The World drinks nearly 2 billion cups of coffee a day (with roughly 450 million of these in the US alone). That’s billion with a B! Many of these cups are made using a tried and true filter brewer, which has held a special place on kitchen counters and office break rooms for decades. Having been around for such a long time, most folks don’t give it a second thought when they insert a paper filter. It’s likely that even fewer are aware that there are coffee maker alternatives that don’t use paper filters at all.
Given the number of cups of coffee brewed PER DAY, it’s easy to imagine the number of paper filters that end up in the trash, and ultimately in a landfill. Often these filters are made from recycled materials. However, the other resources that go into their production – including bleaching chemicals – still represent a waste of materials and a potential negative environmental impact.
Paperless filter systems represent an individual with a simple, but ultimately large way to positively impact the environment.
Beyond the many environmental benefits, paperless filters also save money. Many users also state that they enjoy the taste of paperless filtered coffee more than that made with a paper filter. Paper filters often trap essential coffee oils which are the source of its flavor. Many new paperless coffee filter users describe their surprise when trying the exact same coffee without using a paper filter.
Our researchers have put together a list of the top paperless-filter coffee maker models on the market to give you a head start on finding the type that is just right for you.
List of Filter-less Coffee Makers
1. Capresso Coffee Team TS
The Capresso Coffee Team TS is a very easy to use coffee brewer with a built-in bean grinder. Its large carafe keeps up to ten cups of coffee hot and drinkable for hours. The Goldtone paperless filter allows the user to do away with paper filters while allowing the full flavor of the coffee to come through. The unit is programmable with a timer and other brewing settings. Customers have had nothing but good things to say about the Capresso Coffee Team TS.
2. Capresso Coffee TEAM PRO Plus
Like it’s cousin the TS, the Capresso Coffee TEAM PRO Plus comes with a built-in grinder that helps ensure a fresh cup of coffee every time. The self-cleaning conical-burr grinder slowly grinds the beans to help protect flavor profiles. This model automatically adjusts the amount of beans ground based upon desired strength and size of brew. Another built-in feature is a charcoal water-filtration system. It’s carafe can hold and warm 12 cups of coffee. Users have raved about the taste this model produces, though some say it can take a little time to get used to the auto features.
3. Capresso 5 Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker
If you are the kind of person who just wants a quick cup of coffee in the morning, the Capresso 5 Cup Mini Drip Coffee Maker is a good choice for you. Using the Goldtone paperless filter, Capresso 5 Cup can brew a cup in less than one minute. As the name implies, this model can make up to 5 cups of coffee, so it’s the right size for a one-to-two person coffee drinker household. It has a built-in automatic shut off after two hours. During a hectic morning getting out of the house you don’t have to worry whether or not you shut off the coffee maker. It’s drip stop feature lets you fill your cup at your pace without making a mess.
4. Capresso Ultima Pro
Paperless filters are not limited to making a regular cup of coffee. The Capresso Ultima Pro allows you to make not only a cup of joe, but espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes as well. The high-pressure 15 bar steam pump makes great foam and the self-tamping removable filter removes the need to press the grounds down yourself. You can program the cup size for coffee as well as make a single or double shot of espresso. Customers comment that even with all these features, this machine is user-friendly and intuitive.
5. BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup Coffeemaker
This no-frills coffee maker is a perfect option for an office kitchenette or as your standard morning go-to when you just need that travel mug filled. As its name implies, the BLACK+DECKER 5-Cup makes five cups in a Duralife glass carafe which is designed for drip free pouring. You can set the water temperature to your personal preference. However, a few users stated they had some problems with the simple features or that the size wasn’t large enough for them. But the majority of reviewers indicate that this little machine is a solid choice.
6. KRUPS Programmable Coffee Maker
The KRUPS Programmable Coffee Maker lets you make up to fourteen cups of coffee and keep them warm for up to four hours. It utilizes the Goldtone filter so you won’t have to worry about paper filters. You can remove the carafe and serve while the machine is still brewing. And the auto-off feature keeps you from worrying about leaving it on. Most user reviews state that the KRUPS is worth the cost and that it brews a great coffee. However, a large minority of reviewers said the consistency of the brew was hit or miss, with some cups tasting ‘watered down.’
7. Mueller Ultra Coffee Maker
The Muller Ultra Coffee Maker uses a paperless, reusable filter to make up to 12 cups of coffee. It reaches brewing temperature very quickly, so you don’t have to stand in front of a coffee maker for precious minutes in the morning when you are trying to get out the door. The carafe has a built-in drip-less feature that lets you pour a cup or two while the machine is still brewing. User reviews are overwhelmingly positive over the taste and strength of the coffee this machine can produce. A few customers complained about a strong chemical smell but said this went away after running several pots of water through the machine.
8. SHARDOR Drip Coffee Maker
The SHARDOR Drip Coffee Maker produces up to twelve cups of coffee at a time without the need for paper filters. This model keeps your coffee warm for up to 2 hours before it switches to its standby mode, which saves energy. You can choose your brew strength as well as serve while brewing with the built-in anti-drip capability. The automatic timer lets you set when you’d like your coffee brewed within a 24 hour period. Users agree that this coffee machine is quick and consistently brews a good cup.
9. BOSCARE Programmable Coffeemaker
The BOSCARE Programmable Coffeemaker comes with a removable and reusable non-paper filter, as well as a dishwasher safe glass carafe. It can brew up to 12 cups at a time and will keep them warm for 2 hours before the automatic shut-off switches off the machine for safety. The warming plate is non-stick which makes cleaning up any messes very easy. The machine will alert you when brewing is complete with an audible tone. Many users noted how quiet and easy to use this model. Others commented on how compact the machine is and its excellent value for the price.
10. Cuisinart Paperless Coffee maker
The Cuisinart Paperless Coffeemaker comes with a number of awesome features besides it’s Goldtone paperless filter. It is self-cleaning and comes with a built-in charcoal water filter, which means you don’t have to worry about using filtered water in your coffee maker. The brew pause feature lets you serve from the 12-cup capacity carafe without interrupting the brewing cycle. The spout is designed not to drip. Furthermore, your Cuisinart can be programmed 24 hours in advance. Most users are happy with the taste profile and the features mentioned above. However, some users had issues with getting the temperature high enough for proper brewing.
11. Mr. Coffee filter-less coffee makers
This sleek looking coffee maker comes with a 2 step water filtration system that ensures your coffee is made with the cleanest water. It’s activated carbon filter removes up to 97 percent of the chlorine found in ordinary tap water. Measuring your coffee is easy with the color-coded measuring system, both on the scoop and the carafe. One of the most impressive aspects is the ‘blooming’ feature, which pre-soaks the coffee grounds to draw out more flavor before brewing. This model can brew up to 12 cups at a time and uses a four hour freshness indicator to let you know when your brew may not be at its best regarding taste. The auto pause feature lets you serve before the brewing is complete. While most user comments were positive, some buyers noted that the reusable filter was not a Goldtone as advertised on the website.
12. Yabano Store Programmable Coffeemaker
The Yabano Store Programmable Coffeemaker enables the user to control brew strength with it’s easy to use control pad. The warming plate keeps the 12-cup carafe hot for two hours before the machine automatically shuts it off. Users can program the Yabano to begin brewing anytime during a 24 hour period. Finally, the brew pause feature allows users to serve while the brewing cycle continues. Most customers enjoyed the taste profile produced by the Yabano while others appreciated the speed (less than ten minutes for twelve cups) at which the Yabano brewed. Other reviewers noted the ease with which this model can be cleaned.
13. Amazon Basics 5-Cup filter-less coffee makers
This Amazon product is compact and takes up very little space on the countertop. It’s five cup capacity is brewed through a reusable filter. It has a built-in warming plate which keeps the carafe and coffee hot. Users can pour a cup mid-brew thanks to the brew pause feature.
Most customers liked the small size and speed at which the machine heats up. But a few reviewers commented that the Amazon Basics didn’t quite make five cups as advertised. Also, some mentioned that the machine leaked.
14. Bonsenkitchen Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker Machines
The Bonsenkitchen Stainless Steel Drip Coffee Maker is very easy to use and can make between ten and fifteen cups at a time. Users can set the brewing temperature and can operate the machine using an LCD screen, which can be seen in the dark. This model comes with a self-cleaning function and a removable, reusable filter that is easy to maintain. The warmer function turns off automatically after two hours. Most customers like the small sleek look of the Bonsenkitchen and enjoyed the flavor profile of the coffee produced.
15. Mr. Coffee Simple Brew filter-less coffee makers
This small, four cup coffee maker is great for countertops without much space. The Goldtone reusable filter removes the need for paper filters. This model sacrifices features for its small size, so there is no programmable feature for timed brewing. However, most users found brew speed to be very quick. Another drawback is that this model can make just under two large mugs of coffee at a time. Many reviewers complained about how hard it was to clean the filter or that the small amount of coffee produced can taste watered down.
16. Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer filter-less coffee makers
As its name suggests, the Hamilton Beach 2-Way Brewer can brew your coffee in a couple of ways; either into a pot or directly into your cup or travel mug. You can get up to 12 cups in a single pot or program the machine to fill up an exact single cup size. The Hamilton also lets you adjust brew strength. Its steel mesh filter removes the need for paper disposable filters and allows more flavor to remain in your brew. The Hamilton can be programmed up to 24 hours in advance. Users like the fact that this model doesn’t take up much space and that it is easy to clean. However, some users note that brewing can take longer than normal. And a few complain of a plastic taste even after several months of using it.
17. Ninja 12-Cup Programmable filter-less coffee makers
The Ninja 12-Cup Programmable filter-less coffee maker includes a steel mesh filter that allows coffee oils to remain in the brew, giving a richer, fuller flavor to each cup. It has a programmable timer that lets you set when your brew will begin. The Ninja also has a 60-ounce water reservoir, meaning you won’t be filling it up as often as other models on the market. But the most unique aspect of the Ninja is the way the carafe fills up. Instead of the conventional, drip from above method, the Ninja uses a straw to get the coffee directly to the bottom of the pot. This means that your coffee is constantly mixing and maintaining a more even temperature. While many users rave about the taste the Ninja produces and it’s easy to use controls, others have noted leaking, filter foaming and other mechanical problems. One of the most serious issues is that the glass carafe is very easily broken and even comes with a warning that it should never be placed on a stone countertop while hot.
18. Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable filter-less coffee maker
This is one of the first paperless filter coffee makers on the market. Many customers are now on their second one after years of use from their first. The 12-cup carafe keeps coffee warm for an hour after brewing. The no-drip design and brew-pause feature lets you pour while the pot is still brewing. The auto-shutoff feature prevents you from worrying about forgetting to turn it off. This model comes with rubber covered buttons which users really like. It’s low profile allows you to store it under low kitchen cabinets. Finally, the price is very reasonable for the quality of coffee that this machine can brew. Many users swear this model outperforms higher priced models. However, a few users stated their Black+Decker 12-Cup stopped working soon after purchasing it.
The bottom line
Paperless filter coffee makers are growing in popularity for their environmentally friendly design and their ability to brew a better quality cup of coffee. There are numerous models on the market to choose from. We hope our reviews have given you some insight on the options out there.