What brewing method typically uses a paper filter?

The pour-over brewing method is distinguished by its use of a paper filter to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This method involves pouring hot water over coffee grounds contained in the filter, allowing the water to pass through and extract flavors before dripping into a carafe or cup below. The use of a paper filter serves several purposes: it captures fine coffee particles and oils, resulting in a cleaner cup with less sediment, and it can also influence the flavor profile based on the type of filter used.

In contrast, the espresso machine relies on pressure to extract coffee from finely ground beans without the use of a paper filter, while the French press uses a metal mesh filter to allow oils and sediments to remain in the brew. Cold brew does not utilize a filter in the same manner as pour-over; it involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period and is typically strained through a coarse filter or cloth, which differs from the precision and clarity offered by a paper filter used in pour-over preparation.