How To Make Coffee With An Automatic Drip Coffee Maker

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

1. Grind coffee to a medium-fine particle size.
   
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. Add cold, filtered water to the reservoir. Use 6 ounces of water for every cup of coffee you want to make.
5. 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:

1. For stronger coffee:
   • Use 4 ounces of water per tablespoon of coffee, or…
   • Grind your coffee to a finer particle size
2. For weaker coffee:
   •  Use 8 ounces of water per tablespoon of coffee, or…
   • Grind your coffee to a coarser particle size
3. For a fruitier, more acidic cup of coffee:
   • Try a lighter roast coffee
4. 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:

1. Use a quality burr grinder instead of a blade grinder for more uniform extraction during the brew.
2. 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.
3. Consider investing in an SCAA Certified coffee maker so your coffee maker is brewing at the right temperature (195-205˚F), with even saturation.
4. 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.