Coffee. We want it, we need it, and we love it. Making great tasting coffee doesn’t always have to involve using a coffee maker or coffee machine (boring!). Now I know you’re probably thinking, “I use my coffee machine to make coffee because I’m in a hurry.” Okay, well that’s alright too, but what if your coffee maker stops working? What if you’re switching to a minimalistic off-grid lifestyle and do not want a coffee maker as part of your arsenal of survival items (though if you carry an item that boils water, you wouldn’t really need anything extra to carry) in your off-grid home? If I’m slightly going on the right path, then this read is for you. And, no you don’t have to be a coffee expert to make coffee without a coffee machine. Here are a few ways to brew you a nice cup of coffee without machines or coffee makers. Remember, great tasting coffee will always come from high-quality fresh coffee beans and ground coffee. More on this later.
The Pan or “Cowboy” Method
For this method, you will need a heating source (campfire, rocket stove or anything that brings water to a boil), water, a pot or pan, and grounded coffee.
Pour water into your pot or pan. When deciding how much water, add a little extra as the extra water will be left in the pan along with the coffee grounds. Bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add coffee. Once the coffee is added to the boiling water, remove the pan from the heating source immediately. This is to prevent from overcooking your coffee. Next, wait until coffee settles at the bottom of the pan, about five minutes. Slowly pour coffee into a cup, taking care that coffee grounds do not transfer into your cup (if you don’t mind, a little is fine). You can now enjoy a cup of coffee.
Two Cup Method
For this you will need a heating source, 2 clean cups or mugs (even better if the cup or mug has some sort of spout and preferably one of the cups or mugs is made out of material that can be used in place of a pan or pot to boil water in), a glove (to protect against burns), water, and coffee.
To make coffee, boil water in one of the cups. Once boiled, pour in coffee. Pour enough coffee according to your preferred strength and the size of the cup or mug you will be drinking from. Once the coffee is poured into the boiling water, immediately remove it from the heating source. Use the glove to safely remove mug away from the heat. Let it brew for about 4 minutes, add a minute for a stronger tasting cup of coffee. Next, when you see coffee grounds have settled at the bottom of the cup brewer, with the glove still on, pour coffee gently and carefully into the other clean cup. It can be a little difficult at first, but it is doable. Leave coffee grounds and leftover water in the cup brewer. Enjoy your coffee!
The Cheesecloth or Handkerchief Method (AKA Pour-Over Method)
For this method, you will need the basics already mentioned above (heating source, water, coffee, cups or pan) with the addition of a clean cheesecloth or a handkerchief to serve as a do-it-yourself filter or strainer, and maybe a rubber band or some binder clips.
To make your coffee, choose your preferred method to bring water to a boil. In a cup, prepare a cheesecloth or handkerchief and hold it in place on top of a cup. Secure it by hand, rubber band or binder clips. Measure your preferred amount of coffee and put it into your DIY filter. Once the water comes to a boil, pour enough water to only wet the coffee grounds. Let the hot water settle with the coffee for about 30 seconds (coffee experts call this “blooming”). After this, continue pouring hot water into the filter a fourth at a time in 30-second intervals until all water has seeped through. Remove the filter and enjoy your cup of coffee.
These are only a few ways you can brew up a nice cup of coffee without using a coffee maker or coffee machine. Whichever method you choose, making great tasting coffee starts with high-quality coffee like those from Gimoka Coffee (a producer of premium Italian coffee). If you want to level up your coffee game, purchase high-quality coffee beans from them, then grind them yourself at home. By doing this, you can make ground coffee according to your preference. For those who are in a hurry and can’t quite part from using a coffee machine, Gimoka Coffee also offers coffee pods and ground coffee to purchase.