There are many wonderful things that affect the flavor of our coffee each and every day. While we all know and understand that extreme importance of good quality and fresh beans we often overlook the importance of our coffee filters for affecting the flavor.

Like many things in life filters are largely a matter of preference. The good news is that today's coffee drinkers have far more selection available when it comes to coffee filters than those of just a decade or so ago. The choices are essentially limitless when it comes to coffee filters and I for one am glad to see that many companies are creating filters that are more environmentally sound than in days long past.

Paper coffee filters are the best when it comes to eliminating grounds from getting into your coffee. You can find these filters in most grocery stores. You also have the option of bleached or unbleached filters for those who prefer no chemical additives. Those that haven't been bleached are also better for the environment if that is a concern. In this day and age it is becoming a growing concern and one well worth mentioning. Most people do notice a certain weakening of the flavor with paper filters. If you plan to use paper filters you may either wish to add more grounds or go with a stronger roast.

Cloth coffee filters are little more porous than paper coffee filters. This means that while a little more of the wonderful flavor seeps through, so do more coffee grounds. This is still far more efficient at removing grounds than other means on the market though it does lead to some weakening of the flavor it isn't nearly as noticeable as with paper coffee filters.

If optimal flavor is you goal, then gold tone filters are probably your best bet. You should take care in purchasing a gold tone filter that will properly fit into the basket of your coffee maker. These filters allow a little more of the finer coffee grounds to sift through but provide a wonderful full flavor for the coffee lover in you. My favorite thing about this particular filter is that it can be washed in the dishwasher or merely in a sink full of suds. Either way, it's easy to clean and is known to last for years when it receives proper care.

In addition to the filters mentioned above a rising star on the coffee seen is an item that has become known as a pod. You can find pods in most grocery stores. These are already encased in a filter. You toss the filter in your basket and brew your coffee. When the brewing is complete you empty the basket of the pod. Many people love the ease of pods almost as much as they love the fact that there are no spills and no loose grounds in their baskets or their coffee.

Perhaps this has given you a little bit more to think of the next time you reach for the same package of filters in your local grocery store. There are all kinds of new tips and tricks you can try to affect the flavor of your coffee. You might be amazed at the difference your filter of choice makes when it comes to your daily cup of Joe.