Using a Teasmade to Brew Your Morning Coffee
Quick answer
- Yes, you can technically make coffee in a Teasmade, but it’s not designed for it and results will likely be suboptimal.
- A Teasmade is primarily designed to brew tea, which requires different water temperatures and steeping times than coffee.
- You’ll need to adapt the process significantly, using ground coffee and a suitable filter.
- Expect a weaker, potentially bitter, or muddy cup compared to dedicated coffee brewing methods.
- For the best coffee experience, a dedicated coffee maker or brewing device is highly recommended.
- If you must use a Teasmade, focus on coarse grounds and a quick brew time to minimize bitterness.
While a Teasmade isn’t designed for coffee, if you’re curious about trying it, a dedicated Teasmade like this one can be a starting point for experimentation.
- 4 Smart Temperature Preset - The portable electric kettle preset temperatures are 212-195-175-140°F, suitable for Black tea, Coffee, Oolong, Green tea, Fruit tea, etc. It inherits all the features of kettles, thermos and cups, meet different needs.
- Portable & Lightweight - The portable travel water bottle is only 8.8 inches and net weight 0.98 pounds, the compact design take it with you when you travel, camping or in the office. Especially suitable for use in a hotel without a clean electric kettle.
- Safe Tech - Newly upgraded exhaust vents, which can help reduce the pressure when boiling water, you can close the lid to boil the water without worrying about scalding when the water is boiled.Travel water kettle has a great seal so it won’t leak even upside down turn.
- Anti-Scald Double Wall & 304 Stainless Steel - Preventing the surface temperature of the kettle from overheating, while maintains the water temperature for a long time. The portable kettle are made of food-grade 304 stainless steel, 100% BPA free, provide you with healthy water.
- Rapid Heating - LCD display will indicate the Real Temp, 300w quickly heats up 380mL/13.4oz water in just 6-7min. the mini kettle will automatically shut off once the water reaches your desired temperature. With boil-dry safety feature.
Who this is for
- Early risers who already own a Teasmade and want to experiment with coffee.
- Those in a situation where a Teasmade is the only available appliance for hot beverage preparation.
- Coffee enthusiasts curious about unconventional brewing methods, understanding the limitations.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
The Teasmade is your “brewer.” Its internal pot and heating element are designed for tea leaves. The critical part is the filter. Most Teasmade models come with a small, fine mesh or paper filter basket designed for tea leaves. For coffee, you’ll need to see if this basket can accommodate ground coffee without letting too much sediment through. A paper coffee filter that fits or a very fine mesh that can capture coffee grounds will be essential. If your Teasmade has no filter mechanism, you will likely end up with a very muddy cup.
To make coffee in your Teasmade, you’ll definitely need a suitable coffee filter. Consider a pack of disposable paper filters that can be adapted to fit the Teasmade’s basket.
- [High Quality]: Our coffee filter is made from 100% biodegradable natural paper. It has four advantages: no log bleaching, no smell, no adhesive, and no residue. It can reduce the damage to the original taste of coffee, health, and hygiene. And it will be safer and more secure when you use it
- [Excellent Taste]: Fine paper, uniform thickness, it removes most of the oil and coffee particles. These oils will cause the coffee to be too bitter and maintain the original flavor of the coffee
- [V-shaped Design] The conical design prolongs the time for water to flow through the coffee powder to the center, making the coffee taste more mellow after the water slowly penetrates. It is easy to carry, and very suitable for travel, home, office, restaurant, etc
- [Large Capacity]: Based on a cup of coffee a day, 200 count are enough for more than half a year. Each coffee filter paper is designed with a small ear suitable for hand-held. Fits any 2-4 cup coffee maker
- [Safety and Environmental Friendly]: Clinuse disposable coffee filter paper is made of natural wood pulp, does not contain fluorescence and bleach, keeps healthy and environmentally friendly, and keeps coffee pure and mellow
Water quality and temperature
Start with fresh, cold, filtered water. Tap water with strong mineral flavors or chlorine can negatively impact the taste of any coffee, especially in an improvised setup. The Teasmade heats water, but its thermostat is calibrated for tea, typically around 200-212°F (93-100°C), which is generally suitable for coffee. However, consistency can vary, and the heating element might not maintain the ideal temperature throughout the brewing process.
Grind size and coffee freshness
For a Teasmade, a coarser grind is generally recommended. A medium-coarse to coarse grind, similar to what you’d use for a French press or percolator, is best. Fine grinds will likely pass through the filter (even a fine mesh one) and create sediment, resulting in a bitter, over-extracted cup. Always use freshly roasted and freshly ground coffee beans for the best flavor. Pre-ground coffee can be used, but its flavor will have degraded significantly.
Coffee-to-water ratio
Since a Teasmade is not designed for precise coffee brewing, you’ll be working with approximations. A good starting point is around 1:15 to 1:17 coffee to water ratio by weight. For example, if your Teasmade’s water reservoir holds 16 oz (about 2 cups), you might start with roughly 1 oz (about 28g) of coffee. You’ll need to adjust this based on taste. Because the brewing process is less controlled, you may need more coffee than usual to achieve a satisfactory strength.
Cleanliness/descale status
A Teasmade, like any appliance that heats water, can build up mineral deposits (scale) over time. If your Teasmade hasn’t been descaled recently, the water may not heat properly, and old residue can impart a metallic or off-flavor to your coffee. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for descaling your Teasmade, typically using a vinegar-water solution or a commercial descaling product. Ensure it’s thoroughly rinsed afterward to remove any cleaning agent residue.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Prepare the Teasmade: Ensure the Teasmade is clean, descaled, and placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- What “good” looks like: A clean interior with no visible residue.
- Common mistake: Using a dirty or scaled Teasmade.
- How to avoid: Always clean after use and descale regularly.
2. Add Water: Fill the Teasmade’s water reservoir with fresh, cold, filtered water to the desired level.
- What “good” looks like: Water is clear and at the correct fill line for your desired coffee volume.
- Common mistake: Overfilling or underfilling the reservoir.
- How to avoid: Check the maximum fill line and measure your desired amount.
3. Prepare the Filter: If your Teasmade has a removable filter basket, place a suitable coffee filter inside. This might be a paper coffee filter that fits or the Teasmade’s own fine mesh filter if it’s capable of holding back coffee grounds.
- What “good” looks like: The filter is properly seated and will prevent grounds from entering the brewed coffee.
- Common mistake: Using a filter that’s too small or too large, or not using one at all.
- How to avoid: Test fit your filter before adding coffee.
4. Add Ground Coffee: Measure your coarsely ground coffee and add it to the prepared filter.
- What “good” looks like: The correct amount of coffee is in the filter, evenly distributed.
- Common mistake: Using too much or too little coffee, or using a grind that’s too fine.
- How to avoid: Start with a recommended ratio (e.g., 1:16) and a coarse grind.
5. Assemble the Teasmade: Place the filter basket with coffee back into the Teasmade, ensuring it’s properly seated. Close any lids.
- What “good” looks like: All parts are correctly assembled and secure.
- Common mistake: Not seating the filter basket correctly, leading to overflow.
- How to avoid: Double-check that the basket clicks or sits firmly in place.
6. Start the Brewing Cycle: Turn on the Teasmade to begin heating the water.
- What “good” looks like: The Teasmade begins to heat the water, and eventually, hot water will drip through the coffee grounds.
- Common mistake: Forgetting to turn it on or assuming it will start automatically.
- How to avoid: Press the power button or switch.
7. Monitor the Brew: Observe the coffee dripping into the pot below. The process will be similar to a drip coffee maker, but likely slower and less consistent.
- What “good” looks like: A steady flow of dark liquid into the pot.
- Common mistake: Letting the Teasmade boil dry if the water level is too low.
- How to avoid: Ensure the reservoir is filled adequately for the brewing cycle.
8. Brew Completion: The Teasmade will likely shut off automatically once the water has passed through.
- What “good” looks like: The heating element turns off, and dripping stops.
- Common mistake: Over-extraction if the brew time is excessively long due to slow dripping.
- How to avoid: This is hard to control in a Teasmade; a coarser grind helps.
9. Serve Immediately: Once brewing is complete, carefully pour the coffee from the Teasmade’s pot into your cup.
- What “good” looks like: Hot coffee is poured without excessive sediment.
- Common mistake: Letting the brewed coffee sit on the hot plate for too long, which can make it taste burnt or stale.
- How to avoid: Serve as soon as brewing finishes.
10. Clean Up: Discard the used coffee grounds and rinse the filter basket and pot thoroughly.
- What “good” looks like: All components are clean and ready for the next use.
- Common mistake: Leaving grounds in the filter or pot, which can lead to mold and odors.
- How to avoid: Clean immediately after use.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using fine coffee grounds | Muddy coffee, excessive sediment, bitter taste due to over-extraction. | Use a coarse to medium-coarse grind. |
| Not using a filter or wrong filter | Grounds in your cup, gritty texture, very unpleasant drinking experience. | Use a paper coffee filter that fits or the Teasmade’s mesh filter if it’s fine enough. |
| Using stale or pre-ground coffee | Flat, dull flavor, lack of aroma and complexity. | Use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing. |
| Incorrect coffee-to-water ratio | Coffee is too weak (under-extracted) or too strong/bitter (over-extracted). | Start with a ratio of 1:15 to 1:17 by weight and adjust to your taste. |
| Brewing too long (slow drip) | Over-extraction, leading to a bitter and unpleasant taste. | Use a coarser grind to speed up the drip rate; serve immediately. |
| Letting coffee sit on the hot plate | Coffee becomes burnt, stale, and develops a metallic taste. | Pour and drink immediately after brewing. |
| Using dirty or scaled equipment | Off-flavors (metallic, musty), poor heating, potential for mold growth. | Clean and descale your Teasmade regularly according to manufacturer instructions. |
| Using poor quality water | Flavors from the water (chlorine, minerals) will dominate the coffee taste. | Use filtered or bottled water. |
| Over-tamping grounds (if possible) | Water won’t flow through, leading to a very slow drip or no brew at all. | Gently level the grounds; do not press them down. |
| Not allowing enough time for brew | Under-extracted coffee, weak and sour taste. | Ensure the Teasmade completes its heating cycle; a coarser grind may help extraction. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your coffee tastes weak and sour, then increase the amount of coffee or try a slightly finer (but still coarse) grind because under-extraction is likely.
- If your coffee tastes bitter and muddy, then use a coarser grind or reduce the amount of coffee because over-extraction or too many fines are the issue.
- If you notice a metallic taste, then clean and descale your Teasmade because mineral buildup is affecting the water and heating.
- If the coffee is not hot enough, then check the water level and the Teasmade’s heating element’s functionality because insufficient heat is the cause.
- If you have sediment in your cup, then ensure your filter is appropriate and try a coarser grind because fine particles are passing through.
- If the brew is very slow, then use a coarser grind to allow water to pass through more easily because fine grinds can clog the filter.
- If the coffee tastes like burnt plastic or old coffee, then you are likely letting it sit on the hot plate for too long; serve immediately.
- If the coffee has no discernible flavor, then ensure you are using fresh, quality beans and the correct coffee-to-water ratio because stale coffee or incorrect proportions lead to flat taste.
- If the Teasmade is overflowing, then you have likely used too much water or the filter is clogged; check water levels and ensure grounds are not packed too tightly.
- If you are getting inconsistent results, then acknowledge that the Teasmade is not a precise brewing device and manual adjustments will be necessary each time.
- If the coffee tastes “off” or chemical, then ensure the Teasmade is thoroughly rinsed after descaling because cleaning residue can taint the brew.
FAQ
Can I use a Teasmade to make coffee instead of tea?
Yes, you can technically use a Teasmade to brew coffee, but it’s not its intended purpose. You’ll need to adapt the process by using ground coffee and a suitable filter.
What kind of coffee grind should I use in a Teasmade?
A coarse to medium-coarse grind is best. Fine grinds will likely pass through the filter, creating sediment and leading to a bitter taste.
Will the coffee taste as good as it would from a dedicated coffee maker?
Likely not. Teasmade machines are designed for tea’s steeping process and don’t offer the precise temperature control or brewing dynamics that optimize coffee flavor. Expect a less nuanced and potentially weaker or more bitter cup.
Do I need a special filter for coffee in a Teasmade?
You’ll need to adapt. If your Teasmade has a fine mesh basket, it might work for coarser grounds. Otherwise, a paper coffee filter that can be fitted into the existing basket is usually necessary.
How much coffee should I use in a Teasmade?
A good starting point is around 1 ounce of coffee for every 16 ounces of water (roughly a 1:16 ratio by weight). You’ll likely need to adjust this based on taste preferences.
What if my Teasmade has no filter basket?
If your Teasmade lacks any form of filter basket, it will be very difficult to make drinkable coffee without significant modification or a very fine mesh you can improvise. You will likely end up with a cup full of grounds.
Can I leave the brewed coffee in the Teasmade pot?
It’s not recommended. Most Teasmade pots sit on a hot plate, which will continue to heat the coffee, leading to a burnt, stale, and unpleasant taste over time. Serve immediately.
How do I clean my Teasmade after brewing coffee?
Clean it the same way you would after brewing tea. Discard the grounds, rinse the filter basket and pot thoroughly with warm water, and dry all components. Regular descaling is also important.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Specific Teasmade model performance or modifications.
- Next: Consult your Teasmade’s user manual for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.
- Detailed coffee bean sourcing, roasting profiles, or advanced tasting notes.
- Next: Explore resources on coffee bean origins and roast levels to understand flavor profiles.
- Comparisons between Teasmade coffee and other specific brewing methods like espresso or pour-over.
- Next: Research dedicated coffee brewing methods like drip coffee makers, French presses, or pour-over devices for optimal results.
- Troubleshooting specific electrical issues with Teasmade units.
- Next: Refer to appliance repair guides or contact a qualified technician for electrical concerns.