Drip Coffee Perfection: Your Short & Sweet Guide
Tired of lackluster drip coffee? Elevate your morning cup with these essential tips for a consistently delicious brew!
1. Freshness & Grind are Key
-
Fresh Beans: Always use freshly roasted beans (within weeks of roast date). Store them airtight, in a cool, dark place.
-
Grind Fresh: Invest in a burr grinder and grind your beans just before brewing.
-
Medium Grind: Aim for a consistency like coarse sand – not too fine (bitter) or too coarse (weak).
2. Water Matters Most
-
Filtered Water: Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors from chlorine and minerals.
-
Ideal Temperature: Your machine should heat water to 195-205°F (90.5-96°C) for optimal extraction.
3. The Golden Ratio
-
Measure Accurately: Use a scale for precision. The ideal ratio is 1:16 to 1:18 coffee to water (e.g., 60-70g coffee for 1 liter of water).
-
No Scale? A good starting point is 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 fluid ounces (180 ml) of water.
4. Keep it Clean!
-
Regular Cleaning: Rinse your carafe and brew basket daily.
-
Descale Monthly: Mineral buildup impacts flavor. Descale your machine monthly with vinegar or a commercial descaler.
