How to Brew Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Many people assume the only way to brew coffee is to use a coffee maker—unless you are drinking instant coffee.(PLEASE tell us you are not drinking instant coffee.)

The truth is, brewing coffee can be done without any special equipment or machine at all. You can brew a nice cup of coffee using nothing but common kitchen supplies. While we definitely prefer a French press or a pour over coffee maker, it’s nice to know how to brew coffee without a coffee maker in a pinch.

Here are 2 ways to brew coffee without a coffee maker:

Measuring Cup and Sieve

This method allows the coffee to mellow in the hot water much like it would in a French press. The filtration process is not perfect, though, so you will get a bit more sludge, but this should mostly sink to the bottom.

The steps are simple:

1. Heat 500 ml of water to 200 F (or around there).
2. Grind 30 grams of coffee coarsely.
3. Add grounds to a measuring cup.
4. Pour the hot water into the measuring cup.
5. Let steep for about 2-4 minutes (depending on how strong you want it).
6. Place a sieve (or loose leaf tea basket) over your cup.
7. Pour mixture through sieve.
8. Serve

Tea Bag Method

With this method, you brew a cup of coffee almost exactly as you would brew a cup of tea. However, let us point out right now that although you can buy coffee-filled tea bags at the store, you really shouldn’t.

The result of those pre-made coffee bags is a bitter, watery, unpleasant disaster. Instead, keep a pack of empty tea bags on hand. Alternatively, cut a coffee filter down to size and tie it closed with a string.

1. Heat water (roughly 280-300 ml for a single cup). Aim for a lower temperature between 175 and 200.
2. Grind 16-20 grams of coffee (depending on desired strength) to a medium grind.
3. Pour into your tea bag (or modified coffee filter). Close it.
4. Place coffee bag in your mug.
5. Pour hot water in your mug. Don’t pour directly on the bag. Pour next to it.
6. Let steep 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove bag and serve.

This method produces the least sludge in your cup, so if that’s something that bothers you, this is the way to go.

We highly prefer a pour over coffee maker or a French press, but in a pinch, these equipment-free methods will get your fix without sacrificing too much flavor.