The most important factor to consider when choosing a gold coffee filter is the type of coffee maker you have, though your budget and taste preferences can also come into play. Gold coffee filters come in a variety of different configurations, and if you do not obtain the right model, your coffee maker may overflow or simply not work at all. A gold coffee filter can be made out of steel or plastic, and either plated in real gold or treated with other materials in order to have a golden color. Gold coffee filters that are made from gold-plated steel are typically the most expensive option, and they consist of a very fine mesh that is created through an electroforming process. The coloration of less expensive gold-toned filters that are made from steel or plastic mesh is purely cosmetic in nature.
Gold coffee filters can be reused over and over, unlike paper filters that are disposed of after each brewing session. Most of these filters are made from steel, though plastic models are sometimes available as well. The main purpose of a gold coffee filter is to save you money over time in comparison to paper filters, which must be thrown out after each use. This also has the effect of producing less waste, and a single gold coffee filter can last for many years if it is cared for properly.
If you want to select the best gold coffee filter, the single most important factor is your coffee maker. Some coffee makers use cone style filters, while others use cupcake or basket configurations. Sizes can also differ, including both circumference and height. An improperly sized filter can prevent a coffee maker from being closed up and turned on, though units that are too short can also cause a machine to overflow and make a mess. One simple way to make sure you choose a filter that will work with your coffee maker is to check reviews online to verify that other people with your model have not had any problems with a certain model.
Untreated steel can react with coffee and pass on undesirable metallic tastes. Some steel filters address this issue with 23-karat gold plating, since gold will not react with the coffee and produce an undesired flavor. These filters are typically made with an electroforming process, and have a very fine mesh that can keep a lot of sediment from passing into the brewed coffee. Gold plated coffee filters typically cost about two times more than gold-tone filters, and can be more difficult to find for certain types of coffee makers. Since these filters can last for a very long time, you may want to consider this option if you are able to find one within your budget that is suited to your coffee maker.
Less expensive gold-toned coffee filters can be made from either steel or plastic, and can have varying mesh weaves. Filters with large pores in the mesh can allow excess solids into the brewed coffee, so you may want to stay away from those models if you dislike sediment, depending on how finely you grind your coffee. Since untreated steel and plastics are known to impart unpleasant flavors to coffee, these filters have typically undergone some type of treatment to prevent that from occurring. The processes used to achieve this differs from one manufacturer to another, and the actual gold coloration is purely cosmetic.