We live in a hectic world where everyone is constantly on the go. Although having a French press coffee for breakfast every morning would be great, it isn’t reasonable for many of us.
The best way to get a quick cup of delicious coffee while trying to get out the door is with a drip coffee maker. These machines brew a hot cup of java within minutes.
If you are considering investing in a drip coffee machine, keep reading this informative guide, where we provide you with all the information you need to create a successful cup of coffee every time using this brewing method.
What Is Drip Coffee?
Drip coffee is the most commonly made coffee today. It’s how most of your local drive-up coffee shops prepare their products because it is the quickest and easiest way to get it done.
Drip coffee makers are prevalent in the commercial sector, but many people also brew their own coffee at home to get their day started or perk themselves up when that 3 pm crash hits hard.
So, what is drip coffee? Just as it sounds, drip coffee is a cup of coffee made from a coffee maker that automatically pours water onto a basket with a filter full of grounds.
In drip brewing, as the water soaks through the grounds, it absorbs the coffee flavours, pulling them into the liquid and dripping into the cup below.
Types of Drip Coffee Makers
Although there are tons of drip coffee makers on the market today, they all work similarly. The differences lie in the features these coffee pots provide, starting with your basic machine and going all the way to the elite, smart, high-tech coffee maker.
Additional features:
- Timer
- Automatic start
- Automatic shut off
- Voice control
- Single-serve
- Coffee maker plus espresso machine
- Coffee maker with grinder
These are just a few modern options available, making it easier than ever to get your morning started problem-free.
The Inner Workings of a Drip Coffee Maker
Before using a drip coffee maker, you must know how it works. Here are the components:
Reservoir
The reservoir is the portion of the coffee maker that holds the water, storing it until you start the machine. A thin tube goes from the bottom of this container to the filter basket, filling it with water once the brewing process begins.
Heating Element
The heating element is a thin wire, typically found on the side of the coffee maker at its base. This element gets hot when you turn the drip coffee maker on, heating the water to brew the coffee.
Shower Head
The shower head is positioned directly above the basket of coffee grounds. After the water heats up from the coiled wire, the water goes through the shower head and hot water pours over the grounds.
Filter Basket
The filter basket is located right below the shower head. This spot holds the coffee filter, then allows the water to brew, separating fresh hot coffee from the coffee grounds.
Carafe
The carafe is the glass container that sits below the filter basket. This part of the coffee pot catches the brewed coffee and can then be used to pour it into a coffee mug. Some drip coffee makers do not have carafes, capturing the coffee in a travel mug or a coffee cup.
Using a Drip Coffee Maker
A drip coffee maker is popular because it is incredibly convenient, easy to use, and rarely fails at creating a quick and delicious cup of joe. However, you won't get the delightful coffee taste you look forward to without following the proper instructions.
Coffee Grind Size
The size of your coffee grind will significantly impact your final cup. You always want to choose a medium grind size when using a drip coffee maker.
Because drip coffee makers distribute water quickly to the basket and out the bottom of the filter, having smaller pieces will allow the brewing process to complete much quicker.
On the other hand, tiny particles can create a strong, robust coffee flavour that might be too overpowering for most people.
Pre-ground or DIY?
Many people are unaware that they get coffee that has already begun to stale every time they buy it from the store. Once a coffee bean is ground, it leaves much more opportunity for oxidation to set in, removing much of the natural flavours.
The best way to get a delicious cup of great coffee is by purchasing a bag of high-quality whole beans and grinding them yourself right before you turn on the pot.
Does it Matter What Roast You Use to Make Drip Coffee?
The best part about using a drip coffee maker is that there are endless varieties of great coffee options, allowing users to craft a tasty cup of hot coffee with all of their favourite tasting notes without ruining the results.
While there are way too many types to name and no real industry standard qualifying them - we wanted to list some of the different roast types available for drip coffee (or any other brewing method really ;)...!).
- Blond Roast
- Columbian Roast
- Seattle Roast
- French Roast
- Donut Shop Roast
- City Roast
- European Roast
- American Roast
- New Orleans Roast
- Dark Roast
- Breakfast Roast
- Cinnamon Roast
Benefits of a Drip Coffee Maker
While we addressed the many benefits of a drip coffee maker, here is a quick summary of why you need one in your home if you're a coffee drinker:
- Creates a cup of good coffee within minutes
- Easy to use
- Can use a timer to start brewing coffee on its own
- Affordable for all budgets
- Easy to clean
- Makes a variety of coffee flavours
Summing Things Up
Drip coffee might not be the best way to make a fancy cup of coffee, but it will undoubtedly get the job done with little time and effort.
If you're a coffee lover and want quality whole beans to self-grind for a great-tasting brew, consider ordering one of the many delicious coffee subscription options Coast to Coast Coffee offers.