Can the Sibarist FAST filters enhance the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer’s performance? We put them to the test to see if they deliver on their promises.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Cover photo courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
When it comes to brewing large batches of coffee manually, the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer has already made its mark. Designed to address a common problem in specialty coffee—brewing for more than one person without compromising quality—this dripper offers both efficiency and elegance.
Made from double-walled Turkish porcelain, the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer retains heat well, while its flat-bottom design promotes even extraction. The large single drainage hole allows for a steady and consistent flow rate, making it a great tool for those who want simplicity without sacrificing quality.
But brewing isn’t just about the dripper—it’s also about the filter. That’s where the Sibarist FAST filters, specifically designed for the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer, come into play. These filters aim to refine the brewing process even further, offering faster drawdown, improved flow control, and a cleaner cup. Having tested the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer before, I was curious to see just how much of a difference these filters would make.
The Sibarist FAST Filter: Precision Meets Efficiency
At first glance, the Sibarist FAST filters stand out. Made in Barcelona, Spain, from high-quality, 100% organic paper, these filters promise zero bypass, meaning water flows entirely through the coffee bed rather than sneaking around the edges.
This should, in theory, ensure more even extraction and prevent under-extracted, weak brews. The paper itself is exceptionally low-retention, which is said to allow for faster flow and higher extractions without clogging—something that often happens when trying to push finer grinds in traditional filters.
Another key claim is that these filters allow brewers to maintain full control over their pouring rate. With traditional filters, adjusting the grind size too fine can result in slow, choked brews. The FAST paper, however, is designed to maintain a steady flow even with finer grinds, opening up new possibilities for extraction without extending brew times unnecessarily.
For those new to the Etkin Brewer and the Sibarist filters, the team at Etkin has even created a short explanation video demonstrating how to fold and place the filters properly. This ensures a snug fit and maximizes the performance of the paper in conjunction with the brewer’s design.
The Test Drive
To evaluate the FAST filters, I used a washed Pink Bourbon from Colombia and followed Etkin’s recommended brewing recipe:
- Dose: 45 grams (16:1 ratio)
- Water: 750 grams of filtered water at 212°F
- Grind: Medium-coarse
- Time: ~5 minutes
The bloom phase, using 150 grams of water, resulted in an even, well-saturated coffee bed with no visible dry spots—a good sign of uniform extraction. The flow rate was noticeably fast but controlled, and as I added water in stages, I observed how effortlessly the brew progressed. Unlike standard filters that sometimes cause stalling toward the end, the FAST filter maintained a steady drawdown, preventing over-extraction while still allowing the brew to develop full-bodied complexity.
The final cup was exceptionally clean, with a silky mouthfeel that stood out. The coffee’s bright acidity and delicate florals remained intact, and I noticed a greater level of sweetness and clarity compared to previous brews using standard filters. While the Etkin Brewer already produces a balanced and consistent cup, pairing it with the FAST filters seemed to refine the experience further, enhancing body and clarity while cutting down on brew time.
Who the Filters Are For
The combination of the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer and Sibarist FAST filters is ideal for those who frequently brew for multiple people but don’t want to compromise on quality. The filters make the brewing process more forgiving, allowing for finer grinds and faster extractions while ensuring even saturation. This is especially beneficial for baristas or home brewers who enjoy experimenting with different coffee profiles and want precise control over their brews.
For those who value efficiency, the FAST filters shave crucial seconds off of brew time while still delivering a well-extracted cup. And for purists, the zero-bypass design ensures that every bit of coffee is contributing to the final flavor, without interference from unintended channeling.
In the end, while the Etkin 8-Cup Brewer has already proven itself as an effective solution for larger brews, the Sibarist FAST filters take the experience to another level. Whether you’re a professional barista or an enthusiastic home brewer, this pairing offers an accessible way to push your brewing consistency and clarity to new heights. If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow extractions or inconsistent brews in larger drippers, this might just be the upgrade you’re looking for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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