With the price of coffee rising, isn’t it nice to know that there are some ways you can reduce your cost per cup?
Reusable coffee filters are one avenue to explore for savings. Instead of spending money on paper filters that are used once and thrown away, you can save by reducing a purchase, one of the main principals of living a frugal lifestyle (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
Reusable filters come in two different types. One is a hard mesh filter, generally covered in gold. It is very durable and can be easily cleaned with a simple rinse. There is nothing to store, because the filter goes right back into the coffee machine after it is cleaned. You will need to be careful not to bend or dent the filter. I believe it was Braun that first introduced this type of filter. You can buy a reusable filter that will fit other brands of coffee makers, too. The cost of this type of filter is generally anywhere from $4 to $13, depending on the design and durability.
You can also buy reusable filters made out of hemp or cloth. This type of filter can be easily washed as well, but it does require a little more work to rinse. These types of filters generally last about three years before they need to be replaced. A great benefit of these types of reusable filters is that they are very inexpensive, costing between $2 and $3, making them a really great alternative to those paper filters. Make sure to look for an organic hemp filter. They don’t really cost any more, and you may avoid some pesticides.
Just for comparison, a box of 100 paper filters, in my area grocery store, costs about $1.25 to purchase. Not a great expense, but it can add up over time.
So I would say that reusable coffee filters definitely save money. Many people also like to use them because they say the coffee actually tastes better. Chemicals from the paper filters don’t leach into the coffee.
What products do you use that save money?
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Related Articles:
The First Principle of A Frugal Lifestyle: Reduce
The Second Principal of A Frugal Lifestyle: Reuse
The Third Principle of A Frugal Lifestyle: Recycle