How to Stop Coffee Filters from Collapsing: Why It Happens & What to Do

Co-authored by Rich Lee and Kira Jan

Last Updated: October 26, 2024 References

Collapsing coffee filters can put a damper on your day–especially if loose coffee grounds keep getting in your fresh cup of joe. Why do filters collapse in the first place? Basically, if the coffee maker’s hot water supply doesn’t drip into the center of the filter, one side of the paper will get really wet and sag. Fortunately, there are a ton of easy fixes to keep your filters in place. We’ll let you in on all the secrets to using a coffee filter the right way, plus proven solutions to stop coffee filters from collapsing.

1

Use the right size filter for your coffee maker.

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The wrong size coffee filter won’t sit properly in the brew basket. As a result, water can pool around, causing the filter to collapse. To identify this easy-to-fix issue, check the filter package to see what size you’re using. The package will either say something like “8-12 cup” or it’ll give you a number like “#6.” Here’s how to decode coffee filter sizes so you can buy the right ones:
- #1 Size: 1 cup coffee makers
- #2 Size: 2-6 cup coffee makers
- #4 Size: 8-10 cup coffee makers
- #6 Size: 10+ cup coffee makers

2

Pre-wet your filter.

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If the filter sticks to the sides of your coffee maker evenly, it won’t collapse. This method works for any type of paper filter. All you have to do is run your filter under a very hot faucet (or pour boiling water over the filter). Make sure to completely wet the sides. Then, place the filter in the brew basket and you’re ready to make your coffee!^{[1]
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- Some coffee aficionados believe pre-wetting the filter will also rinse away “paper taste” from a dry filter.

3

Fold conical filters properly.

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Folding your paper filter adds extra support and structure. Conical coffee filters typically come with a crimped section along the sides and bottom. Before you open up the filter, simply fold the bottom crimped portion up, creating a strong crease. Then, fold the crimped portion on the side over toward the filter. Open the filter normally and place it into your brew basket. The folds will flatten out the bottom of the filter, making it less likely to collapse.^{[2]
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- To figure out the best direction to fold the paper, bend the paper back and forth. Sometimes, it’ll feel easier to bend towards one side. When you fold the crimped parts, fold towards the easier side in order to add extra support on that side.
- Use the folding method rather than doubling up on filters. Using 2 coffee filters can slow down the brewing process and result in a less-than-ideal tasting cup of coffee.^{[3]
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- If you have basket filters, you don’t have to worry about folding them.

4

Try basket filters instead of conical filters.

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Paper basket filters or “cupcake filters,” have built-in ridges for support. These alternatives to conical filters are great for drip coffee machines because basket filters have large, flat bottoms.^{[4]
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Research source} Combine a basket filter with the pre-wetting method, and you’re almost guaranteed that your filters won’t collapse.
- As a downside, we should mention that coffee experts tend to prefer conical filters to basket filters.
- The flat bottom of basket filters can cause slightly uneven “extraction” (a fancy term for pulling the flavor out). That means your coffee might taste subtly more sour if you use basket filters.

5

Buy a permanent filter.

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Permanent filters fix the collapsing filter issue and make your coffee taste richer. Shop for a gold tone filter, because gold is an inert metal that resists acid and won't affect the flavor of your coffee.^{[5]
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Research source} However, in contrast to paper filters, permanent coffee filters allow more sediment and coffee oils to seep through. The result is a bolder cup of coffee with a well-rounded flavor profile.^{[6]
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- Selecting the type of filter changes how the coffee would taste but generally speaking people use mostly the paper filter to filter out the concentrated coffee.
- There’s some concern that the increased amount of coffee oils from permanent filter brewing will increase LDL cholesterol.^{[7]
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- However, as long as you consume coffee in moderation, coffee won’t have much of an effect on your LDL levels.^{[8]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  
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- One study shows you can consume up to 2 cups (.47 L) of coffee per day before it starts to affect LDL.^{[9]
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  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
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6

Consider cloth filters if you have a pour-over setup.

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Cloth filters are a sturdier alternative to paper filters. Look for filters made out of organic cotton that's unbleached and undyed. If you have a nel drip setup, you can even buy cloth filters attached to a sturdy hoop.^{[10]
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- Cloth filters are conical, so they’re ideal for brewing pour-over coffee because the shape allows for even extraction of the coffee flavors.
- Cloth will filter out the fine particles of coffee, but it lets slightly more oil through than paper filters do. The result is a smooth-tasting brew.^{[11]
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- The downside to cloth filters is that they require thorough cleaning after each use. You’ll dump the leftover grounds, rinse the filter thoroughly, and then store it soaking in a glass of water in the fridge.^{[12]
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Warnings

We don’t recommend making your own DIY filter “retainer ring” from a soda bottle (or other plastic) to hold the paper filter up. The heat from boiling water will deform most plastic. Furthermore, heat can cause chemicals to leach from non-foodsafe plastic.^{[13]
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Some people might suggest using regular household tape to hold the filter in place. We don’t advise using tape, because regular tape isn’t foodsafe. Plus, the inside of a coffee maker gets very hot, and the adhesive in the tape might not hold up to boiling water.

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