What Is a Coffee Sock and How to Use It?

By
Samanta Fryer
Samanta Fryer
Writer
Samanta Fryer is our senior editor and content writer, at CoffeeVibe. Apart from writing and reading, she’s fond of the coffee brewing process and enjoys tasting new coffe read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Ryan Hendricks
Ryan Hendricks
Expert
Ryan Hendricks is our tester, who puts products through their paces. He used to be a barista and is now a full-time coffee enthusiast. He’s always testing out new gadgets, read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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There are lots of different ways to brew coffee. You can brew with a drip machine, pour through a filter, or use a press. Odds are, however, that you have never heard of using a sock to brew your coffee. This efficient design is a perfect way to brew hot or cold coffee, all while reducing your impact on the planet. Now, you might be wondering: How does it work? How do I use it? Don’t worry about that! In this handy guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to start using a coffee sock filter to make your favorite type of coffee brew.

What is a coffee sock?

The first question that many folks will ask when they hear the term coffee sock is: What is it? While there are many different variations on what a coffee sock looks like exactly, they all do the same thing. These socks, unlike the ones on your feet, are used as filters for making coffee.

A coffee sock usually consists of two different things. These include the actual sock, which functions very much like a disposable filter, and some sort of support system. These support systems can be as simple as a wire handle, or as intricate as a wooden or metal stand.

The actual sock is usually made from 100% cotton. This material is perfect for keeping coffee grounds inside the sock, while also permeable enough to release the proper flavors and oils from the coffee beans to make a good cup of coffee. Since cotton is a natural material, it also won’t alter the taste of your coffee.


A little bit of history

Coffee socks, though they might seem a bit odd nowadays, are actually a very old invention. They first popped up in history several hundred years ago and have been used continuously in Costa Rica to make delicious cups of coffee. The reason that they fell out of favor was due to the advent of paper filters.

These paper filters were thought to be more convenient, so coffee socks took a backseat. Over time, however, these affordable and environmentally friendly filters have started to make a comeback. Since they are reusable, coffee socks are better for your budget. This reusability also makes them better for the planet, since nothing has to be thrown away during the brewing process but the biodegradable coffee grounds.

What types of coffee socks can you find today?

What Is a Coffee Sock and How to Use It?

For every different type of coffee that you want to make, there is going to be a coffee sock to fit your needs. No matter if you want to make coffee with a standard drip coffee maker or prefer to use your coffee sock with a Chemex system, you will be able to find one that suits your needs.

These coffee socks are especially good for making cold brews. In fact, many coffee socks come with cold brew kits to help make the process even easier. There truly is no limit to the way you can use your coffee sock filter, which makes it an attractive option for your brewing needs.

How to use it?

Now, you might be wondering, how exactly do I use a coffee sock to make my favorite brew? In this section, we will review the proper steps to take to make a great cup of coffee with this old style of filter.

Getting the sock ready

Since coffee socks are not meant to be reused, they need to be properly prepared before you use them for the first time. Once you have the sock out of its package, you need to place it in some boiling water for about 10 minutes. This boiling water will help to eradicate any germs that might be on the sock and will also help it to become a better filter. This process should be repeated at least once a month to keep your sock working properly.

Cold-brew method

Cold brew coffee has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy a cup of coffee. It is, however, prohibitively expensive to purchase from a coffee shop, but very easy to make at home. Coffee socks help to make this process very easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:

  • Fill up a mason jar or other container that has a lid with a water partway.
  • Next, place as much coffee into your sock filter as you want. Less coffee will give you a lighter taste, while more coffee will make for a bolder brew.
  • Tie the end of the sock shut and fully submerge it in the water.
  • Fill the water in the container the rest of the way.
  • Allow the brew to sit between 10-24 hours in your refrigerator. The longer it sits, the bolder the flavor.
  • Remove the coffee sock, and enjoy your cold brew!

Hot brew method

What Is a Coffee Sock and How to Use It?

Hot brew coffee is something that most people need to get themselves going in the morning. It can be made in many different ways, but here are the basic steps you need to follow to use a coffee sock:

  • If you are using a pour-over brew method with your coffee sock, like the Chemex one, then place your sock into the filter reservoir.
  • Next, fill the sock with the right amount of coffee.
  • Boil enough water to fill your coffee cup.
  • Once the water is boiling, pour it over the coffee inside the sock.
  • After all of the hot water has filtered through your beans, you may remove your cloth coffee sock filter and dispose of the beans.
  • Enjoy your coffee!

How to clean it?

One of the biggest reasons that folks like to use disposable coffee filters is their convenience. All you have to do, after all, is simply throw them away. Coffee socks are not that much harder to take care of, thankfully. To clean one, you simply need to dump out the coffee beans and rinse it out. Once it has been rinsed, the sock can be set aside to dry for the next tie you want to use it.

One other thing that you should do at least once a month is boiling the sock. This boiling will not only help to keep the sock clean but will also allow it to remain pliable enough to be used as an effective filter. If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to use your sock for a little over a year before it needs to be replaced.

In conclusion

What Is a Coffee Sock and How to Use It?

Coffee socks offer you an easy to use, clean, and effective way to brew your coffee. They can easily be used to make cold or hot brews and can be purchased to fit pretty much any brewing situation, no matter if you want to use a standard drip coffee maker or a pour-over method.

These coffee filters are also a lot better for the environment. They can be used for over a year before they need to be replaced, as long as you take the time to clean them after every use. If you are looking for a good way to brew your coffee and limit your impact on the environment, then you should definitely try out a coffee sock filter.

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