Why Cheap Coffee Makers Suck (And How To Fix Them)

How to Improve Cheap Filter Coffee Makers

Step 1: Understand How Cheap Coffee Makers Work

• Cheap coffee makers have a water tank at the back that feeds water through a one-way valve into the base of the unit.
• The element heats the water, producing steam that helps press the water over the coffee grounds and into the carafe.
• The brew temperature fluctuates during the brewing process, leading to inconsistent extraction.

Step 2: Identify Common Issues with Cheap Coffee Makers

• Cheap coffee makers often have temperature inconsistencies, resulting in a cold start and under-extracted coffee.
• The water distribution can be uneven, leading to a crater in the coffee bed and uneven extraction.

Step 3: Implement Fixes to Improve Coffee Quality

• To address the cold start issue, preheat the brew chamber with hot water before brewing.
• Use the steep and release function if available to ensure even water distribution.
• Incorporate a bloom phase by allowing the coffee grounds to steep before starting the brewing process.
• Experiment with adding ice at the end of the brew to moderate the temperature and improve extraction.

Step 4: Enhance Control and Consistency with Smart Technology

• Use a smart plug connected to the internet to control the brewing process, allowing for timed on/off cycles and bloom phases.
• Ensure safety precautions when using smart technology with coffee makers to prevent accidents.

Step 5: Test and Compare Results

• Conduct blind taste tests comparing coffee brewed using different methods to evaluate improvements in flavor and extraction.
• Adjust brewing techniques based on taste tests and feedback to refine the brewing process further.

Step 6: Share Your Results and Learnings

• Share your experiences and results with the community to exchange ideas and improvements for enhancing cheap coffee makers.
• Engage with others in the comments section to discuss successes, failures, and innovative solutions for improving coffee quality.

By following these steps and experimenting with different methods, you can transform a cheap coffee maker into a tool that produces better-tasting coffee with improved consistency and flavor.