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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2014
I use paper filters and I own a stainless steel Able Brewing Standard Disk. I wanted to try a "fine" stainless disk to better replicate the clarity of a paper brew. So I purchased the Kaffeologie S-filter. The following are my observations.
1) The Kaffeologie S-filter has a silky mesh screen compared to the Able Brewing Disk Able Brewing STANDARD DISK Coffee Filter - stainless steel reusable filter for us with AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker - made in USA which is a solid stainless disk with perforated holes. Because it does not have a mesh construction, the Able Disk holds the water better for steeping and provides greater pressure resistance upon pressing (and the length of press and pressure is really a big part of what makes the Aeropress so special). I wish I had thought this through a little more before making the purchase.
2) The S-filter has a welded frame which centers the mesh and holds it in place. Seems sturdy enough but not as sturdy as the Able Disk which is solid stainless from end to end. Kudos to Kaffeologie for redesigning their product by encasing a solid stainless frame all around and on both sides of the disk to prevent/minimize the mesh-separation problems mentioned by several reviewers who were likely commenting on a structural flaw in an earlier model.
3) Some reviewers mentioned that the S-filter does not fit the Aeropress. Some may experience initial difficulty tightening the Aeropress cap with the S-filter, but this is not a permanent condition. Although I found it easier to screw the cap onto the Able Disk, the cap will work with both disks. The S-filter may just take a bit more effort and will work just fine after you follow the break-in instructions on the Kaffeologie website. Following those instructions are only necessary if you have a problem with the fit. I did not.
4) Both disks are easy to clean. Paper filters will give you the cleanest/clearest cup of coffee. The S-filter succeeds in letting only the finest grinds through. With the right grind and provided you do not press through the "hiss" (that's if you even hear a "hiss" with the S-filter), you may not get any coffee fines at all in your cup. The Able Standard Disk will let slightly more fines through depending on the coarseness of your grind. Both will produce far less sludge than any French Press. I have not tested the Able Fine Disk Able Brewing FINE DISK Coffee Filter - stainless steel reusable filter for us with AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker - made in USA to do a fair comparison of that model.
5) The S-filter works better with the inverted method of extraction. It does not work as well for the standard Aeropress method for brewing, which is my preferred method. Paper filters and the Able Standard Disk work well for all methods and, therefore, provide greater flexibility. I do enjoy having that flexibility.
6) I rinse and reuse each paper filter 3 to 4 times before discarding. Pretty economical if you ask me, at less than ¼ of a penny per brew if you reuse the filter as I do. 6 years worth of paper filters @ $2.99 per pack of 350 = $18.00, or the cost of one S-filter.
7) As much as I respect and appreciate the environmental concerns many have expressed in their reviews and the perceived benefit of a reusable stainless filter over paper, I find those claims to be a bit over-the-top and almost incredulous. Most of us probably discard more toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins and bulk mail in one week than 3-years use of Aeropress paper filters (not that I have measured this, mind you, just a general observation given how small and thin the paper filters really are).
But to each his own. I love my coffee and I love my Aeropress. I like my Able Disk filter whenever I want more of a French Press type of brew without all that heavy sludge. The S-filter, with its mesh design, will let fewer fines through and that is a remarkable achievement in and of itself, but it can also let too much water through too quickly. It may be good for some but it is just not for me. So it is back to paper filters as I try to recoup the money I just spent. Oh well, at least with my Aeropress, Able and Kaffeologie purchases, I have supported American entrepreneurs. I feel a little better now.
****UPDATE****
I decided to raise my rating to 3 stars as my original review prompted a very courteous reply from the company's owner, offering a no- questions-asked return if I am dissatisfied in any way. These days, such responsiveness to consumers is almost unheard of and I want readers to know, while this product may not be my personal ideal, it could very well be an item others will truly enjoy using.
1) The Kaffeologie S-filter has a silky mesh screen compared to the Able Brewing Disk Able Brewing STANDARD DISK Coffee Filter - stainless steel reusable filter for us with AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker - made in USA which is a solid stainless disk with perforated holes. Because it does not have a mesh construction, the Able Disk holds the water better for steeping and provides greater pressure resistance upon pressing (and the length of press and pressure is really a big part of what makes the Aeropress so special). I wish I had thought this through a little more before making the purchase.
2) The S-filter has a welded frame which centers the mesh and holds it in place. Seems sturdy enough but not as sturdy as the Able Disk which is solid stainless from end to end. Kudos to Kaffeologie for redesigning their product by encasing a solid stainless frame all around and on both sides of the disk to prevent/minimize the mesh-separation problems mentioned by several reviewers who were likely commenting on a structural flaw in an earlier model.
3) Some reviewers mentioned that the S-filter does not fit the Aeropress. Some may experience initial difficulty tightening the Aeropress cap with the S-filter, but this is not a permanent condition. Although I found it easier to screw the cap onto the Able Disk, the cap will work with both disks. The S-filter may just take a bit more effort and will work just fine after you follow the break-in instructions on the Kaffeologie website. Following those instructions are only necessary if you have a problem with the fit. I did not.
4) Both disks are easy to clean. Paper filters will give you the cleanest/clearest cup of coffee. The S-filter succeeds in letting only the finest grinds through. With the right grind and provided you do not press through the "hiss" (that's if you even hear a "hiss" with the S-filter), you may not get any coffee fines at all in your cup. The Able Standard Disk will let slightly more fines through depending on the coarseness of your grind. Both will produce far less sludge than any French Press. I have not tested the Able Fine Disk Able Brewing FINE DISK Coffee Filter - stainless steel reusable filter for us with AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker - made in USA to do a fair comparison of that model.
5) The S-filter works better with the inverted method of extraction. It does not work as well for the standard Aeropress method for brewing, which is my preferred method. Paper filters and the Able Standard Disk work well for all methods and, therefore, provide greater flexibility. I do enjoy having that flexibility.
6) I rinse and reuse each paper filter 3 to 4 times before discarding. Pretty economical if you ask me, at less than ¼ of a penny per brew if you reuse the filter as I do. 6 years worth of paper filters @ $2.99 per pack of 350 = $18.00, or the cost of one S-filter.
7) As much as I respect and appreciate the environmental concerns many have expressed in their reviews and the perceived benefit of a reusable stainless filter over paper, I find those claims to be a bit over-the-top and almost incredulous. Most of us probably discard more toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, napkins and bulk mail in one week than 3-years use of Aeropress paper filters (not that I have measured this, mind you, just a general observation given how small and thin the paper filters really are).
But to each his own. I love my coffee and I love my Aeropress. I like my Able Disk filter whenever I want more of a French Press type of brew without all that heavy sludge. The S-filter, with its mesh design, will let fewer fines through and that is a remarkable achievement in and of itself, but it can also let too much water through too quickly. It may be good for some but it is just not for me. So it is back to paper filters as I try to recoup the money I just spent. Oh well, at least with my Aeropress, Able and Kaffeologie purchases, I have supported American entrepreneurs. I feel a little better now.
****UPDATE****
I decided to raise my rating to 3 stars as my original review prompted a very courteous reply from the company's owner, offering a no- questions-asked return if I am dissatisfied in any way. These days, such responsiveness to consumers is almost unheard of and I want readers to know, while this product may not be my personal ideal, it could very well be an item others will truly enjoy using.
