Posted Fri Jul 13, 2012, 2:51am Subject: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
Hi,
I recently purchased a balance brewer that included a cloth filter. I have read that cloth filters can negatively influence the brewing process because it will absorb some of the coffee essence from the brew and absorb it into the cloth. My question is if the metal mesh filter does a good enough job at filtering out the coffee particles on its own should I still use the cloth filter over it?
It is my understanding that the only purpose of adding the cloth filter over a metal mesh filter is to further filter out fine coffee particles. It would be great to hear your thoughts!
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,643 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Fri Jul 13, 2012, 5:40am Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
Keep the cloth clean and there should be no issues. I prefer the glass rod to any other method of filtering but that is a personal preference. I find a vac pot to be very clear and sediment free with the glass rod but some prefer the cloth filter YMMV!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Fri Jul 13, 2012, 6:48am Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
You are on the ball with responses! ;) I hear ya about the glass rod but unfortunately this is not an option as in this case it is metal. In essence I really want to know if I can get away in not using a cloth filter or does the cloth filter serve an additional purpose other than preventing finely ground coffee from getting through into the cup? If my understanding is correct than I am tossing the cloth filter but if it means reduced quality then I will place it over the wire mesh filter. What do you think?
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,643 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Fri Jul 13, 2012, 8:22am Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
YMMV= Your Mileage May Vary. The standard disclaimer that car manufacturers use when discussing mileage for advertising, usually you do not achieve the "rated EPA" fuel economy. This is another way to say that you may get something different than my reply, this is not such a unusual thing to happen when topics are more of a personal preference than carved in stone rules.
You can add the glass rod to nearly any pot. They were sold as replacements and can be bought for a few bucks on flea bay. Try the brewer either way with and without the cloth, if you don't see any difference to you or the difference is minor enough that you don't care, do what seems best, there is no carved in store right or wrong way.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Fri Jul 13, 2012, 10:38am Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
Hello, Blake
There probably aren't that many people on here with balance brewers and who can give you first hand advice, but I guess it will be easy for you try both ways of filtering and see which you prefer. If you find the metal mesh does a good enough job - for you - then I'd stick to just that: otherwise add the cloth filter too. The fact it came with cloth filters indicates they are expected to be used I guess.
I suppose YKMV would be more appropriate bearing in mind where you live :o)
Posted Sat Jul 14, 2012, 8:23am Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
From my use today I found the cup to not have any sediment/grind using the metal filter on its own so I will not use the cloth filter.
I am finding the coffee a bit lacking in flavour. I suspect I need to make my grind finer? Also the contact time in my opinion is too short. Another reason why I suspect I need to make the grind finer.
Posted Sat Jul 14, 2012, 3:51pm Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
I think that with these devices the contact time is pretty much fixed by the design, although a finer grind may slow down the draw-back.
To be honest, they aren't devices that many folk who are keen on coffee brewing would buy as their main syphon type machine, but they do have a theatrical attraction in the way they work.
A conventional syphon brewer lets you manage the process exactly as you wish, in particular the contact time.
I'm very good at spending other peoples' money for them...... but if you're keen on syphon brewing (and done properly it makes the best brewed coffee) you may be better buying an inexpensive Yama or Hario (including some "knock off" versions which are to all intents and purposes identical) and use the balance brewer on special occasions.
You'll also find used models on auction sites, which will be fine provided the glass is intact and the seal is good (or you can get a replacement).
Posted Sat Jul 14, 2012, 10:03pm Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
garrett17 Said:
From my use today I found the cup to not have any sediment/grind using the metal filter on its own so I will not use the cloth filter.
I am finding the coffee a bit lacking in flavour. I suspect I need to make my grind finer? Also the contact time in my opinion is too short. Another reason why I suspect I need to make the grind finer.
I might considering adding more coffee, not grinding finer, especially if all worked to your satisfaction. The grind is USUALLY a slightly finer than drip grind. VERY slightly finer.
Posted Sat Jul 14, 2012, 11:16pm Subject: Re: To Use or Not to Use A Cloth Filter for a Syphon Pot. That is the Question.
I do think the finer grind will result in a slower draw-back, at least that is what I have read. I will try it today and report back. :)
As for the question of convenience I understand where you are coming from. For me though I am using this because I love watching the process. It's kind of like building something and seeing the rewards except in this case I just light the wick. I really enjoy it a lot more than my Hario vacuum pot although I would not use any syphon pot on a Monday morning rush to get out the door.
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