Making coffee with an automatic drip coffee maker is one of the easiest ways to brew a pot of coffee.
For starters, here is a quick 2 minute video on how to make coffee with an automatic drip coffee maker:
Steps Outlined
- Grind coffee to a medium-fine particle size.
- Place coffee filter in filter basket. All auto drip coffee makers have a filter basket that is usually right under the brew head (where the hot water comes out).
- Add one tablespoon of coffee to a paper filter for every cup (6 oz) of coffee you want to make. If you want more full-bodied, richer coffee, use a permanent filter.
- Add cold, filtered water to the reservoir. Use 6 ounces of water for every cup of coffee you want to make.
- Press the start button to begin the coffee maker’s brew cycle. Most auto drip coffee makers will have a simple “start” button or switch.
Adjusting for Taste
If you are not satisfied with the coffee your coffee maker makes, try the following:
- For stronger coffee:
- Use 4 ounces of water per tablespoon of coffee, or…
- Grind your coffee to a finer particle size
- For weaker coffee:
- Use 8 ounces of water per tablespoon of coffee, or…
- Grind your coffee to a coarser particle size
- For a fruitier, more acidic cup of coffee:
- Try a lighter roast coffee
- For a bolder, smoky and/or chocolatey cup of coffee:
- Try a darker roast coffee
Make Your Auto Drip Coffee Even Better
If you are still not satisfied with your results, I’d try the following:
- Use a quality burr grinder instead of a blade grinder for more uniform extraction during the brew.
- Use a thermal carafe instead of a glass carafe with hot plate. Using a hot plate will result in an unwanted bitterness in your final pot of coffee after a short period of time.
- Consider investing in an SCAA Certified coffee maker so your coffee maker is brewing at the right temperature (195-205˚F), with even saturation.
- Weigh your coffee with a gram scale instead of using tablespoons. About 15 grams of coffee for every 225 grams of water should be a good starting point. You can weigh the water in the carafe, then pour it directly into the reservoir.