Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Almost everyone in their life has drunk coffee. You will hardly fail to come across coffee shops in many parts of the globe, from the United States to UK, Germany, France, Brazil, Kenya, and Australia among other countries.
With that said, there are various preferences to have your coffee. Some prefer their coffee added with some creamy taste. Others like it dark and strong. Drinking coffee with sediments lingering in your mouth should not be an option.
You are here because you are looking for a remedy on how to keep ground coffee out of your cup. Coffee sediments keep on cropping up in your cup of coffee. You are on the verge of giving up on making your coffee.
As a coffee lover, settling for any brand of instant coffee (such as Folgers Coffee) or Keurig pods does not linger well with your coffee buds. While instant coffee keeps the grounds out of your coffee, it does not offer an exciting brewing process. Is there a different way to have my coffee and still keep out ground beans? There is a way out.
For a smooth and clear taste of coffee in your cup, certain measures need to be factored in. This article will share 5 tips to help you overcome the hurdle on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee.
Watch out for the bonus tips at the end of the post on how to prevent coffee grounds from getting into your cup.
1. Poor Filtration
A proper filtration system is supposed to ensure that there is separation of coffee grounds from your brewed coffee. Using filters is a way to prevent ground coffee from finding its way into your coffee. Filters can be made of paper, cloth or cotton, metal, or plastic. A filter basket can also come in the design of a filter cone or coffee basket filter.
There are different coffee filtration that can function. You can use paper towels, a handkerchief, a sock or an old shirt as a strainer. But not all are as effective in keeping coffee sediments out of your coffee. Here are the most preferred filtration systems to use.
Paper coffee filters are the most common and available option. They come in different shapes ideal for your coffee maker. But, due to errors in the coffee-making process, paper filters may fail. This is due to a myriad of reasons some of which are listed below.
- The paper filter is not sitting on the coffee maker well. This usually leads to spillage of grounds due to the unevenness of the paper filter.
- The filter is damaged and does not filter the coffee grounds. Common damage includes a tire or contains chemicals contaminating the coffee.
- Selecting an inappropriate filter by considering the size and make.
- Using too much coffee. You should ensure you use the appropriate coffee to water ratio to not only enhance your flavor but to avoid grounds spillage.
Pros. Paper coffee filters are useful in sieving coffee oils that have high cholesterol. They are also hygienic with ease of disposal.
Cons. Most paper filters are not degradable and this may harm the environment if not properly disposed of.
Dampen the filter to strengthen the wall and avoid it bending. This keeps out grounds such that they won’t penetrate through the filter and find their way into the coffee.
Plastic or metal filters are not a favorite for most brewers. The main problem with metal filters is that they allow some of your coffee grounds to get into your cup. This often happens when using an extra fine grind. Thus, grind your coffee beans to a larger size when using metal filters to avoid any issue and the mess of drinking a cup of coffee with sediments.
A metal filter is made of larger holes which are not ideal for finely ground coffee. The large holes are not ideal for keeping your coffee free from sediments.
A fine grind usually lumps up in espresso machines. They tend to accumulate water that eventually overflows and spills into your coffee. Thus your coffee mug or coffee cup will have issues of sediment settling at the bottom.
But, if you want to get the best of these filters, it is advisable to add a paper filter. This will give you the intended result and avoid problems with your coffee grinds.
Reusable tea bag – It might not make sense at first since it’s usually used in tea brewing. But, reusable tea bags are one of the things that are most effective in keeping grounds out of your cup of joe. It does so by filtering the grounds just like how it filters tea. Also, it enhances coffee flavors. You don’t need a special coffeemaker to use these bags. You just need a cup and hot water and keep out the ground beans.
It is a fact that some coffee filter alternatives are not as effective in keeping out coffee grounds. In any case, some of them also add a bad taste into your coffee. They might not offer the best solution to keep the coffee residual away from your coffee despite ruining the taste.
2. Proper Grinds for Brewing
If you are not preparing an espresso, then you shouldn’t grind your coffee too fine. The level of ground coffee you are brewing will affect the sediments left in your coffee.
Whenever grinding coffee, the first thing to consider is your preferred brewing method. There are 3 major levels of grinds. These are fine, medium, and coarse. Each of these has further been segmented as highlighted below. Each of which works well in varying brewing methods. Thus, the best solution is to use the right grind for a specific brewing method.
- Extra Coarse – Best suited for cold brew. The reason is that it takes long to brew. Thus, you need a bigger grind size.
- Coarse grind– Ideal for French press coffee maker and Chemex.
- Medium grind- It has the consistency of rough sand. Best for the pour-over method, which is also known as drip coffee. It can be used in any drip coffee machine or AeroPress brewer. Drip coffee makers are very simple to use. In addition, a drip coffee maker is great for a first-timer. You simply place rounds on the funnel and pour over hot water.
- Fine grind – It has the consistency of table salt. Ideal when using a Moka pot. Moka pot coffee brews quickly. Thus, it needs a smaller grind. A moka pot can brew a large batch at a go to fill several coffee cups.
- Extra Fine Grind– Apart from the Espresso, it is ideal for Turkey and Greek coffee brewing. Also, note that using an extra fine grind in an espresso machine, for example, makes a strong coffee brew with a rich coffee taste and aroma. Besides, espresso has lower acidity and a great body due to a dark roast extra fine grind.
Coffee experts will tell you to use extra-fine grind when using Moka pots to keep out of the coffee grinds. Yet, this is not entirely correct. The Moka pot accumulates pressure which eventually forces the water through the filters. By using espresso fine grind, coffee ground residual ends up in your beverage.
Coarse grinds not only enhance flavors but prevent grounds from sieving through the filter. Thus, your brew won’t have sediment. You can get a coarse grind with blade grinders. You can buy a blade grinder from your local store or online stores such as Amazon.
Knowing the levels of coffee grinds boosts your efforts on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee. Extra fine coffee grinds can easily pass through the filter into your coffee. Thus, the final product will have grounds.
3. Avoid Tampering of Coffee Grounds
Some people do not put too much consideration into tampering. But it matters in separating the ground coffee from your final beverage. Below are key tips to get the greatest results in your tampering.
- Even Compression. – Aims to cut air and distribute the pressure.
- Perfect interjection. – When tampering, ensure the coffee sits vertically straight. Then the tamper should be directly horizontal. Gently lower the tamper in equal pressure towards the grounds.
- Consistent pressure. – Least pressure should be applied.
Tampering is believed to ensure even spacing in the grinds. It is ideally recommended when using an extra fine grind.
Tampering lowers the flavor of your coffee. It also causes sediments to find their way into your cup. The pressure from tampering forces itself through the ground coffee. To avoid this, use your finger to level the coffee grind.
4. Proper maintenance of your equipment
There are many home coffee-making equipment. This depends on how you want to have your coffee. Some of the most common coffee making tools include;
- Coffee grinder
- Tampers
- Electric Kettles
- Filters
- Carafe
- Coffee pot
Proper maintenance of these coffee-making tools prevents sediments from finding their way into your coffee. Regular cleaning and checking on their performance ensure their longevity.
Does your coffee-making equipment solve your worry on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee? These are easy ways to maintain and clean your tools.
- Grind 20 grams of rice on the grinder to cut the smell. That way, you will be left with a fresh smell the next time you are brewing.
- Clean your grinders and brewers with warm soapy water then rinse with clean water.
- Wipe the outside walls with a damp cloth ensuring no water droplets.
- Unscrew the ends of your grinder. Use a toothbrush to scrub off far areas.
- Soak 1:1 water to vinegar ratio to clean the water reservoir for your brewer for 10 minutes. Rinse the vinegar using water soaking a paper filter for 10-15 minutes.
- Often check your coffee makers to ensure there are no cracks or damages.
Proper usage of the equipment will ensure they serve you longer. Keep them away from damp and direct sunlight.
5. Your choice of a Grinder
Coffee grinders are meant to shred the grounds into appropriate sizes that befit your brewer. Proper grinders should help you answer your concern on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee.
The taste of your coffee depends on a lot of factors and grinders are an important item to factor into consideration. There are three major types of coffee grinders. Below is an insight on how to get the best out of your grinders.
Blade Grinder
- Made out of a rotating blade, this grinder cuts the coffee beans into small pieces.
- The grinder is not effective in shredding those coffee grounds. It leaves large sediments to find their way into your beverage.
- Requires time to achieve finer coffee grinds.
- It is inexpensive and ideal for newbie coffee brewers. Besides, there are many models and brands to choose from in the market today. You will surely spot a good one.
Burr grinder
- It consists of a revolving wheel that rotates against the grinder wall. It smashes the beans into small fine sediments.
- The more preferred type since it ensures even grinding of your beans.
- They give users control to set different grind levels.
- They cost more than the blade grinder.
- The most preferred option.
- It is often electric.
Blade Grinder
- Unlike other burr grinders, this one is manual and is ideal for the home use. You rotate it by hand to grind the beans.
- Another difference is that it is smaller and more affordable than the electric option.
- Have settings for varying the grind levels.
- More silent than the other two options.
- It offers convenience. It is one of the purchases you should made to add to your list of coffee brewing products and equipment.
Recommended Burr grinders will offer an answer on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee. They cost higher than the blade grinder but you can be assured of a delicious tasting coffee for a great coffee experience.
Coffee grinders are meant to have well-sized grounds which determine whether your coffee will be over or undercooked. This eventually leads to a bitter or a sour taste of the coffee. Thus, they are a must-have gear in your kithcen to get a quick caffeine fix.
Bonus
Brewing Temperature
When using a Moka pot brewing method, it is ideal to check the temperature levels when the pot is still placed on a heat source. This is to have minimized pressure which forces the coffee through the top chamber.
Another technique is to let the coffee stay in the Moka pot for at least ten minutes to let the grounds settle. Pour the coffee gently to let the sediments stay in the Moka pot. That way, keeping coffee grounds out of the brew is easier.
Stir
Whenever brewing using the French press, the coffee should settle for a few minutes. Then stir gently. This will unsettle the grounds sitting on the surface and fall at the bottom.
Give the coffee grounds extra time to brew for about 10 minutes. This hack allows the coffee grounds to sink at the bottom. Consequently, it will keep out the coffee grounds from your cup. It also enhances the flavor of the coffee.
There is a possibility of the grounds coming up once more or a couple of times. If they do, you are at liberty to stir for a second time for a more quality brew.
You can throw out your ground coffee residue as waste matter. Experts advice that you can also use them to scour pots, make compost for your garden, or anything else you can do to recycle them. Thus, after keeping them out of your brew, they won’t be a problem.
Plunging
Another question you may be having is about plunging and the number of times to do it. Once the coffee has steeped after 5 minutes, it’s time to plunge. Ideally, the appropriate method is to press the plunger to the bottom of the brewer just once.
What we should do is press the plunger gently just below the surface of the coffee. Gently pour the coffee with the intent of leaving the grounds at the bottom. That way, you will keep your coffee free from grounds.
You can start again
As a coffee lover, understanding how to make coffee and keep grounds out of your cup is the key to having a fantastic beverage. But that goes beyond understanding the procedures. Don’t give up any time you make common mistakes when making your own coffee, especially when rushing in the mornings.
You know what filters and brewers to use. You must know how to maintain these tools for long-term use. You must also understand the do’s and don’ts to keep coffee clear.
The aforementioned tips in this guide will give you answers on how to keep coffee grounds out of your coffee in detail. Put each one of them into practice and you’ll end up with an amazing cup of coffee and preserve its rich taste.
Go on, start today and make that cup of coffee count by keeping the coffee grounds out. Also, learn how to keep coffee beans fresh for a richer tasting brew.
