Disposable filters are my biggest conundrum. For years I would either use Aeropress with a metal filter, or French Press (metal carafe + press), or pour-over with something like the Bodum (metal filter). But I wasn't satisfied with my coffee. I went back to paper and it was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoy it so much more. I tried to tell myself I preferred the oils, etc. but in the end I greatly prefer the smoothness of filtered coffee.
So that's where I'm at now, buying big packs of paper filters for my Aeropress and V60. I'm not sure how to move past it. I guess I just tell myself it's infinitely better than Keurig for less waste and massively better flavor.
Agreed. Paper filter is way better. Getting good quality filters makes a difference too, there are a lot out there for Aeropress, Chemex, etc.
Anecdotally I had some cholesterol issues and found that going to paper of metal made a difference, surprisingly. Probably not significant but seemed to help in my case (I was drinking a lot of coffee then). Now I can't stand the oily texture of a French press.
Paper-filtered coffee seems to taste of wood or paper (slightly). I have used the same metal filter since the 80's. It is the oldest piece of brewing equipment I have.
Consider that paper filters may be more environmentally friendly than metal ones. Just look at a comparison of CO2 emissions between reusable bags and paper ones as an example. You’ll probably have to use a metal filter thousands of times more past its expected life span to break even with how much CO2 making it released into the atmosphere.
Even in case that is true - 1000 uses is about a year at 3 brews a day and my french press is still going strong after 15 years and I fail to see a reason why it wouldn't hold up another 15 years.
Do you have any sources on paper vs metal? It seems highly unlikely to me, that paper filters could be more environmentally friendly.
So that's where I'm at now, buying big packs of paper filters for my Aeropress and V60. I'm not sure how to move past it. I guess I just tell myself it's infinitely better than Keurig for less waste and massively better flavor.