How To Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

By

Bryan Huynh

on March 21, 2024

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A cup of coffee is one of the first things most people grab in the morning before heading out. Caffeine in coffee keeps you energized and alert all day long.

Most people today depend on coffee makers. But what happens when your machine malfunctions and you still need your morning coffee? Or maybe you're at a campsite and want to enjoy a fresh brew? Whatever the situation, here are a few ways to make coffee without relying on a machine. Check out our Coffee Club page to compare and read more reviews of our favorite coffee clubs

Use a Coffee Bag

The simplest way to prepare your morning beverage is by steeping a coffee-filled bag into hot water. You can buy coffee bags. But if you want to make one on your own, place finely ground coffee in a paper filter, roll, securely wrap, and tie it with a string.

Things You Need

  • Coffee bag
  • Hot water

Preparations

1. Heat water in a saucepan or kettle. Let the water cool for about 30 seconds.

2. Place the coffee bag in a mug and slowly pour in hot water.

3. Let the coffee steep for about four minutes. If you want a weak coffee take the teabag out after two minutes, and leave it for about six minutes if you want a stronger brew.

4. Take out the coffee bag, discard it, then add sugar or cream if desired.

Make Cold Brew Coffee

If you want to recreate a Java-like experience at home, you may want to try out the cold brew coffee. Though, this option will need a little more time to prepare.

Things You Need

  • Coarsely ground coffee
  • Strainer
  • Cold water
  • Refrigerator

Preparations

1. Measure coffee grounds and water in the ratio of 1: 5 and put them in a jar. You can use a higher grounds to coffee ratio if you want a stronger concentrate. The coffee grounds will float, and you can press them with a spoon as you stir.

2. Tightly close the jar and refrigerate it for about 14 to 24 hours.

3. After the time elapses, strain the coffee concentrate in batches.

4. Serve the filtered concentrate and drop a few ice cubes in the mug. You can use water to dilute a portion of the concentrate until you achieve your preferred intensity. Add milk if desired.

5. Store the remaining coffee in the refrigerator for up to ten days.

Try the Cowboy Method

In ancient times, before the coffee makers' invention, people used the cowboy method to brew coffee. This is a popular coffee-making method among campers.

Things You Need

  • Water
  • Heat source
  • Coffee grounds
  • Mug
  • Pot or kettle

Preparations

1. Put the coffee grounds in a kettle, add water and stir.

2. Put the pot on the stove under medium heat and bring it to a boil.

3. After 45 seconds of boiling, stir the mixture to loosen any particles stuck on the pot.

4. Allow the coffee to boil for around two minutes, then turn off the stove.

5. Turn heat off the heat and let the coffee sit for about five minutes.

6. Once all particles settle at the bottom of the pot, pour the coffee slowly into your mug.

Try the Strainer Method

You can also use a double mesh strainer with tiny holes to make coffee. A filter with large holes will let through too many coffee grounds into your cup.

Things You Need

  • Coffee grounds
  • Strainer
  • Water
  • Saucepan or kettle

Preparations

1. Measure enough water for the coffee servings you want to make and put it in a kettle.

2. Add coffee grounds.

3. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat after two minutes.

5. Hold the strainer over your cup and pour some coffee.

Improvise the French Press

One thing that makes the French press a popular beverage is that you can customize the taste to your liking. Plus, you can make it using readily available kitchen tools.

Things You Need

  • Mug
  • Course ground coffee
  • Bowl
  • Hot water
  • Tablespoon

Preparations

1. Boil water in a kettle.

2. Add a tablespoon of coffee grounds for every serving into a deep bowl.

3. Pour a little hot water to cover the grounds for about 30 seconds. This allows the coffee grounds to bloom the aroma and create a better taste.

4. Add the rest of the water, then use a spoon to push the coffee grounds to the bottom.

5. Allow the coffee to steep to your preferred brew level.

6. Once the coffee grounds sink to the bottom, slowly pour some beverage into your cup. Don't serve the last bit to avoid pouring too much coffee grounds into your cup.

Use a Microwave

If you have a microwave, you can use it to make some coffee. This could be your go-to method in case of emergency when your machine stops working at the least expected time.

Things You Need

  • Water
  • Mug
  • Microwave
  • Ground coffee

Preparations

1. Put enough water in a mug and microwave it for about two minutes. It should be hot but not boiling.

2. Add coffee grounds, and you should hear a sizzling sound.

3. Leave it for about four minutes for the grounds to sit at the bottom.

4. You can strain the brew or drink it carefully but avoid the last sip if you hate chewy coffee.

Make Turkish Coffee

Try making Turkish coffee if you love strong, thick, frothy brews. This option requires fine grounds.

Things You Need

  • Coffee grounds
  • Water
  • Cezve, Turkish pot

Preparations

1. Put water and a heaped tablespoon of coffee into a cezve or a saucepan. If you wish, you can add sugar at this point.

2. Place the pot on low heat.

3. Before the water boils, remove the risen foam and put it in a cup.

4. Put the pot back onto the heat, then take it off once it nears boiling.

5. Transfer the mixture to your coffee mug the let it sit for about two to three minutes for the grounds to sink, then enjoy your coffee.

Try the Swedish Egg Method

If you love trying out unique things, ensure that you make the Swedish egg coffee.

Things You Need

  • Egg
  • Coarsely ground coffee
  • Room temperature water
  • Ice cold water
  • Cup
  • Saucepan
  • Filter

Preparations

1. Put the room temperature water into a saucepan or pot and boil it.

2. Crack the egg along with the shell, put it in a cup, and stir.

3. Add the coffee grounds and stir.

4. By now, your water should be boiling. Add the egg ground mixture and let it boil for three to five minutes.

5. Once you begin to see a big clump, add ice cold water and let it sink in.

6. Slowly pour the coffee through a strainer into your cup.

Use a Moka Pot

You can make coffee by using a Moka pot on a stove. This old-school method is very helpful in case of a power outage if you have a gas range. You can make the closest brew to espresso to savor your cravings.

Things You Need

  • Water
  • Stove
  • Coffee grounds
  • Moka pot

Preparations

1. Put enough water into your Moka pot and avoid overfilling it.

2. Add finely-ground coffee on the filter basket, then tightly screw the pot's top and bottom parts.

3. Choose the correct size burner from your Moka pot and heat it under medium heat. Note that too much heat can burn your coffee.

4. Remove the pot from the stove once you begin to see a brown foam emerging from the top part. You should also hear a puffing sound.

5. Wrap the bottom part of the pot with a wet towel to stop extraction, so you get rich and concentrated coffee.

6. Serve the coffee and you can stir it gently if you wish to.

You Don't Always Need a Coffee Maker to Enjoy Your Favorite Brew

You can use your usual kitchen tools to prepare your coffee whenever you want, no matter the situation. Though the quality may not be as that of a coffee maker, there are several practices you can use to improve the taste. Ensure that you always use fresh grounds when possible. Use the proper water temperature depending on your brewing method. And if you're looking for the best coffee on the market? Then check out the best coffee club subscriptions

About the Author

Product Tester & Writer

Bryan Huynh

Product Tester & Writer

Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.

Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.