How to Use a Coffee Maker

If you’re shopping for a premium coffee maker, you need to know how to use one. The drip coffee maker, invented in 1908, is a mainstay of the American kitchen. With multiple types of settings and advanced features, automatic coffee machines are much more convenient than manual pour-over coffee. Luckily, making a cup of coffee with this type of coffee maker isn’t too complicated. That said, this guide will show you how to use a coffee maker, so you don’t miss any key steps.

If you know how to use a drip coffee maker, you should be familiar with the standard coffee maker models and how they work. Most units consist of a base with a brew button and clock, a coffee pot, and a filter basket. Of course, the kind of coffee grounds you choose is up to you. Still, most experts recommend medium-roast coffee beans for a beginner’s pallet.

If you want a more robust coffee than drip coffee machines, consider learning to use a camp coffee percolator. That said, you will run the risk of some bitter-tasting coffee if you mess up the coffee to water ratio.

How to Brew a Pot of Coffee

Tools: Coffee maker, coffee grounds, brewing water

STEP 1 Plug in the Coffee Maker

Make sure your coffee machine is plugged in and powered.

STEP 2 Grind Your Coffee

You can buy pre-ground coffee from the store. That said, coffee aficionados recommend using whole coffee beans and an electric burr grinder to make a medium-coarse grind for the most delicious cup of coffee.

STEP 3 Fill the Water Tank

Add water to the tank. You’ll want to add an amount of water that is equal to the number of cups of hot coffee you want. Use hot water for a quicker brewing process, but nothing will go wrong if you use cold water. Keep in mind that the cup measurement on a coffee maker is equal to 6 ounces of liquid. So for example, the four cup marking on your water reservoir is equal to 24 ounces of water.

STEP 4Fill the Coffee Filter Basket

Place a paper filter in the basket and scoop your dry coffee grounds into it. The more tablespoons of coffee you use, the stronger your cups of coffee will be, but on average, you’ll want to add one to two tablespoons of grounds for every 6 ounces of water. Close the lid before you start the brewing process.

STEP 5 Start the Brew Cycle

If you have an automatic drip-brew coffee maker, your brewing cycle will begin when the coffee bean basket is closed. With other models, your brewing instructions include pressing the start button.

STEP 6 Clean and Serve

Once your brewing time is complete, you may hear a tone from your machine. If not, check on the device after a few minutes. The hot plate will keep your coffee hot until you’re able to serve it. That said, don’t let it sit too long. If you do, you run the risk of it taking on a burnt flavor.

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