water.
• Durability – Although they are disposable filters, one can use them up to 2 months. The box includes the necessary quantity for one year.

CONS:

• Coarse like feeling – Users have reported that the charcoal filters have a course – like feeling that might corrupt filtering mechanism.

Overall:

If you are looking for a set of filters that do not need to be washed, but yet can be used for more than once, this is the right solution for you.

4. Krups MS-0001435 Metal 4 Cup Filter Basket

It is now time to have a look at the Krups filter options. We have picked up a basket filter, reusable one which is compatible with many Krups models.

PROS:

• Compatibility – The filter is compatible with many versions of Krups espresso machines:
  • 171
  • 865
  • 866
  • 867
  • 868
  • 871
  • 872
  • 963
  • 972
  • 985
  • 987
  • 993
• Durability – The manufacturers of this filter have applied the necessary production techniques and material to offer a highly durable espresso machine filter.

CONS:

• No cons have been evidenced during the product review.

Overall:

Krups is a great espresso machine provider and similarly this company is providing excellent espresso machine filters to match to its models. The best choice in case you are using one of the Krups models mentioned above.

5. De’Longhi EC680 Dedica 15-Bar Pump Espresso Machine

Here we are with a DeLonghi 2 – cups model filter. It is a silver colored one which comes as a reusable type solution.

PROS:

• Compatibility with DeLonghi espresso machine models:
  • B
  • M
  • R
  • B
  • M
  • BG
  • BK
  • GY
  • W

CONS:

• Cleaning demands – The only reported disadvantage for this model is that it is challenging in terms of cleaning.

Overall:

If you are a DeLonghi customer and your espresso machine type is part of the above list, the filter offered in this review is a great one. The filter is allowing the necessary amount of oil escape that does not interact with the coffee flavours.

Decision time!

As a matter of fact, in the case of espresso machine filters, we cannot pick up one model which might be considered as the best of the list. All the espresso machine filters we have provided in our review section are compatible with different espresso machine brands.

We need to emphasize that during our selection phase we have made sure to pick up the best model for the most common espresso machines in the market. Thus, whichever type of espresso machine you have from the ones that are part of this review, the filter proposed in the review section is, by all means, an outstanding one.

All the filters are promising great and qualitative espresso shots with full flavors and uncorrupted aromas. The downsides and disadvantages noticed or reported are minimal for each of the single models. We are sure that these models will grant a renewed taste to your coffee drinking experience.

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