Let me lay out a scenario for you.
You wake up in the morning rushing to get through your routine. You brew some coffee for yourself. Just when it’s done and you’re about to filter it, you find out that there are no coffee filters in your cupboards!
It’s already late, you don’t want to be running to the store this early. That’s where we come in.
Here are some coffee filter substitutes you can use in such times of crisis.
Six Best Substitutes for a Coffee Filter
These are the top best coffee filter substitutes that you most likely have lying around and can be used in an emergency.
1- Paper Towel
How: To apply this method, fold your paper towel so that it makes a funnel-like shape over a pour-over. Then add the coffee grounds and pour boiling water over them. The coffee will slowly but surely be filtered after which you can throw away the grounds filled tissue.
Upsides: The good thing is that you will always have paper towels in your kitchen. It’s fairly easy to use and provides a decent filtration system.
Downsides: However, paper towels are not manufactured to be used as filters, obviously. They have been bleached and whatnot which can change the taste of your coffee, in a bad way. You also need to have a pour-over or something similar otherwise it would rip and that ruins the purpose of filtering. So, it’s not one of the ideal coffee filter substitutes.
2- Fine Mesh Sieve
How: If you like to bake or cook, chances are you’ll have a fine-mesh sieve in your pantry. You should first brew your coffee in a cup and place the sieve over another mug. Then, pour your coffee through the sieve and get a filtered cup of coffee.
Upsides: The biggest advantage is that it is a recyclable item, you won’t have to throw it away after use. Also, unlike the paper towel, you can brew your coffee before filtering so you get to control how strong it is prior to filtration.
Downsides: No matter how fine your sieve is, the holes are still big for coffee grounds and you may find some at the bottom of your cup. Secondly, it can be a hassle to clean the sieve after use since many grounds are stuck to it.
3- Dishtowel
How: Again, a dishtowel is an item that you definitely have in your kitchen. Just make sure that it’s clean before you use it and be aware of the fact that it will probably end up stained. First, place it over your cup so that it slightly droops into it. Then secure it with a rubber band on top of your mug. Next, pour your coffee into it and wait for it to fully drip through. Wring the cloth if you have to then dump the grounds in the bin and wash your cloth for a possible next time.
Upsides: Dishtowel is also a sustainable alternative because it can be reused multiple times. It actually filters the ground pretty well and it’s unlikely that you’ll end up with a muddy coffee.
Downsides: The taste of your coffee can be altered by a dishtowel as well since it is washed with a detergent. Also, I don’t think you would want to ruin your towels with coffee. Lastly, it can make quite a bit of a mess when pouring the coffee or when removing the towel from your cup. So, cleaning up can be a struggle.
4- Cheesecloth/Stockings
How: You may have a piece of cheesecloth in your kitchen or a new pair of stockings in the house. Whichever one you go for, make sure it’s clean to use. You can use these in a similar way as the dishtowel. Place the cloth over the cup in such a way that it slightly droops then secure with an elastic. Next, pour your brewed coffee and allow it to drip through. Wring the cloth then throw it away or wash it for the next time.
Upsides: This is by far one of the best coffee filter substitutes as it filters the coffee really well. After all, that’s what we’re looking for, right?
Downsides: It can be a slow process waiting for the coffee to drip all the way through and may even reduce the temperature of your cup. Also, if you end up using a pair of stockings then they can’t be worn afterward unless you want to smell like coffee.
5- Reusable Teabags
How: Coffee may not always be your caffeine pick of the day. If you drink tea then chances are that you also have reusable tea bags. And you would know how to use them. Instead of tea, put in coffee grounds in the bag and steep in hot water. When you think that the coffee has reached your desired strength then just take out the bag and drink your coffee.
Upsides: It’s a pretty simple technique to use so it would result in an acceptable cup of coffee. There, that’s all.
Downsides: This method may not be of any use to you if you are not a tea-drinker. Secondly, it can be difficult to gauge the strength of your coffee with the steeping method.
6- Coffee with No Filter
How: One of the best ways to filter coffee is to not filter it! Now, that sounds weird. Allow me to explain. If you run out of filters often then maybe brewing and filtering are not for you. You can just get equipment that would automatically filter your coffee. So, something like a French Press, or even a Filter Coffee Machine would be a good pick. This is the easiest way how to make coffee without a filter!
Upsides: The best thing about this is that you’ll never have to worry about finding a coffee filter substitute because you won’t need one.
Downsides: Getting a new piece of equipment compared to a few filters is going to be more expensive. You may prefer making the whole cup yourself from brewing to filtration to drinking it. In which case, you don’t want a new coffee maker.
Final Verdict
So we’ve covered how to make coffee without a filter in a number of ways here. In my opinion, the best alternative has to be the cheesecloth. The process can be a bit tedious and maybe even messy but the result would be worth it.
Whichever option you choose from this list will give you a decent cup of Joe that gets you through the day. Ultimately, I hope that you get to enjoy your coffee after all the effort!
