How to Make Coffee
Easy steps to get a hot, delicious cup of coffee every time.
Making a delicious cup of coffee can be a simple process when you take the right steps. A rich, bold flavor or a lighter cup all depends on personal taste, how you set up your coffee maker, as well as the type of coffee you choose. Let’s break down the simple steps to getting a delicious cup of coffee every time.
1 Start with a Clean Coffee Pot
Whether you’re making coffee for the first time with a brand new machine, or are a coffee connoisseur, starting with a clean coffee maker is essential. If you are starting with a brand new machine straight out of the box, you’ll definitely want to wash all of the moving components, like the carafe, coffee basket, filter basket and other pieces in warm, soapy water. Do NOT submerge the electrical portion of your machine into water. Simply wiping down with a wet cloth will suffice.
You don’t have to thoroughly wash the components of the machine every single time you brew coffee, however, it’s a good idea to give the parts a nice rinse before each use. Depending on how often you use your machine, washing the parts in warm, soapy water 2-4 times a month will help extend the life of your machine and lend to a better tasting cup of coffee.
Be sure to read the owner’s manual that came with your machine. Every manufacturer’s instructions will vary and the moving parts to each machine differ.
2 Fill Reservoir with Water
Add cool, clean water to the internal water reservoir of the coffee maker. Do not over-fill. Additionally, try to use filtered water, if available. If your tap water tastes off, so will your coffee. Using fresh, clean, filtered water will help lend to a better tasting coffee.
3 Add Ground Coffee
Types of coffee vary greatly by price, roast and blend of coffee beans. Choose a coffee that will best lend to your taste preference. If you like a stronger cup of coffee chose a bold roast and blend. Conversely, if you light a lighter flavor, chose a milder blend.
Also, the amount of coffee you add to the machine will also affect the taste and flavor. On average, it is recommended that you use 2 generous tablespoons of ground coffee, per cup of water brewed. This will tend to yield a medium, to bold brew. If you like a mild brew, experiment with less coffee grounds. If you are using freshly ground coffee beans, the same amount of ground coffee applies.
4 Start Your Machine
Once you have the water and coffee added to the machine, you can then begin brewing coffee. For many coffee makers it is as simple as pressing the start button. See your coffee maker manual for the exact instructions if you need additional assistance. Typically, it should just take a few minutes for a standard coffee maker to brew a full pot of coffee.
5 Pour Coffee and Enjoy
Once the coffee maker has finished brewing the coffee, it is ready to pour. Choose a coffee cup or mug, and pour a desired amount. Many people prefer cream, sugar, or additional add-ins to enhance the flavor of their coffee. Amount and type of add-ins will vary given personal preference.
Any left-over coffee should be discarded once it has gone cold. Flavor tends to diminish greatly once the temperature drops.
Want more? Watch the video for more coffee tips and tricks.