How to Brew Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

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Brew a delicious cup of coffee no matter what you have on hand
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If you rely on your morning cup of coffee to feel energized and ready for your day, it can be a nightmare to discover that you don’t have access to a coffee maker. If you’re in this situation, have no fear! There are many ways to prepare a delicious cup of coffee without a coffee maker, and we’ll go over them all. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Making Coffee on the Stove

  1. Add 1 cup (250 mL) of water to a saucepan, and bring to a boil on the stove.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of finely ground coffee to the water and stir.
  3. Turn off the heat and allow the coffee to brew for about 5 minutes.
  4. Ladle the coffee into your mug, avoiding the coffee grounds at the bottom of the saucepan.
  5. Finish with cream and sugar as desired, and enjoy!
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

Making Coffee on the Stovetop (Cowboy Coffee)

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Measure out as much water as you’d like coffee. For example, if you’d like 1 small mug of coffee, add 1 cup (250 mL) of water. If you’d like a larger serving or enough for seconds, add 2 cups (16 oz), and so on. Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat, and bring to a boil. [1]
    • Remember to keep track of exactly how much water you’ve put in the saucepan—you’ll need this measurement to determine how much ground coffee to add! [2]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Measure out 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of finely ground coffee for every 1 cup (250 mL) of water. For example, if you’ve boiled 2 cups (500 mL) of water, you’ll want to add 4 tablespoons (21.2 grams) of ground coffee. Add the ground coffee to the water, give it a quick stir, then turn off the stove. [3]
    • If you only have whole coffee beans, grind them using a coffee grinder, food processor, immersion blender, or mortar and pestle. [4]
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  3. Cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the coffee sit for about 2 minutes. Remove the lid and give the mixture a stir, then allow to sit for 2-2 ½ more minutes. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    The coffee grounds will have sunk to the bottom of the pan, so you should be able to use a ladle to transfer your coffee into mugs pretty easily. You can also strain your coffee using a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer. [6]
    • Finish with your favorite coffee creamer, sugar, flavorful syrups, or even whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
    • And that’s it! You’re ready to enjoy your freshly-brewed cup of coffee.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Making Coffee with a DIY “Coffee Bag”

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Measure out 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of ground coffee, then place them in the center of a regular coffee filter . [7]
    • You can also use a cheese cloth instead of a coffee filter, if you prefer. [8]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Tie the bundle tight to prevent coffee grounds from slipping through into the liquid, and make sure to leave enough twine or string at the end to hang out of the mug. This will give you something to pull the bundle out with when it’s done steeping. You’re essentially creating the coffee equivalent of a tea bag!
    • This method works best if you only intend to prepare one cup of coffee at a time.
    • If you want to prepare enough coffee to fill multiple mugs, create as many coffee filter bundles as you need, and place one in each mug.
  3. You can boil the water in a saucepan, heat it up in a kettle, or microwave it in a microwave-safe mug.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Place the bundle in your mug, making sure that the extra length of string or twine is hanging over the side. Pour your hot water directly over the coffee bag. [9]
  5. Do a quick taste test when you think the coffee is done, and allow it to steep a bit longer if it isn’t strong enough for your taste. It may take some trial and error to get it just right! [10]
  6. Tug on the string to pull the filter bundle out. Add cream and sugar as desired, and serve.
    • Give the bundle a slight squeeze with a spoon against the side of the cup to force out extra liquid.
    • Since the liquid inside the bundle had prolonged contact with the grounds, it will make the coffee stronger if you squeeze it back into the mug.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Making Turkish Coffee

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  1. This will make one serving of Turkish coffee, but you can double or triple the amount if you’d like a few more servings. [11]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    You’ll eventually be drinking the coffee without straining it, so it’s important to use very finely ground beans. [12] If desired, you can also add ½ - 2 teaspoons (2.1 - 8.4 grams) of sugar for a sweeter brew.
    • Adjust these amounts if you used more water in the first step. For example, if you doubled the recipe and used 12 oz (59.2 mL) of water, use 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of ground coffee.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Wait until the coffee starts to bubble and seems to be just on the brink of boiling, then remove it from the stove. Use a spoon to scoop up the foam that has formed on top of the coffee, and place the foam into the mug you’ll be using to drink your coffee. [13]
    • Since you’re heating the coffee over low heat, it may take a while for it to reach this point, so be patient!
  4. Keep heating the coffee over low heat until it’s almost boiling once again. [14]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Keep the other half of the coffee mixture in the saucepan—you’ll be returning it to the heat one more time. [15]
  6. Once 30 seconds have passed, pour the final bit of coffee into your mug. Wait a few minutes before consuming to allow the coffee grounds to sink to the bottom. And voila! You have delicious Turkish coffee. [16]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

Making French Press Coffee

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  1. You can use a kettle, saucepan, microwave, or electric hot pot, depending on which of these resources are available to you.
    • For one serving of coffee, boil 1 cup (250 mL) of water. You can double or triple this if you’d like more servings as well. [17]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    For one serving of coffee, measure out 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of coffee grounds and add them to your French press . [18] Double or triple the amount of coffee grounds depending on how many servings you’re making.
    • A coffee aficionado would insist on using freshly ground coffee, but you can also use pre-ground coffee.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Pour the water in a circular motion, directly over the grounds in your press. Make sure that all the grounds are saturated, and let them sit for 1 minute.
    • As you pour, you should notice a small "bloom" forming at the surface of the coffee slurry. This means that a layer of ground coffee will float at the top. [19]
    • Use a chopstick to stir the slurry and bring out the bloom further.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Stir the mixture as you pour, making sure everything is mixed together well. Place the lid/plunger apparatus onto the press, but don’t press down the plunger yet. [20]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes, then grasp the plunger stick on the top of the plunger assembly and press down with an even, steady motion. [21] Be patient and careful during this step—if the plunger becomes crooked, the grounds could escape into the upper portion of the press.
  6. Pour the coffee directly from the press pot into your coffee mugs, and hold the lid to prevent it from sliding around or popping off as you pour. Your French press coffee is now ready to drink!
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Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Making Faux Press Style Coffee

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  1. If you don’t have a French press, have no fear! You can still make French press style coffee using just a mug and a spoon. Start by bringing 1 cup (250 mL) water to a boil on the stove.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    If you like your coffee a little stronger, you can use 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of ground coffee instead. [22]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Pour a splash of water onto the grounds and make sure they're fully saturated. Allow to sit for about 30 seconds. This allows your coffee to “bloom,” which releases its rich flavor.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Allow the mixture to sit and steep for 4-5 minutes. The longer you let the coffee steep, the stronger your coffee will be. [23]
  5. Use the back of your spoon to press the coffee grounds down into the bottom of the bowl. This mimics the “pressing” that occurs when you plunge down the filter in a French press. [24]
  6. You’re essentially using the spoon to strain your coffee and keep the grounds out as you pour it into your mug. You can also use a coffee filter or a cheesecloth to strain the mixture, if you prefer. [25]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

Making Cold Brew Coffee

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    For two servings, use ⅓ cup (35 grams) of ground coffee and 1 ½ cups (354 mL) of cold water. [26]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    For the best flavor, let the coffee steep at room temperature for at least 12 hours. The longer you steep the coffee, the stronger your brew will be. [27]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    You can use a fine mesh sieve, a coffee filter, or a cheesecloth. Pour the coffee over whichever strainer you’re using, then repeat one more time to ensure that all the coffee grounds are removed. [28]
  4. Enjoy with cream, sugar, flavored syrups—whatever you prefer! [29]
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Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

Making Instant Coffee

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  1. You can heat your water using a tea kettle, saucepan, electric hot pot, or microwave.
    • Check the package of your instant coffee for instructions on how much water to boil.
    • The package might say to boil 6 oz (180 mL) of water for every 1-2 teaspoons (2-4 grams) of instant coffee , for example.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Each brand of instant coffee varies, but you should usually use between 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) of instant coffee granules per 6 oz (180 mL) of water.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Coffee without a Coffee Maker
    Pour the hot water over the coffee granules. Stir well to mix, then add sugar and cream as desired.
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  • Question
    How do you make coffee with ground coffee?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Making coffee with ground coffee can be done using a coffee maker, a French press, a percolator, etc.
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  • Question
    Can you make coffee on the stove?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can make coffee on the stove provided you have the right receptacle for this use. Typical items used to make coffee on the stove include: A kettle made for stove use; a saucepan; a Moka pot or other stove-safe container. Help with making stove coffee can be found here: How to Make Coffee on a Stove .
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    How many scoops of coffee do I need for 6 cups?
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    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The standard scoop per 1 cup of coffee is: 1 level scoop of ground coffee to 6 fl oz of water. Thus, for 6 cups of coffee, that is 6 level scoops to 36 fl oz of water. However, if you want to make the coffee stronger, you can try adding a scoop or two extra. If using mugs, change to 1 ⅓ level scoops per mug of coffee to 8 fl oz water, thus 6 mugs would require 8 level scoops to 48 fl oz of water.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
      2. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
      3. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
      4. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grind-coffee-beans
      5. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/how-to-make-cowboy-coffee-7444453
      6. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
      7. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      8. ↑ https://makethebestofeverything.com/2013/07/diy-coffee-brewing-bags/
      9. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      1. ↑ https://makethebestofeverything.com/2013/07/diy-coffee-brewing-bags/
      2. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      3. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/coffee/how-to-make-turkish-coffee
      4. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      5. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      6. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      7. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
      9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
      10. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601#htoc-ratio-of-water-amp-coffee-for-french-press
      11. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601#htoc-ratio-of-water-amp-coffee-for-french-press
      12. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
      13. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      14. ↑ https://realgoodcoffeeco.com/blogs/realgoodblog/ultimate-guide-how-to-make-french-press-coffee-without-the-french-press
      15. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      16. ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
      17. ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee
      18. ↑ https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/
      19. ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee
      20. ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make coffee without a coffee maker, start by combining coffee grounds and water in a saucepan. Then, heat the mixture on medium high, and stir it occasionally until it comes to a boil. Afterwards, let it continue boiling for 2 more minutes before removing it from the heat. Finally, pour the coffee slowly and carefully into your cup so that the grounds remain at the bottom of the pan. Alternatively, pour the coffee through a tea strainer to prevent any stray grounds from ending up in your cup. To learn more, including how to make coffee with a coffee filter and string, read on.

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