Health Effects of Gold Coffee Filters

You love a hot cup of joe in the morning, but coffee filters can be a pain. They're disposable so you have to keep buying them, and discarding so much paper can feel like a waste. Whether you're thinking of switching to gold coffee filters for the environmental impact or to save money in the long run, you might find a number of other advantages to your choice---from health benefits to better-tasting coffee.

Gold filters refer to either solid 23-karat gold or Swiss gold filters, or to gold-toned filters made from stainless steel and then covered in a gold plating. The first kind is, naturally, more expensive, in the $20 range; the latter can be purchased for under $10. Gold coffee filters are available in kitchen stores and online. You may also be able to purchase one at your local coffee shop, especially if it's a specialty coffee shop, such as a Starbucks or an independent cafe.

One of the main health benefits to using gold coffee filters can also be achieved by using unbleached paper filters. The bleached white coffee filters are typically chemically treated with chlorine, which can result in toxic exposure to dioxin. Avoiding bleached white paper filters will help you avoid this risk. Other health benefits result from the fact that the gold of the filter does not react to the hot water used to make coffee. Finally, because gold does not absorb the oils that surround the coffee bean as paper does, more of the natural antioxidants and other nutrients in the coffee bean end up in your cup.

In many cases, the healthier, purer option can result in a better taste. The reaction of paper with hot water can affect the taste of coffee due to particles from the paper ending up in the coffee. The lack of a chemical reaction between gold and hot water not only allows the coffee to avoid being tainted by dioxin but also results in a purer, cleaner taste. Moreover, the natural oils surrounding the bean that are not stripped away the way they are with paper filters create a richer, deeper, and more complex flavor. In addition to a more intensely flavored coffee, gold filters are, of course, more economical, and more practical, as you never find yourself without it one morning and having to dash out the door to the store, as with paper filters. And, seeing as gold filters can last for years, you'll not only be saving money but also the environment.

Cleaning a gold filter is easy. Most gold filters are dishwasher safe so, once a week, just pop it in the dishwasher. It's important to keep your filter clean, as residue from the coffee grounds can build up over time and affect the taste of your brew. In addition to weekly cleanings, rinse the filter well under piping hot water after each use. If you use dish soap, be sure to rinse it very well as you don't want to end up with soapy particles in your coffee.

While many people who purchase a gold coffee filter are thrilled with its results, some people experience a recurring problem: sludge. The fine mesh that filters the grounds is sometimes too porous and can lead to a muddy cup. This problem is more common with cheaper gold-toned models than with solid gold filters. It might be a good idea to shell out for a higher quality filter so as to avoid one that is faulty. You'll only have to make the purchase once, after all! Great brands to look for include Braun, Krups, Black and Decker, and Swissgold.