how to make coffee without a coffee maker

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You’re in the perfect spot if you want to learn how to make coffee without a coffee maker.

When you’re in college, it’s not always easy to make time for coffee.

And when you live in a dorm with no kitchen, the only way to get your caffeine fix is to head next door and spend your food budget at the campus coffee spot.

Well, if that’s the case, you’re going to need some tips on how to make coffee without a coffee maker.

I’ve got just the thing! Here are a few quick and simple ways for making java without any fancy equipment or appliances.

Can You Really Make Coffee Without A Coffee Maker?

Of course, you can.

The only caveat is that it’s going to take a little extra time and effort to get your caffeine fix.

If you’re willing to put in a little extra elbow grease, you’ll be on your way to sipping a steaming cup of homemade java in no time.

Ready for the good news?

If you can make tea without a tea bag or teapot, you can make coffee without a coffee machine.

Why? Because all you need is ground beans and hot water! That’s it!

So let’s get started on how to make coffee without a coffee machine.

To start making coffee without a coffee machine, you’ll need to buy whole beans and grind them as finely as possible.

The finer the grind, the smoother the end result will be.

Or you can buy ground coffee if you don’t want to go through the grinding process.

How Much Coffee Should You Grind?

Like all other things in life, there is a right and a wrong way to grind your beans.

If you want to make a strong cup of coffee with a rich, bold flavor, then grind your beans as fine as possible.

If you’re looking for a weaker coffee with a mellow taste, then grind your beans to an even finer point.

Quick Tips on Grinding Your Own Coffee Beans

If you want to make strong coffee, it’s best to grind your beans for seven minutes or less.

This way, the oils are still extracted from the bean and will create a stronger cup of java.

If you’re looking to make a weaker coffee, you can grind your beans for up to twelve minutes.

This will give the coffee just enough time to steep with no bitterness or harsh flavor.

Lastly, if you want to make iced coffee, it’s best to grind your beans for seven minutes or less.

This way, the coffee does not begin to warm up and turn into a cup of hot chocolate milk.

How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

1. The Strainer Method

What You’ll Need

  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Coffee Cup
  • Ground Coffee
  • Water

Instructions

  • Start by placing a fine mesh strainer over your cup and adding two tablespoons of ground coffee to the strainer. Do not add any water yet!
  • Next, add one cup of water to your pot. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for five minutes. If you’re making iced coffee, then set it aside and let it come to room temperature.
  • Add one cup of water back to the pot. Be sure not to overfill the pot with too much water. If there is too much water, your coffee will become weak and watered down.
  • Once your pot is heated up again, pour the strained grounds into the mug and pour hot (but not boiling) water over them. Let it sit for one minute, then stir with a spoon or stir of your choice.
  • Set your cup or mug up in front of you and enjoy the brew!

2. The French Press Method

What You’ll Need

  • French Press
  • Coffee Mug
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Water
  • Milk

Instructions

  • If you’re making iced coffee, then grind your beans and add one tablespoon to your French press. If you’re making hot coffee, add two tablespoons of ground coffee to the French press.
  • Place your coffee grounds into the strainer and then pour the hot water (but not boiling) into the French press. Use a spoon to stir the grounds so they don’t float to the top of your mug. Let it sit for thirty seconds, then enjoy!

3. The Moka Pot Method

What You’ll Need

  • Moka Pot
  • Coffee Beans
  • Water
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Milk

Instructions

  • Start by grinding up your beans and filling the basket of your Moka pot with one tablespoon of ground coffee. If you want a sweeter-tasting coffee, then grind two tablespoons instead. The amount you need will vary widely from brand to brand.
  • Next, pour hot water into the bottom chamber of your Moka pot and place it onto a flame burner. Make sure the top chamber is completely free of water.
  • When your water comes to a boil, turn off the flame and then remove the pot from the burner. Add one cup of cold water to the top chamber and replace it on top of your stove. Turn your flame back on and let it boil again. Be sure the flame is not too hot or else your coffee grounds will scorch.
  • When your water comes to a boil, remove the top chamber and pour the coffee grounds into the sink. Add one teaspoon of sugar if you want to sweeten your coffee. Then place the top chamber back on top of your stove and wait for it to boil again. Repeat this step two more times so you have three total pots of coffee. You’ll notice that each pot will be weaker than the last.
  • Pour your coffee into a mug and enjoy!

4. The Sauce Pan Method

What You’ll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Fresh Ground Coffee (the finer, the better)
  • Water (hot but not boiling)
  • Milk (optional)

Instructions

  • Add water to your saucepan and bring it to medium heat. Whisk your coffee grounds into the water and let it sit for thirty seconds. Whisk again and let it sit for another thirty seconds. Repeat this step two more times so you have three total “soaks”. You’ll notice that each soak will be weaker than the last.
  • After your third soak, turn off your heat and pour your coffee mixture into a mug. If you want to add milk, then you can do so now.

5. The Stovetop Method

What You’ll Need

  • Water (hot but not boiling)
  • Coffee Grounds
  • A Stovetop
  • A Mug
  • A Spoon

Instructions

  • Placed your mug or pot up on the stovetop and pour hot water into it. Place your coffee grounds into the bottom of your mug and then add one tablespoon of hot water. Let it sit for thirty seconds while you prepare your stovetop. The heat will begin to evaporate the water while you prepare.
  • When you’re fully set up and ready to go, pour the coffee into your mug and stir with a spoon. If you’re making hot coffee, then I recommend stirring once or twice more before you drink it. Now you know how to make coffee on the stove without any fancy machine.
  • Enjoy and let your sweet morning pick-me-up wake you up!

6. The Bag Method

What You’ll Need

  • Ground Coffee
  • Coffee Filter
  • String
  • Tea Strainer
  • Water

Instructions

  • Place a filter in your bag and then add about one-half cup of coffee grounds to the filter. I recommend using a string to tie it closed.
  • Place the string over the top of your coffee grounds and tie it shut. It’s ready to use! If you’re making hot coffee, then I recommend stirring once or twice more before you drink it so that the heat from the water doesn’t burn your face or hands.
  • Pour your hot water into the top of the bag and then place it into the top of your mug. Be sure that there’s enough room to let your coffee filter through without spilling any hot water. If you’re making hot coffee, then I recommend stirring once or twice more before you drink it so that the heat from the water doesn’t burn your face or hands.
  • Pour your coffee into a mug and enjoy!

** For best results, I recommend using pre-ground coffee beans because it’s fresher than whole beans and just as good!

Can You Expect A Good Cup of Joe Without A Coffee Maker?

Let’s face it, a coffee maker is a must. When you combine heat and water, something awesome happens. It’s science!

But if you don’t have the budget for a coffee maker, then try all of these methods and I promise that it will be surprisingly delicious!

Prepping your coffee this way will definitely take some time, but you’ll have a delicious cup of joe whether you’re on the go or just lounging around.

Final Thoughts On How To Make Coffee Without A Coffee Maker

Making coffee without a coffee maker is actually doable.

It will take time, but the result is definitely worth it.

Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your steaming cup of coffee on the go or in your jammies with a little more ease!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of methods for how to make coffee without a coffee maker.

No matter what your preference is, hopefully, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without the need of buying a coffee maker.

Now that you know how to make coffee without a coffee maker, go ahead and enjoy it!

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