How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker: Best Hacks

Are you trying to find out how to make coffee without a coffee maker? Perfect because I’m going to show you nine easy ways to accomplish that goal.

Let’s jump right in.

If you can’t imagine a day without coffee, something as simple as a power outage can be downright problematic. Yet, you do not have to have a coffee maker to brew a cup of joe. If you want to try new ways to brew coffee, read this article until the end.

1. How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker Like a Cowboy

Coffee was often used by those in the Wild West, and you’ve likely seen the “cowboy method” in movies. But, how does this really work? Check out our “How to Make Cowboy Coffee?” step-by-step guide.

2. Use a Strainer

Just because you do not have a coffee maker doesn’t mean you have to settle for many grounds in your coffee. If you have a strainer, follow these steps to brew a cup – or a pot – of coffee.

• Heat the water. You can use any available options: a kettle, an open fire, or a microwave.
• Carefully pour water over the grounds. Do this slowly to stir them up, allowing the grounds to infuse with the water.
• Steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir it to mix. Then, allow sitting for at least 2 to 4 minutes.
• Place the strainer over your mug. Pour the coffee into the strainer. Do so slowly to avoid splashes. The strainer should catch all of the ground coffee, making it ready to drink.

3. Using a Coffee Bag

Coffee bags is one of the more inventive ways to make coffee without a coffee maker. You will need a coffee filter as well as some string. You will be creating a coffee bag; learn how to start here.

4. Use a French Press

Technically, a Fresh press is not a coffee maker. However, many people prefer this method over any other way of brewing coffee. Find out how to use a French press here.

5. Using Linen or Cloth

This method is fundamental. You will need some binder, such as clothespins, paper clips, or string, and a piece of clean cloth to use as a filter.

• Boil water.
• Secure the linen or cloth over the edges of the coffee mug. It needs to be big enough to provide plenty of coverage here. Try to fold down the sides against the outside edges of the cup.
• Use the clips or clothespins to secure the cloth to the cup then. Be sure they are tightly in place.
• Place enough ground coffee on the cloth for a cup of coffee.
• Next, pour the boiling water over the grounds. At first, pour just a small amount to wet all of the grounds. It helps to keep them from flowing over the edge. After waiting about 30 seconds, you can pour the remaining water into the cup over the grounds.
• Allow the cup and coffee grounds to steep for at least 5 minutes. You can also remove the clips or clothespins and allow the grounds to dip further into the cup if you want a richer flavor.
• Remove the cloth and drink your coffee.

6. Instant Coffee

For those who need to get coffee into their bodies in the morning (or even in the middle of the night) and instant coffee is an option without a coffee maker.

Instant coffee is a different type of ground coffee. It has a dehydrated texture when compared to other kinds of coffee grounds. And it can dissolve fully into whatever it is put into.

• First, boil water.
• Place the desired amount of coffee grounds into the cup of your choice. Usually 1-2 tablespoons for every six ounces of water.
• Place the grounds into the cup, and then pour the hot water over the top. Allow it to steep for a few minutes so the flavor is more robust.

7. A French Press Without the Press

Aside from the grounds and the hot water, it would help if you also had a deep bowl and tall sides that work the best. In addition, it would be best if you also had a tablespoon or something with a flat bottom.

• Boil enough water to fill a cup.
• Place your coffee grounds into the bowl you have.
• Pour only a small amount into the bowl over the grounds to allow the grounds to saturate with the water. Finish filling the bowl with the rest amount of the water.
• Allow the coffee to steep.
• Begin your makeshift press. To do this, use the tablespoon or other flat-bottomed tool to press down the coffee grounds into the bottom of the bowl.
• Once done, pour your coffee slowly and evenly into your cup of choice.

This method works in the same manner as a French does, and it does not require the use of the press itself.

8: Microwave It

Here is what you need to do to brew coffee in this manner.

• Fill a microwave-safe coffee mug with water. Microwave for at least two minutes.
• Next, add the coffee grounds, and stir them around.
• Allow the mug to sit for a few minutes.

You can drink the coffee just like this – with the grounds at the very bottom. You can also strain them into another cup if you like.

9: Use a Percolator

Though many homes no longer have them, a percolator (sometimes called a Moka pot) is a fantastic stovetop method for brewing coffee. It allows you to make a drip coffee that can be very strong. Here’s how to brew coffee in a Moka pot.

In each of these methods, you can tailor your use to meet your needs. Get creative with various types of tools to help you make the ideal coffee without a coffeemaker.