Does anything come close to the disappointment of waking up to the realization that you don’t have any coffee filters left?
So many things run through your mind. So many questions stream through your mind. Top on the list is if there is a substitute for coffee filter.
If you are a victim of this situation then you don’t have to worry. Take a deep breath and relax because there are many solutions out there for you to choose from.
This article is going to take you through the many options that are within your reach on what you can do to still enjoy a cuppa when you run out of coffee filters. The first four parts of the article talk about the hacks from around your house. The last part has three points about how to be better prepared.
The 7 Substitutes for the Coffee Filter
Here we are trying to give you the best solutions and show you some alternative coffee filters that you can use at home:
1. Mud Coffee
It is also called cowboy coffee.
This option requires no special tools or apparatus.
You simply take one cup worth of coffee (2 teaspoonfuls) and have it in your mug. Then pour in some 8 ounces of boiling water. Stir the mixture until the coffee starts to settle on the bottom.
If you prefer to add some milk, it’s best to add it when the coffee has settled.
This method works best with finely ground coffee.
2. Paper Towels/Toilet Paper
Because of their porosity, both the toilet paper and the paper towel can allow the passage of fluid from one side to the other.
To use it, you can shape them to fit the inside of your coffee maker or pour-over. Scoop your coffee ground and have it on top of the filter then carefully pour in some hot water.
When you are done then you can discard the paper towels and the toilet paper.
They are thin and get weakened when wet so you have to handle them with care.
It is also worth noting that there some chemicals that were used in the making of the paper towels and tissue together with glue.
3. Cheesecloth
The cheesecloth is one of the least likely things to be in the average kitchen. But if it is there, then you are saved for the day to access your brew in the crisis of the run out filters.
Just take out a cheesecloth and fold it several times. Then cut to fit your filter basket. Have your coffee ground on top and pour in some hot water to filter as usual.
4. Clean Dish Towel or Cloth Napkin
These better be new or clean but especially both.
You will use a rubber band to secure it over your mug. If you have a pour-over, then the better. Then have your teaspoonfuls of coffee on top as you pour your 8 ounces of hot water slowly and you will have your brew ready to be enjoyed.
Dispose off the coffee the used ground and rinse.
This method is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t involve the use of disposable elements.
The saturation of the mixture on the fabric may cause overflowing of the mixture so tread carefully.
The fineness of the filter by the cloth may cause over-extraction and result in a bitter-tasting brew. There is a high likelihood of some lingering taste of the laundry detergent that was used in it’s cleaning.
If you have a new and clean pair of socks that have been worn before, it can also get the job done.
What to Consider Acquiring to Save Yourself in Case You Run Out of Filters
Once bitten twice shy. When you have ever encountered the scenario of running out of coffee filters, you would not want to find yourself in that situation again.
The acquisition of the following items may make the situation a bit easier just in case the situation happens again.
5. French Press
A small French press somewhere in your kitchen is a great arsenal for when you run out of coffee filters. They are fairly inexpensive and produce good quality coffee brews. They may actually be of use even when you have your coffee filters but just prefer the French press flavor.
Here is the best one for you at a reasonable price:
KONA French Press Coffee Maker With Reusable Stainless Steel Filter
6. Reusable Metal Filter
This may be in your kitchen already for other uses. It is cheap to acquire and fairly easy to use.
You just pour in the hot water over it while it holds the one cup’s worth of coffee.
7. Instant coffee
You may not only lack the coffee filters, but also the beans.
The idea of having your instant coffee somewhere in your kitchen will surely be a move of wisdom.
Missing the coffee filter when you need it the most is not the end of the world. There is never a shortage of the substitute for coffee filter to still get your fix of caffeine. All it takes is some initiative and creativity. The above options are more than enough for you to go with what is most comfortable with you. So don’t panic and get on to brewing your cuppa!!!
If you found the article to be useful, here is another one that talks about the best reusable K cups.
