How to Brew Great Coffee with a Basic Coffee Maker

When it comes to brewing great coffee, most people assume you need an expensive machine, a digital scale, and a barista’s toolkit. But the truth is, with a little care and attention, even a basic drip coffee maker, like your trusty $25 Mr. Coffee Coffee maker, can produce a cup that rivals a specialty pour over.

I remember one morning when I needed to make coffee for a group and was short on time; therefore, I reached for my old plastic coffee maker out of convenience. I had freshly ground beans from our Sidekick Decaf blend, used my burr grinder to dial in the right grind size, and paid close attention to the water-to-coffee ratio. To my surprise, the coffee came out incredibly balanced—almost indistinguishable from what I’d brew with a pour over setup. That moment reminded me that good coffee isn’t about gear, it’s about intention.

So if you’ve got a standard coffee machine and want to get more out of it, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through how to optimize every step: grind size, water ratio, brew time—and how to make the most of what you have, even with a few design limitations.

Start with Fresh Beans

Always begin with high quality, freshly roasted coffee. Beans that are more than several weeks old lose their aroma and complexity, regardless of how you brew them. Choose a roast profile that suits your taste, medium to medium-dark roasts typically work well in drip machines.  Check out our collection of specialty coffee here.

Use a Burr Grinder

If there’s one investment worth making, it’s a good burr grinder. Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders create a consistent grind size, which ensures even extraction. In an inexpensive coffee maker, this consistency helps offset temperature and timing limitations.

For most basic machines, a medium grind (similar to granulated sugar) works best. Too fine and you’ll over extract, leading to bitterness. Too coarse and the coffee may come out weak or sour.

Get the Coffee to Water Ratio Right

We recommend using a 1:15 ratio of coffee to water.  Or 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, depending on how strong you like your cup. A good baseline is about 15 grams of coffee for every 225 grams of water. If you have a scale, use it. If not, consistent measuring spoons work fine too.

Mind the Brew Time

While basic brewers don’t allow you to adjust time directly, you can influence it through grind size. Proper contact time between water and coffee should be around 3 to 4 minutes total (and that time starts when the water first touches the coffee, not just when you turn it on). A finer grind slows down extraction; a coarser grind speeds it up. Finding the sweet spot ensures your coffee doesn’t taste rushed or overdone.

The Temperature Limitation

This is the biggest challenge with machines like inexpensive coffee makers. Many models brew below the ideal extraction temperature of 195 to 205°F. That lower heat can lead to under extracted coffee.

You can’t fix the machine’s heater, but you can compensate. Pre warming your carafe and using a hot rinse for the paper filter can help. And choosing a darker roast can make up for the lower temperature by offering bolder flavors.

Use Filtered Water

Use good quality water. Filtered water is good, but not too filtered as you need some minerals, etc.

Clean Your Machine Regularly

Old coffee oils and hard water buildup can affect flavor. Descale your machine with a vinegar rinse once a month and wash the basket and carafe daily. A clean machine brews better coffee—no matter how basic the build.

Small Touches Make Big Differences

• The most important variables are coffee quality, brew time, and grind size!
• Use a damp paper filter to reduce papery taste
• Stir the coffee grounds halfway through brewing if your machine allows
• Drink your coffee within 30 minutes for optimal freshness

Understanding Grind Consistency

Consistency in grind size is one of the most overlooked elements of home coffee brewing. Even with a basic machine, using uniform particles ensures water flows evenly through the grounds, extracting the right balance of soluble compounds. Uneven grinds (a mix of fine powder and large chunks) cause some grounds to over extract while others under extract, leaving your cup bitter and hollow at the same time. Burr grinders solve this problem by crushing rather than chopping, producing uniform particles ideal for drip coffee.

Sample Brew Recipe

If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple recipe to dial in your inexpensive coffee maker brew:

• Use 32 grams of coffee (about 4 level tablespoons)
• Grind to a medium consistency (like sea salt)
• Pour in 500 grams (17 ounces) of filtered water
• Let it brew through fully, then stir the carafe gently to mix layers

This method should give you a full-bodied cup with moderate strength and balanced clarity. From there, adjust coffee quantity or grind fineness to dial in your personal preference.

How It Compares to Pour Over

A common question is: can a basic machine ever taste like a pour over? Surprisingly, yes, if you control all the brewing variables. While pour over allows more hands on control of temperature and agitation, the principles are the same. A good grind, fresh beans, and attention to water volume will bring similar results. In side-by-side tests, many coffee drinkers can’t reliably distinguish between a well prepared drip coffee and a pour over unless they are highly trained tasters.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Not getting the results you want? Here are quick tips:

• Tastes too sour or weak: Try a finer grind or increase brew time slightly by adding more coffee
• Tastes too bitter or dry: Use a coarser grind and check your machine temperature isn’t too high (though rare)
• Flat flavor: Use fresher beans, clean your machine, and pre-wet your paper filter

Takeaway: Gear Doesn’t Equal Great Coffee

It’s easy to get caught up in gear. But the truth is, great coffee comes from great habits, not gadgets. As I learned on that busy morning with my old inexpensive coffee maker, when you pay attention to your beans, grind, and ratios, even a $25 machine can surprise you.

So whether you’re brewing our Sidekick Decaf or a single origin Natural Ethiopian like Jam on, remember: it’s not about the machine, it’s about how you use it and what you put in it.

Tag us at @frequent.coffee and share your best budget brew tips. We love seeing what the community creates with a little craft and a lot of coffee love.

Disclaimer

Everyone’s taste preferences and equipment vary. These recommendations are based on best practices and personal experience. For deeper customization, explore your machine’s unique quirks and adjust based on your favorite flavor profile.  Also, everyone's preferences are unique and there is no wrong way to drink coffee!