Drip Coffee Guide
The everyday workhorse. Consistent, convenient, and capable of producing excellent coffee with the right approach.
What is Drip Coffee?
Drip coffee (automatic drip) uses a machine to heat water and distribute it over ground coffee in a filter. Gravity pulls the water through the coffee bed, extracting flavors as it drips into a carafe below.
It's the most popular brewing method in North America because it's hands-off and can brew large quantities. While often associated with mediocre diner coffee, a quality machine with good beans can produce excellent results.
Medium roasts were essentially developed for this brewing method, making them a natural pairing.
Quick Reference
Grind Size: Medium
Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (coffee:water)
Water Temp: 195-205°F (auto)
Brew Time: 4-6 minutes
Best Roasts: Med-Light Medium
Tips for Better Drip Coffee
Simple changes that make a big difference
1. Use Fresh, Quality Beans
The single biggest improvement. Buy whole beans from a local roaster, look for a roast date within the last 2-4 weeks, and grind just before brewing.
2. Get the Ratio Right
Use a kitchen scale. Aim for 60-70g of coffee per liter of water (about 1g coffee per 15-17g water). Adjust to taste.
3. Use Filtered Water
Coffee is 98% water. Filtered water (not distilled) with some mineral content produces the best extraction and taste.
4. Keep It Clean
Descale your machine monthly. Clean the carafe and filter basket after each use. Old coffee oils go rancid and taint flavor.
5. Don't Let It Sit
Coffee on a hot plate degrades quickly. Use an insulated carafe or pour immediately after brewing.
6. Consider an Upgrade
SCA-certified brewers maintain proper temperature and contact time. They cost more but make noticeably better coffee.
Roast Recommendations
Drip brewing is most forgiving with medium roasts
Medium-Light
Balanced and bright. Highlights origin flavors while remaining approachable. Great for those transitioning from dark roast.
Learn MoreMedium Roast
The perfect match for drip. Sweet, balanced, and forgiving. This is what most American coffee was designed for.
Learn MoreMedium-Dark
Works if you prefer bolder flavors. Can become bitter if over-extracted, so don't let it sit on the hot plate.
Learn MoreRecommended Equipment
Coffee makers that meet SCA brewing standards
Technivorm Moccamaster
The gold standard for drip coffee. Dutch-made with precise temperature control and a 5-year warranty.
View on AmazonBreville Precision Brewer
Versatile SCA-certified brewer with customizable settings. Can do pour over, cold brew, and standard drip.
View on AmazonOXO 8-Cup Coffee Maker
Affordable SCA-certified option with thermal carafe. Excellent value for quality brewing.
View on AmazonBaratza Virtuoso+ Grinder
Excellent home grinder for drip coffee. Consistent medium grinds with 40 adjustment settings.
View on AmazonCommon Drip Coffee Problems
Coffee Tastes Weak?
Use more coffee (try 65-70g per liter). Also ensure your grind isn't too coarse - water may be passing through too quickly.
Coffee Tastes Bitter?
Use less coffee or a coarser grind. Also check if your machine is getting hot enough - bitter often means over-extraction from too-hot water.
Coffee Tastes Sour?
Under-extraction. Try a finer grind or check your machine's water temperature. Many cheap brewers don't get hot enough.
Coffee Tastes Stale?
Buy fresher beans, grind right before brewing, and clean your machine. Old oils in the basket or carafe can ruin fresh coffee.