Is IKEA's 3.9 Yuan Funnel Good for Use as a Coffee Filter Cup? Why Has IKEA's Funnel Suddenly Gone Viral?

The IKEA Funnel That Became a Coffee Dripper

Recently, many people may have come across posts online about IKEA's funnel being used as a coffee filter! The story began when Indonesian competitor Amadeo Yurcel used this funnel as a substitute for a filter cup to make pour-over coffee during the 2025 WBrC competition!

His purpose was simple: he hoped to shift people's focus from equipment to the fundamental principles of brewing. He successfully advanced to the finals and achieved an impressive sixth-place finish. Although this result was closely related to the quality of the beans, the "filter" was so unusual that everyone's attention remained on the funnel. After the competition was broadcast, this IKEA funnel, priced at just $3.99, was quickly snapped up by coffee enthusiasts. After all, it had become an accessible "competition-grade filter cup," so naturally, FrontStreet Coffee also spent a considerable amount to acquire one (without blinking when making the payment), just to experience the effects of this "competition-grade filter cup." (IKEA officially states it's made from food-grade PP material that can withstand temperatures up to 100°C.)

The Challenge: Slow Flow Rate

However, if you've searched for related reviews, FrontStreet Coffee believes you'll notice that nearly half of the reviewers have complained about using this funnel. They found that during use, its flow rate was exceptionally slow, and there was a high probability of over-extraction. After multiple tests, FrontStreet Coffee discovered that this situation mainly occurred because the filter paper used by most people fit too snugly against the funnel, resulting in an extremely slow flow rate!

What Kind of Filter Paper Should Be Used with the Funnel?

FrontStreet Coffee explained in detail in the article "Four Major Differences Between Filter Cups" published a couple of days ago: most filter cups are designed with prominent ribs or recessed grooves. The main reason is to increase the gap between filter paper and the filter cup, allowing coffee liquid to have more flow space.

If a filter cup has neither prominent ribs nor recessed grooves, the filter paper and filter cup will fit perfectly, and liquid can only seep out from the bottom where the filter paper doesn't contact the filter cup. Although this creates a "no-bypass" filter cup, its flow rate will be extremely slow. This is exactly where the IKEA funnel falls short! Although its walls appear undulating, seemingly creating many flow channels between the filter paper and the walls, the grooves are too shallow to form effective channels. Additionally, if the funnel is only used with folded conical/fan-shaped filter paper, the paper will fit perfectly with the filter cup, resulting in an extremely slow flow rate. (Note: Because the funnel doesn't use the standard 60° angle design of conventional conical filter cups, folded conical/fan-shaped filter paper is required for use.)

FrontStreet Coffee tested that when using only folded conical/fan-shaped filter paper, the funnel's flow rate can only reach 3ml/s, which is identical to the flow rate of the Kalita Wave filter cup, known for its extremely slow flow. If you don't adjust extraction parameters, over-extraction is likely to occur. (FrontStreet Coffee used conventional parameters with a three-stage pour to brew 15g of light roast coffee, and the extraction time reached as long as 3.5 minutes, with prominent and obvious bitter and harsh flavors.)

Three Solutions for Better Coffee

So, if you want to use this IKEA funnel as a substitute filter cup to brew good coffee, there are three approaches:

① Adjust brewing parameters: Reduce overall extraction efficiency by using coarser grinds, lower water temperature, and fewer pour segments. Because the extraction time will be at least 3 minutes (when using only folded conical/fan-shaped filter paper), we need to reduce the extraction efficiency of other parameters to prevent coffee over-extraction.

② Use Lily Drip: Lily Drip can increase air circulation gaps, giving hot water more flow space. Through testing, FrontStreet Coffee found that after using Lily Drip (regular version), the funnel's flow rate increases by about 5ml/s, similar to the flow rate of a Kono filter cup. However, this approach is quite troublesome—not only do you need to purchase Lily Drip separately, but you also need to fold the filter paper! Therefore, FrontStreet Coffee recommends the third approach!

③ Use wave filter paper: Because the funnel has a larger "opening," it can accommodate size 01 wave filter paper. We simply need to place the filter paper inside, wet it to fit properly, and the funnel becomes a "flat-bottom filter cup."

Compared to the first two methods, using wave filter paper is much more convenient. Not only does it eliminate the tedious folding of filter paper, but it also requires no additional equipment. Most importantly, the flow rate can increase to 7ml/s, making it quite practical! Of course, the prerequisite is that you must have wave filter paper on hand. If using wave filter paper with the funnel, we don't need to make adjustments to brewing parameters—just continue using your original parameters and method. However, it's worth noting that because the funnel has a relatively long spout, we need to use a taller serving pot or a stand. Otherwise, we won't be able to use it because a shorter serving pot cannot support the funnel.

Final Thoughts

That being said, FrontStreet Coffee believes there's no need to specifically purchase a funnel to use as a filter cup. After all, specialization matters—a funnel cannot replace a professional coffee filter cup in terms of convenience or practicality. As you can see from FrontStreet Coffee's introduction above, the funnel isn't easy to use. The competitor used the funnel as a substitute mainly to shift focus away from equipment, emphasizing that the fundamental theories of coffee extraction are also important. That's why they chose the cheapest, filter cup-like, perforated prop to make coffee. Even without a proper filter cup, good coffee can still be brewed. Therefore, their mindset is the key point, not the funnel itself. Ultimately, whether to purchase one depends on personal preference. After all, the funnel isn't expensive, and picking one up while passing through IKEA could be a pleasant diversion~

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473