How to make a GOOD cup of coffee at home!

Coffee...We all love a good cup, specially in the morning. The smell and taste of that first sip can sometimes make or break your day. Making a good cup of coffee at home with a coffee machine can sometimes not come out as expected. Too much water or too many coffee grounds will most definitely affect the outcome. But with just a few key steps, such as selecting the right coffee beans, measuring the right amount of water and coffee, and adjusting the brewing time based on the number of cups you're making, you truly CAN make a good cup of coffee at home. Ready to be the person that everyone knows makes the best coffee?  Here’s a general guide for brewing from 1 to 12 cups of coffee at home with a drip coffee machine such as this one from Better Chef:

1. Choose Your Coffee Beans:

• Type of Beans: For a good, balanced cup, medium to medium-dark roasted beans work best. These coffees tend to provide a nice balance of flavor without being too harsh or too weak.
• Light roast: Bright, fruity, and acidic.
• Medium roast: Well-rounded, balanced, and versatile.
• Dark roast: Smoky, bold, and a bit bitter.
• Grind Size: For a drip coffee machine, you need a medium grind. The grind should be similar to table salt, allowing for even extraction. A grinder such as this one is helpful to have on hand!

2. Measure Your Coffee Beans:

The general ratio for coffee to water is about 1:15 to 1:17 ( meaning, for every 1 gram of coffee, you use 15 to 17 grams of water; this translates roughly to 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water ), but this can be adjusted based on personal taste. Here's a breakdown of how much coffee to use for different cup amounts:

Cups	Ground Coffee (grams)	Water (ml/fl oz)
1	10g (1-2 tbsp)	150 ml (5 fl oz)
2	20g (2-3 tbsp)	300 ml (10 fl oz)
3	30g (3-4 tbsp)	450 ml (15 fl oz)
4	40g (4-5 tbsp)	600 ml (20 fl oz)
5	50g (5-6 tbsp)	750 ml (25 fl oz)
6	60g (6-7 tbsp)	900 ml (30 fl oz)
7	70g (7-8 tbsp)	1050 ml (35 fl oz)
8	80g (8-9 tbsp)	1200 ml (40 fl oz)
9	90g (9-10 tbsp)	1350 ml (45 fl oz)
10	100g (10-11 tbsp)	1500 ml (50 fl oz)
11	110g (11-12 tbsp)	1650 ml (55 fl oz)
12	120g (12-13 tbsp)	1800 ml (60 fl oz)

3. Set Up Your Coffee Machine:

1. Insert a coffee filter in the basket if your machine requires one.
2. Add the ground coffee into the filter, making sure it's evenly spread.
3. Fill the water reservoir with the appropriate amount of filtered water, based on the number of cups you want to brew.

4. Brewing Time:

The brewing time varies depending on the number of cups. Here's an estimate for a standard drip coffee machine:

• 1–4 cups: Around 4–6 minutes.
• 5–8 cups: Around 6–8 minutes.
• 9–12 cups: Around 8–12 minutes.

The brewing time may slightly vary depending on your machine.

Additional Tips for Better Coffee:

• Use filtered water if you can: This can significantly improve the taste of your coffee by avoiding impurities.
• Pre-wet the grounds: Before turning on the machine, you can briefly pour a little water over the coffee grounds to allow them to bloom. This ensures more even extraction, especially with freshly ground coffee.
• Clean your coffee maker regularly: Over time, mineral buildup or old coffee oils can affect the taste, so make sure to clean your coffee machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Enjoy Your Coffee! Once the brewing process is complete, pour your freshly brewed coffee into a mug, and enjoy!

 

Note: I am not a nutritionist, and these recipes are meant for general eating.  If you have specific dietary needs, allergies or health concerns, please consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist.