Posted: January 16, 2025
Brewing with the AeroPress coffee maker is simple, and even if your technique isn’t perfect, you’ll still end up with a drinkable cup of coffee. However, most AeroPress enthusiasts are coffee aficionados who are passionate about achieving the perfect brew. The AeroPress’s popularity isn’t just due to its forgiving nature but rather its versatility and ability to produce unique and exceptional coffee.
By adjusting various variables, you can create anything from an espresso-like shot to a bright and flavorful drip-style coffee. One key factor that influences the outcome is the type of filter used. In this article, we’ll explore how filter choice impacts your brew and highlight the best filters for the AeroPress.
There are two main types of stainless steel coffee filters: perforated plate filters and mesh filters. While they both provide a comparable brewing experience, enthusiasts often highlight their distinct characteristics.
The perforated plate filter features laser-cut 0.008-micron holes, producing a rich, full-bodied coffee with a noticeable amount of sediment. In contrast, the mesh filter boasts 123,000 holes per square inch, resulting in a cleaner brew with minimal sediment, all while maintaining a similar price point. Overall, metal filter disks are durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly, offering long-term cost savings by reducing waste. These filters allow coffee oils and fine particles to enhance the flavour profile, delivering a bold and robust cup of coffee reminiscent of espresso.
When brewing coffee with an AeroPress, the choice of filter can have a significant impact on the quality of your beverage.. Whether you’re after a dense, syrupy cup for milk-based drinks or a light, clarity-focused brew, understanding how each filter performs is key. In this guide, we’ll dive into the strengths of the Bruer Fine Disc, Bruer Standard Disc, and Able Disc, outlining their optimal use cases and brewing parameters.
Bruer Fine Disc: Espresso-Style Brews
The Bruer Fine Disc is the most restrictive of the three filters, making it ideal for espresso-style extractions. Its fine perforations slow the water flow, allowing for controlled extractions with finer grinds and shorter brew ratios.
Why Choose the Fine Disc?
Why Choose the Fine Disc?
- Flow Control: The slower flow mimics espresso brewing principles, enhancing viscosity and sweetness.
- Rich Flavor Balance: At a 1:5 to 1:7 brew ratio, it produces a dense, syrupy cup with reduced acidity, perfect for medium to dark roasts.
- Milk-Based Drinks: The heavier body integrates well with milk, creating a creamy texture that shines in lattes and cappuccinos.
Optimal Brewing Parameters
- Grind Size: Very fine (12–15 clicks on a Comandante C40, similar to caster sugar).
- Brew Ratio: 1:5 to 1:7 (e.g., 15g coffee to 75–105 ml water).
- Water Temperature: 92–94°C.
- Method: Total immersion for 1:30–2:00 minutes, followed by a steady press.
The Bruer Fine Disc is the go-to choice for those who love rich, espresso-style brews and milk-based beverages.
Bruer Standard Disc: Balanced and Versatile
The Bruer Standard Disc is the most versatile filter in this lineup. Its larger perforations provide a balanced flow rate, making it forgiving and ideal for filter-style brewing at medium-coarse grind sizes.
Why Choose the Standard Disc?
Why Choose the Standard Disc?
- Ease of Use: Its forgiving flow rate works well with slight brewing variations, making it great for casual brewers.
- Fuller Body and Sweetness: Compared to the Able Disc, the Standard Disc creates a richer mouthfeel and enhances sweetness, especially in medium to dark roasts.
- All-Rounder: Suitable for light, medium, and dark roasts, it adapts to various brewing styles and roast profiles.
Optimal Brewing Parameters
- Grind Size: Medium-coarse (20–28 clicks on a Comandante C40).
- Brew Ratio: 1:12 to 1:16 (e.g., 15g coffee to 180–240 ml water).
- Water Temperature: 92–96°C.
- Method: Traditional Aeropress immersion for 2–3 minutes.
For an everyday filter that delivers a balanced cup with minimal effort, the Bruer Standard Disc is the ideal choice.
Able Disc: Clarity and Brightness
The Able Disc prioritises clarity and brightness, making it a good choice for light-roast enthusiasts. With tighter, more uniform perforations, it reduces micro-fines, resulting in clean and nuanced flavours.
Why Choose the Able Disc?
- Enhanced Clarity: Highlights bright acidity and crisp flavour notes, especially in lightly roasted coffee.
- Balanced Extraction: Larger brew ratios ensure a lighter body with well-defined flavours.
Optimal Brewing Parameters
- Grind Size: Medium-coarse (20–28 clicks on a Comandante C40).
- Brew Ratio: 1:12 to 1:17 (e.g., 15g coffee to 180–255ml water).
- Water Temperature: 92–96°C.
- Method: Traditional Aeropress immersion for 2–3 minutes with a slow press.


If you value crisp, clean flavours and vibrant acidity, the Able Disc is your go-to filter.


The Final Word
The choice of filter ultimately depends on your brewing style and coffee preferences. For dense, syrupy brews suited to milk-based drinks, the Bruer Fine Disc is unmatched. The Bruer Standard Disc offers the best versatility, excelling in balanced filter-style brews for a wide range of roasts. Meanwhile, the Able Disc suits those seeking clarity and brightness in light roasts.
Experiment with each filter to find your ideal brew and enjoy the nuances they bring to your cup!