Filter coffee machine brewing guide
A filter machine is a straightforward way to make coffee for yourself or enough to share. Add ground coffee and fresh water, then let the machine do the brewing.
This guide covers choosing your grind, measuring with everyday kitchen utensils and getting the best from your machine. Models vary, so follow your machine’s instructions alongside these tips.
What you'll need
- Filter coffee machine and its matching jug
- Paper filter in the correct size, or the reusable filter supplied with your machine
- Coffee ground for a filter machine
- Fresh water suitable for your machine
- Tablespoon or the measuring scoop supplied with your machine
- Mug
Using whole beans? You’ll also need a grinder. No scales required. Check your machine’s instructions for the correct filter and minimum and maximum brewing amounts.
A simple filter coffee recipe
Start with two level tablespoons of filter-ground coffee for each mug of water.
Use your drinking mug to measure cold water into the machine’s reservoir, following its minimum and maximum fill instructions.
The “cup” markings on coffee machines often refer to smaller servings than a drinking mug, so don’t assume one marked cup equals one mug.
Adjust the coffee quantity next time if you prefer a stronger or milder drink. If using the machine’s supplied scoop, follow its measuring guidance, as scoop sizes vary.
How to brew
Step 1: Prepare the machine. Check that the filter basket and jug are clean. Fit the correct paper filter or reusable filter according to your machine’s instructions.
Step 2: Add the water. Use your drinking mug to measure fresh, cold water into the reservoir. Stay within the machine’s minimum and maximum brewing amounts.
Step 3: Add the coffee. Put two level tablespoons of filter-ground coffee into the filter for each mug of water. Spread the grounds evenly, without pressing them down. Don’t exceed the basket’s capacity.
Step 4: Start brewing. Place the matching jug securely beneath the basket, with its lid fitted as instructed. Close the machine and select the appropriate brewing setting.
Step 5: Let it finish. Wait until the brewing cycle and dripping have finished before removing the jug. Keep clear of steam and hot surfaces.
Step 6: Serve. Gently swirl the jug to mix the coffee before pouring. For coffee you want to keep for later, a suitable insulated flask avoids leaving it on a hotplate for a long time.
Step 7: Clean up. Let the machine cool, discard the used grounds and clean the filter basket and jug according to its instructions. Descale as recommended by the manufacturer.
Taste and adjust
Too strong? Add a little hot water to your cup. Next time, try slightly less coffee with the same amount of water.
Too weak? Use a little more coffee next time, staying within the filter basket’s capacity.
Bitter or drying? Try serving straight after brewing rather than leaving the coffee on the hotplate. If you grind your own beans, a slightly coarser grind may also help.
Sour or sharp? Check that you’re brewing within the machine’s recommended batch size. If grinding your own beans, try a slightly finer grind.
Flavour still not right? Clean the jug and basket, and check whether the machine needs descaling according to its instructions.
Change one thing at a time, in small amounts. If you use pre-ground coffee, ask us for help choosing a suitable grind for your machine.
