How to Use a Coffeemaker

Learn how to use a coffeemaker to brew coffee. Making coffee isn't that hard, but if you are not familiar with the working of the typical coffee maker, it can be a little confusing.

Learn how to brew coffee in an auto drip coffeemaker, as that is a widely used method of making coffee.

There are several things you'll need to have handy when learning how to use a coffeemaker:

1. Coffee filters to fit the coffeemaker you'll be using. The shape and size of filter should match the shape and size of the coffeemaker filter space, so take a peek and make sure you have the correct size.

You'll most often find the area for the coffee filter at the top of the pot, with a lid that lifts up, or possibly a swing-out filter location just above the coffee carafe (Bunn uses this location for many of their coffeemakers.)

2. Coffee ground fine for the auto drip coffeemaker.

3. A tablespoon for measuring the coffee

4. Good tasting, quality water

5. Last but certainly not least, the coffeemaker itself, plugged in and ready to go to work for you!

NOTE: Some coffeemakers, such as Bunn, have models that start brewing as soon as the lid is closed, so take a minute to inspect your particular coffeemaker.

Is there an On/Off button or switch? If so, you'll be able to get everything set and ready to go, then turn the brewing mechanism on.

• First, take one coffee filter and place it in the filter holder of the coffee maker.
• With the tablespoon, add two full tablespoons of coffee per cup of coffee you are going to make.

  It can be hard to make one great cup of coffee unless your coffeemaker is set up to heat the water to the proper temperature. So, I would advise that you make four cups of coffee minimum, to be safe.

• Close the door of the filter if there is one provided.
• The next step in how to use a coffeemaker is to add the water. Look for an area on the top of the coffee pot where there is a reservoir to hold the water.
• Then, use the coffee carafe to measure out 4 cups (plus a little more) of coffee. Pour the water into the reservoir and close the lid.
• Place the coffee carafe on the warmer of the coffeemaker.
• Last, turn the coffeemaker to the 'ON' position.

Most coffeemakers take several minutes to brew 4 cups of coffee, so be patient. If your auto drip coffeemaker takes any longer than that, get a new coffee maker!

Once your coffee has brewed, be sure to pour it into a nice ceramic coffee mug. It always tastes best that way!

One final suggestion, and that is to drink your freshly brewed coffee while it is fresh. My rule of thumb is, if it's more than twenty minutes old, it's too old.

Your coffee taste may be allow for the coffee to sit a little longer than my tolerance, but don't leave the coffeemaker turned on for hours, burning the liquid to a nasty smelling mess.

So, you have learned the basics of how to make coffee...so go brew yourself a pot of java and enjoy!