Fifteen Easy Ways to Make Coffee (with Pictures)

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   The filter basket needs a coffee filter. [1] To get the best results, it's best to avoid using generic filters and instead opt for natural or bleached alternatives. Results from standard, low-cost filters are less reliable.

   • A mesh filter is included with many coffee machines. When feasible, this option is usually the least effort and most eco-friendly option. You shouldn't use a paper filter in a French press, but rather the filter that came with the machine.
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   Take the coffee's measurements A larger quantity of coffee grounds is required for a larger cup of coffee. The exact proportion 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. If you're not sure how much water to use, how much coffee, or both, it's best to consult your coffee maker's manual. [2]

   • Some varieties of coffee require different amounts of coffee and water to make the best cup, and these instructions should be included with your purchase.
   • Use a tablespoon for accuracy. A scoop is typically included in coffee makers. Find out how many scoops you need by reading the directions.

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   Gather the water you'll need to brew your coffee. Both the coffee maker and the coffee pot have measurement markings that can be used for a precise pour. The coffee maker will have a tank or open space behind or above the filter for you to pour the water from your coffee pot into.

   • The natural inclination of someone using a coffee maker for the first time is to pour the water straight into the filter basket. To the contrary, Put the water in the designated spot before you start brewing. Place the emptied coffee pot back onto the warming tray.
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   Turn on the power and plug in the coffee maker. When the timer goes off, some coffee makers start brewing automatically, while others let you set the time.

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   Do not pour the coffee until it has finished brewing. In order to fill a cup before the brewing cycle is complete, some coffee makers feature a "pause" button.

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   When finished brewing, dispose of the paper filter. Flavors that are released later in the brewing process will make your coffee taste bitter if you remove the grounds later.

   • A mesh filter allows you to easily dispose of used coffee grounds in the trash (or recycle them) before washing the filter.

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   Put some elbow grease into cleaning your coffee machine. Coffee makers, like other appliances that use a lot of hot water, can develop mineral deposits over time. Coffee with sediments can have an unpleasant, rancid flavor. You can get the best coffee flavor by giving your coffee maker a periodic cleaning. Have a look at our cleaning instructions for coffee machines.

   • It's probably time to clean your coffee machine if you can smell it or see sediment when it's not in use, or if you can't remember the last time you did so.

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   Use beans that have been freshly ground and stored properly. [3] Rather than purchasing pre-ground coffee, buying whole beans and grinding them yourself will yield a coffee that is fresher and more flavorful. Flavor compounds within the coffee bean's cells are responsible for the bean's aroma and flavor. When coffee is ground, its interior is exposed to the air, and over time, the coffee reacts with the air, causing some of its properties to be lost. [4]

   • You should keep your coffee beans in an airtight container. [5] Because of its ability to absorb odors, coffee grounds can be used in place of baking soda in the fridge. This means that other flavors can mix in with your coffee if it isn't stored in an airtight container.
   • The debate among coffee connoisseurs over whether or not to freeze coffee beans continues. Some say it's best to store coffee beans in the fridge if they'll be used within a week, and in the freezer if they won't be. Some people just like to store them in the dark and cool. [6]

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   Make sure the coarseness of your grains matches the brewing technique you're using. For the best possible taste, different coffee brewing methods may call for either coarser or thicker grinds. Changing the coarseness (and thus the total surface area in contact with water) of the grounds can affect the final flavor because the flavor compounds in ground beans dissolve in water. Coarser grinds are typically used when brewing methods that involve longer contact times between the coffee and water are employed.

   • A medium grind (the kind you'll find in most pre-ground coffee) is usually fine for normal "drip" coffee makers as described in the section above. Consult a coarseness chart, such as the one found 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.

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   Make sure your ingredients are heated to the right temperatures. Brewing techniques call for water temperatures between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (91 and 96 degrees Celsius). [7] Coffee's flavor can't be fully extracted with cold water, and coffee scalded with boiling water won't taste right. [8]

   • You should let the water come to a boil if you're making your own coffee, and then let it sit for about a minute before pouring it 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] Cold beans can affect the extraction process because only a small amount of water is in contact with the coffee for a short period of time during espresso brewing.

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   Determine the source of the issue. Coffee makers, like all appliances, can break down occasionally if used frequently. The most common issues with coffee makers and how to fix them are discussed below. Remove the plug and make sure there is no hot water in the coffee maker's reservoir before attempting any troubleshooting.

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   My coffee has a funny flavor." If you let mineral deposits from hot water build up in your coffee maker, the flavor of your coffee may suffer, as we discussed in Part 2 above. If you use your coffee maker frequently, you should clean it once a month, including the internal parts.

   • Don't forget about the coffee's storage and handling errors either. Because coffee is so good at absorbing flavors and aromas, it should not be left out in the open or in contact with any potentially tainting ingredients.
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   I can't get water to come out of the coffee maker." If only a trickle of water (or none at all) is coming out of your coffee maker's faucet, check for a clog in the machine's tubes (the aluminum heating tube is particularly prone to this problem). [10] Without coffee or a filter, run the machine with a water tank full of vinegar. If necessary, repeat the process until the clog is removed, and then run cold water through the machine twice to remove the vinegar.

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   "Either way, my coffee machine produces excessive or insufficient amounts of java." Many newer coffee makers have brew size adjustments that let people who are always on the go brew coffee straight into a travel mug or thermos. Brewing the perfect cup of coffee begins with the right settings on your coffee machine and the right amount of water in the reservoir; for specifics on how to adjust the brew size, you may want to consult the manual.

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   I can't get my coffee to heat up." Most likely, the coffee maker's heating element or its internal wiring is at fault. It might be safer to just get a new coffee maker than try to find the replacement parts or risk getting shocked while working on the electric wiring.

   • In the event that you insist on attempting a repair on your coffee maker despite these warnings, please unplug and power down the appliance first. [11] Many common electrical problems have do-it-yourself solutions that can be found with a simple internet search.

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