Coffee Questions
Is Coffee Gluten Free? Best Cup for Your Gut
Plain coffee is naturally gluten-free. Flavored coffee and add-ins can contain gluten or be cross-contaminated. What to watch for.
Geoff Southworth
Writer at Taste the Latte. How does he drink his coffee? Black, with a spoonful of honey.
Coffee Questions
What Is a Shot of Coffee and How to Make One?
A shot of coffee is a small, strong dose of espresso. You need an espresso machine: grind, pack, tamp and brew. Here's how.
Coffee Brewing
6 Ways to Make Coffee Without a Coffeemaker
No coffeemaker? Six simple ways to brew a good cup anyway: cowboy coffee, coffee bags, cold brew, a faux French press, Turkish and stovetop.
Coffee Questions
How Long Does Instant Coffee Last?
Instant coffee lasts six months to two years, sometimes far longer. How to store it so it doesn't go stale, clump or grow mold.
Coffee Gear
Gibraltar vs. Cortado Espresso-Based Coffee: What Are the Differences?
Gibraltar vs. cortado: both mix espresso and steamed milk, but a Gibraltar is served in its own small glass. How the two drinks differ.
Coffee Brewing
Common Mistakes of Keurig Owners
Ten common Keurig mistakes that hurt your coffee, from skipping descaling and using tap water to cheap pods and cold mugs.
Types of Coffee
What Is a Cortado Coffee?
A cortado is a Spanish espresso drink made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Here's how it tastes and how to make one at home.
Coffee Brewing
The Top 12 Pour-Over Coffee Mistakes
Twelve pour-over coffee mistakes to avoid, like grinding too early, using old beans, pouring off the bed and brewing too long.
Types of Coffee
How to Make a White Coffee (Not a Flat White)
White coffee isn't a flat white. It's made from lightly roasted beans. Here's how to grind, brew and flavor white coffee at home.
Coffee Brewing
Should I Brew Coffee with Boiling Water?
Don't brew coffee with boiling water. It over-extracts the grounds and tastes bitter. Aim for 195 to 205°F instead.
Types of Coffee
Espresso Powder vs. Instant Coffee – Which Is Better?
Espresso powder vs. instant coffee: espresso powder is stronger and richer, with more caffeine. Here's when to use each one.
Coffee Storage
Do K-Cups Need to Be Refrigerated?
Do K-Cups need to be refrigerated? No. Keurig says to store them at room temperature. Here's how to keep pods fresh longer.
Coffee Questions
10 Ways to Flavor Your Coffee
Ten easy ways to flavor your coffee at home, from condensed milk, cinnamon and cocoa to butter, coconut milk, ice cream and a pinch of salt.
Coffee Beans
How to Tell If Your Coffee Beans Have Gone Bad
How to tell if coffee beans have gone bad: check the roast and expiration dates, try the zip-bag test and give them a sniff.
Coffee Brewing
How to Make Americano at Home
How to make an Americano at home: brew a shot of espresso, heat water and combine them at the right ratio. Easy steps for a smooth cup.
Coffee Beans
How Many Cups of Coffee Can I Get From a One-Pound Bag?
A one-pound bag of coffee makes about 34 cups using the SCA Golden Ratio. Here's the math, plus how long that bag stays fresh.
Coffee Questions
How Much Is a Cup of Coffee When I Brew It at Home?
Brewing coffee at home usually costs under $1 a cup, versus about $2.50 at Starbucks. Here's the cost breakdown and how much you'll save.
Types of Coffee
12 Types of Alcoholic Coffee Drinks
Twelve alcoholic coffee drinks to try, from Irish coffee and the Nutty Irishman to Kentucky coffee, an espresso negroni and Spanish coffee.
Coffee Brewing
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee at Home
How to make cold brew at home: coarsely grind beans, steep in cold water for 12 or more hours, strain and chill. Simple step-by-step guide.
Types of Coffee
What Is Cowboy Coffee And How Do I Make It?
Cowboy coffee is made the trail way: coarse grounds simmered in water, then poured off. How to make it over a fire or on the stove.
Coffee Gear
What Kind of Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use? Is It Good Quality?
Starbucks uses the Mastrena, a super-automatic espresso machine Thermoplan makes just for them. How it works and how good it is.
Types of Coffee
How to Make Iced Coffee at Home
An easy iced coffee recipe: brew strong coffee, cool it, chill it, pour over ice and add milk or vanilla syrup if you like.
Coffee Questions
How Many Cups of Coffee Per Person for Large Groups?
Planning coffee for a crowd? One gallon fills about 20 six-ounce cups. Here's how much coffee to make for 20, 40 or 100 people.
Coffee Brewing
What Type of Water Should I Use in My Coffeemaker?
The best water for coffee is fresh, clean and odor-free with the right mineral balance. SCA water standards explained simply.
Coffee Questions
How Many Ounces in a Standard Cup of Coffee?
A standard cup of coffee is six ounces, not eight. Here's where that measurement comes from and why your coffeemaker uses it.
Coffee Brewing
How Many Scoops Do I Need for 10 Cups of Coffee?
For 10 cups of coffee, use 8 to 11 scoops of grounds depending on how strong you like it, with about 50 ounces of water.
Coffee Questions
How Many Cups of Coffee Do People Drink Per Day?
How many cups of coffee do people drink a day? The average American has about three. Here's what the numbers say and how much is too much.
Coffee Gear
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from a Keurig Coffeemaker?
Simple tips to make better Keurig coffee: buy good K-Cups, preheat, keep it clean, use filtered water and try a smaller brew size.
Coffee Brewing
Can I Use a K-Cup Twice?
Can you reuse a K-Cup? Keurig doesn't recommend it: there isn't enough coffee in a pod for a second brew, so you'd get a weak cup.
Coffee Beans
What Coffee Beans Make the Strongest Coffee?
Coffee strength comes from your coffee-to-water ratio, not roast. For the most caffeine, choose Robusta beans. Here's how it works.
Coffee Questions
Can you Make Coffee Art With Regular Coffee?
Can you make latte art without an espresso machine? Yes, with strong brewed coffee and well-frothed milk. Here's how to do it at home.
Coffee Brewing
How to Keep Coffee Warm Outside
How to keep coffee warm outdoors: smart mugs, electric warmers, insulated travel mugs, immersion heaters and more, ranked by ease of use.
Coffee Beans
Are Coffee Beans a Fruit?
Coffee beans aren't really beans. They're the seeds of the coffee cherry, a small red fruit. Here's how coffee grows and what that means.
Coffee Beans
Should Coffee Beans be Refrigerated?
Don't refrigerate coffee beans or grounds. The fridge won't keep them fresher and can add moisture and odors. What about the freezer?
Coffee Brewing
Can you Make Espresso with Coffee Beans?
Yes, you can make espresso with regular coffee beans. Use a dark roast and a fine grind to get closest to the real thing.
Coffee Brewing
Do you Weigh Coffee Before or After Grinding?
Weigh coffee both before and after grinding: before, so you only grind what you need, and after, because grinders hold onto some coffee.
Coffee Beans
What Does Arabica Coffee Beans Mean?
Arabica coffee comes from the Coffea arabica plant, the world's most common coffee species, known for a smoother, higher-quality cup.
Coffee Beans
What Does a Coffee Roaster do?
A coffee roaster heats green coffee beans in a hot drum, turning them into the coffee we know. How roasting works, step by step.
Coffee Beans
How Can You Tell the Quality of Coffee Beans?
The surest test of coffee bean quality is taste. Here's how farmers, Q Graders and roasters judge beans, and what you can check at home.
Coffee Beans
How Fine Should I Grind my Coffee Beans?
Determining the right grind size depends on two things: what brewing method your using and the amount of coffee you are brewing.
Coffee Questions
What Type of Coffee Does Waffle House Use? Is It Good Coffee?
Waffle House serves Royal Cup Coffee, the same supplier as IHOP. How it tastes and whether it's worth buying for home.
Coffee Questions
What Kind of Coffee Does Panera Bread Use? Is It Good Coffee?
Panera serves 100 percent Arabica coffee from South and Central America. How it tastes and how to buy it to brew at home.
Types of Coffee
Is an Americano Stronger than Regular Coffee?
Is an Americano stronger than regular coffee? Strength comes from the number of espresso shots, so it's about the same as a latte of equal size.
Coffee Brewing
What is the Best Coffee-to-Water Ratio?
Start with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio for drip and 1:2 for espresso, then adjust to taste. Ratios for every brewing method.
Coffee Questions
What Type of Coffee Does Cracker Barrel Use? Is It Good Coffee?
Cracker Barrel serves its own 100 percent Arabica coffee from the Americas and East Africa. How it tastes and where to buy it.
Coffee Questions
What Kind of Coffee Does IHOP Use? Is It Good Coffee?
IHOP has served Royal Cup Coffee since 2019. Here's what you're drinking, how it tastes and whether you can buy it for home.
Coffee Brewing
How do You Get a Good Crema for Your Espresso?
Good crema starts with good espresso: the right dose, yield, grind size and extraction time. Here's how to dial in each one.
Coffee Brewing
AeroPress vs. French Press: Which one is Better?
AeroPress vs. French press: the AeroPress brews a cleaner, slightly better-tasting cup and is portable and easy to clean. Full comparison.
Coffee Gear
4 Reasons Why You Need a Coffee Scale
4 Reasons Why You Need a Coffee Scale: 1. Improves the taste of your coffee 2. Precision 3. Consistency 4. Eliminates waste
Coffee Beans
Coffee Beans vs. Coffee Pods (Which One is Better?)
If convenience is of utmost importance to you, then Coffee Pods are worth the extra cost over coffee beans. However, coffee pods may be lacking in other areas.
Types of Coffee
Can You Make a Flat White Coffee with Non-Dairy Milk?
Yes, you can make a flat white with almond milk or any non-dairy milk. Each one changes the flavor and texture. Here's what to expect.
Coffee Beans
Which Coffee Roast Is the Strongest?
Which coffee roast is the strongest? Roast affects flavor more than strength. Here's what actually makes coffee strong.
Types of Coffee
What is a Flat White Coffee?
A flat white is a small, strong latte: a double shot of espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, often with latte art.
Coffee Beans
The Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Coffee
Cheap and expensive coffee is different in the following ways: 1. Origin 2. Scarcity 3. Certifications 4. Flavor
Coffee Questions
What is the Right Way to Grind Coffee Beans?
The proper way to grind coffee beans is to use a coffee burr grinder. Set your coffee grinder to the correct coarseness and only grind what you will be using.
Coffee Gear
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Coffee Pot?
Empty and rinse your coffee pot daily, deep clean it monthly and descale it every three months. A simple routine for better-tasting coffee.
Coffee Gear
When Should You Replace Your Coffee Pot?
Most people replace their coffee pot every two to five years; high-end machines can last up to ten. Signs it's time for a new one.
Coffee Gear
What Happens If You Forget to Turn Off Your Coffee Pot?
Leave the coffee pot on and you'll burn the coffee. If it's empty, the pot can be damaged, and at worst it's a fire risk. What to do.
Coffee Beans
Starbucks vs. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Which Brand Makes the Best Coffee?
Starbucks vs. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Coffee Bean leads on espresso and coffee, Starbucks on sweet drinks like Frappuccinos.
Coffee Questions
Snorting Coffee Grounds: A Good Idea?
Snorting coffee grounds is a bad idea. It can block your airways, raise infection risk and cause nasty side effects. Here's why.
Coffee Gear
15 Cafiza Alternatives To Check Out!
Out of Cafiza? Here are 15 espresso machine cleaners that work just as well, from Urnex and Puly Caff to Joe Glo and Cafetto.
Coffee Brewing
How to Flavor Tobacco with Coffee: A Quick Guide
How to flavor tobacco with coffee in five steps: grind the beans, seal them in an airtight container with a filter, add tobacco and wait.
Coffee Questions
How to Clean a Coffee Pot with Salt: A Quick Guide
Clean a stained coffee pot with just salt and ice: add both, swirl until the ice melts, then rinse. A quick, chemical-free method.
Coffee Gear
Coffee Gator vs. Airscape: Which Container Is Better?
Coffee Gator vs. Airscape: Coffee Gator's canister lets carbon dioxide out while keeping air out, so beans stay fresh longer. Full comparison.
Coffee Questions
What Kind of Coffee Does Denny’s Use? Is It Good Coffee?
Denny's serves its own Signature Diner Blend, plus decaf and cold brew. Here's what's in it and whether it's good coffee.
Coffee Questions
Cleancaf vs. Dezcal: Which One Is More Effective?
Cleancaf vs. Dezcal: Dezcal wins because it actually descales your machine, and it has no blue dye to stain your coffeemaker.
Coffee Brewing
Kalita Wave 155 vs. 185: Which Is the Better Choice for You?
Kalita Wave 155 vs. 185: choose the 155 for single cups and the larger 185 to brew two to four cups at a time.
Coffee Beans
Caveman vs. Bulletproof Coffee: Which Choice is Superior?
Caveman vs. Bulletproof coffee: we prefer Caveman for its better flavor and slightly lower price. Here's how the two brands compare.
Coffee Gear
Chemex 3-Cup vs. 6-Cup: Which Should You Purchase?
Chemex 3-cup or 6-cup? The 3-cup brews about a pint, the 6-cup about 30 ounces. Pick based on how much coffee you drink.
Coffee Gear
Ninja Coffee Bar Leaking from the Bottom? Here’s What to Do
Ninja Coffee Bar leaking from the bottom? Check the Drip Stop, water reservoir, connectors and tubing. How to fix it or use the warranty.
Coffee Gear
How to Use a Flavia Coffee Machine: A Quick Guide
How to use a Flavia coffee machine: fill the water, open the pack door, insert a brewing pack and choose your drink. A quick guide.
Coffee Brewing
How to Soak Coffee Beans in Alcohol: A Quick Guide
How to soak coffee beans in alcohol: add beans to your favorite spirit, let them soak at least 24 hours, strain and enjoy.
Coffee Questions
Can you Put Coffee in a Tumbler? Can It Damage it?
Yes, hot or iced coffee is fine in a tumbler and won't damage it. Good ones keep coffee hot for up to six hours. Here's what to know.
Coffee Gear
Brikka vs. Moka: Which Unit Is Better for You?
Bialetti Brikka vs. Moka pot: both are stovetop brewers, but the Brikka makes crema and brews slightly faster. Which one should you buy?
Coffee Brewing
Chocolate Milk in Coffee: Best Coffee Addition Ever?
Chocolate milk in coffee gives you creaminess and chocolate flavor in one pour. Try these easy chocolate milk coffee recipes.
Coffee Questions
Can You Grind Nuts in a Coffee Grinder?
Yes, you can grind most nuts in a coffee grinder, and a burr grinder works best. Here's how to do it and clean up afterward.
Coffee Brewing
Can You Use Powdered Sugar in Coffee? Will It Affect the Taste?
Powdered sugar won't change your coffee's taste much, but its cornstarch won't dissolve and leaves grit in the cup. Here's what to use instead.
Coffee Gear
Can You Grind Coffee in a Magic Bullet? Is It a Good Idea?
A Magic Bullet can grind coffee beans, but it's a blender, not a grinder, so expect clumps and an uneven grind. Here's how to get the best result.
Coffee Beans
Why Is Kona Coffee So Expensive?
Why is Kona coffee so expensive? It grows only in a small belt of Hawaii, it's rare, and labor costs are high. Here's what you're paying for.
Coffee Brewing
Does Iced Coffee Go Bad?
Iced coffee goes bad within hours at room temperature but keeps up to 24 hours in the fridge. How to store it and when to toss it.
Coffee Brewing
How to Make Keurig Coffee Less Strong
If your Keurig coffee is too strong, try these methods: Switch to a Reusable K-Cup, Try different K-Cup flavors , or Upgrade to a Keurig 2.0
Coffee Brewing
Can You Drink Coffee After a Root Canal?
Skip hot coffee right after a root canal, because heat can slow healing. Lukewarm or iced coffee is usually fine. Here's what to know.
Coffee Brewing
How to Get Used to Drinking Black Coffee Without Sugar: 6 Tips
Six tips for learning to like black coffee: cut sugar gradually, change roasts, add a pinch of salt and try different brewing methods.
Coffee Questions
Should I Freeze My Fresh Coffee Grounds?
Yes, you can freeze fresh coffee grounds. Seal them airtight, keep them away from light and heat, and use them within two weeks.
Coffee Gear
Blade vs. Burr Grinder: Which is Better for Coffee?
Blade or burr grinder? A burr grinder wins: it grinds beans to an even size for a more consistent, better-tasting cup. Here's why.
Coffee Questions
Can Used Coffee Grounds Go Down a Garbage Disposal?
Don't put coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They clump into a sticky sludge that can clog your pipes. Here's what to do instead.
Coffee Brewing
How to Make Thicker Coffee: A Quick Guide
For thicker coffee, use a dark roast in an espresso machine, French press, Moka pot or AeroPress, or try Dalgona and Vietnamese coffee.
Coffee Gear
Does a Coffee Grinder Make a Difference?
Yes, a coffee grinder makes a big difference. Freshly ground beans taste fresher and more flavorful than pre-ground coffee. Here's why.
Coffee Beans
What Country Does the Best Coffee Come From?
Which country makes the best coffee? African coffees are light and fruity, South American ones chocolatey and heavy. How to choose.