Can You Use Aeropress Without a Filter? (Solved & Explained!)

If you don’t have a filter to use in your Aeropress, you aren’t completely out of luck. By cutting a piece of heavy-duty paper towel into the right size and shape, you can temporarily use that as a filter instead. That way, you won’t have to go without your morning cup of coffee just because you forgot to pick up filters.

The Aeropress is becoming more popular among coffee drinkers. However, there may be occasions where you want to drink some coffee but have run out of filters. On this page, we’re going to talk about how you can use your Aeropress without a filter. Keep reading to learn more.

Note: If you click some of the links or pictures in this article we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How do you use Aeropress without a filter?

Aeropress coffee makers typically come with small paper filters or a reusable metal filter. If you prefer paper filters but have run out, you can make one using thick paper towel.

To make this DIY filter, you should place your Aeropress on the paper towel and trace a circle that is the same size as your device. Then, all you will need to do is cut the circle and you will have a DIY Aeropress filter.

This is the aeropress unit I recommend. Click the image to check current price.

Why do people dislike the metal Aeropress filter?

Even though a lot of Aeropress owners will have a metal filter, they often prefer not to use it because it’s not as effective. The metal filter allows coffee grounds to pass through and end up in your cup. 

Some people prefer the metal filter because the resulting coffee tastes similar to what they would get if they made coffee in a french press. However, paper filters are more popular because they catch all of the coffee grounds.

Can you use any paper filter in an Aeropress?

Aeropress filters are much smaller than the pour-over filters, as they are disc-shaped. An Aeropress filter is only 0.17 grams, whereas other types of filters typically range from 1.4 to 4 grams each. 

You don’t always have to buy Aeropress brand filters because you may prefer the make of a different brand. However, it is important that you purchase filter disks instead of pour-over filters, so you end up with filters that are size appropriate.

Are Aeropress paper filter discs any good?

There is a lot of debate about whether or not Aeropress filter discs are of good quality. This is because the Aeropress brand filters are thinner, which allows more to pass through.

When using Aeropress filters, you will end up with a bolder cup of coffee with more texture. Some people don’t enjoy this though because the coffee appears more cloudy. 

Can you reuse an Aeropress filter?

If you thought Aeropress filters were one-time use only, you’ve been making your coffee wrong. You can actually reuse an Aeropress paper filter multiple times. 

After using an Aeropress filter, you can rinse it off and place it in the filter cap to dry. If you are careful when rinsing the filters, you could get over 20 uses from each one before they begin to tear.

Should you reuse Aeropress filters?

While reusing an old Aeropress filter won’t affect the quality or taste of your coffee, using old filters can make it difficult to press the Aeropress. Most people who are dedicated users of this item will only reuse the filters when they are almost out and waiting on a new order to arrive.

Since Aeropress filters are fairly affordable and can be put in the compost bin, most users don’t see the point in refusing them often. However, it is good to know you can if you are ever in a situation where you may not be able to get new ones in a timely manner.

Is there a better quality reusable disc that people can use in their Aeropress?

There is a reusable stainless steel filter called Able Disc Fine and according to Woke Lark, this is the best reusable filter to use in an Aeropress. Even people who don’t like reusable filters are satisfied with the results from this filter.

One of the reasons that the Able Disc Fine is preferred is that it has extremely fine holes. This means that the coffee grounds won’t be able to get through and end up in your cup.

Can you use a cloth filter in an Aeropress?

If you like a rich cup of coffee, then you may prefer to use a cloth filter in your Aeropress. One of the best types of cloth filters to use in an Aeropress is the Coffee Sock. 

The Coffee Sock is made from all organic materials in the US. One of the main reasons this cloth filter has become so popular is that it allows the coffee oils to pass through while keeping the grounds inside. 

Can you use a cupcake liner as an Aeropress replacement filter?

We don’t recommend using a cupcake liner as a filter because you will be left with a very poor-tasting cup of coffee. While cupcake liners are the right size, it’s important to remember that they are designed to hold the batter in. 

Since the paper used in cupcake liners is much thicker, it won’t have the same effect as a coffee filter. You may also have a lot of difficulties when you try to press the coffee since liners are designed to hold liquid and not pass it through.

Can you use toilet paper instead of a filter in an Aeropress?

The most common way to make a DIY filter for an Aeropress is with a paper towel, but if you are out of paper towels and napkins, you can attempt to make a filter using toilet paper. If you don’t want a strong cup of coffee, we recommend doubling up on the amount of toilet paper you use.

Since toilet paper is a lot softer than a paper towel, it allows the coffee to pass through quicker. Thin toilet paper may rip easier as well if it is not doubled up.