You already know that your choice of coffee beans, grind size, and brewing method affect the flavor of your coffee. But what about something as basic as the coffee filter shape? Does it have an impact?
Coffee nerds have long been debating this topic, and now we have an answer! So what have we learned about filter basket shapes, and how can we use it to brew better coffee? Keep reading to find out.
Specifically, cone-shaped filters tend to produce coffee with higher TDS than basket filters. This results in a stronger, bolder cup of coffee, with more pronounced earthy, smoky, and cocoa flavors.
What is the difference?
The result of the different extraction in the different shaped baskets can be quantified using a measurement known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Without getting too technical, TDS measures the degree of extraction. A higher TDS means the coffee is more fully extracted. It is essentially the amount of coffee in your coffee.
It has been found that flat bottom baskets produce coffee with lower TDS than cone filters, all other factors (like pouring technique, water temperature, and grind size) being equal.
For our triangle tests, we used what’s known as a “2 by 2” factorial design, using both basket geometries and two different grind sizes (medium and medium-fine). This “factorial design” is a fancy way of saying that we performed six different triangle tests with all the possible combinations of basket geometry and grind size (Table 1). We also performed a seventh triangle with a light roast vs. a dark roast, an obvious taste difference that served as an internal calibration and control. The focus here was to determine the effect of brew basket shape and grind size.
Anybody who has shopped around lately for a drip coffee brewer will recognize that modern brewers typically come with a filter basket that is either “semi-conical” or “flat bottom” (cf. Fig. 1). Fans of semi-conical baskets tend to eloquently describe the enhanced flow through the coffee grounds, the increased uniformity of extraction, and the correspondingly improved taste. Confusingly, fans of flat-bottom baskets will cite exactly the same benefits for flat bottom baskets. The evidence in favor of one opinion or the other has tended to involve anecdotal reports of individual taste tests.
Deep dive into drip: Professor Ristenpart, Dr. Scott Frost, and Mackenzie Batali will give lectures on three different facets of this research collaboration at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Boston (April 11–14). View the full schedule at coffeeexpo.org.
Professors WILLIAM D. RISTENPART and JEAN-XAVIER GUINARD are co-directors of the University of California Davis Coffee Center, where Dr. SCOTT FROST recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship.
There are several take-home messages from the PCA plots. First, and unsurprisingly, there is a large difference between the light and dark roast, as evidenced by the large horizontal separation in the roasts. More interestingly, we see that for a given roast (e.g., the light roast at left), the basket shape also yielded a meaningful difference. The flat-bottom basket yielded flavor attributes with more dried fruit, sweet, and floral flavor intensities, while the conical basket yielded more citrus, berry, and sour. Similarly, the basket shape affected the dark roast, with the flat bottom yielding more pronounced chocolate, cocoa, and woody flavors, and the conical yielding much more intense bitterness.
Cone vs. Flat Bottom Coffee Filters: Is there a difference?
FAQ
Is cone or basket filter better?
Why are cone filters better?
What shape coffee filter is best?
Which coffee filters are healthiest?
What is the difference between a cone and a basket filter?
One of the main differences between cone and basket filters is their brewing capacity. Cone filters typically brew smaller quantities of coffee, ranging from 1 to 10 cups. On the other hand, basket filters are generally used for brewing larger quantities of coffee, between 8 to 12 cups. The shape of the filter also impacts the extraction process.
Should you use a cone coffee filter or a basket?
When it comes to making coffee at home, there are a variety of methods and tools to choose from. One important decision to make is whether to use a cone coffee filter or a basket. While both options can produce a delicious cup of coffee, they each have their own unique features and benefits.
What is the difference between conical and basket coffee filters?
While most coffee machines can use conical filters, most basket style filters are designed for one specific brand or set of machines. One of the main advantages of basket filters is the price. Basket filters can be a lot cheaper than cone filters. Further, they come in bigger sizes, so they can be useful to brew large quantities of coffee.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a basket filter?
One of the main advantages of basket filters is the price. Basket filters can be a lot cheaper than cone filters. Further, they come in bigger sizes, so they can be useful to brew large quantities of coffee. The drawback of basket filters is that they only fit certain coffee makers that take basket filters, like Mr Coffee brewers.