Guest Author - Cheryl Lewis

I've been hearing about these gold tone filters for coffee makers for a while now. I tend to be a little resistant to change and usually stick with what I know to really work when it comes to my appliances. Recently I ended up with a new coffee maker that had the new gold tone filter. I was sceptical of the gold tone filter at first but I liked the idea of not having to buy paper coffee filters.

The first time I used the gold tone filter I only made four cups of coffee. It was the test run so to speak. I don't know that I expected the coffee to taste any different or if I expected the filter to clog up and make a huge mess. I used the Black & Decker 10-12 cup gold tone filter.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised that there wasn't any mess. The gold tone filters design allows the coffee to flow through the auto drip but doesn't allow enough room for the coffee grinds, even super fine grind.

I used the same brand and style of coffee I've always used and I found the taste of the coffee to be better with the gold tone filter. The coffee seemed more lively. There was more body to it. I thought maybe it was just the idea of the new filter that made the coffee taste better so I went back to the paper filters to see if I really could taste the difference. I was actually a tadbit shocked to find that I really did taste a difference in the flavor of my coffee.

Another issue I was concerned about was cleaning the filter but found it to be really simple too. I just simply dump out the used grinds in the trash (one day I'll find the recipe to make plant food from them). I give the filter a little shake to get as much out into the trash as possible. Then I rinse it in hot water. I take a paper towel and gently wipe it dry. I always clean my coffee maker using a vinegar and water solution and I'll use that solution to clean the filter too.

I know that these filters initially cost quite a bit more than a pack of paper filters but in the long run I think they are worth it. Most of the filters I've looked at run anywhere from $8.00 to $22.00, of course those prices do vary at different stores so be sure to shop around. The price also varies drastically according to brand. In my personal opinion the absolute very best part about the new gold tone filter is that you don't have to worry about whether or not you've got plenty of paper coffee filters and/or running out of them. Yes, the fact that it does improve the flavor of the coffee is fantastic too.

I definitely give the gold tone filters 5 out of 5 beans! I recommend that you give them a try and see for yourself!

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