How can I make some great coffee?

I have one by cuisanart I use at work. I like Starbucks® Sumatra, and use spring water to brew coffee. It’s amazing what a difference the water makes!

I also regularly sanitize the carafe, which is stainless steel, with a warm water-baking soda mixture. You basically dump some baking soda into the clean pot, then add just enough water to make a thick paste, and push the paste along the walls of the pot to absorb the residue that collects. Easy and cheap, it is also a green way to keep your coffee pot clean.

If you just got it, run it with just water a few times.

We tend to do 2 tbsp coffee grinds per actual mug of coffee. Which may be 1 per “cup” on the coffee pot. Plus 1 or 2 extra depending on the amount we’re making. It depends on if you like it strong or not. Quality of coffee grinds is also really important. You’re never going to get an amazing pot of coffee from Folgers in my opinion. But people have widely varying coffee tastes.

My wife buys Eight o’clock brand whole bean hazelnut coffee, then grinds it a little at a time, as we use it. It’s absolutely delicious when you grind fresh whole bean coffee. And kick the folger’s, or use it when those unexpected guests show up ;)

First, it’s worthwhile to have good coffee. Folger’s is ok, but shop around and try other brands. It doesn’t have to be terribly expensive. (One of the big box stores carries a Jamaican bean which is awesome and $10 for 2 lbs.)

Second, It is worth it to invest in a grinder and buy beans instead of pre-ground. Ground tastes ok right after you buy it, but goes downhill quickly.

If you do keep the ground coffee for more than a few days, keep in in the fridge or freezer.

As w/ any food item, start w/ great ingredients…as to exactly what brand…that depends on your taste/strength preference. You may also find it beneficial to grind your own beans to get your desired strength.

EDIT: Ooops! Ditto what he said ^^^^^^. We were typing at the same time :)

Also, try varying the amounts you use (as described by @EmpressPixie ) until you find a strength that you like. Then remember and measure precisely for a consistant cup.

Whole bean, locally roasted coffee makes a huge difference. Beans start to go stale, letting off gasses, as soon as they’re roasted. Canned coffee makers pre-stale the beans so that the canisters don’t bloat and explode. You’ll notice pressure valves in the bags of fresh coffee. The more recent the roast, the better it will taste. If you can’t find a local roaster, get online.

@simpleD. Interesting info! Thanks for sharing!

Dunkin Donuts sells their coffee now….very good!

@jholler Yes, and you can buy the Duncan Donut coffee beans. They are excellent.

ditto @Grisson! I bought a little coffee grinder for about $10, grinds enough for about two days. Once you have tasted coffee from your own grinder, you will not go back.

Also, if you coffee maker has one of those hot plates under the pot to keep the coffee hot, TURN IT OFF as soon as the coffee is brewed. The taste of your brew will go down sharply for every minute that you let it cook on that hot plate. Get a little insulated carafe, pour those 4 cups in it just as soon as they are brewed.

With all the selection of beans, grinding methods, brewing methods, etc., coffee can be an art that you can take just as far as you want – or not.

@steelmarket ~ you are so right! When I worked at a doughnut/coffee shop we had old-school Bunn® coffee plates and had to keep a timer on each pot brewed or the boss would go ape. I think the time limit was 20 minutes.