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Why does my drip coffee sometimes have a "filtery" taste, and how can I avoid this in the future?

The taste is kind of papery and similar to the smell of the filter. It happens every 7 times or so; it's still drinkable but I wouldn't pay more than 95 cents for it; it's really annoying when you are looking forward to a nice cup of coffee; and I can't work out any pattern to it. I check inside and the filter is not folded over.

In case the info helps, we use a tiny 4 cup Cuisinart machine with #2, Melitta filters, usually "Natural Brown" (could that be the problem - unbleached?). The problem is not with the coffee, because the next day we'll use the same beans and it tastes fine.

Thanks.

Bion Satir asked in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report

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7 Answers

  • Goonies_small
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    I used to have that problem with paper filters.  Have you considered getting a reusable filter instead?

    I have this one, and it works great. The only major inconvenience with them is that you have to clean it out every time, other than that they're great and they last for years.

    so-so answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
    3 comments by Bion Satir, Rev.Enant, and so-so…
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  • 2008_0522stuff0016_small
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    Paper filters are capable of tasting like their components. Chemex users get around this by pre-rinsing their filters to remove the flavor, and I imagine that this would work here, also.

    Put the filter in the basket and then pour hot water through. Then, add your grounds and brew as usual.

    Griffin answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Photo_small
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    Brown Filters = Paper Grocery Sack Flavor

    White filters aren't "bleached," they're oxygen-treated. And they taste a whole lot better.

    I'd recommend getting some Dezcal (made by Urnex, easy to find online) to clean your brewer. Or, better yet, learn to hand-brew your coffee. Depending on the amount you need to brew at once, there are many options.

    I find the Chemex brewer to be the most versatile and rewarding, though a Hario V60 with a Chemex filter is magic.

    (contrary to popular belief/myth, rinsing a Chemex filter will make your coffee taste more papery, not less. pouring hot water through it before you brew opens up the cellular structure of the paper fiber, so that when you eventually brew your coffee through it, it releases more fibers into your brew than it would have in an unrinsed filter)

    Will Frith answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Sacri_ordines_by_charism_small
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    It's odd that it's every 7 times or so.

    My guess would be something blocking elsewhere in the machine - have you cleaned the innerds recently? (i.e. run vinegar through the machine and thoroughly cleaned it?)
    Also, I might high-pressure-spray the spout where the water comes out and into the filter/ground coffee - I gotta wonder of there's some old piece of paper lodged in there or something...

    Certainly try changing filters though, too. If you could switch to a reusable -as So-so recommends- then you may wipe out the problem right there.

    Rev.Enant answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Photo_on_2011-05-23_at_16
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    "Natural" filters will have a paper taste. I have found that natural filters can taste papery even after rinsing. Chemex offers both natural and whitened filters. Instead of using bleach, they whiten them by using oxygen; they call it "oxygen cleansed". Perhaps there are Melitta filters like this?
    I drink Chemex frequently, and absolutely love it. You can order one at Stumptown or Arabica Lounge to try it out before you purchase one. too. The kettle, though, is really important. This is the industry standard:

    http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/store/product/id/3210

    The position and shape of the spout gives maximum control of the water flow.

    lilmonster206 answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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  • 41371_100000385004935_2598_n_small
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    This is because the coffee is make from a coffee mechine of pot that has been freshly washed the coffe mechines and pots must be washed but when you do so you also add by-products from the container and cleaners that tant the coffee. I hope you find this information usefull. Kind Regards Chef Mickelle Buie of Royal Tea LLC. www.royalteaparties.org

    Royal Tea answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Sidewalk_small
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    French Press, my friend. I've never gone back.

    Certainly! answered in Coffee & Tea about 1 year ago | Report
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