Why rinse your coffee filters?

It's a gesture that we often see baristas do, but which can seem superfluous when making coffee at home: rinsing the paper filter before brewing . Why do it? Is it really useful? And what does it change in the cup? Here's a clear and quick explanation to answer this question that many people ask.

What is the purpose of rinsing the filter?

Rinsing your filter before adding coffee has several effects, both practical and taste-related:

• Eliminate the taste of paper
  Paper filters can release a slight odor or taste that transfers to the coffee during brewing. Pouring hot water through the filter before use will remove this residue.
• Prepare the equipment at the right temperature
  The hot water used for rinsing heats the dripper and carafe, preventing thermal shock during brewing. The result: a more stable extraction.
• Adhesion of the filter to the dripper
  Humidification allows the filter to better conform to the shape of the cone, which facilitates the flow of water more evenly during infusion.

How to do it well?

• Place your paper filter in the dripper.
• Pour hot water (just below boiling) to wet the entire filter.
• Empty the collected water into the carafe or cup (do not use it for brewing).
• Then add the ground coffee and prepare your recipe as usual.

Is it still necessary?

Rinsing is highly recommended with standard white or brown filters. Some higher-quality filters (thick, minimally treated, such as those from Chemex or Origami) have less of a papery taste, but rinsing is still helpful for temperature and adhesion.

There are also reusable filters (metal, fabric or plastic) that do not require rinsing, but a good cleaning before use remains essential.

What if we don't?

If you don't rinse your filter, you won't ruin your coffee, but you may experience a slight bitterness or dryness in your mouth, especially with delicate coffees. This slight off-flavor can mask certain floral or fruity notes. It's a bit like drinking wine from a poorly rinsed glass.

Conclusion

Rinsing the filter is a simple, small gesture that only takes a few seconds, but it clearly improves the quality of the cup. For specialty coffee lovers, it's an easy habit to adopt that shows care for the product, without resorting to unnecessary perfectionism.

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