Coffee guide / Filter vs instant
Filter coffee vs instant coffee
Both are coffee, but they are made differently and taste different. Here is a plain comparison, so you can pick what suits your morning.
In the cup: Filter coffee is brewed fresh from ground coffee, with a thick decoction and hot milk. Instant is dissolved from soluble granules.
How to make it
The difference (Read the table)
- Filter coffee. Ground coffee sits in a steel filter and hot water drips through for 15 to 20 minutes. You mix the decoction with hot milk.
- Instant coffee. Soluble granules dissolve in hot water or milk in seconds. No brewing.
- Choose by the morning. Instant is quick. Filter takes a little time and gives a fuller, fresher cup.
| Filter coffee | Instant coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Brewed from ground coffee in a steel filter | Soluble granules dissolved in water |
| Time | About 20 minutes for the decoction | A minute |
| Cup | Thick decoction, fresh aroma, body with milk | Quick and mild |
| What you need | A steel filter and powder | A spoon and a cup |
What you need
- South Indian steel filter (you will need this): Two stacked cups with a pressing disc: it drips a thick decoction slowly. The classic way to make filter kaapi.
- Davara and tumbler (nice to have): For pouring the kaapi back and forth, which cools it and builds the froth.
- Airtight coffee jar (nice to have): Keeps air, light and damp away from your coffee between brews.
We are planning to stock this equipment; it is not on sale yet.
Which Kaapiswada coffee to buy
Swadamalnad (80% Arabica · 20% Chicory, 250 g): If you want to try filter kaapi, Swadamalnad is the classic 80:20 blend, made for hot milk.
Also works: Pureswada (100% Arabica · No chicory). Prefer a cleaner cup with no chicory? Pureswada is 100% Arabica.
Tips
- Make the decoction once and keep it covered: a busy morning then takes a minute, like instant.
- The first filter at home is the hardest. Follow the steps once and it becomes habit.
Read more: Filter coffee vs instant coffee · How to make filter coffee at home
More guides: I want South Indian filter coffee · I want a strong filter coffee decoction · All guides
How to order
Add your coffee to the bag, enter your delivery details and check the full total, then choose Place order. The secure payment page opens straight away (UPI, cards or netbanking). Once your payment is received, your order is confirmed and you get your order ID.
Delivery is free in Bengaluru. Elsewhere, delivery is ₹49 + GST (₹57.82 in total), shown in your bag for your pincode before you confirm. You pay securely online when you place the order, and we send tracking details once your order ships. You can check your order any time on the Track your order page.
Questions first? Read the FAQ or the shipping policy.