Collapsing coffee filters can put a damper on your day–especially if loose coffee grounds keep getting in your fresh cup of joe. Why do filters collapse in the first place? Basically, if the coffee maker’s hot water supply doesn’t drip into the center of the filter, one side of the paper will get really wet and sag. Fortunately, there are a ton of easy fixes to keep your filters in place. We’ll let you in on all the secrets to using a coffee filter the right way, plus proven solutions to stop coffee filters from collapsing.

1

Use the right size filter for your coffee maker.

2

Pre-wet your filter.

  1. If the filter sticks to the sides of your coffee maker evenly, it won’t collapse. This method works for any type of paper filter. All you have to do is run your filter under a very hot faucet (or pour boiling water over the filter). Make sure to completely wet the sides. Then, place the filter in the brew basket and you’re ready to make your coffee![2]
    • Some coffee aficionados believe pre-wetting the filter will also rinse away “paper taste” from a dry filter.
3

Fold conical filters properly.

  1. Folding your paper filter adds extra support and structure. Conical coffee filters typically come with a crimped section along the sides and bottom. Before you open up the filter, simply fold the bottom crimped portion up, creating a strong crease. Then, fold the crimped portion on the side over toward the filter. Open the filter normally and place it into your brew basket. The folds will flatten out the bottom of the filter, making it less likely to collapse.[3]
    • To figure out the best direction to fold the paper, bend the paper back and forth. Sometimes, it’ll feel easier to bend towards one side. When you fold the crimped parts, fold towards the easier side in order to add extra support on that side.
    • Use the folding method rather than doubling up on filters. Using 2 coffee filters can slow down the brewing process and result in a less-than-ideal tasting cup of coffee.[4]
    • If you have basket filters, you don’t have to worry about folding them.
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4

Try basket filters instead of conical filters.

  1. Paper basket filters or “cupcake filters,” have built-in ridges for support. These alternatives to conical filters are great for drip coffee machines because basket filters have large, flat bottoms.[5] Combine a basket filter with the pre-wetting method, and you’re almost guaranteed that your filters won’t collapse.
    • As a downside, we should mention that coffee experts tend to prefer conical filters to basket filters.
    • The flat bottom of basket filters can cause slightly uneven “extraction” (a fancy term for pulling the flavor out). That means your coffee might taste subtly more sour if you use basket filters.
5

Buy a permanent filter.

  1. Permanent filters fix the collapsing filter issue and make your coffee taste richer. Shop for a gold tone filter, because gold is an inert metal that resists acid and won't affect the flavor of your coffee.[6] However, in contrast to paper filters, permanent coffee filters allow more sediment and coffee oils to seep through. The result is a bolder cup of coffee with a well-rounded flavor profile.[7]
    • Selecting the type of filter changes how the coffee would taste but generally speaking people use mostly the paper filter to filter out the concentrated coffee.
    • There’s some concern that the increased amount of coffee oils from permanent filter brewing will increase LDL cholesterol.[8]
    • However, as long as you consume coffee in moderation, coffee won’t have much of an effect on your LDL levels.[9]
    • One study shows you can consume up to 2 cups (.47 L) of coffee per day before it starts to affect LDL.[10]
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6

Consider cloth filters if you have a pour-over setup.

  1. Cloth filters are a sturdier alternative to paper filters. Look for filters made out of organic cotton that's unbleached and undyed. If you have a nel drip setup, you can even buy cloth filters attached to a sturdy hoop.[11]
    • Cloth filters are conical, so they’re ideal for brewing pour-over coffee because the shape allows for even extraction of the coffee flavors.
    • Cloth will filter out the fine particles of coffee, but it lets slightly more oil through than paper filters do. The result is a smooth-tasting brew.[12]
    • The downside to cloth filters is that they require thorough cleaning after each use. You’ll dump the leftover grounds, rinse the filter thoroughly, and then store it soaking in a glass of water in the fridge.[13]

Warnings

  • We don’t recommend making your own DIY filter “retainer ring” from a soda bottle (or other plastic) to hold the paper filter up. The heat from boiling water will deform most plastic. Furthermore, heat can cause chemicals to leach from non-foodsafe plastic.[14]
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  • Some people might suggest using regular household tape to hold the filter in place. We don’t advise using tape, because regular tape isn’t foodsafe. Plus, the inside of a coffee maker gets very hot, and the adhesive in the tape might not hold up to boiling water.
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About This Article

Rich Lee
Co-authored by:
Coffee & Food Program Director, Spro Coffee Lab
This article was co-authored by Rich Lee and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Rich is the Coffee & Food Program Director of Spro Coffee Lab in San Francisco, a California-based company that specializes in craft coffee, experimental mocktails, and culinary food science. Together with his team, Rich strives to bring forth a uniquely transcendent experience, free of stereotypical eats and drinks. Prior to owning his own business, Rich was a barista for big name coffee retailers such as Blue Bottle Coffee and Sightglass. This article has been viewed 9,875 times.
5 votes - 60%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: April 28, 2022
Views: 9,875
Categories: Coffee Accessories
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