Drip coffee, filter coffee, coffee bags — it’s easy to get these terms mixed up. While they all involve brewing coffee through a filter, each method brings something different to the table when it comes to flavour, convenience and the gear you’ll need. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between bags, drip vs filter coffee so you can choose the best brewing method to suit your taste, routine and lifestyle.

What is drip coffee?

Drip coffee is what many people picture when they think of classic home or office coffee. It’s brewed using an automatic machine, where hot water slowly drips over ground coffee and passes through a paper or metal filter, collecting as freshly brewed coffee in a carafe below.

What is filter coffee?

If you’ve ever seen a V60, Chemex or similar brewer, you’ve seen filter coffee in action. While the term filter coffee can sometimes confuse people, it specifically refers to manual brewing methods where hot water is poured over coffee grounds and passes through a filter, much like drip coffee, but with more control in your hands.

With filter coffee, you decide the water flow, timing and grind size, often using paper or metal filters. The result? Greater precision and clarity in the cup, making it ideal for highlighting the unique qualities of specialty beans.

What are coffee bags?

Coffee bags are the simplest, most portable way to enjoy freshly brewed coffee — think of them like tea bags but for coffee. Each coffee bag contains pre-portioned, freshly ground coffee inside a filter bag you simply steep in a cup of hot water.

You might also hear about instant drip coffee bags. These clever single-serve bags are designed to sit over your cup, allowing hot water to drip through freshly ground coffee for a smooth, satisfying brew — no equipment needed.

Which one should you choose?

If you're wondering about the difference between drip and filter coffee or which brewing method is right for you, you can make your decision according to these simple guidelines:

• Drip coffee — This coffee is effortless, consistent and ideal for brewing multiple cups, perfect for households, offices or busy mornings.
• Filter coffee — A more hands-on approach to coffee, filter brewing is ideal for those who want to slow down and enjoy experimenting with flavour and showcasing high-quality beans.
• Coffee bags — The ultimate in convenient coffee brewing methods, ideal for travel, the office or when you just want great coffee fast. For hassle-free quality, Little Italy Coffee Roasters drip coffee filter bags are among the best coffee bags Australia has to offer.

Brew it your way with Little Italy Coffee Roasters

No matter which brewing style suits your routine, one thing stays the same: great beans are essential. At Little Italy Coffee Roasters, we believe the foundation of a great brew starts with premium, freshly roasted coffee.

Whether you’re after approachableblends for your drip coffee machine, distinctive single origins or convenient options like coffee bags, we’ve got you covered. Explore our full coffee collection and discover how the right beans can elevate your daily brew, no matter how you make it.