Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Ibrahim Bat
Is it possible to make filter coffee at home without a coffee machine?
Yes! You definitely don’t need an expensive coffee machine to be able to make filter coffee at home.
In this Best Coffee at Home guide, we’ll look at how to make filter coffee without a machine. One of my favorite ways of making coffee without a machine is using a French press or cafetière. But don’t worry, even if you don’t have a French press; you can still make filter coffee at home!
I love a French press because it makes my kitchen smell amazing, and those coffee notes hit so well in the morning when I am tired! Also, it is a very straightforward process that doesn’t involve many steps.
How to make filter coffee at home with French press?
A French press is one of the easiest ways to make filter coffee at home without a machine.
Related: 8 Best French Press – We’ve Tried!
Follow the steps below for some fresh filter coffee:
- Place your French press on a heatproof, non-slip surface. While holding the handle firmly, pull up the plunger and take the lid off.
- Put your coffee (grounded coffee) into the French press. Add a heaping tablespoon (7-8 grams) of coffee to the pot per 200 ml (6.7 oz) of water. As you become more familiar with this process, you might free-style the measurements (as I do with baking!). The more you make coffee this way, the more you know how much you like.
- Boil water in the kettle or stove to pour into the French press. Ideally, leave the boiling water to cool down for 1-2 minutes, as boiling water can scorch the coffee and cause bitterness.
- Once you have poured in the hot water, leave the coffee to rest for 4 minutes.
- Now it’s time to plunge! Plunge the French press to the bottom and pour your coffee.
Cleaning the French press
So you’ve drank your coffee, and the French press is sitting there full of the grounds of coffee…now what? Never pour the grounds down the sink!
A few bits are okay but always dispose of the grounds in the bin or the garden.
- Once emptying the French press, put some washing-up liquid and fill it with water. Plunge this so it gets bubbly!
- Continue this process a few times, rinsing the water and scrubbing the French press with a soft brush.
- Personally, I find this is enough to keep clean day to day, and once a week, I dissemble the French press parts to give it a deeper clean. The French press will disassemble quite easily.
Our more detailed guide to French press cleaning is here!
Will you be using a French press to make filter coffee at home?
I think there’s something cosy about having a French press on the table throughout the morning, and it looks lovely if you have guests.
How to make filter coffee at home without a French press?
You can still make some good filter coffee if you don’t have a French press. You’re good to go as long as you have an oven, coffee grounds, and water!
This is the simplest way to make filter coffee:
- Boil water in a pan on the hob. The amount of water will depend on the pan you use and how much you want to make, but a rough guide would be
- Once the water is boiling, remove it from the hob and let it rest for 1 minute.
- Stir in the coffee grounds. Let it rest for 2 minutes and stir again. Let it rest for another 2 minutes.
- Pour the coffee slowly into your cup so the grounds don’t spill. Use a spoon to keep the ground flat, and let the coffee run into your cup.
Let me know which method you try and how it was! Also, I’d love to know which coffee you are using; I’m always looking for new coffees to try!
Related: Taste Before You Buy – Best Coffee Subscriptions with Free Trials
What can I use instead of filter coffee machine?
If you don’t have access to a filter coffee machine, you can use several alternative methods to make coffee. Here are some popular options:
- French Press: Also known as a press pot or plunger pot, a French press is a simple and effective way to brew coffee. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water, and a plunger with a mesh filter separates the grounds from the coffee.
- Pour-Over Coffee Maker: Pour-over coffee makers allow you to brew coffee manually by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a paper or metal filter. The coffee drips through the filter into a carafe or mug below.
- AeroPress: AeroPress is a portable and versatile coffee maker. It uses air pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds, similar to a syringe. It produces a strong and smooth cup of coffee quickly.
- Moka Pot: Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Moka pot brews coffee by passing boiling water pressurized by steam through coffee grounds. It creates a strong, concentrated coffee similar to espresso.
- Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee involves steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for an extended period (usually 12-24 hours). The result is a smooth, low-acid coffee concentrate that can be diluted with water or milk before serving.
- Instant Coffee: While not the most flavorful option, instant coffee is a convenient and quick way to make coffee. Simply add hot water to the instant coffee granules and stir.
- Vietnamese Coffee Phin: This traditional Vietnamese drip filter allows you to brew strong, flavorful coffee. The coffee drips slowly through the filter into a glass containing sweetened condensed milk.
- Chemex: The Chemex is a stylish glass carafe with a conical paper filter that produces a clean and flavorful cup of coffee. It uses a thicker filter than the V60, resulting in a coffee with less sediment and a smoother mouthfeel. The Chemex method involves pouring hot water over the coffee grounds in a slow, controlled manner, allowing the coffee to “bloom” before continuing the rest of the pour. It’s known for its clarity and the ability to bring out the nuanced flavors of the coffee beans.
- Hario V60: The V60 is a cone-shaped dripper requiring thinner paper or reusable metal filters. It has a larger hole at the bottom, allowing for a faster extraction and a lighter body than the Chemex. The V60 brewing process involves pouring hot water in a spiral motion over the coffee grounds, promoting even extraction and a well-balanced cup of coffee. It’s popular among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to customize the brewing process, such as adjusting the water flow rate and grind size.
- Cowboy Coffee: A simple method used by campers and hikers, where coffee grounds are boiled in water, allowed to steep, and then the grounds are settled by adding a splash of cold water or letting it sit for a moment.
- Single-Cup Cone Filters: You can use single-cup cone filters on your mug or carafe. Place coffee grounds in the filter, pour hot water, and let it drip through.
Can I use toilet paper as a filter?
While it’s technically possible to use toilet paper as a makeshift filter in emergencies, I do not recommend using it for filtering coffee or any other food or beverage. Toilet paper is not designed for food-grade purposes and may contain chemicals, dyes, or other substances that are unsafe for consumption.
Using non-food-grade materials as filters can pose health risks, as they may leach harmful substances into your coffee, altering its taste and potentially causing health issues. Additionally, toilet paper is not designed to withstand hot water or prolonged exposure to liquids, so it may break down or disintegrate as a coffee filter.
