Grind
A finer grind usually slows flow and a coarser one speeds it up. Change gradually; brewer design and filter also affect the result.
A simple filter brew
A practical starting recipe for paper-filter coffee, with a calculator for coffee grams and water millilitres plus clear adjustment tips.
The kitchen ritual
20 grams.
320 millilitres.
A moment to yourself.
Start with a paper-filter brewer, suitable kettle, scales, freshly ground coffee and a cup or server. Follow your equipment’s instructions and handle hot water carefully.
Our starting ratio is 1g of coffee to 16ml of water. It is a useful place to begin, then adjust to suit the coffee and your taste.
Make it your size.
The calculator multiplies your coffee dose by the water ratio. It estimates water to pour, not the final drink volume; grounds and filter retain some water.
Your first brew
Set up
Place and rinse your paper filter as directed by the brewer manufacturer. Empty the rinse water and add 20g of medium-ground coffee.
Pour in stages
Place the brewer on scales. Add a little water to wet the grounds, then continue in controlled pours until the scale shows 320g of added water, approximately 320ml.
Taste and adjust
Let the brewer drain. If you want a stronger cup, use a little less water next time; if a lighter cup, a little more. Change one thing at a time and keep a note.
Keep the variables simple.
Ratio
Ratio changes strength. Try a small change around the starting 1:16 before changing several parts of your recipe at once.
Routine
Use the same dose, brewer and pouring method while comparing. Follow actual equipment and coffee guidance where it differs.