Melitta Aromafilter 1x4

Equipment notes

Melitta traces its roots to 1908, when Melitta Bentz of Dresden, Germany patented a filter device lined with paper, the start of the paper coffee filter. In the 1930s the company tapered the filter into the wedge-like cone shape with ribs that its drippers still use, and the 1x4 is the large format in that lineage, matched to 1x4 filters that Melitta Japan rates for four to eight cups. The single drain hole still sets the pace of the flow, so the dripper rather than the pourer keeps control of drawdown, even as the coffee bed grows with the larger batch. Pouring technique therefore has relatively little influence, and the tendency toward a fuller-bodied cup carries over from the smaller size. It uses #4 (1x4) filters, a widely available size. Following Melitta's guidance, all it takes is a short bloom to wet the grounds and then pouring the remaining water evenly; preheating the dripper and server helps keep a larger batch warm. As a long-familiar home dripper format, this is a dripper for anyone who wants to brew coffee to share with family or guests without any technical burden.

Filters that fit

• Melitta 1x4Default
• Melitta 1x4 (Natural)Original
• Kalita 103Compatible
• Moccamaster #4 White Paper Coffee FiltersCompatible
• Sibarist FAST TrapezoidCompatible