A coffee maker is a standard modern kitchen appliance. It is for people on the go and also for people who just wants to wake up with freshly brewed coffee waiting for them without making a bother of preparing.
Coffee makers come in different capacities, features and controls; some are automatic while others are manually operated. Some are small enough to brew a few cups while some could have a large pot of freshly brewed coffee enough to satisfy a whole family.
Here Is a Step by Step Process on How to Use a Coffee Maker
- Measure the coffee grounds that you will use. The usual measurement is around 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces but again it may depend on what type of coffee you may be using.
- Place just the right amount of water in the coffee maker pot. Check your coffee maker manual for the correct coffee to water ratio recommended by the manufacturer. You may also check the coffee packaging for the suggested coffee to water ratio to get the best coffee blend. Use a scoop recommended by the coffee maker manufacturer or the coffee maker.
- Place the filter basket on the coffee maker compartment and then place the coffee grounds in the basket. It is very important to get the right amount of coffee in the basket so you won’t overload your basket.
- Pour the right amount of water into the coffee maker. The water compartment is usually found behind the filter or above the filter. Do not pour water into the filter basket.
- Turn on the power. If you have an automatic coffee maker it will go ahead and start brewing coffee but some best coffee makers allow you to program it to brew by setting the time and the temperature to wait for your coffee to brew. By the time there are only a few minutes left, pause the brewing process and remove the filter paper and coffee grounds. Removing this or letting it sit on the coffee will make your coffee very bitter. If you are using a reusable filter, just throw away the grounds and then wash the filter so you can use it next time. Continue the brewing process.
- Now your coffee is ready! Pour yourself a cup and then place the coffee pot back in the receptacle.
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Tips on How to Get the Best Cup of Coffee
- Use freshly roasted/toasted and ground coffee. You must purchase only from reliable coffee retailers so you will always use high-quality coffee.
- If you purchase coffee from an actual retailer, ask if they could toast the beans for you or grind these before packing them. Coffee beans release their best flavors right after they are roasted and ground. Be sure to place coffee in a container that has a tight cover. Coffee tends to reduce its flavor and strength when it is exposed to air and to different chemicals.
- Clean your coffee maker regularly. This is the ultimate secret to brewing the best coffee. Do not just rely on the sell-clean features of your coffee maker but clean it at least twice or three times a week especially when you use it daily. Use your coffee maker instructional guide book to clean your coffee maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Aside from the internal parts and removable parts of your coffee maker, clean the outside of the machine as well. Use a soft cloth with a bit of dishwashing liquid to remove coffee stains, smells, and spills. Finish off with a dry and clean cloth.
- Filters should be replaced regularly since these could attract insects and pests. If you use recyclable filters then clean and dry them right away, place these in the coffee maker only when you are ready to brew. When you are using disposable filters, remove them at once.
- If you are using an automatic coffee maker, set the timer beforehand and then place the coffee grounds in the filter basket. Do not forget to place the right amount of water too. Now you can wake up to a delicious cup of coffee every day.
How to Clean a Coffee Maker
A coffee maker will perform better, last longer and brew you cup after cup of coffee when it is maintained regularly. If you use your coffee maker daily or even several times a day then you should clean it thoroughly at least once a week.
Cleaning your coffee maker will remove any clogged mechanism inside the machine. It will minimize pests that could live inside your machine and contaminate your brew each time and most of all, you will always get freshly brewed coffee with the best taste each time you use it.
A very important note: each coffee maker machine has its own specifications, features and instructions so refer to your manual on how to clean a particular coffee maker.
Manufacturers may recommend a particular cleaning technique while others simply allow you to clean using simple materials you can find at home. But still it is best to start by reading your owner’s manual!
A thorough cleaning of a standard coffee maker requires the following materials:
- 3 cups of white vinegar
- 6 cups of tap water or enough water to fill the pot,
- a pot of cold water,
- a disposable filter basket a container for mixing vinegar and water.
If you are cleaning your coffee maker for the first time in a year or more, use equal amounts of vinegar and water.
Steps to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar
- Mix vinegar and water in a container.
- Place a filter basket on the receptacle and then pour the vinegar and water solution into the place where water is usually added in the coffee maker. Let it stand for a minute.
- Power on the coffee maker and then let the vinegar and water mixture run through. Remember that the dirty mixture will simply drip onto the coffee jug so you need to throw this away once the coffee maker is done.
- A glass coffee jug is a plus when you clean since you can easily see the quality of the solution that is being collected.
- After the solution has completely dripped in the coffee jug, fill the receptacle with cold water and let this run through by turning the coffee maker on again.
Let the water brew drip completely. You may repeat this process when your coffee maker still smells like vinegar or the water that has been collected in the jug is still dirty or cloudy.
When you are sure that the machine does not smell like vinegar anymore, you may now clean the outer part of the machine as well as the water jug.
In cleaning the outside portion of the coffee maker, you will need the following materials:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda,
- 2 tablespoons of water,
- dish washing soap,
- soft pads
- clean dry cloth and scouring pad if necessary.
The outer portion of your coffee maker may be either made of plastic or stainless steel however coffee easily stains materials especially when you do not wipe it as soon as you can.
If possible, wipe using a clean cloth, any stains or spills as soon as you can especially when you use your coffee maker daily.
But for stains that persist and for thorough weekly or monthly cleaning, you should do the following:
- Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a small dish. You will be creating a toothpaste-like consistency. Set this aside.
- Wipe the outer portion completely and take note of parts with persistent stains. Cover these areas with the baking soda and water mixture and let this stand for at least 5 to 10 minutes or longer.
- Wipe the mixture off and repeat if the stain persists. Use a scouring pad for tougher stains. If there are hard-to-reach areas where stains and cakes of coffee collect, use a chopstick with a bit of the mixture on the tip to cover the area. Remove after 10 minutes.
- Clean the pot using dishwashing soap and water. You may also use ice cubes and water; swirl these around for a few minutes and then rinse well.
- Wipe the outer portion with dishwashing soap and water mixture and then wipe completely with a soft and dry cloth.
- Replace the filter basket before using the coffee maker.
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