I bought the stainless steel filter because we have broken two ceramic ones and kept running out of filter papers - I didn't want a plastic one. I wasn't sure how it would work without coffee pouring through the sides but it's all directed down into the mug with no mess. You can see how full the mug is through the gap which is also handy. As long as the joins hold up we should be using it for many years to come. It even fits over my wonky mug. All in all I'm very pleased.