Compatible with a wide range of brewing devices, including the AeroPress and V60, Precise Brew filters prove to be reliable and eco-friendly.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Featured photo courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Precise Brew filter: a product that promises to blend precision engineering with eco-conscious design.
Precise Brew is a pioneering sub-brand of Athens, Greece-based Coffee Lovers, an equipment distribution company and Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Premier Training Campus founded by Fotis Lefas and Sofia Bikouvaraki. Fotis and Sofia hold 20 years of expertise in specialty coffee, making them well-equipped to create a filter baristas are sure to love.
When testing out the filter, I tried out three variants: a 25-micrometer filter for the Clever Dripper; a 20-micrometer filter for the V60; and a versatile AeroPress pack containing two of each size (20-micrometer, 25-micrometer, and the “Impulse“ filter). Let’s dive in and explore how these filters performed across various brewing methods.
Unpacking the Filters
The filters arrived in sleek, envelope-style packaging: Compact and minimalistic, the package’s design minimizes waste while protecting the contents. Each pack clearly indicates its compatibility with brewing devices and provides concise descriptions of the filters’ unique features.
The simplicity of the labeling was also a welcome touch, making it easy to identify and select the right filter for the task at hand. Inside, the filters exuded a sense of craftsmanship. They felt sturdy yet flexible, a far cry from rigid metal options. Following the instructions, I rinsed each filter with hot water—a process that Fotis and Sofia call “ironing“—to soften the material and shape it to the dripper.
Precision Engineering in Microns
At the heart of Precise Brew’s innovation lies their meticulous design. Each filter is woven with fibers of uniform thickness, creating a balanced structure that controls particle separation with exceptional accuracy. The filters come in three microns:
- 20-micrometer: Highlighting brightness and acidity, ideal for vibrant cups
- 25-micrometer: Enhancing the body by allowing more oils through
- Impulse: Striking a balance between acidity and texture for harmonious brews
Brewing with the Clever Dripper, V60, and AeroPress
Clever Dripper: A Full-Bodied Approach
Using the 25-micrometer filter with the Clever Dripper, I brewed a washed Colombian coffee. The result was a cup with notable depth and texture, showcasing the filter’s ability to let more oils through while still maintaining a clean profile. Compared to paper filters, the body was enhanced, offering a richer mouthfeel. However, the brew’s clarity was slightly less pronounced, a tradeoff worth considering depending on your preference for body over crispness.
V60: Clean and Bright
For the V60, I paired the 20-micrometer filter with a light Ethiopian coffee. The brew had a sparkling brightness and a clean finish, with the filter emphasizing the acidity and lighter notes of the coffee. This filter was highly effective in isolating finer particles, resulting in a precise and controlled cup. While it excelled at clarity, the slightly faster flow rate changed the brewing rhythm, requiring a bit more attention during the pour to ensure proper extraction.
AeroPress: A Filter for Every Preference
With the AeroPress, I explored the full range of filters (20-micrometer, 25-micrometer, and “Impulse“), brewing a medium-roast coffee to compare their impact.
The 20-micrometer filter emphasized the coffee’s brightness, creating a lively cup with pronounced acidity. The clarity was striking, though it required careful brewing to avoid an overly sharp profile. This filter felt ideal for coffees where you want the brighter notes to shine, but it might not suit those seeking a more balanced or mellow experience.
The 25-micrometer filter shifted the focus toward body and texture. The brew was noticeably fuller, with more oils contributing to a velvety mouthfeel. While it didn’t offer the same crisp clarity as the 20-micrometer filter, it brought out a richness that complemented the coffee’s natural sweetness.
The “Impulse“ filter landed somewhere in the middle, balancing brightness and body. The resulting brew was smooth and approachable, with enough clarity to highlight the coffee’s character while maintaining a satisfying weight. This versatility made it the most adaptable option, particularly for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavor profiles.
Brewing with all three filters highlighted how subtle adjustments in filtration can transform the final cup. Each filter offered a distinct perspective on the same coffee, providing a dynamic and customizable brewing experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the most appealing aspects of the Precise Brew filters is their reusable design, but proper care is key to maximizing their performance and lifespan. After each use, the first step is to remove the coffee grounds promptly. This not only prevents thermal stress on the fibers but also helps maintain the filter’s structural integrity.
A simple rinse with cold water immediately after brewing is usually sufficient for day-to-day maintenance. Thanks to the filter’s water-repellent fibers, drying is quick and hassle-free. However, deeper cleaning is recommended every three to five uses, depending on the grind size.
The manufacturer stresses that choosing the right detergent is important: Standard dishwashing soaps often contain dyes and fragrances that could linger and affect the coffee’s delicate aromas. Instead, a natural, environmentally responsible detergent works best. A single drop applied to the wet filter for a few seconds is enough to restore it to its original state. Afterward, a thorough rinse removes any residue, leaving the filter clean and ready for reuse.
Who It’s For
The Precise Brew filter is designed for coffee enthusiasts and professionals who value sustainability, precision, and versatility in their brewing experience. With a lifespan of up to 1,000 uses, it offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to single-use paper filters, significantly reducing waste without compromising performance.
The filer is also compatible with a wide range of brewing devices, including the Clever Dripper, V60, AeroPress, Gina, Moccamaster, Origami, 3TEMP, and more. With its user-friendly design and easy cleaning process, the Precise Brew filter is well-suited for home brewers and professionals alike who want a reliable, reusable solution that respects the coffee and the planet.
The price of the Precise Brew filters varies according to the specific brewing device they’re compatible with, so be sure to visit Coffee Lovers’ website for more details on the product and to explore the full range of options available.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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