An apparatus for preparing beverages, with a filter carrier (5) or filter for retaining a substance to be brought into contact with water. The filter carrier or filter is provided with a filter inlet (51) and a filter outlet (52). At least a lower portion of the filter carrier (5) or the filter is arranged in a filter casing (8) so as to be free from said filter casing (8). The filter casing (8) is provided with a beverage passage (81) which is in communication with the filter outlet (52). A weighing structure (6) carries the filter carrier (5) or the filter and is adapted for providing an indication as to the weight of the filter carrier or the filter and of the substance retained therein. For storing the prepared beverage, a beverage receptacle (9) is provided which has a with an inlet opening (91) communicating with the filter outlet (52) and located downstream thereof when in the operating condition. The apparatus is provided with a drip stop (10) which leaves open the beverage passage (81) of the filter casing (8) when in an open condition and which closes off this beverage passage when in closed condition.