Technically, no, you shouldn’t reuse AeroPress paper filters. It’s advisable to throw these away after each cup. That said, you can reuse them about four to five times before throwing it away. While this may seem wasteful, the fresher they are the better the cup of coffee will be.
However, the paper filters are also very recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. Simply rinse them off, allow them to dry (if you want). Put them in with your compost pile, regular weekly recycling or trash pickup.
How Do You Reuse an AeroPress Paper Filter?
To reuse an AeroPress filter, remove it after you’re done making a cup of coffee and rinse it off in warm water. Let this dry on your dish rack. Grab a fresh filter or a used one that’s dry. Put it into the AeroPress and proceed to make another cup.
Why Shouldn’t You Reuse an AeroPress Paper Filter?
The main reason why you shouldn’t reuse an AeroPress paper filter is for the taste of the coffee. Even if you rinse it well, it will affect the coffee’s flavor. But, some people may like this.
Also, the force and pressure of the plunger along with the water breaks down the fibers of the paper. It will have the potential to catch less and less excess grounds with each successive use. For a consistent tasting cup of coffee, use a fresh filter every time.
Besides, the filters are fairly inexpensive on the whole and you get a great many of them with each package. Therefore, reusing can be a go-to option when you’re low on filters.
When Should You Reuse an AeroPress Paper Filter?
You can reuse an AeroPress paper filter as often or as little as you like. While it is most ideal to use a fresh disk for every cup of coffee, there are no rules saying you can’t reuse them. But, it’s best to do this reusing trick when you know you’re nearing the end and need more filters.
Do You Have to Wet an AeroPress Filter Prior to Using It?
Whether using a fresh filter or a used one, it’s advisable to wet the filter before pouring in the grounds. This will absorb more oils from the coffee than when it’s dry. It’s what makes a cup taste much better. But, this will come down to personal taste and preference in a cup of Joe.
Can You Reuse AeroPress Metal Filters?
Yes, you can reuse the metal type of AeroPress filters by simply rinsing it off with hot water. When they’re a little dirtier or stickier, use soap or let it soak for a minute in baking soda and white vinegar. Be sure to rinse the filter off well with hot water.
What Kinds of Metal Filters Are Available for an AeroPress that Are Reusable?
Any kind of metal filter that will fit inside an AeroPress can be reusable. These will last longer, produce less waste and you’ll never have to worry about running out. However, they don’t absorb diterpenes and do allow some of the coffee grounds to seep into the brew. This is okay if you like coffee with a little texture.
The stainless steel filter by Able or JavaPresse is most ideal for an AeroPress. Both filters come finely perforated with microscopic holes so coffee grounds and particles won’t easily fall through. They’re both washable, durable and allow more oils to enter the cup.
The Fellow Prismo offers a stainless steel filter, but the mesh is much more open than the one by Able or JavaPresse. It also has a feature that replaces the filter cap, which allows for a smother operation of the AeroPress.
Can You Use Other Paper Filters in an AeroPress?
There are a couple other paper filters you can use in an AeroPress. The ones made by Outus offer a brown paper alternative. But CoffeeSock offers a filter that’s a near-dead ringer for the AeroPress ones. However, if you’re looking for something a little thicker, the filters made by Aesir are ideal.
But, you cannot use any paper coffee filter in the AeroPress and it’s not advisable to cut your own. For instance, ones for standard coffee machines will not be suitable for an AeroPress.
Can You Combine Metal and Paper Filters in an AeroPress?
It would seem rather counterproductive to combine both metal and paper filters for an AeroPress. However, for metal filters that have more open spaces and you don’t like a thicker coffee texture, using a thinner paper filter may be ideal.
However, it would be awkward to use the original AeroPress filters with a metal filter. These should trap and capture any excess coffee grounds from getting into the coffee.
Which is Better? Metal or Paper Filters for an AeroPress?
Metal filters for an AeroPress are not a manufacturing standard. The company does not make or sell filters made of any other material than paper. But, there are some companies with metal filters that will fit inside an AeroPress.
The reason why AeroPress doesn’t produce a metal filter is because they felt it affected the taste of the coffee. They performed blind taste tests that showed the paper filtered types winning out every time. Paper helps remove the diterpenes from coffee. This is what helps to raise bad cholesterol and metal doesn’t give this feature.
The paper filters are 100% compostable and recyclable whereas the metal filters don’t produce any waste at all. Therefore, whether which will be better will come down to personal preference, taste and desire for zero waste.
How Many Paper Filters Come with an AeroPress?
Every machine comes with 350 filters. They’re recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
How Can You Get More AeroPress Paper Filters?
The company sells refill filters directly on their website. But, you can also find filters at whatever retailer sells AeroPress machines. This includes Amazon.
How Much Do AeroPress Paper Filters Cost?
AeroPress filters cost about $5 for 350 individual micro-filter pads.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.