QUESTION: What’s the difference between #2 and #4 coffee filters? I was looking at some Bonavita pour over drippers, and one of them says #2 and one says #4. — Jerry F
ANSWER: The number of a coffee filter indicates the size and shape of the filter. Different machines require different sized filters. So in your case, the most effective thing to do would be to check and see which filter size you are already using in your drip coffee machine and then get the pour over dripper that uses the same filter so that you only have to buy one kind of filter!
Check your coffee machine to see which number filter it requires so that you buy the right coffee filter.
But to specifically answer about the difference between #2 and #4 filters, a #2 size filter is designed to be used with 2 to 6 cup electric machines or 1-2 non-electric coffeemakers. A #4 size filter is designed to be used with 8-10 cup non-electric coffeemakers or 8-12 cup electric coffee machines.
Which coffee filter size is bigger and which is smaller?
A #2 coffee filter measures 6.25 inches wide and 4 inches tall. A #4 coffee filter is bigger and measures 7.5 inches wide by 5 inches tall.
Both #2 and #4 coffee filters are designed for cone shapes coffeemakers.
As you can see, the #4 filter is larger and measures 5 inches from tip to the bottom.
The #2 Melitta coffee filters are smaller, measuring only 4 inches from the bottom to the tip.
If you put the filters on top of each other, the #2 is exactly the same size from the bottom until the level of 4 inches tall. At that point, the #4 filter continues outward and upward. If you had scissors, you could cut down a #4 filter and turn it into a perfect #2 filter.
Melitta makes paper coffee filters. They make both conical coffee filters and basket shape filters. The right size and filter type is determined by your specific coffee maker. Melitta paper filters come in a white color, bamboo and a brown color, including some bleached paper filter and unbleached filters for brewed coffee. They are disposable and meant for one-time use, but are made of 100% biodegradable materials, and widely available at the grocery store. The brand is well recognized by coffee drinkers. One advantage of paper filters is that they trap larger particles so you can use any grind size you prefer without the concern for having bitter sediment in your coffee. In addition, paper filters absorb coffee oils giving you a more clean flavored cup of coffee.