There’s never a good time for your coffee maker to break down on you, but it’s still possible to make an adequate cup of coffee even if your machine stops working. It might not be your first choice, but it’s a good idea to learn how to brew coffee without a coffee maker, just in case you ever need to.
In this post, we’ll discuss three methods for how to brew coffee without a coffee maker. From instant coffee to saucepan coffee, check out these recommendations for getting your morning coffee fix — even without the best equipment.
Use instant coffee
Real coffee snobs might scoff at the thought of drinking instant coffee since it typically has less caffeine and a weaker taste than brewed java. However, the quality of instant coffee has improved over the last few years as more brands have introduced their own lines of instant coffee (including Starbucks).
But there’s a reason why instant coffee is still popular: convenience. Unlike brewed coffee, instant coffee is much easier to make if you’re in a hurry. All you have to do is boil your water with a stove, microwave, or kettle. After that, you’ll add a couple of scoops of the instant coffee and stir until it’s dissolved. Top it off with milk or half-and-half as usual.
Try the stovetop method
Don’t have any instant coffee on hand? The stovetop method is almost as simple as using instant coffee, but it’s made with your regular coffee grounds instead.
To make coffee using this method, put some water into a saucepan. We recommend adding a bit more water than you would ordinarily need to brew a cup of coffee. Then measure out your ground coffee and stir it into the water.
Bring the mixture to a boil, using the medium-high setting on your stove. Let it boil for about two minutes while uncovered. Remove the pan from heat, setting it aside for a couple of minutes before using a ladle to scoop coffee into your mug.
Make your own coffee bag
With this method, you’re essentially making your own tea bag (but filling it with coffee). You’ll need a coffee filter and string to do this, so make sure you have those items on hand.
To make your own coffee bag, measure out your coffee and scoop it into the middle of a clean, unused filter. Tightly bundle up the filter around the coffee and fasten it with string, so it looks like a small pouch. As you tie it, you should leave enough string on one end to hang outside of your coffee cup (just like a normal tea bag).
Boil your water with one of the methods discussed earlier. Place your coffee bag into the bottom of your empty mug and slowly pour the hot water on top. Allow it to steep for 2-3 minutes (for weaker coffee) or 4-5 minutes (for stronger coffee). Remove the pouch and discard it.
Most likely, none of these methods will be your favorite way to consume coffee. But it’s helpful to know how to brew coffee without a coffee maker — just in case you’re ever in that situation.
For more kitchen ideas, check out the Tastessence blog.
