Is there any benefit to the titanium gold coated version over stainless steel?

Hello Alison,Thank you for your question. The stainless steel version and the titanium coated version are the same in terms of functionality. They are both made from stainless steel and operate the same way. The titanium coated version is a coating that gives it a more gold look. Customers that have a Chemex at home sometimes prefer the titanium coated version to match the Chemex golden aesthetic. I hope this was helpful. Let me know if there is anything else we can help you with.AndreyBarista Warrior

Where is this item manufactured?

Hello Anne,We are a U.S. based company, and we work closely together with a trusted manufacturer in China. Andrey,Barista Warrior

My filter is clogged, dishwasher and vinegar do not help. Any suggestions?

Hello Greg,Thank you for your question. We do recommend placing the filter in a bowl for 30 minutes, with a mixture of 1 part warm water and 2 parts vinegar or citric acid, If the filter does not unclog, please run the filter through a cycle in the dishwasher. Just a tip going forward... if you don't do it already... we do recommend using medium-coarse to coarse coffee grounds with our stainless steel coffee filters. We do not recommend a fine grind as it may potentially clog the filter. Using a more coarse grind will prolong the life of our stainless steel filter. If you already do this, then great, but if not, it should help prolong the lifespan of your filter.Let me know if that resolves the issue. If you are unsatisfied with our filter after troubleshooting, we can send a replacement or alternatively, we give you a full refund if you think this type of coffee filter is not for you.Let me know which option you prefer, and I will be happy to set you accordingly! Please e-mail us as your Amazon Order ID associated with this order at hello@baristawarrior and we will make the situation right for you. Hope this helps!Andrey,Barista Warrior

Are you supposed to leave the plastic liner inside the filter?

Gosh, if there was a plastic liner in mine, I do not remember. But, if you have one because it is aNew filter, Take it Out, you want your coffee to go through the the filter, if you lightly scratch the inside it should sound like fine wire mesh. And test it over the sink to make sure water can get through it. It will make good coffee, and save on paper.