What Is Drip Coffee? A Beginner’s Guide to the Classic Brewing Method

What Is Drip Coffee? A Beginner’s Guide to the Classic Brewing Method

Drip coffee is one of the most popular and reliable ways to brew a smooth, consistent cup at home. Whether you use an electric drip machine or a manual pour-over, the principle is the same: hot water drips through ground coffee, extracting flavour as it passes through.

If you’re looking to understand what drip coffee is, how it works and which beans are best, this guide covers everything you need to savour a perfect daily brew.

What Is Drip Coffee?

Drip coffee is made by placing medium-ground coffee in a filter while hot water slowly drips through it. As the water flows through the grounds, it extracts oils, acids and flavours before collecting in the jug or mug below.

The result is a clean, balanced cup with a smooth body — ideal for everyday drinking.

How Drip Coffee Works

A typical drip machine or pour-over setup involves:

  1. A filter (paper or reusable)

  2. Medium-ground coffee

  3. Heated water

  4. Gravity-based extraction

The hot water disperses evenly over the coffee bed, saturates the grounds, then passes through at a controlled rate. This consistent flow is why drip coffee is known for clarity and reliability.

If you’re using a traditional carafe machine, make sure you keep it clean — buildup can affect flavour. You can use our guide:
How to Clean a Coffee Pot

What Does Drip Coffee Taste Like?

Drip coffee typically delivers:

  • A balanced flavour

  • A clean, smooth finish

  • Good clarity without excess bitterness

  • Less body than French press but more than filter-style pour-over

The flavour depends heavily on the beans you choose. Lighter roasts emphasise brightness, while darker roasts deliver deeper, richer notes.

Explore beans ideal for drip machines:

What Grind Size Is Best for Drip Coffee?

For drip machines, use a medium grind — similar to coarse sand.

  • Too fine → over-extraction, bitter taste

  • Too coarse → weak, under-extracted coffee

If you buy freshly roasted beans, choose "Medium Grind" or "Filter Grind" for drip machines.

How Much Coffee Should You Use?

The ideal ratio for drip coffee is:

1–2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces (177ml) of water

For more detail on measuring coffee accurately, see:
How Many Tablespoons of Coffee Per Cup?

Best Coffee Beans for Drip Brewing

Nearly any roast can work in a drip machine, but some stand out for their balance and clarity:

Medium Roasts

Perfect for daily drinkers who enjoy a smooth, approachable cup.

Light-to-Medium Single Origins

Great for fruity, aromatic brews.

Darker Profiles

Ideal if you prefer a richer, more intense flavour.

Browse all options here:
All Products Collection

Paper Filter vs Reusable Filter: Which Is Better?

Both have benefits:

Paper Filters

  • Cleaner taste

  • Removes more oils

  • Easier cleanup

Reusable Filters

  • Eco-friendly

  • More body and mouthfeel

  • Slightly stronger flavour

Your choice depends on whether you prefer clarity or richness.

Tips for Making Better Drip Coffee

  • Use freshly roasted beans

  • Grind your coffee just before brewing

  • Use filtered water for cleaner flavour

  • Keep your coffee pot and machine regularly descaled

  • Pre-rinse paper filters to remove papery taste

For removing tough stains, see:
How to Wash Coffee Stains

Final Thoughts

Drip coffee remains popular because it’s simple, consistent and versatile. With the right beans, grind size and a clean machine, it’s easy to brew a flavourful cup every single day. Whether you enjoy a bright, fruity profile or a deeper roast, drip coffee offers something for every taste.

If you're ready to elevate your daily brew, explore our full range of blends, single origins and flavoured coffees:
Browse All Coffees

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