We get it, that first sip of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee is a make-or-break moment in your day. But what happens when your trusty auto drip is on the fritz? How can you make yourself a cup when you’re struck by a sudden craving while away from home? What if you love coffee but just don’t have room for one more appliance on your kitchen counter or are looking for more eco-friendly ways to make coffee?

Fear not, fellow coffee connoisseurs—we’ve got you covered! Brewing a fantastic cup of coffee transcends the limitations of an auto-drip machine. In fact, some of the simplest methods can produce truly delightful results.

So let’s embrace your adventurous spirit and dive into the wonderful world of brewing coffee without a coffee maker. From campfire classics to surprisingly sophisticated techniques, we’ll explore a range of methods that cater to every level of coffee enthusiast.

Here are six tried-and-true ways—2 electricity free and 5 electricity optional—to brew without a coffee maker!

Cold brew coffee is a refreshingly simple way to brew coffee without a coffee maker. Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, cold brew is known for being smooth and less acidic. If you want a full, step-by-step guide to cold brew, check out our post on how to make cold brew at home!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee
• Water
• Large jar with a lid
• Scale
• Cheesecloth
• Rubber band
• Carafe, pitcher, or second jar

Step 1: Measure

Cold brew coffee, by design, produces a more concentrated finished product. We think the ideal coffee-to-water ratio is 1:10. So for every 10 g of water your jar or pitcher holds, you’ll want to measure out 1 g of coffee.

Step 2: Prep

Add your ground coffee and water to the jar, then seal up the jar with the lid. Give your jar a few good swirls to make sure the grounds are fully saturated.

Step 3: Brew

Leave the jar on your counter (it’ll brew faster than if you put the jar in the fridge at this point) for at least 12 hours, and up to 24 hours. Every few hours or so (cold brew is super forgiving!) give the jar a couple of swirls.

Step 4: Filter

Open the lid and cover the jar with cheesecloth, using a rubber band to secure it. Slowly pour the cold brew through the cheesecloth filter into your carafe, pitcher, or second jar.

Step 5: Dilute or Enjoy

Your finished cold brew will be concentrated, so you can dilute it with water, milk, or your favorite milk alternative. One of the beauties of cold brew is that it’s a brewing method, not a requirement for serving! So if cold coffee just really isn’t your thing, you can dilute it with hot water instead of cold for a cozy, warm mug!

Bonus Tip: If you’re a true cold brew fan, we think purchasing a dedicated cold brew pitcher is a worthwhile investment. You’ll get a more effective filter, a mess-free system, and a pitcher that does double-duty on both brewing and storage. Check out our review of what we think is the best cold brew pitcher from Takeya!

Maybe your auto-drip machine is out for repairs or maybe you’re just looking to up your hand-brewing game. The beauty of these recipes is that you can make them work with or without electricity. Whether you’re heating your water in a precision electric kettle or a in a pot on a propane camp stove, you’ll have a delicious mug ready to savor!

The French Press, also known as a cafetière, is a fantastic option for those who crave a full-bodied cup of coffee. It’s a relatively simple method that produces consistently delicious results. If you want to really hone your French press technique, check out our U3 Guide to the Perfect French Press.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee (if you’ve got electricity available, we’ll always rave about this incredible burr grinder)
• Water
• French press brewer
• Kettle
• Scale

Step 1: Measure

We recommend a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio for brewing up the perfect French press. If you’re using a 34 oz. French press, for example, measure out about 60 g of ground coffee. Add the measured grounds to the bottom of the brewer.

Step 2: Heat

Heat your water to just below boiling, between 198°F and 200°F. Aim toward the higher end of the range for light roasts and the lower end for dark roasts.

Step 3: Bloom

Pour half of your brewing water over the grounds. For example, if you’re using a 34 oz French press, add about 450 g of your hot water (just enough to saturate the coffee) and let it sit for 60 seconds. This “blooming” process allows the coffee to release its CO₂, resulting in a perfectly extracted cup.

Step 4: Pour

Give your grounds a gentle stir to make sure they’ve been completely saturated, then slowly pour the remaining hot water over the grounds.

Step 5: Brew

Place the lid on the carafe, leaving the plunger in place, but don’t press down yet. Let the coffee steep for 3 minutes.

Step 6: Plunge

Slowly and steadily press the plunger down until it stops. This will filter out the grounds. Then pour yourself a mug and enjoy!

For coffee aficionados who appreciate a clean cup with nuanced flavors, the pour-over method is a revelation. This technique allows for meticulous control over the brewing process, resulting in a truly exceptional cup. If you’re looking for our ultimate guide to making the perfect Hario V60 pour over, check out our guide here!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee
• Pour-over brewer and filter (Check out our recommendations for the best pour over coffee maker!)
• Kettle
• Scale
• Carafe or mug

Step 1: Measure

A good starting point is a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. So, for an 8 oz cup, use around 15 g of coffee.

Step 2: Prep

Set your brewer on top of your carafe or mug, then position your filter in the pour-over cone and pre-wet it with hot water. This removes any paper taste and ensures the cone is warm for brewing. Discard the pre-wetting water, then add your grounds

Step 3: Heat

Heat your water to just below boiling, between 198°F and 200°F. Aim toward the higher end of the range for light roasts and the lower end for dark roasts.

Step 3: Bloom

Pour enough water to saturate the grounds—aim for about 3 g of water for every 1 g of coffee. Let it bloom for 30–45 seconds.

Step 4: Pour

Here comes the magic! Using a slow, circular motion, begin pouring the remaining hot water over the grounds. Aim for even saturation, and avoid pouring directly on the filter.

Step 7: Draw Down

Once the stream of brewed coffee turns to a drip, remove the brewer, and enjoy your freshly brewed cup!

The percolator, a mainstay in kitchens and breakrooms of yore, offers a unique brewing experience. This method produces a strong, full-bodied coffee with a distinctive taste.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee
• Water
• Percolator (electric, stovetop, or enamelware, which is perfect for a camp stove or gas cooktop)
• Paper filter
• Heat source (unless you’re using an electric percolator)

Step 1: Fill

Open the lid and remove the basket from the percolator. Add water to the pot—but don’t fill it all the way to the top. Consult your percolator’s manual for the recommended fill level.

Step 1: Measure

Position your filter in the percolator’s basket, then add put the basket back in the pot. Add your ground coffee. You’ll want about 1 Tbsp of coffee for every cup of water.

Step 3: Heat

If you’re using a stovetop percolator, place it on your range and turn the heat to medium; if you’re using an electric percolator, refer to your owner’s manual. As the water heats, it will rise through a tube in the center and disperse over the coffee grounds. This cyclical process is what gives the percolator its name.

Step 5: Brew

Once the percolator starts to sputter and gurgle, that’s your cue. Unlike some coffee makers, stovetop percolators don’t automatically shut off. To avoid over-extraction and bitterness, remove the percolator from the heat source once it starts sputtering. Let the coffee cool for a few minutes before you pour yourself a perky mug!

The Moka pot, a classic of home brewing, creates a strong, concentrated coffee that’s similar to espresso but without the fancy equipment.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee
• Water
• Moka pot
• Heat source

Step 1: Fill

Unscrew the Moka pot and fill the lower chamber with water just below the safety valve. The valve is usually a small relief mechanism on the side of the lower chamber.

Step 2: Measure

Place the funnel filter basket in the upper chamber and fill it with your coffee grounds. You’ll want about 1 Tbsp of ground coffee for each cup of water. Once your coffee is in, screw the upper chamber onto the lower chamber of the pot.

Step 3: Heat

Place the Moka pot on your stovetop over medium heat. As the water heats, pressure will build, forcing the hot water up through the coffee grounds and into the upper chamber.

Step 4: Brew

Once the coffee starts brewing, you’ll hear a gurgling sound. When the sound becomes a sputter, and the upper chamber is mostly full, remove the pot from the heat source. There should still be a little blonde colored coffee left in the bottom chamber—this is normal. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then pour and enjoy!

The AeroPress is a versatile brewing device that’s become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its speed, convenience, and ability to produce a clean, flavorful cup. It’s particularly well-suited for those who crave a quick caffeine fix or who need to brew coffee away from home.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground coffee
• AeroPress brewer (with AeroPress control filter cap)
• AeroPress filter (available in disposable paper or reusable stainless steel)
• Kettle

Step 1: Prep

Add your filter to the AeroPress filter cap and reposition the filter cap in the chamber. Place the brewer on top of your mug. Pre-wet it with hot water to remove any paper taste and warm the chamber for brewing. Discard the pre-wetting water.

Step 2: Measure

Use the handy AeroPress scoop to measure out one scoop (about 2 Tbsp) of ground coffee, and add the grounds to the chamber.

Step 3: Heat

Heat your water to about 185°F.

Step 5: Pour

Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, aiming for even saturation. Once all the water is poured, stir the mixture gently to ensure even extraction.

Step 6: Brew

Place the plunger on top of the chamber and press down about a half an inch. Wait 60 sec to allow coffee to brew.

Step 7: Press

Press down slowly but firmly with a steady pressure. Don’t force it—a gentle press is all you need. Once you hear a hissing sound, that’s your cue to stop pressing. Remove the brewer and enjoy the finished product!

As you can see, there’s a whole world of coffee brewing methods waiting to be explored! From the rugged simplicity of cowboy coffee to the artistic elegance of pour-over to the hands-off process of cold brew, there’s a technique to suit every taste and preference. So, next time you decide to take a break from your coffee maker, embrace the opportunity to experience the delightful world of brewing coffee without a machine. With a little practice, you might just discover your new favorite method—and a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasure of a perfectly brewed cup.

Cheers to you for diving deep into the world of coffee with us! U3 Coffee exists to create the most meaningful coffee experience for millions of mindful, motivated humans like you. Let’s learn, empower, and celebrate the journey from bean to cup. Because here, we’re United by Coffee.