Coffee fills the house with a pleasant aroma in the morning and gives a tired soul the energy it needs to tackle the day.
This is all made possible by coffee filters, which make fresh brewing joe every morning quick and convenient.
For many, the call of caffeine happens once, twice, and sometimes even three times a day, so most people like to stock up and always have some on hand.
Here’s how you can store your coffee filters, so you’re prepared to create that robust sip immediately.
What Are Coffee Filters
In short, coffee filters are disposable filters typically made out of paper. They aim to keep grounds in one place while hot water drips through it into a pot or mug.
A well-made filter should keep any stray grinds from the end product and ensure a smooth, dark-brown liquid.
There are two main types of coffee filters:
- Flat
- Cone
Flat Coffee Filters
Flat coffee filters are circular and have ridges on their sides. As the name implies, flat coffee filters have a flat bottom that can sit upright and are used in most coffee makers.
Cone Coffee Filters
Cone-shaped coffee filters are similar to flat coffee filters except for cone-shaped bottoms.
These are used in coffee makers with a deeper filter crevice, though they serve the same purpose as a flat. Additionally, the storage measures are essentially the same.
They are easier to stockpile space-wise since they come packed in flat stacks, while the alternatives come in already-open stacks.
How To Store Coffee Filters
There are a variety of ways you can pack up your coffee filters. Here are a few ideal items you can use that you probably already have in your home:
Ziplock Bag
Storing coffee filters in a zip-lock bag is an excellent way to keep them organized and tidy.
This is one of the most common means of maintaining filters since many people already have them in their houses.
Squeezing the air out isn’t entirely necessary, but it will help conserve space.
Plastic Containers
Another excellent manner of storing your coffee strainers is inside suitable fitting plastic containers. They’ll keep your filters unwrinkled and well-kept while removing dirt or dust.
The best part is you don’t have to use your best Tupperware; any old plastic container you don’t use anymore works just fine.
Reused Food Containers
Some food containers – specifically ones that contain butter, margarine, cream cheese, or dips – are circular and the perfect shape to hold your coffee filters.
If you don’t have any food containers to repurpose, you can refer to one of the other methods on this list. Of course, if the shoe fits, then…
Boxes
Unless you’re an extreme coffee addict and have an absurd amount of coffee filters, you probably won’t need a comically large crate.
Instead, you’re in business if you have a small, circular box that meets your needs. The most convenient box you can use is a gift box where the lid can be lifted to access your filters easily.
Coffee Containers
What’s something that all coffee enthusiasts already have in their household and can use to store their filters?
Coffee containers, of course.
Instead of using plastic bags or Tupperware, why not store your coffee filters inside a container? It’ll keep them dry and impart a pleasant coffee scent.
Just as long as your container is big enough to store them, this is an excellent method anyone can use.
Other Ways of Storing Filters
Above, we listed a few different ideas for storing coffee filters. While practical, these are all based on repurposing old containers as storage and may not be the most decorative.
If you are looking for better ways to express your love of coffee, then you might want to try out some of these methods:
Ceramic Containers
Ceramic containers and jars are stylish, long-lasting, and perfect for storing coffee filters. You may even already have a few lying around your house.
If you don’t, you’ll be happy to know you can buy them in various sizes, so you can always get the one that fits.
Custom Coffee Filter Containers
If you’re one for decorating your kitchen with coffee-themed wares, you might consider investing in a container for storing coffee filters.
There are many charming designs to choose from; they’re a great way to show your love of coffee to friends and family.
Round Bamboo Container
Another unique style of container is the bamboo container. You can get one with a plain, flat top, or you can choose to opt for a woven basket lid.
Either way, you’ll do your kitchen a favor using these lovely bamboo vessels to store your coffee filters.
A Wooden Coffee Filter Holder
Did you know that there are wooden holders explicitly made for coffee filters?
Like custom coffee filter containers, these holders are made to fit and hold filters for you to grab anytime.
The only issue with these is that many disposers have an open design, which leaves your filters vulnerable to water and dust.
Still, a coffee filter holder is splendid if you use them often and want to show off your coffee prowess in the kitchen.
Why You Should Store Your Coffee Filters in Containers
A common belief is that you don’t need to store your coffee filters since they don’t perish at any feasible time. While this may be partly true, keeping them away from the elements is still a good idea.
First of all, when they’re left out in the open, they’re susceptible to moisture. Moisture won’t directly impact the flavor of your coffee, but it can cause harmful bacteria to grow on your filters.
Also, when left out, they may unintentionally be contaminated with foods and liquids that DO affect the flavor.
For example, oils in the air when cooking or steam from boiling water might affect them. These could get into your coffee filters even through closed cabinets.
With so many convenient, economical methods of storing your coffee filters, there’s no reason not to use one of them.
Keeping them packed in containers helps steer clear of dust, dirt, liquids, and other contaminants they may be exposed to.
Do Coffee Filters Go Bad?
The necessity for storing coffee filters may imply that they go bad. Technically, they won’t rot like food, but there is an expiration date.
While this date is usually months or years into the future, it’s there for a purpose.
Over time, filters may degrade and become less effective – this might mean that they let stray coffee grounds get into your pot or impart a strange, funky flavor to your coffee.
Storing filters in a container won’t extend their expiration date, but it can prevent mold from growing and help you maintain them for extended periods.
Storing a Reusable Coffee Filter
Unlike disposable coffee filters, reusable ones are usually made of fine mesh steel and can brew coffee often. As such, you can clean and store the same one repeatedly.
You might be tempted to treat this as a pot or pan and keep it in a cabinet as is, but for the previously mentioned reasons, you still might want to consider supporting it in an airtight container.
Since reusable coffee filters take up more space, you might need a larger container, but it shouldn’t be too hard to accommodate. Just ensure it’s spotless and free of water before putting it away.
The Bottom Line
Java bean connoisseurs and caffeine casuals need a way to store their coffee filters.
Whether it’s a rudimentary, hastily crafted plastic container or custom designed work of art, you should always keep your coffee filters stored nicely and away from contaminants.
Not only will this prevent bacteria-related sickness, but it is the best way to ensure your coffee tastes incredible every time.
FAQs:
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about coffee filters around the web:
Can you reuse disposable coffee filters?
You can reuse your paper coffee filters once or twice after the first time, but probably no more. After the first few times, it stops being effective.
Leaving your dirty filters to sit out for long periods isn’t sanitary.
Should you get your coffee filters?
Not necessary, but you certainly can. Wetting your coffee before use may remove any “papery” flavors and allow for a smooth transition of coffee into the cup.
You might not want to do it every morning, but it certainly does help enhance the experience.