Q: What's the right ratio for drip?
1:16 by weight. In tablespoons: 1 heaping tablespoon per 6oz of water. Most machines fill 12 cups — that’s about 4 heaping tablespoons. Your machine’s "cup" is usually 5–6oz, not 8oz.
Q: Why does my drip coffee taste burnt?
Three causes: coffee left on the hot plate too long, grind too fine, or machine running too hot. Pull it off the hot plate immediately and pour into a thermos. That fixes most of it.
Q: How often should I clean my drip machine?
Once a month minimum. Coffee oils go rancid and coat the internal components. Run a white vinegar + water cycle (1:1 ratio), then two plain water cycles. You’ll see the difference immediately.
Q: Can I use pre-ground coffee for drip?
Yes. Drip is the most forgiving method for pre-ground. Just use it within 2 weeks of opening the bag — pre-ground goes stale fast.
Q: My machine doesn’t reach 93°C. Does it matter?
Yes. Under-heated water under-extracts coffee — sour and thin. If your machine runs cool, use a pre-heated carafe and grind finer. Better fix: buy a machine with a temperature-adjustable brew cycle.
