Coffee Beans Suitable for Drip Coffee Makers: The Perfect Grind Size and Correct Usage Methods

Regular customers who visit FrontStreet Coffee often ask our baristas if there's a suitable "lazy person" coffee machine for home use, preferably at an affordable price. In that case... let's explore the American drip coffee maker! The American drip coffee maker is one of the most commonly used coffee appliances today, perfect for coffee beginners in homes or offices. It's simple to operate, convenient to use, with basically standardized processes - brewing a pot of coffee generally takes just 5-8 minutes. Are you tempted? Next, FrontStreet Coffee will provide a detailed introduction to common American coffee machines, their operating standards, and usage methods.

Coffee Machine Categories and Origins

Coffee machine is a general term for brewing equipment. Classified by brewing method, there are two main types: drip coffee makers and espresso machines. Before World War II, household drip machines were popular in America. With their compact size and ease of operation, they became prevalent in American households. Today, the American coffee we buy in coffee shops is typically made with espresso machines. What's the difference between this espresso-based American coffee and drip coffee?

Americano made with an espresso machine is created by adding water to concentrated espresso. During World War II, American soldiers in Europe couldn't get used to traditional Italian espresso, so they mixed hot water into the small, concentrated espresso to dilute it intentionally to create a taste similar to drip coffee. This drinking method was looked down upon by Europeans and was something only Americans enjoyed, so Europeans called this coffee "Americano." After hearing the story of Americano, let's follow FrontStreet Coffee to learn about American coffee machines.

American Coffee Machine Models and Capacity

American drip coffee makers generally come in two common models: 5-cup and 12-cup, meaning they can brew a maximum of 5 cups or 12 cups of coffee at once. Typically, a 5-cup coffee maker has a glass pot capacity and water tank capacity of 550ml-650ml, while a 12-cup coffee maker has a glass pot capacity and water tank capacity of 1.2-1.3L.

Water Usage Standards for American Drip Coffee Makers

The cup measurement standard mentioned above refers to 100-120ml per cup, meaning brewing one cup of coffee requires 100-120ml of water. Generally, American coffee machines should brew at least 2 cups at a time. Use the water measurement markings for guidance.

Coffee Grounds Standards

For a typical American coffee serving of 100-120ml per cup, you'll need 5-7g of coffee grounds. Every American coffee machine comes with its own dedicated coffee grounds measuring spoon. Generally, one cup of coffee corresponds to one level spoon of grounds. Brew as many cups as you need, adding the corresponding number of spoonfuls. Any coffee beans ground into powder can be used.

Water and Grounds Ratio Standards

To brew 1 cup of coffee, you need to add 100-120ml of water, referring to the measurements in step 2 for detailed guidance. Simply add water to the coffee machine's water tank until it reaches the corresponding marking. To brew 1 cup of coffee, you need 1 level spoon of coffee grounds, generally around 6g. You can increase or decrease the amount of coffee grounds according to your taste preference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using an American Drip Coffee Maker

Step 1: Grind Coffee Beans

Grind coffee beans into coffee grounds. If you're using pre-ground coffee, you can skip this step. Determine how much to grind based on the number of cups you plan to brew - it's recommended to grind only what you'll immediately brew. For 1 cup of coffee, you need about 6g of grounds. To brew multiple cups, grind the corresponding amount of beans. American coffee measuring spoons are typically 6g, so you can use the spoon to measure a full spoon of coffee beans to grind for one cup.

Step 2: Add Coffee Grounds

Take out the glass pot, open the coffee machine's filter basket, and place the coffee grounds into the filter. Note that for brewing one 100ml cup of coffee, use 5-7g of grounds. Place the ground coffee into the coffee filter. Different coffee machines come with different measuring spoons - generally 5g, 6g, 7g, and 10g sizes are available. Determine the amount of coffee grounds based on your specific machine. In our demonstration, we're using a 6g measurement.

Step 3: Add Water

Close the filter basket, open the water tank, and add water. Water addition principle: if brewing several cups of coffee and adding the corresponding amount of coffee grounds, add the corresponding amount of water. One portion equals 100ml. You can use the glass pot to add water to the tank until reaching the water level marking required on the coffee machine. Refer to the water standards mentioned above for specific parameters. Additionally, some coffee machines have markings on the glass pot that match the water level markings on the machine, which can accurately help you add the right amount of water.

Step 4: Start Brewing

Close the water tank, shut the coffee filter basket, place the glass pot back on the warming plate, plug in the power, and turn on the coffee machine switch.

Step 5: Wait for Brewing to Complete

Wait 5-8 minutes, and a pot of coffee will be brewed (when no more coffee liquid drips from the top of the glass pot, the brewing is complete). Then turn off the switch and enjoy your delicious coffee.

Step 6: Customize Your Coffee

According to personal taste, you can add sugar or fresh milk.

Making Iced American Coffee

Coffee made with an American coffee maker is hot. If you'd like to make iced American coffee, how should you do it?

There are two methods: First, you can reduce the water amount and add ice cubes to the brewed coffee, but this will significantly dilute the overall coffee. Second, use espresso concentrate and mix it with a 1:1 ratio of ice-water mixture.

Coffee Grind Size and Bean Selection

At this point, we believe everyone can make a perfect cup of coffee at home, but FrontStreet Coffee needs to remind you that the coffee grind size used in American coffee machines is completely different from that used in espresso machines. What degree of grind should American coffee machines use? FrontStreet Coffee responsibly tells everyone that it's similar to pour-over coffee because both are drip-style coffee with similar brewing principles, so the coffee grind size doesn't need significant adjustment. If you don't have a grinder at home, you can ask the store to grind the beans for you when purchasing coffee beans.

Which Coffee Beans Are Suitable for American Coffee Machines?

FrontStreet Coffee believes that the flavor profile of American coffee is closely related to the coffee beans used. Any coffee beans are suitable for American coffee machines - it all depends on personal preference. Generally speaking, lightly roasted coffee beans have very noticeable fruit acidity and strong juice-like characteristics. Medium-roasted coffee beans highlight their nutty and balanced, smooth flavors. Dark-roasted coffee tends to be more bitter than the previous two types, but its chocolate aftertaste remains irresistible. Similarly, Americano made with espresso machines follows the same pattern, though almost all espresso beans are dark-roasted. However, the distinct characteristics of coffee beans can still be detected. For example, FrontStreet Coffee's special Italian blend - Warm Sun Blend - has very noticeable fermented aromas, creamy chocolate texture, and rich layers.

Connect With Us

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style).

For more specialty coffee beans, please add FrontStreet Coffee's private WeChat account: kaixinguoguo0925

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