Disclosure: Pull & Pour received coffee samples for this post, however, as always, all opinions are 100% my own.
About the Ameuus Micro Filters
The Ameuus micro filters are very thin, stainless steel filters that are designed specifically for the AeroPress as an alternative to the traditional paper filters. They come in two sizes: o1 10k and o2. The o1 10k has around 10,000 holes and is designed for medium or coarsely ground coffee. The o2 has around 50,000 holes and is designed for finely ground coffee.
Cost
The filters range from $10 – 16 depending on which ones you get (or $25 for both). $25 seems a bit expensive, but you’d likely only need to get the size that aligns with your brew style. I don’t think you would buy these specifically to save money though. For $10 – 16, you’d still have to use them a lot to make up that same cost in paper filters. That said, they do align price-wise with many other metal filters and do have some additional benefits that you can’t get with paper filters, which I’ll discuss below.
Quality
The filters are made with high-quality, food-grade stainless steel. In my use of them over the past few weeks they have held up well without any signs of wear or tear. As long as you are careful not to bend them, they should last a long time.
Ease of Use
In general the filters are very easy to use. The o1 10k filter is a single filter and slips into the lid just as a normal paper filter would. The o2 filters are actually two filters that you align together to create an incredibly tight dot structure. This takes a bit more care to make sure the filters are aligned correctly, but is quite simple once you get the hang of it. Once the filter is in place, the process is the same as brewing with a paper filter.
While not as simple as simply throwing away a paper filter, the Ameuus filters are incredibly easy to clean. It really just requires a quick rinse after brewing and allowing them to air dry on the provided drying disc.
Durability
My biggest concern with the Ameuus micro filters is their fragility. The filters are incredibly thin. This is actually one of their biggest benefits because it helps them work similarly to paper filters. It does make them very fragile though and easy to bend. I am constantly worried I am going to bend or crease one accidentally. They do also come with a nice plastic carrying case, which helps protect them between uses.
Appearance
While coffee filters aren’t necessarily the centerpiece of your kitchen, these filters do look great. They are minimally designed and are clearly crafted with intentionality.
Value
Steel filters are always going to be a bit more expensive than their paper counterparts. That said, these micro filters add extra value in a few ways:
- Eco-friendly: The filters can be cleaned and used over and over again. No paper filter to throw in the trash after each brew.
- Steel filters let through more oils from the coffee: Unlike paper filters that soak up some of the oils from the coffee, steel filters allow more to go through, which results in a richer cup of coffee.
- Micro filtration: The o2 filter has nearly 50,000 holes, which allows it to act as an excellent filter. I was incredibly impressed with how little sediment made it through to the final cup of coffee.
Coffee Quality
In using the Ameuus micro filters over the past few weeks, I’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of the coffee. I’ve mainly used the o2 filters, since I usually brew with finely ground coffee for the AeroPress. I don’t know if I’ve been able to necessarily taste a difference that it is better than paper filters, but definitely as good.
The Bottom Line
The Ameuus AeroPress micro filters are well-designed, high-quality reusable filters. They are easy to use, easy to clean and result in a cup of coffee that is as good or better than what you can get with paper filters. They are a bit delicate, but if handled carefully, they are a great option for any AeroPress lover.
