Have you ever heard of switching out your paper coffee filters for a more environmentally-friendly alternative? Or maybe you’ve heard of ceramic coffee filters and you’d like to learn more. Either way, this article will teach you everything you need to know about ceramic filters so that you can decide if it’s something for you.
What is a ceramic coffee filter?
The ceramic coffee filter is a modern, eco-friendly means to brew coffee. The porous ceramic dish, which has countless micro-perforations invisible to the naked eye, lets users craft their coffee without a typical paper coffee filter.

How do I use it?
There are a few different types of ceramic coffee filters, so exact directions will vary by brand. The general idea, though, is to put the ceramic filter on top of your coffee mug before adding your preferred coffee grounds. Then, simply pour hot water over the grounds and let your coffee drip through the ceramic’s fine pores.

What kind of coffee should I use?
It’s recommended that you use extra coarse coffee with a ceramic coffee filter. That way, fine grounds don’t get stuck and clog the tiny pores. According to twentytwentyone, a popular brand of the product, coarse grounds also produce the best tasting coffee.
How to clean a ceramic coffee filter
First, you’ll need to dispose of your used coffee ground. It’s important to do this as soon as possible, since it becomes harder to remove them once they’re dry. Next, wash the filter with water until the water becomes clean. Ceramic coffee filters are NOT dishwasher safe, and many brands recommend against using dishwashing soap. Allow the filter to dry naturally.
Pros
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the ceramic filter’s low impact on the environment compared to traditional paper filters. Ceramic ones are also said to make finer-tasting coffee with an earthy and less-acidic flavor.
Cons
The unique flavor of coffee prepared this way just might not be for everybody. And, some users have reported that ceramic coffee filters are difficult to keep clean. If you’re struggling with this or are experiencing a clogged filter, you can try boiling it in a pot of water.
Best ceramic coffee filters
There are a number of companies that sell this product, but which ones are the best? Here’s a list of some of the most most-popular brands and filters (you can also order directly from stores in Japan):
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Starbucks ceramic coffee filter zero-waste?
The Starbucks ceramic coffee filter is actually not the same as other ceramic coffee filters. Starbucks’ version is simply a single-serve pour-over coffee maker, so it still requires paper filters and isn’t zero-waste like typical ceramic filters. The same goes for the Aerolatte and Melitta ceramic coffee filters. These are all different from the traditional zero-waste ceramic filter, but they might be more of your cup of tea.
How much coffee can I brew in a ceramic filter?
This is up to you! It depends on how strong you like your coffee, how big your coffee mug is, and how big your ceramic filter is.
Can I bring a ceramic coffee filter on an airplane?
Ceramic items are usually allowed in carry-ons, but airport authorities have the final say. You can also generally put ceramics in checked baggage.