KOFFI ® DISC - Metal Filter for AeroPress - Reusable - Stainless Steel Ultra Fine Mesh Disk - for Better Tasting Coffee

Bought this with one thought in mind, even if I taste no difference, as long as it works and lasts longer that a pack (and a bit) of paper filters then I've not wasted my money.We'll start with the filter as a replacement, it works just grand. That was easy wasn't it?Others have complained that the water ran through too quickly . . . . .The instructions (and packaging) explicitly states that (for best results) USE THE INVERTED METHOD!Sorry for shouting there, however I must say, if you either:1. Don't know what the 'Inverted Method' is,or2. Can't follow basic instructionsthen please gift your Aeropress to someone who does/can!!Right, rant out of the way!Another 'issue' raised by others is the fit, as it's about the thickness of 2-3 paper filters, fitting the plastic end-cap IS tight, but mine DOES fit and fit well.As it's metal and not paper it isn't tolerant of grounds between the Aeropress rim and the filter outer ring - so brush off stray grounds.I DO find, as the backpressure is reduced during pressing, there is less propensity for water and grounds to escape around the edge of the filter if you press too hard.Cleaning so far has been easy - a rinse under the tap is working fine for now.Onto the taste test, I've used the filter exclusively for the last 3 days; about 8-10 cups of coffee approximately, and just thought "mmmmmm, that tastes nice". Without a direct comparison though, that would be a pretty meaningless review; I decided to do this properly.I've JUST done a side by side comparison, same coffee (ground mere minutes before brewing - I'm not a complete amateur), the same measure - levelled off, the same temperature water (within 0.1 degree C - yes, I have a thermometer for coffee).Same brew time, same amount of water in the coffee, same amount of 'top-up' water too (one of my cups is quite a bit bigger! You're glad you know this aren't you)?Yes, I know I need to get out more; I tried it, it wasn't for me.Now, for coffee I usually use my 'nose', unfortunately she's at work right now so I used my spare (he works with me).In blind sniff & taste tests he immediately picked the Koffi disc option as smelling stronger and tasting better - something he put down to 'more oils'. He wasn't overly surprised when I revealed which cup was which.Good start, onto me. I have an average palate, I know if I'm drinking tea or coffee, I even know if I'm drinking 'proper' coffee or that 'instant' cack that I describe as 'the devil's ball-bag scrapings'; even I can taste an improvement between cups. I'm not going to launch into words and phrases like 'brighter' etc (that's for torches and lights), but it DID taste better - fuller and more flavoursome to me.So yes, I like.Would I recommend? Yup, if you can read!Enjoy.

Where do I start? I will start with the couple of negatives, then move onto the positives.Negatives.1. The fitting of the disk into the device is very tight, you worry about twisting so hard might break the plastic, but it does twist and is very secure. In fact more secure than the paper disk which has the habit of not always fully engaging, leading to a mess. With the disc there is no doubt.2' Once the coffee is made and you need to discard the grounds. Normally the whole lot is placed over the bin and ejected paper and all. Now you have to carefully lift the disc off, being careful not to lose it in the bin. Practice will improve this manoeuvre.3. Cleaning. The disc rinsed under the tap, but a few smaller grounds get caught under the metal ring and gauze. You just need to make sure to get them all out.Positives.1.I was not expecting this level of improvement of flavour, the quality of taste, the fullness, rounded deep flavours, the aroma, the sheer quality of taste is unbelievable. The aerppress made a good coffee using paper filter into the upper reaches of the best coffee I've ever tasted. This is as good as coffee made in the hideously expensive machine the owner of a local Italian restaurant went to Italy to bring home. I am going to get some of his blend to check the difference.2. No longer having to try and get one paper disc and checking and rechecking it is secured properly.3. Convenience, the metal disc can be stored fitted and ready for use when cleaned and dried properly.4. Did I mention the flavour? Wow! I can't believe this is the same coffee, The taste is so different, deeper, more earthy. In fact i may even switch down to a more gentle blend as I am used to the paper filter altering the depth of flavour so much.I think that covers my initial thoughts on the filter. I am very impressed. I am delighted to have the metal filter now, it drives all thoughts of a posh expensive machine out of my thinking. It now provides the standard by which other coffee will be measured.

I have been using this for the last 2 weeks. In terms of quality and feel, it’s a great product. Very well made and very fine mesh.In terms of taste, to be honest, the difference is very minimal. I would challenge somebody to take a blind taste test and consistently tell the difference. It still brews a fantastic cup no doubt, but much the same as the paper filters in my opinion. I will say that I have stopped using the paper filters altogether now as I get the same result with this only now I’m not wasting paper filters. It feels like I’m doing the planet good :).From a cleaning point of view, it is very easy to clean and there is never any sediment left behind in it.To clarify on the fit. This metal filter does not fit snugly into the Aeropress cap. There is a gap of at least 2mm all around, meaning if I pop the filter in and turn the cap upside down, the filter falls right out. Given that I use the inverted method, this means I have to place the filter on top of the opening of the Aeropress, then put the cap on over it. It’s no problem but just to be aware of this.The cleanup is obviously slightly more finicky as you have to carefully take the metal filter off before discarding the coffee puck. There is some coffee pressed into the filter, so it does require a run under the tap. As I said before it’s very easy to clean, somewhat satisfying actually, but again it’s something to bear in mind.Overall, I’m fairly happy with this product. I will continue to use it as I love the brew of an Aeropress and I can store this filter neatly inside the cap of the Aeropress when not in use.

Disclaimer: I am not a super coffe snob!Great replacement for paper, have used about 50 times now with no visible signs of damage or use apart from slight discoloration, which is removable with deep cleaning. Great to not have to use paper.Very useable with inversion method, not tested normal method.