The automatic drip coffee maker is one of the most common ways to brew at home, and it can make excellent coffee. The machine handles the pouring; you control the coffee, the ratio, the grind and the water. Small adjustments to those make a bigger difference than buying a new machine.
1. Measure your coffee
Most weak or bitter drip coffee comes down to the amount of coffee. Start with a 1:16 ratio: about 60 g of coffee for 1 liter (34 fl oz) of water, or roughly 15 g per 8 fl oz.
Watch out for the "cup" markings on your machine. Many coffee makers count a cup as 5 or 6 fl oz, not 8. Measure your water by weight or in a measuring cup instead. See our coffee-to-water ratio guide.
2. Use a medium grind
Drip machines work best with a medium grind, about the texture of regular sand. Too fine, and the coffee over-extracts and tastes bitter, and the basket may overflow. Too coarse, and it tastes thin and sour. If you buy pre-ground coffee, it's usually ground for drip brewers. More in our grind size guide.
3. Start with good water
Coffee is mostly water, so its taste matters. If your tap water tastes strongly of chlorine or minerals, use filtered water. Avoid distilled water, which makes flat-tasting coffee.
4. Make sure the water gets hot enough
Ideal brewing water is 195–205°F (90–96°C). Many basic machines brew cooler than that, which can make coffee taste sour or weak. Machines certified by the Specialty Coffee Association are tested to meet brewing standards, including temperature, so it's worth checking for that if you're shopping for a new brewer.
5. Pre-wet the filter
If you use paper filters, rinse the filter with hot water before adding coffee. This removes papery flavors. Discard the rinse water.
6. Don't let it sit on the hot plate
Brewed coffee left on a warming plate keeps cooking and turns bitter and flat within about 30 minutes. Brew into a thermal carafe if you can, or brew only what you'll drink soon.
7. Keep the machine clean
Coffee oils build up in the basket and carafe, and mineral scale builds up inside the machine. Both affect taste. Wash removable parts after each use, and descale according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Quick troubleshooting
| Your coffee tastes… | Try this |
|---|---|
| Weak | Use more coffee (measure by weight) |
| Bitter or harsh | Grind coarser; don't leave it on the hot plate; clean the machine |
| Sour or thin | Grind a little finer; check the water is hot enough |
| Flat or dull | Use fresher coffee and store it well |
Which coffees taste best as drip?
Drip is a forgiving, versatile method, and balanced medium roasts are a natural fit. In the AUREO range, Rock Creek (toffee, dark chocolate, bright citrus) and Smith River (praline, nutty sweetness, medium body) make excellent everyday drip coffee. Brighter coffees work well too; for the most clarity from a light roast, try pour-over.
Not sure which coffee to brew? See how to choose coffee you'll actually like.
