Introduction:The extraction quality of pour over coffee often depends on how well the filter paper fits the filter cone. Many coffee enthusiasts overlook the crucial detail of folding the filter paper properly, which can lead to the paper curling at the edges and uneven water flow during pouring. This article explains in detail the correct way to fold conical filter paper, analyzes common reasons for poor fit, and provides filter paper selection tips specifically for the V60 dripper, helping to enhance brewing stability from the basics.
During the pour over process, how well the filter paper adheres to the dripper directly affects the evenness of coffee extraction and the flow rate. While many users know that “pressing the filter paper” can improve the fit, they still encounter issues like edges curling or the paper not lying flat against the cone. Through practical observation, these problems mostly stem from incorrect folding methods. This guide will fully demonstrate the standard folding technique for conical filter paper, explain the relationship between folding precision and dripper shape, and answer common questions such as whether the V60 dripper requires a specific type of filter paper and key points to consider when buying filter paper daily. It will help beginners optimize their brewing experience by paying attention to the details.
In the past, we shared a practical tip about “pressing the filter paper with your hands to improve adhesion,” which we originally thought could solve most fitting issues. However, some customers reported that even with this method, the filter paper would still partially curl and fail to fully adhere to the dripper walls during actual brewing. To get to the bottom of it, we observed their brewing process and found that the core issue was — the folding steps of the filter paper had not been completed correctly.
The action of folding the filter paper may seem simple, so most tutorials only briefly mention it, and users tend to overlook its importance. In fact, a high-quality conical filter paper made of wood pulp, when folded correctly, can naturally adhere to the inner wall of the dripper and may even achieve stable adhesion without pre-wetting. If you notice that one side consistently fails to lie flat after placing it in the dripper (excluding non-standardized drippers such as ceramic ones), it’s almost certain that the folding method is the problem. Next, we’ll go step by step through the correct folding process for the filter paper.
First, observe the filter paper in your hand. Typically, bleached wood pulp conical filter paper has a visible seam line (as shown in the picture). This seam line is an important reference for determining the folding direction — it’s recommended to unfold the filter paper, align the two side edges along the seam line first, and confirm that the filter paper forms a standard conical shape. Then, fold the tip at the bottom of the filter paper inward by about one-third to create an initial base support structure. This step ensures that the bottom of the filter paper is less likely to collapse during pouring and helps achieve full contact with the bottom of the dripper.
The next step is to handle the side creases of the filter paper. Fold the two long sides of the filter paper inward toward the center line to form a structure similar to an accordion fold, but be careful not to press it too flat — retain an appropriate amount of curvature to facilitate later adhesion to the inner wall of the dripper. After the fold, a clear middle crease line will form, and this crease line needs to align with the conical angle of the dripper — this is the key to ensuring the filter paper follows the curve of the dripper and avoids curling. After completing the above steps, gently place the filter paper into the dripper and observe whether it naturally adheres to the cup walls. If there are still local gaps, you can slightly adjust the angle of the creases or lightly press the edges of the filter paper until the overall fit reaches the best state.
As for whether the V60 dripper must use conical filter paper? The answer is yes. The unique spiral groove design of the V60 dripper is optimized for the curvature of conical filter paper, effectively guiding the water flow downward and concentrating it, reducing channeling effects. Using a flat-bottomed or other shaped filter paper by mistake not only fails to bring out the extraction characteristics of the V60, but may also lead to brewing failure due to insufficient adhesion. When selecting filter paper, it is recommended to prioritize unbleached virgin wood pulp material — this type of filter paper has a pH close to neutral and will not affect the original flavor of the coffee; if you prefer faster filtration speed, you can choose designs with holes or thinner weights, but be aware that overly fast flow rates may sacrifice extraction evenness.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
