Ya know, I’m constantly surprised by the fact that many people don’t even understand that there is a difference between a manual drip coffee maker and an automatic drip coffee maker. In fact, there are a lot of people that don’t even know that manual drip coffee makers even exist. So, in light of this, I’m going to grind into this topic.
The difference between the two is very simple. With an automatic drip, the machine does most of the work – pouring the hot water over your coffee grounds. With a manual drip coffee maker, you do that part yourself without the help of an electric machine.
So, that’s probably why you don’t really hear about manual drip coffee maker machines. There aren’t really ‘machines’, it’s really just a different way of making coffee. You can find manual drip coffee makers in a variety of different sizes, but it’s pretty common to find them in ten to 12 cup varieties. It’s also pretty common to see single cup manual drip coffee makers as well.
Pouring the water over the coffee grounds yourself gives you the ability to choose from a large number of different filters. Some filters are made of special papers to add extra taste. Others are made of special materials so they add no taste at all (or at least, that’s the aim).
The great thing about manual drip coffee makers is that they can be used anywhere that you go because they don’t use electricity. This makes them a really good choice for campers or people that are traveling. When you are camping, you can simply boil the water with a portable stove or even over your campfire.
What Exactly Is A Manual Drip Coffee Maker?
There really isn’t all that much to a manual drip coffee maker. It’s really just a pot or a cup, the filter and the filter holder. The filter must be held on top of the cup or pot so it doesn’t fall off and spill grounds all over the place. Yes, there are a few companies that make more complicated varieties, but there’s really no need to get anything more complex than the three pieces that I just mentioned.
The process of making coffee with a manual drip coffee maker is very simple. All you need to do is set the filter on the pot or cup, fill it with coffee grounds, then pour on some very hot or boiling water. Just be careful with that hot water, since there is a chance that you could be scolded.
The filter of a manual drip coffee maker could be made of a temporary material or a permanent material. A common material for a temporary filter is, obviously enough, paper. Even though paper is cheap to purchase, it may end up costing you more money in the long run since you will be buying filters over and over again. A better idea may be to purchase a metal filer or one made out of another permanent material. Not only will they last for years, but they provide you with a consistent taste because the water will flow through the filter in the same way every time.
Thinking of Purchasing a Manual Drip Coffee Maker?
If you are thinking about purchasing a manual drip coffee maker, consider if it is the best choice for you. Are you will to go through all that work because the end results might taste better? If you answered yes to that, then you might want to check out a French Press instead. A French Press is another way to make coffee manually – and the taste is far superior to a manual drip coffee maker.
We have a number of French Press reviews to help you decide which press will fit your needs the best. Make sure that you have a good understanding of a few different products before you decide which press is the best. Or, if your heart is set on using a manual drip coffee maker, here are a few worth checking out.