Coffee filter: Find the right size - how it works

If you want to brew your coffee by hand or a conventional coffee machine, you need the right coffee filter size. To help you find the right one, we briefly explain the different names in this kitchen tip.

Coffee filters - different sizes

The Melitta company was the pioneer for coffee filters and also introduced the first size labels.

• There are basically three different variants of the size specification: "1x ...", just a single number or the 100 series.
• The most common size is "1 x 4", some manufacturers only indicate "4". These filter bags are suitable for coffee machines that brew eight to ten cups of coffee.
• The "1 x 2" size is less common for machines for six to eight cups of coffee. There are also the sizes "1 x 6" and "1 x 10".
• You have probably seen bags with the size of the 100 series. These are actually intended for hand filters.
• With size 100, you can brew two cups of coffee. For porcelain filters that are to brew three to four cups, choose size 101.
• The filter bag size 102 corresponds approximately to the designation "1 x 4".
• By the way: If the filter is too big for your machine or porcelain filter, this is not a problem: just fold the edges once and make the paper filter fit.
• However, if the filter is too small for use, it quickly buckles and the coffee grounds can get into your coffee.

If you are looking for a coffee substitute, you will find seven alternatives to coffee in our next post.