There seems to come a time in every coffee lovers life that you need your coffee but don’t have access to a coffee maker. Maybe your machine broke, you’re travelling, or you’re just somewhere that has the coffee but no machine to make it.
Well, lets solve that problem because I’m going to show you 4 ways to make coffee in the microwave and each method has 5 easy steps to follow.
Tip: As a general rule of thumb the coffee golden ratio is 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. This will help you determine how much coffee you need per ounces of water you’ll be microwaving.
Method 1: Using a Coffee Filter Like a Teabag
The first way you can make coffee in the microwave is by using a coffee filter and dropping it in the coffee like a teabag. The things you’ll need are:
What You’ll Need:
- Ground Coffee
- Water
- Mug
- Coffee filter or cheese cloth
- Fork
- Spoon or measuring spoon (a tablespoon is preferable, but this is to put the coffee in the filter)
- Microwave (assuming 1100 watts)
Step 1
Heat the desired amount of water in a microwave safe mug or container for 2 minutes.
Caution: This will get your water very hot!
Step 2
While the water for the coffee is in the microwave place the ground coffee beans into your coffee filter or cheese cloth.
Step 3
With the coffee beans inside, flatten the filter so the top is closed. Fold the filter in half, and than fold it in half again.
Step 4
Secure the filter between the tines of a fork so it does not move easily. The coffee grounds should be in the filter on the bottom side of the fork.
Step 5
Place the fork with the grounds in the coffee for 3 minutes and enjoy!
Tip: You can press the coffee beans against the side of the mug to get more coffee to brew into the water. You can also give it a little shake in the water to get the same effect.
Method 2: The Binder Clip Method
This is somewhat similar to our first method because it’s similar to using a coffee filter or cheese cloth like a teabag, Really, the only difference is you’re using a binder clip instead of a fork. Here’s how it works.
What You’ll Need:
- Ground Coffee
- Water
- Mug
- Coffee filter or cheese cloth
- Binder clip (cleaned)
- Spoon or measuring spoon (a tablespoon is preferable, but this is to put the coffee in the filter)
- Microwave (assuming 1100 watts)
Step 1
In a microwave, heat the desired amount of water in a microwave safe mug or container for 2 minutes.
Caution: This will get your water very hot!
Step 2
As your microwave is heating the water scoop the ground coffee beans into your coffee filter or cheese cloth.
Step 3
With the coffee beans inside, flatten the filter so the top is closed. Fold the filter in half, and than fold it in half again.
Step 4
Use the binder clip to close the coffee filter or cheese cloth along the open seam. This is to prevent any coffee beans from escaping the filter when you put it in the water.
Step 5
Place the filter in the water and let it steep for 3 minutes and enjoy!
Tip: Give the binder clip a little shake with the coffee in the water to get a stronger coffee.
Method 3: Using a Funnel To Act As a Drip Coffee Maker
This next method is very much like a drip coffee maker. It’s more of a manual process, but the results will be the same.
What You’ll Need:
- Ground Coffee
- Water
- Two mugs
- Coffee filter or cheese cloth
- A funnel (it should be large enough to hold the coffee filter securely)
- A tall and narrow container (such as a thermos) that is safe for hot coffee. Don’t use a mason jar since they’re not heat safe.
- Spoon or measuring spoon (a tablespoon is preferable, but this is to put the coffee in the filter)
- Microwave (assuming 1100 watts)
Step 1
Fill a microwave safe mug with water and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Caution: This will get your water very hot!
Step 2
While the coffee is in the microwave put your coffee filter or cheese cloth in the funnel make sure sure that it will remain securely in place.
Step 3
Measure out the required amount of coffee beans and put it in the coffee filter or cheese cloth.
Step 4
When the water is finished in the microwave, while the funnel is over your tall narrow jar, pour the water into the funnel. Let the water drip through the filter and into the container.
Step 5
When the water is finished brewing remove the funnel and put it in one of the mugs. Pour the coffee from your tall container and back into the coffee mug you want to drink from. Enjoy!
Method 4: Coffee Beans Directly Into the Mug
Out of all the methods we explaining how to make coffee in the microwave this is probably the easiest. However, it also has the potential to be the messiest. Here’s how to make the coffee and what you’ll need.
What You’ll Need:
- Ground Coffee
- Water
- Two mugs
- Spoon
- Small mesh strainer (optional)
- Spoon or measuring spoon (a tablespoon is preferable, but this is to put the coffee in the filter)
- Microwave (assuming 1100 watts)
Step 1
Fill a microwave safe mug with water and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes.
Caution: This will get your water very hot!
Step 2
When the coffee is finished use your spoon or measuring spoon to scoop the coffee beans directly into the water.
Step 3
Stir the coffee beans so the coffee mixes thoroughly with the water.
Step 4
Let it sit for 3 minutes or until the coffee is to your desired strength.
Step 5
When the coffee is finished brewing carefully pour your coffee into your second mug trying not to get any loose grounds into the coffee cup. This is where the mesh strainer comes in handy to catch any loose coffee beans that come out of the first mug. When finished you’re ready to enjoy your coffee!
Final Thoughts
Sometimes we just need to make use of the things around us and make do with what we have. It gets a little more serious when it comes to our coffee though. If you need your coffee and no coffee maker is around it’s great to know how to make coffee in the microwave.
With our four brewing methods you’ll see that each one will make a nice quick cup of coffee. And the best part is that they all require only 5 easy steps and the coffee will be ready in about 5 minutes or so.