How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

You don't need a machine. Any of these methods works with ground coffee, hot water and a few minutes.

1. French press

Add coarse ground coffee to the carafe, pour in hot water, wait about 4 minutes and press the plunger down. It is the closest thing to a one-step method. See French Press Basics.

2. Pour-over

Rest a cone dripper on your mug, add a paper filter and ground coffee, then pour hot water over in slow circles. Cleaner and lighter than a press. See Pour-Over Basics.

3. AeroPress

A plastic plunger brewer that makes a smooth, strong cup in about two minutes. Easy to pack for travel. See AeroPress Basics.

4. Moka pot

A stovetop pot that makes strong, concentrated coffee, good for milk drinks. See Moka Pot Basics.

5. Cowboy-style mug coffee

No equipment at all:

1. Heat water until just off the boil.
2. Stir 2 level tablespoons of medium-coarse ground coffee into about 8 oz of hot water in a mug.
3. Wait 4 minutes, then stir once.
4. Let the grounds sink, and pour or sip carefully without disturbing the bottom. A fine strainer helps if you have one.

It is gritty, but it works in a pinch.

Which should you pick?

• Easiest: French press or mug coffee.
• Cleanest cup: pour-over.
• Travel and small kitchens: AeroPress.
• Lattes and iced drinks: moka pot or AeroPress.

New to all of this? Read the coffee to water ratio chart first.