Automatic Drip Brew Guide

What You'll Need

  • Automatic drip coffee maker
  • Grinder (burr grinder recommended for best consistency)
  • Fresh roasted Bluestem coffee
  • Filtered water (around 200–205°F)
  • Scale (recommended)
  • Stir stick or spoon
  • Mug

Coffee to Water Ratio

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recommends:

1:16 – 1:18 (coffee to water)
→ 60 grams per 1 liter of water
→ ~2 tablespoons coffee per 6 oz of water

For a full 8-cup batch (about 48 oz):

  • ~70g coffee (about 10 tablespoons)
  • Stronger cup: 1:16 (~2.25 tbsp per 6 oz)
  • Balanced: 1:17 (~2 tbsp per 6 oz)
  • Lighter cup: 1:18 (~1.75 tbsp per 6 oz)

For best results, we recommend weighing your coffee.

Start here, then adjust to your taste.

Brewing Instructions

1. Add Water

Fill your brewer with clean, filtered water using your desired ratio. Good water makes better coffee—simple as that.

2. Measure & Grind

Grind fresh, right before brewing.

  • Medium grind for cone filters
  • Medium-coarse for flat-bottom or metal filters

A consistent grind makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

3. Add Coffee

Place a fresh filter in the basket and add your grounds. Give it a gentle shake to level things out—this helps ensure an even extraction.

4. Brew

Start the brew and let the machine do its job. No need to rush this part.

5. Finish & Serve

Once brewing is complete, give the carafe a gentle swirl to mix the coffee evenly. Pour, take a moment, and enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using stale coffee — Fresh matters. Coffee is at its best within a few weeks of roasting.
  • Grinding too early — Pre-ground coffee loses flavor quickly. Grind right before brewing whenever possible.
  • Inconsistent grind size — Blade grinders create uneven particles, leading to bitter or weak coffee. A burr grinder keeps things even.
  • Poor water quality — If your water doesn't taste good, your coffee won't either. Use filtered water.
  • Wrong coffee-to-water ratio — Too much coffee can taste harsh. Too little can taste thin. Stick close to the SCA standard and adjust from there.
  • Skipping the clean — Old oils build up fast in drip machines and will dull your cup. Clean regularly.

Final Note

Great coffee doesn't need to be complicated—just fresh beans, good water, and a little attention to detail.

Back to blog