Abstract: A coffee filter retaining insert including a retaining body having a first section that is slidably positionable with respect to a second section thereof to provide a variable diameter enclosure area, at least four resilient standoff arms having a first end secured to the exterior of the retaining body, a plurality of spaced, parallel oriented, coffee ground level indicators disposed along the interior wall of the retaining body, and a indicator assembly secured to the interior wall adjacent the spaced level indicators having a marking bead positionable along a rod member running perpendicular to the orientation of the level indicators.