✦ Brew Automatic Drip Like a Pro ✦
How To Brew with a Drip Machine
BREW CONSISTENT, BALANCED COFFEE WITH YOUR TRUSTY HOME MACHINE—STEP BY STEP
The Drip Machine Lowdown
An automatic drip machine is one of the most common coffee makers—and for good reason. With just a few tweaks to your grind, water ratio, and technique, you can elevate your daily brew far beyond average. This guide walks you through how to get the best flavor from your machine, whether you're brewing a single mug or a full pot.
Drip Machine Fundamentals
Equipment
- Automatic drip coffee maker (standard or programmable)
- Paper or reusable filter
- Spoon or coffee scoop
- Scale (for precision)
- Mug
OPTIONAL:
- Burr grinder (if grinding whole beans)
- Kettle (if your machine doesn’t heat water well)
Brew Ratio
- Mild: 1:18 coffee-to-water ratio
- Average: 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio
- Strong: 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio
- Robust: 1:13 coffee-to-water ratio
NOTE: When it comes to water, 1 milliliter (mL) = 1 gram (g)—so measuring by volume or weight will give you the same result!
Grind Size
- Ideal Grind: Medium (similar to granulated sugar or beach sand)
- Too fine will overextract and cause bitterness; too coarse will result in a weak brew
Water Temp
- Ideal Range: 195°F to 205°F (90.5°C to 96°C)
- Many machines don’t reach this range—use filtered, freshly boiled water if needed
Step #1
Prep & Fill
Clean gear and fresh water make a world of difference in your daily cup.
Substeps:
- CLEAN THE MACHINE: Rinse the carafe and brew basket to remove old grounds or buildup.
- FILL THE RESERVOIR: Use fresh, cold water and fill to the amount you plan to brew.
- PLACE YOUR FILTER: Add a clean paper or reusable filter to the brew basket.
Useful Tips:
- If your machine uses a water filter, check it regularly.
- Pre-wet paper filters to remove papery taste.
- Always brew at least half a pot—some machines underperform with small batches.
- Use filtered water for best flavor clarity.
Relevant FAQs
Do I need to clean the machine every time?
Yes—old coffee oils and residue can quickly ruin flavor.
Can I use tap water?
Filtered water is ideal, but clean tap water works if it tastes good to you.
What if my machine doesn’t get hot enough?
Consider preheating the water manually or upgrading to a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)-certified machine.
Step #2
Measure & Grind
Dialing in your coffee-to-water ratio and grind level is key to getting a clean, flavorful brew.
Substeps:
- MEASURE YOUR COFFEE: Use a digital scale to weigh your beans. A good starting point is 1 gram of coffee per 16 grams of water.
- GRIND BEANS (IF APPLICABLE): If you're grinding at home, use a burr grinder set to a medium setting. The texture should resemble granulated sugar or beach sand. If using pre-ground coffee, ensure it’s labeled medium grind for drip machines.
- ADD TO BREW BASKET: Place the grounds evenly in the filter.
Useful Tips:
- A burr grinder gives far more consistent results than a blade grinder.
- Don’t tamp the grounds—just level them gently.
- Adjust your ratio if your coffee tastes too strong or weak.
- Keep coffee stored airtight and away from light.
Relevant FAQs
Can I use pre-ground coffee?
Yes, just make sure it’s labeled medium grind. Avoid espresso grind—it’s too fine and can clog the filter.
How much coffee should I use for a full pot?
For a 12-cup (60 oz) pot, use about 80–90g of coffee, depending on your strength preference.
Should I shake or stir the grounds?
No need—just make sure they’re evenly spread in the filter.
Step #3
Brew & Swirl
Let the machine do its job—but there are still small things you can do to improve the outcome.
Substeps:
- START THE BREW CYCLE: Turn on your machine and let it brew uninterrupted.
- LISTEN FOR FINISH: Wait for the brewing to finish completely before removing the carafe.
- SWIRL THE POT: Give the carafe a gentle swirl to blend the layers of your brew before pouring.
Useful Tips:
- Don’t remove the carafe early—it can upset the ratio and flavor.
- Swirling evens out extraction, especially in larger batches.
- If your machine has a “bloom” or pre-wet setting, use it.
- Keep the warming plate off if you’re not drinking right away—coffee goes stale faster when kept hot.
Relevant FAQs
Why does my coffee taste sour or bitter?
Sour = under-extracted (too coarse, too fast); Bitter = over-extracted (too fine, too long).
Can I brew just one cup?
You can, but many machines work best at half capacity or more.
What’s the best way to keep coffee hot?
Use a thermal carafe instead of a hot plate—it maintains flavor longer.
Step #4
Clean & Store
Good coffee starts with a clean machine—every time.
Substeps:
- REMOVE USED GROUNDS: Discard or compost your filter and used coffee.
- RINSE THE PARTS: Rinse the brew basket, carafe, and lid with warm water.
- WIPE THE MACHINE: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and hot plate.
Useful Tips:
- Deep clean with a vinegar-water cycle every 1–2 weeks.
- Never leave grounds in the basket—mold forms fast.
- Let parts air dry fully to avoid odor buildup.
- Clean your grinder weekly for best results (if applicable).
Relevant FAQs
How often should I deep clean the machine?
About every 10–15 brews, or weekly if used daily.
Can I put parts in the dishwasher?
Check your machine's manual—many baskets and carafes are top-rack safe.
What’s the best way to descale my machine?
Run a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water through a full brew cycle, then flush with clean water. You can also use commercially available descaling tablets, which are designed to be safe and effective for coffee machines and may leave less residual odor than vinegar.
Handy Tools
Perfect Picks for Drip Machines
Still Have Questions?
Don’t worry—we’re here to help! If something’s not quite clicking or you’re just looking for extra brewing clarity, our Brew Crew is just a message away.
