$1 One Cup Coffee Maker

Have you used a one cup coffee maker? They're pretty amazing. Put in a pod, shut the lid, push a button, and suddenly, your afternoon is  taking a turn for the better.

As nice as these appliances are, they have a couple drawbacks.  One is that they take up precious space on the counter. Another is, they aren't cheap. And I have no idea what the pods cost.

On the plus side, there is nothing like a cup of coffee anytime you want one. 

Here's an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy that cup of coffee anytime you want it. All you need is very hot water and a few things you probably have around. 

This method works best at home, unless you have a way to make hot water at work. 

Bonus: if you live with a hot tea drinker, there is usually hot water available. (Make sure you refill the tea kettle, though)

Extra bonus tip: This method travels well. Put your favorite coffee in a ziplock plastic bag, pack a few coffee filters and the strainer and say goodbye to stale hotel room coffee. Just use the hot water pot that is usually provided.

Step 1: The tools you'll need for the job

Here's what you'll need:

A tea kettle, a stainless steel sink strainer, coffee filter, coffee mug and 2 tablespoons of coffee. 

The sink strainer can be had at a dollar store for, that's right, a dollar. They're usually in the housewares section.

There are a couple sizes available.  If you're in doubt about the size, take one over to the coffee mugs they have for sale there and see

if it fits.

Make sure you wash it before you use it.

Comments

[IamTheMomo]

I make two cups at a time for my travel mug. I use a basket-type filter + a paper filter which I put into a 2-cup plastic measuring cup. I nuke two cups of hot water in a 2-cup glass measuring cup and pour it in. The basket filter has about a half-inch that is submerged in the coffee, and I let it sit for a couple of minutes to brew it stronger, then lift, allow it to finish draining, then pour it into my travel mug. I have my two cupper treat every night after dinner! Hubs uses the big coffee maker but it now makes coffee that tastes like plastic. I won't drink it anymore, but I love good fresh coffee with a minimum of fuss and mess and this method works for me. I intend to get a Chemex coffee maker one of these days and do away with the expensive electric plastic coffee maker. Now that we are in hurricane season, it is going to answer a lot of needs and wants and eliminate my son doing this:

[jomer2000]

Interesting method you're using there. I understand wanting to not use the "plastic" coffee maker.

My wife is convinced that the K-cup single cup makers are hazardous because of the plastic. Could be. 

I was watching an old video (1961) and saw the method I described with a little different piece of equipment. If you want to watch that video (12 1/2 minutes) here it is.

If you're an avid coffee drinker, what your son is doing is a small price to pay for a cup of coffee. In fact, talking about it makes me want one now! 

[mr.incredible]

I have a little Melitta coffee funnel. You put one of the #2 cone filters in it and pour the water through. The small hole in the bottom slows down the pour. It actually takes about 2 min for the water to filter through. It does make a better cup of coffee.

My only problem is, I use a 16oz travel mug on the drive to work. That means I have to stand there while the water pours through. I need to build up taller sides so I can just pour all my water in and walk away. Or maybe a vessel that sets above and meters the water through at the proper rate. (I hate waiting)

[jomer2000]

You're right about the waiting. I mostly use this method for my mid-morning coffee. I make a half pot with a drip in the morning and when that wears off, I use the pour-over trick. I had one of those Melitta funnels. I would probably still be using it if I hadn't lost it. I bet you could find a funnel big enough to hold 16 oz. and would fit inside the Melitta if you cut the tip off of it. Maybe you could introduce your idea at quirky. We do love our coffee, don't we?

Thanks for the comment. All the best.

[TheShabz]

Many of the hipster coffeehouses here in downtown Los Angeles are using this pour-over method. I haven't tried it myself but might do so soon. I stick to my instant coffee and hot water for the time being.

[jomer2000]

I think of my mother-in-law as fairly progressive, but a hipster? Maybe she is. I think you'll enjoy it when you try it. As I said, I was surprised by the difference, albeit subtle, of my everyday grind when made this way. And it's an inexpensive option to have around.

Thanks for your comment.

All the best