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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
- Add 1 cup (250 mL) of water to a saucepan, and bring to a boil on the stove.
- Add 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of finely ground coffee to the water and stir.
- Turn off the heat and allow the coffee to brew for about 5 minutes.
- Ladle the coffee into your mug, avoiding the coffee grounds at the bottom of the saucepan.
- Finish with cream and sugar as desired, and enjoy!
Steps
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Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of water in a saucepan. 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] X Research source- 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] X Research source
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Add 2 tbsp (10.6 g) of coffee to the boiling water, and turn off the heat. 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] X Research source
- If you only have whole coffee beans, grind them using a coffee grinder, food processor, immersion blender, or mortar and pestle. [4] X Research source
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Allow the coffee to brew for about 5 minutes. 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] X Research source
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Ladle or strain out the coffee. 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] X Research source
- 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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Place 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of coffee grounds into a coffee filter. Measure out 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of ground coffee, then place them in the center of a regular coffee filter . [7] X Research source
- You can also use a cheese cloth instead of a coffee filter, if you prefer. [8] X Research source
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Use string or twine to tie the filter into a bundle. 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.
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Heat up 1 cup (250 mL) of water. You can boil the water in a saucepan, heat it up in a kettle, or microwave it in a microwave-safe mug.
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Pour the water over your coffee filter bundle. 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] X Research source
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Let the coffee steep for 3-5 minutes. 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] X Research source
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Remove the filter and enjoy. 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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Place 6 oz (29.6 mL) of water in a saucepan over low heat. 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] X Research source
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Add in 1 tablespoon (5.3 grams) of ground coffee. You’ll eventually be drinking the coffee without straining it, so it’s important to use very finely ground beans. [12] X Research source 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.
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When the water is almost boiling, remove from the heat and skim off the foam. 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] X Research source
- Since you’re heating the coffee over low heat, it may take a while for it to reach this point, so be patient!
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Return the saucepan to the stove and allow the coffee to heat up again. Keep heating the coffee over low heat until it’s almost boiling once again. [14] X Research source
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Pour half of the coffee mixture into your mug. Keep the other half of the coffee mixture in the saucepan—you’ll be returning it to the heat one more time. [15] X Research source
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Heat the rest of the coffee in the saucepan for about 30 more seconds. 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] X Research source
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Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of water. 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] X Research source
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Place 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of grounds in your French press. For one serving of coffee, measure out 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of coffee grounds and add them to your French press . [18] X Research source 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.
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Pour half the water into the press and let it sit for 1 minute. 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] X Research source
- Use a chopstick to stir the slurry and bring out the bloom further.
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Pour the remaining hot water into the press. 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] X Research source
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Steep your coffee for 4 minutes, then plunge the filter. 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] X Research source Be patient and careful during this step—if the plunger becomes crooked, the grounds could escape into the upper portion of the press.
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Pour the coffee. 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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Boil 1 cup (250 mL) of water. 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.
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Put 1 tablespoon (5.3 grams) of ground coffee in a bowl. If you like your coffee a little stronger, you can use 2 tablespoons (10.6 grams) of ground coffee instead. [22] X Research source
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Saturate the grounds with a small amount of water for 30 seconds. 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.
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Pour in the rest of your hot water and stir. 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] X Research source
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Press down on the coffee grounds with the back of a spoon. 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] X Research source
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Pour the coffee into a mug as you hold the spoon in place. 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] X Research source
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Add coffee and cold water to a mason jar. For two servings, use ⅓ cup (35 grams) of ground coffee and 1 ½ cups (354 mL) of cold water. [26] X Research source
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Put the lid on the jar, and allow it to steep overnight. 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] X Research source
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Strain your coffee. 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] X Research source
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Pour your coffee into a glass with ice. Enjoy with cream, sugar, flavored syrups—whatever you prefer! [29] X Research source
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Boil 6 oz (180 mL) of water. 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.
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Measure 1-2 tsp (2-4 grams) of instant coffee and put them in your mug. 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.
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Pour in the hot water and stir. Pour the hot water over the coffee granules. Stir well to mix, then add sugar and cream as desired.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do you make coffee with ground coffee?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerMaking coffee with ground coffee can be done using a coffee maker, a French press, a percolator, etc.
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QuestionCan you make coffee on the stove?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, 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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QuestionHow many scoops of coffee do I need for 6 cups?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe 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
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
- ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grind-coffee-beans
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/how-to-make-cowboy-coffee-7444453
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker-article
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://makethebestofeverything.com/2013/07/diy-coffee-brewing-bags/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://makethebestofeverything.com/2013/07/diy-coffee-brewing-bags/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/coffee/how-to-make-turkish-coffee
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601#htoc-ratio-of-water-amp-coffee-for-french-press
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601#htoc-ratio-of-water-amp-coffee-for-french-press
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-french-press-coffee-113601
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://realgoodcoffeeco.com/blogs/realgoodblog/ultimate-guide-how-to-make-french-press-coffee-without-the-french-press
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://drinksupercoffee.com/blog/nutrition/how-to-make-coffee-without-a-coffee-maker/
- ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee
- ↑ https://www.loveandlemons.com/cold-brew-coffee/
- ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee
- ↑ https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017355-cold-brew-coffee
About This Article
Article Summary
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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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