How to Make Coffee Without a Filter? 6 Easiest Ways

Coffee filters are used in coffee machines to eliminate harmful oils called diterpenes. While these oils are not harmful, many people prefer to filter coffee just in case and remove any excess coffee grounds in their cup of java. However, what if you run out of coffee filters and are craving a cup of coffee? Luckily, we know many ways you can make coffee without a coffee filter.

You can make coffee without a filter by using a cheesecloth or paper towels. You can also switch to a French press or Moka pot instead of a coffee machine. Instant coffee and Turkish coffee can be made without any coffee filters.

Method 1- Using a Cheese Cloth

You can use cheesecloth as a coffee filter too! Cheese cloths are widely available in different types. You can use Grade 40, Grade 50, and even grade 90 cheesecloths. If you plan to use the fabric permanently for your filtering, go for a grade 90 cloth as it is more durable and has a higher thread count.

If you do not have cheesecloth or do not want to buy one, you can also use any muslin fabric for it. The muslin will let the coffee flow through the threads and keep the coffee grounds on the cloth. Most street cheese vendors use muslin too.

Requirements

• A cheesecloth
• Two tablespoons of ground coffee
• 8 ounces water

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the water in an electric kettle or a saucepan on a stove. After boiling, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2

Put the ground coffee into a carafe/vessel or any other brewing container large enough to accommodate the water. Pour the water over the ground coffee and stir it for two minutes. Then let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 3

Place the cheesecloth or muslin fabric on top of your mug. Carefully pour the coffee and water mixture into the cup while the cloth covers the opening. The ground coffee will stay on the fabric, and smooth coffee will pour into your mug. Squeeze the material carefully to drain all liquid into the cup.

Method 2 – Drip Coffee Without Filter Using A Paper Towel

You can make coffee without a filter by substituting the filter for paper towels. You might think that a paper towel will get all wet and soggy, but we will teach you how you can accomplish it.

Requirements

• Paper towel roll
• 2 tablespoons ground coffee
• 3 cups of water

Instructions

Step 1

Fold the Paper towel so that there are at least 4-5 layers of it. Cut the folded paper into a larger shape than a filter paper and insert it into your drip coffee maker.

Step 2

Put the ground coffee and water into the machine and brew as usual. After brewing, remove the wet paper towel carefully and dispose of it. Hold another piece of paper towel under the damp portion so it does not collapse back into the machine.

Method 3 – Use a French Press

If you do not have a coffee filter, try using a French press instead! You do not need any coffee filters to drink French Press coffee.

Requirements

• 2 teaspoons ground coffee
• 2 cups water
• A French press

Instructions

Step 1

Boil the water and pour 1 cup into the French press. Shake the French press slightly so the edges of it get warm, and then throw the water away.

Step 2

Pour the coffee grounds into the French press. Pour the remaining one cup of water into the French press as well. Close the lid. Let the mixture sit in the pot for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Push the plunger up and down a few times and then pour the coffee into your cup. Enjoy a lovely French brew!

Suggested Reading – Differences between Moka Pot and a French Press.

Method 4 – Make Turkish Coffee

Did you know Turkish people do not filter their coffee? Well, you can do the same, and it tastes fantastic! This method uses a stove for brewing, and no milk is used. You can make your additions but for the authentic Turkish taste, follow our recipe.

Requirements

• One cup water
• 1 tablespoon ground coffee
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Put the ground coffee into the french press pot and pour the water into it. You can add sugar at this stage.

Step 2

Heat the water and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes on low flame. Overheating it can lead to a burning taste. Now pour the coffee into your favorite mug, add creamer and sugar and drink away.

Method 5 – Use an Instant Coffee Mix

Instant coffee is made from pre-ground coffee that has been processed into a coffee solution or mixture. It is made using a procedure to eliminate even more water. Hence, instant coffee is readily soluble and does not need a filter. If you are running low on coffee filters, instant coffee can be the perfect solution.

Requirements

• One packet of instant coffee mix
• One cup of water
• 3 tablespoons milk (optional)

Instructions

Heat the water on a stove. After it boils, pour it into a mug and add the instant coffee mix. Mix well and enjoy! You can even add milk at this stage.

Method 6 – Make Cold Brew

You can make coffee using no filter by switching to cold brew! Cold-brew is yet another way to make coffee without a coffee filter. Iced coffee is just as good as hot coffee and is a good instant fix. You can use either a cheesecloth or muslin for this recipe.

Requirements

• A cheesecloth
• 2 tablespoons ground coffee
• 2 cups water
• A rubber band

Instructions

Step 1

Put ground coffee onto a cheesecloth or muslin cloth and tie the top with a rubber band so that a small ball-like shape forms.

Step 2

Put the water into a mason jar. Dip the cloth (the ball shape) into the water and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Your cold brew will be ready, and you can even add more ice cubes to it. Add milk and ice cream to it for a creamy drink.

Why Is It Important To Filter Coffee?

Coffee filters are useful in trapping oil-based compounds in coffee while brewing. These oily compounds are called diterpenes. Cafestol and kahweol are the two most common diterpenes present in caffeine.

These fatty substances inhibit a cholesterol-regulating sensor in the gut when ingested. Hence, your intestines can no longer adequately manage the quantities of cholesterol absorbed and expelled. Therefore, an imbalance occurs that ultimately leads to high blood cholesterol levels.

Did you know that 49% of Americans use a drip coffee maker to make their coffee? Drip coffee makers always require a filter if they do not have a permanent one inside. If used without a filter, this can be very harmful to the population.

According to an article in the New York Times,  drinking filtered coffee was linked to a 15% reduction in the chance of dying early from any cause in both men and women.

When the coffee was not filtered, the rates were significantly lower. Filtered coffee was linked to a decreased risk of death from heart illnesses and strokes. Those who drank one to four cups of coffee were found to have the lowest death rate.

What Type of Material Is Best for Filtering Coffee?

While you can make drip coffee without a filter using materials like linen, cheesecloth, socks, and paper towels, some materials do a better job of filtering coffee than others. Paper coffee filters (paper towel method) are the best at catching all the coffee grounds since the fibers are close apart, and they do not let them escape.

However, paper towels and paper filters are not a very environmentally friendly way to filter coffee. Bleached paper, in particular, is an environmental hazard. You can use unbleached paper to filter coffee as well, but it will leave your coffee tasting slightly like paper. Unbleached paper is still the most eco-friendly and efficient way of filtering coffee.

Cheese cloths and other clothes have been used to make cheese and to filter drinks for ages. While a few coffee grounds may sneak into your coffee when you are using cloth, it is still an excellent way to filter coffee. Though not as effective as paper, cloth can be reused and is, therefore, an eco-friendly and healthy filtering method.

Conclusion

Can you brew coffee without a filter? Absolutely! Follow any of our methods above and treat yourself to a filtered and diterpene-free cup of coffee. Whether it is paper, cloth, or any other material you use, we assure you that it is much better than drinking unfiltered coffee. Just remember to wash the cloth after every use and use eco-friendly paper. These methods will benefit both you and the environment if used properly