How to make coffee without a filter: the best coffee filter substitutes 

You stumble into the kitchen, bleary-eyed, ready for that first comforting sip of coffee. Then you discover your partner has used the last filter for their “experimental” cold brew attempt. Now there are grounds in the sink, a suspiciously sticky cafetière on the counter, and no filters left in the cupboard. But who can be mad? Love fuels the chaos, and caffeine keeps it going. The good news is, knowing how to make coffee without a filter is easier than you think.  

With a little creativity, you can still brew a rich, full cup without the fuss. This guide walks you through the best coffee filter alternatives, clever homemade fixes, and a few surprising hacks to save your morning and your relationship. 

Why bother with coffee filter substitutes?  

Coffee filters might seem like a small detail, but they do a lot of heavy lifting. They catch the grounds, let the good stuff flow through, and give you that smooth, comforting cup you expect first thing in the morning. Without one, you’ll often end up with a gritty mouthful at the bottom of your mug (which is not the nicest way to start your day!). 

And of course, filters always seem to vanish at the worst moment. Maybe your partner “borrowed” the last one for an ambitious baking experiment, or maybe the pack ran out without anyone admitting it. That is why it helps to know how to make coffee without a filter. With a little creativity, you can find a coffee filter substitute at home that works just as well and saves your morning brew, not to mention your mood. 

How to make coffee at home with no filter 

You may be asking, “What can I use instead of coffee filters when I've run out?” Here are the most reliable approaches:  

1. Using a paper towel as a coffee filter 

You may have never considered that a humble sheet of kitchen roll is one of the simplest coffee filter alternatives. Surprisingly effective, it catches grounds and gives you a smooth cup. Here’s how:  

• Tear off a sheet of a soft yet absorbent kitchen towel, like Plenty.
• Fold it into a cone shape to fit your coffee dripper or mug.
• Add your coffee grounds.
• Slowly pour hot water in circles, letting it drip through.  

2. A makeshift ‘coffee’ bag 

If you’re wondering, “What can I use instead of a coffee filter?”, try thinking like a tea drinker, but make a coffee bag: 

• Take a piece of clean cloth, muslin, or even a paper towel.
• Spoon coffee grounds into the centre.
• Tie it up with a string, a rubber band, or twist it tightly.
• Drop it into hot water, just like a tea bag. 

This trick is surprisingly tidy, and you can control how strong your brew gets. 

3. Strain with a sieve 

If you’ve got a fine mesh sieve or even a cheesecloth at home, you already know how to make filter coffee without a filter. All you need to do is: 

• Brew coffee grounds in hot water in a pan.
• After a few minutes, pour the liquid through your sieve into a mug.

The finer the sieve, the smoother your cup will be! 

4. Skip the filter altogether (aka the cowboy method) 

This method skips filters altogether and is as old-school as it gets. If you want to know how to make coffee without a filter when you're in a hurry or none of the above are an option, this is the way:  

• Bring water to a boil in a pan.
• Remove it from the heat and let it cool for 30 seconds
• Stir in your ground coffee — about two tablespoons per cup.
• Let it steep for four minutes
• After steeping, add a splash of cold water. This helps the coffee grounds sink to the bottom.
• Pour gently into your mug, holding the pan steady so most of the grounds stay behind. 

Yes, it’s a bit rustic, but many swear by it. The trick is in that little bit of patience while it steeps, and the cold water that keeps you from drinking half a spoonful of grounds with your first sip.  

Coffee filters: homemade filter tips

Whichever method you choose, keep these tips in mind:

• Grind size matters: Coarser grinds are easier to filter. Fine espresso grounds can clog makeshift filters.
• Pour slowly: When using a paper towel as a coffee filter, rushing water through it can cause tearing.
• Expect some mess: Even the best coffee filter alternatives aren’t perfect. Keep kitchen towels nearby for quick clean-ups. And if the odd splash makes it past your mug and onto the carpet (we’ve all been there), don’t worry. We’ve put together some practical tips on cleaning coffee-stained carpets that can help rescue your beloved carpet in no time.
• Taste and adjust: Brewing times vary without a standard filter. Test and tweak until it tastes right for you. 

Learning how to make coffee without a filter is all about creativity and a little patience. Whether you are folding a strong kitchen towel into shape, brewing cowboy-style, or straining through a sieve, there is always a way to get that first comforting sip.  

So, the next time you stumble into the kitchen and find the last filter has mysteriously vanished into your partner’s “special recipe”, do not despair. The counters may be splattered and the cafetière suspiciously sticky, but there is always a clever coffee filter substitute to save the morning. 

A good filter, or a handy stand-in, can make all the difference. And keeping your coffee machine in top shape matters too. For tips on how to get the freshest flavour from every brew, check out our guide on how to deep clean your trusty coffee machine.