Melitta and classic cone approaches
How Melitta and traditional cone-shaped brewers function and how to optimize their use for balanced extraction.

- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 1 min read

Melitta and Cone Brewer Basics
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Design Features:
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Melitta popularized the paper filter in 1908, pioneering modern drip brewing.
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Classic cone brewers have a single small hole at the bottom, regulating flow.
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Variants include 1-hole (slower drawdown, more control) and multi-hole cones (faster flow).
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Filters:
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Melitta filters are widely available, usually flat-bottomed at the tip.
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Must be pre-rinsed to remove paper flavor and ensure even flow.
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Grind Size:
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Medium to medium-fine grind.
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Finer grind slows flow, enhancing extraction; coarser grind speeds it up.
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Pouring Technique:
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Bloom with 2–3× dose in water for 30–45 seconds.
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Gentle spiral or center pour works; flow rate is naturally regulated by the small exit hole.
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Brew time typically 3–4 minutes.
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Flavor Profile:
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Balanced, approachable cups.
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Less clarity than Chemex or V60 but more body.
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Often yields consistent results, making it beginner-friendly.
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Practical Tips:
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Avoid grinding too fine, as Melitta’s small hole can cause clogging.
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Use steady, moderate pours rather than aggressive agitation.
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Ideal for everyday brewing with minimal equipment adjustments.
Summary
Melitta and classic cone brewers are reliable, accessible methods that produce balanced, crowd-pleasing coffee. Their regulated flow design makes them forgiving and consistent, ideal for both beginners and casual daily brewing.