You have a filter coffee machine at home and are wondering which coffee you should choose. Which coffee should be used in a filter coffee machine? We will address this question in detail in this article. In addition to this question, we will provide all the details regarding the coffee to be used in the machine. If you're ready, let's start with the answer to our question.
Which Coffee Is Used in a Filter Coffee Machine?
For filter coffee machines, freshly roasted coffee that is medium or finely ground and suitable for filter brewing methods should be used. Since the machine's operating principle relies on water filtering through the coffee bed for a certain period, if the grind is too fine, bitterness increases, and if it's too coarse, the risk of an overly full-bodied taste increases.
Household filter coffee machines operate on a "drip" brewing principle. In this method, water heats up, passes over the coffee, and filters through. Therefore, the best results are obtained with medium-ground filter coffee. Whether you prefer Arabica, Robusta, or a blend coffee is not important. The crucial point is that the grind size is suitable for brewing.
Can Espresso or Turkish Coffee Be Made in a Filter Coffee Machine?
You cannot make espresso or Turkish coffee in a filter coffee machine. The grind size for these coffees is also not suitable for the machine. Because espresso and Turkish coffee have a very fine grind, the water lingers too long in the coffee bed. This results in over-extraction, creating an intensely bitter taste. Similarly, with very coarse grinds, the water passes too quickly, causing aromas to flow into the cup without dissolving, and the coffee remains "thin."
Whether you use a paper filter or a metal filter in your machine also affects the coffee outcome. Paper filters provide a "cleaner and clearer" cup. Metal filters, on the other hand, allow more of the coffee's oils to pass through, increasing the body.
Grind Size: What Exactly Does "Medium" Mean?
Medium grind in coffee is often described with analogies like grains of sand. The table below can further clarify the question of "which grind for which machine":
|
Brewing Method |
Recommended Grind |
Analogy |
|
Filter coffee machine (drip) |
Medium |
Grains of sand |
|
V60 / Pour-over |
Medium–medium fine |
Sea salt |
|
French press |
Medium coarse |
Rock salt |
|
Espresso |
Fine |
Powder/fine flour |
Roast Profile and Taste: Which One Is Best Suited for the Machine?
For most people, medium roast is the safest choice for a filter coffee machine. This provides a cup that is neither too acidic nor too bitter. Medium roast is pleasant to drink even without milk, and when milk is added, the flavor softens without being lost. Options like Brazilian coffee at Rumo are ideal for those seeking this kind of safe haven.
Light roast coffees give very pleasant aromas in filter coffee machines. However, it's important to remember that they require the correct ratio and grind. Otherwise, a sour-intense taste might be perceived. Dark roasts, on the other hand, bring more bitter flavors. When left on a hot plate in the machine for too long, bitterness tends to increase in these coffees. Therefore, if you prefer dark roast coffee, it should be consumed as soon as possible after brewing.
Correct Measurement: How Many Scoops of Coffee, How Should the Water Be?
We have answered the question of which coffee to use in a filter coffee machine. Now, what about the ratio? Half of the flavor in filter coffee comes from the ratio and the water. The common ratio is 8-10 grams of coffee for 200 ml of water. This is approximately one tablespoon of coffee. It is possible to make small adjustments to the ratio depending on your taste preferences.
Generally, the golden ratio for coffee/water is in the range of 1:15 - 1:17. The taste of the water is also critical in this regard. Highly chlorinated water can suppress the aroma, while drinking water often yields a cleaner cup.
Although brewing time varies depending on the machine's features, the main goal is for the water to pass through the coffee neither too quickly nor too slowly. If your coffee is consistently bitter, reducing the ratio or coarsening the grind will help. Conversely, if you get watery coffee, you can increase the ratio or make the grind finer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which coffee is used in a filter coffee machine?
For a filter machine, the coffee beans must be medium ground. Medium grind yields the best results in these machines.
Can instant coffee be used in a filter coffee machine?
Filter coffee machines are typically designed to brew ground coffee beans. Instant coffees, which have a fine grind structure, are therefore not suitable. They can only be used in some machines that can adapt to various grind levels.
Can Turkish coffee be used in a filter coffee machine?
A filter coffee machine is suitable for brewing filter coffee. Coffees like Turkish coffee or espresso cannot be made in this machine.
