Drip Coffee Brew Guide

Grind Size: medium 

Brew time: about 5 minutes

Advantages: Convenient, consistent, and can brew multiple cups at once.

What You'll Need:

• Drip coffee maker
• Coffee beans (preferably freshly ground)
• Grinder (burr grinder recommended)
• Water (preferably filtered)
• Coffee filter (paper or reusable, depending on your machine)
• Coffee scoop or scale (for measuring)

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coffee Maker:
• Make sure your coffee maker is clean and ready to use. If your machine uses a paper filter, place it in the filter basket. If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s clean and properly positioned.
2. Measure and Grind the Coffee:
• Ratio: A general rule of thumb is to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water, depending on your taste preference. For a more precise measurement, you can use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 by weight.
• Grind Size: Use a medium grind, similar to the consistency of granulated sugar. This is ideal for most drip coffee makers.
3. Add Water:
• Fill the coffee maker’s water reservoir with fresh, cold water. Use filtered water if possible, as it can improve the taste of your coffee.
4. Add the Coffee Grounds:
• Place the ground coffee into the filter basket. Ensure it’s evenly distributed to promote even extraction during brewing.
5. Start the Brewing Process:
• Close the lid and turn on the coffee maker. The machine will heat the water and slowly drip it over the coffee grounds, allowing the coffee to brew and collect in the carafe below.
6. Wait for the Brewing to Complete:
• The brewing process typically takes 4 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of your coffee maker and the amount of coffee you’re brewing. The coffee is ready when the machine finishes dripping, and you no longer hear the sound of water passing through.
7. Serve the Coffee:
• Once the brewing is complete, pour the coffee from the carafe into your cup. If your coffee maker has a warming plate, it will keep the coffee hot, but try not to leave it on for too long, as extended heating can cause the coffee to become bitter.

Tips for the Best Drip Coffee:

• Use Freshly Ground Coffee: Freshly ground coffee beans will give you the best flavor. Grind your beans just before brewing for optimal freshness.
• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the coffee-to-water ratio to find your preferred strength. More coffee will result in a stronger brew, while less will produce a milder cup.
• Keep the Machine Clean: Regularly clean your coffee maker to remove any coffee oils and residue that can build up over time. This will help maintain the best flavor.
• Use Good Water: The quality of the water affects the taste of your coffee. Filtered water is ideal, as it’s free from impurities that can alter the flavor.