Which coffee brewing method uses a paper or metal filter?

The pour-over brewing method is characterized by its use of either paper or metal filters, which are essential in the coffee extraction process. This method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds placed in the filter, allowing the brewed coffee to drip through into a carafe or mug below. The filters serve several purposes: they help to separate the coffee grounds from the liquid, promote clarity in the final beverage by catching fine particles, and can also influence the flavor profile of the coffee, depending on the type of filter used.

Unlike the pour-over method, espresso machines utilize high pressure to force water through finely-ground coffee without a separate filtration step, which means they do not employ paper or metal filters in the same manner. The Aeropress also employs a form of filtration, but typically combines a plunger mechanism with a filter cap that is not the same as the traditional paper or metal filters used specifically for pour-over methods. The French press, on the other hand, uses a mesh filter, allowing the coffee grounds to steep in the water but does not make use of disposable filters. Thus, the defining feature of the pour-over method lies in its reliance on these filters to enhance the brewing process.