When you want to enjoy a robust cup of coffee at home, it should be as effortless as possible. All you do is place coffee in the automatic drip coffee machine, add water, and push a button, right? Not exactly.
Not all machines brew the same, and they may not always make your pot of coffee just right. You may like your coffee stronger or weaker than your spouse’s, but how do you know if your Moccamaster coffee brewing equipment will come through for you?
You don’t, which is why there is a coffee ratio formula you can use to determine how much coffee you need for the perfect cup. This article will show you how to calculate the correct coffee-water ratio.
Trying to figure out how to master the Moccamaster skills? Find out here!
Coffee Ratio Formula
The coffee-water ratio is the amount of coffee you add depending on the amount of water you use. With most coffee brewers, the common ratio, known as the Golden Ratio, is one to two tablespoons of coffee per six ounces of water. The Moccamaster coffee brewer ratio is different.
The SCAA Golden Ratio
The Moccamaster coffee ratio, also known as the SCAA golden ratio (Specialty Coffee Association of America), recommends a 1:18 ratio, or approximately 55 grams of coffee per liter of water. The Moccamaster water reservoir holds up to 1,250 milliliters of water.
To figure out how much coffee to use, divide the amount (milliliters) you want to make by 18. The following is an approximation:
- 14 grams of coffee per 300 milliliters of water (3.3 tablespoons or two level scoops)
- 28 grams of coffee per 500 milliliters (half-liter) of water (5.3 tablespoons or three-level scoops)
- 42 grams of coffee per 750 milliliters of water ( eight tablespoons or four level-scoops)
- 55 grams of coffee per 1,000 milliliters (one liter) of water ( 10.7 tablespoons or five unlevel scoops)
- 69 grams of coffee per 1,250 milliliters of water (13.3 tablespoons or seven level scoops)
Not all tablespoons are level, and accurate measurement isn’t always possible. While you don’t need to purchase expensive coffee scales, weighing the coffee grounds will give you a better idea of how much to use. If you need help figuring it out, we have an online measuring tool you can use.
Should You Change the Formula?
There is controversy over whether to change the formula or keep it the same. I think it depends on your taste. If your coffee is too strong, add hot water to dilute the coffee flavors during the brewing process or change the type of coffee you use. Moccamaster does not recommend changing the formula.
Some baristas and coffee drinkers feel there should be room to tweak the formula. They recommend 1:16 to 1:18 for a variety of tastes. The amount of coffee changes, but the amount of water stays the same. The actual brewing ratio adjusts tastes only.
The smaller the ratio, the stronger the coffee. 1:17 is a happy medium. With that ratio, to brew half a liter (500 milliliters ) of coffee, you will need about 29 grams of coffee. Here is how your portions will measure out:
- 250 milliliters of water equals about 15 grams of coffee
- 500 milliliters (a half-liter) of water equals about 29 grams of coffee
- 750 milliliters of water equals about 44 grams of coffee
- 1000 milliliters (one liter) equals about 59 grams of coffee
- 1,250 milliliters (1.25 liters) equals about 73 grams of coffee
Why Is Coffee Ratio Important?
You want your ratio of water to coffee to be consistent so that your brews are the same each time. Brewing coffee is like cooking. You follow a recipe to add the right amount of spices and get the right flavor. The water-to-coffee ratio uses a recipe to change the strength, viscosity, and taste of your coffee.
You can use more or less water to blend to your preference. It’s a trial and error thing. The SCAA golden ratio may not be for you. Try different ratios until you get the right blend.
What Can Affect Moccamaster Coffee Ratio?
Here are factors that can affect your coffee ratio:
- The size of your grinds. Finer ground coffee can make your coffee taste bitter; a coarser grind could give it little to no taste.
- The type of brewer. Each machine brews differently, and brewing time could affect your ratio.
- The type of coffee beans you use and how they grind.
Conclusion
The Moccamaster coffee to water ratio is the ideal formula for making the perfect pot of coffee. Moccamaster does not recommend changing the formula. If you want a variety that SCAA does not offer, pick your ratio.
The lower the ratio is, the stronger the taste. The type of brewer, beans, and the size of the grind may affect your ratio. Level up your coffee game and experiment with your coffee-making process until you get your desired taste.
Happy Caffeinating!
