An Illustrated Guide to Operating a Coffee Maker in 15 Easy Steps

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   Place a filter in the filter basket. [1] Generic filters should be avoided, but natural or bleached ones can be used. Standard, low-cost filters are less likely to produce good results consistently.

   • Incorporated into the design of many coffee machines is a mesh filter. It's the least complicated and least harmful option if you can find it. When brewing coffee, a paper filter isn't as effective as the filter designed for your coffee maker.
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   The coffee needs to be measured out. How much coffee you put in the filter is proportional to how much coffee you get out. The exact amount of coffee to water will vary with each coffee maker and bean. About 2 tablespoons of coffee (or one full coffee grinder lid) should be used for every 6 ounces of water. Checking the coffee maker's instructions is a good idea before settling on a specific coffee-to-water ratio. [2]

   • Some varieties of coffee require different amounts of coffee and water than others; these packages usually include detailed instructions.
   • Use a tablespoon for accuracy. A scoop is included with the majority of coffee machines. Find out how many scoops you need by reading the directions.

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   Determine how much water you'll need to brew your coffee. Use the markings on the coffee maker or the coffee pot to get an accurate measure. Coffee makers typically have a tank behind or above the filter where you can pour water from the coffee pot.

   • Water is typically poured into the filter basket first when using a coffee maker for the first time. You shouldn't do that. When brewing, place water in the designated area. If you're using a warming plate, return the coffee pot to it after you've poured.
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   Turn on the power to the coffee machine and plug it in. Brewing can begin automatically in some machines or at a user-specified time in others.

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   Do not pour the coffee until it has finished brewing. The "pause" function on some coffee makers allows you to remove a cup from the brewer before it's done brewing.

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   Throw away the paper filter if you used one. Flavors that are released later in the brewing process will make your coffee taste bitter if you remove the grounds later.

   • If you filtered your coffee through a mesh filter, you can discard the used grounds and reuse the filter.

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   Descale the coffee machine. There is a risk of mineral sediment buildup in coffee machines, as there is in any appliance that uses a lot of hot water. An unpleasant, rancid flavor may result from these sediments in the coffee. The best coffee is produced when the coffee maker is regularly cleaned. Have a look at our cleaning instructions for coffee machines.

   • An unpleasant aroma or visible sediment when the coffee maker is not in use are both signs that it is time to clean your coffee machine.

2. 2

   For best results, use beans that have been freshly ground and stored in an airtight container. [3] Rather than purchasing pre-ground coffee, buying fresh coffee beans and grinding them yourself will yield a coffee that is both fresher and more flavorful. Flavor compounds in the coffee bean's cells are responsible for the bean's aromatic qualities. Once ground, the interior of the coffee bean is exposed to air, where it can react with oxygen and degrade the coffee over time. [4]

   • Coffee beans should be kept in an airtight container. [5] Because of its ability to absorb odors, coffee grounds can be used in place of baking soda in the refrigerator. This means that other flavors can mix in with your coffee if it is not stored in an airtight container.
   • Coffee connoisseurs can't agree on whether cold storage is best for coffee beans. Those who want to store their coffee beans for longer than a week or two should consider putting them in the freezer. Some people just put them in the closet to keep them out of the light [6]

3. 3

   It's important to grind your coffee beans to the right coarseness for your brewing method. Depending on how the coffee is brewed, it may taste better with a coarser or thicker grind. Since the flavor compounds in ground beans dissolve in water, altering the coarseness (and thus the total surface area in contact with water) of the grounds can affect the final flavor. The longer the coffee and water are in contact during the brewing process, the coarser the grind should be.

   • Medium grind (typical of pre-ground coffee) works well for standard "drip" coffee makers, as described in the first section above. Consult a coarseness chart, such as the one at http://www.coffeeconfidential.org/grinding/ground-coffee/, if you plan on using a more unusual brewing method, such as a french press or an Aeropress.

4. 4

   Make sure your ingredients are heated to the right temperatures. The ideal temperature range for water used in brewing is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (91 and 96 degrees Celsius). [7] It's important to use just the right temperature of water when brewing coffee, as using too cold of a temperature will prevent the beans from releasing enough flavor, and using too hot of a temperature will cause them to scald. [8]

   • Water boiled at home for coffee should be removed from the heat for a minute after it has come to a full boil before being poured over the grounds.
   • Most brewing methods will work just fine with coffee that has been stored in the fridge. However, espresso requires that the beans be brought to room temperature before brewing. [9] In fact, cold beans can affect the extraction process because only a small amount of water is in contact with the coffee during the espresso brewing process for only a short period of time.

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   Determine the source of the issue. Coffee makers, like all appliances, can break down occasionally if used frequently. Listed below are some of the most typical issues with coffee makers and some potential solutions. Make sure the coffee maker is unplugged and that there is no hot water in the reservoir before attempting any troubleshooting.

2. 2

   My coffee has a funny flavor." Hot water, as we saw in Part Two, can leave mineral deposits in your coffee maker, which, if left to build up, can alter the flavor of your coffee. If your coffee machine sees regular use, cleaning it (inside and out) once a month is advised.

   • You should think about the possibility of mistakes occurring while storing or handling the coffee as well. Coffee readily absorbs flavors and aromas from other sources, so make sure it hasn't been exposed to any contaminants.
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   I can't get water to come out of the coffee maker." It's possible that the aluminum heating tube in your coffee maker is clogged if very little or no water appears to be flowing through the machine. [10] In the absence of coffee and a filter, operate the machine with a water tank containing vinegar. If necessary, repeat the process until the clog is removed, and then run cold water through the machine twice to remove the vinegar.

4. 4

   My coffee maker either over- or under-brews." A lot of today's coffee makers let you customize the size of your brew, so you can fill a travel mug or thermos while you're on the go. Before brewing, check the settings on your coffee machine and fill the water reservoir to the appropriate level; for specific instructions on adjusting the brew size, you may need to refer to the owner's manual.

5. 5

   "I can't get my coffee hot." The coffee maker's heating element or internal wiring is probably at fault here. Considering the difficulty in sourcing replacement parts and the inherent danger of repairing a coffee maker that uses electricity, it might be best to just buy a new one.

   • Unplug the coffee maker and turn off the power if you insist on trying to repair an electrical problem yourself. [11] It only takes a few minutes to find do-it-yourself guides online that can help you fix many common electrical problems.

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