Most of us are familiar with the traditional drip coffee maker, and let's be honest... the convenience they offer is really helpful for those busy mornings. To get the best cup of coffee out of your drip coffee maker, you will want to make sure that your machine can reach a water temperature of 195–205°F. This temperature is crucial for brewing quality coffee, so that is just something to keep in mind as we get started!
Supplies You'll Need
- Fresh coffee
- Filtered water
- Drip coffee maker
- Filter (paper or reusable)
- Coffee grinder (if you are using whole bean coffee)
- Gram scale (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Coffee
If you are starting with whole bean coffee, it is best to weigh your coffee beans for a consistent cup every time. We typically use a ratio of 1:16 coffee to water, which means for every 1 gram of coffee, use 16 grams of water. In this case, we recommend weighing about 21-24 grams of coffee per cup you plan to brew. From there, pour the beans you just measured into the grinder, and use a medium grind setting.
If you are starting with pre-ground coffee, you can just use the same measurement of 21-24 grams of coffee per cup, or about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per cup if you don't have a scale.
Step 2: Prepare Your Drip Coffee Maker
For the next step, make sure to fill the machine's water reservoir with the desired amount of filtered water. From there, you can insert the coffee filter into the filter basket. Some drip coffee makers use paper filters, while some have reusable mesh filters, so be sure to use whatever your machine recommends.
We can now add the coffee! Take the coffee you measured during step one and place the coffee grounds into the filter, being sure to spread them evenly.
Step 3: Complete Your Brew
Now for the easy part! Press the start button on your drip coffee maker, and let it brew. The machine will heat the water and evenly distribute it over the coffee grounds. It should typically take around 4-6 minutes to brew, depending on your coffee machine and the amount of coffee.
Once it is finished, pour your coffee into your favorite mug, and enjoy!
