How To Make Coffee On A Stove – 8 Quick & Easy Ways

Are you feeling left out because you don’t have a coffee maker? Perhaps you crave a cup of joe to get your day started but stuck since your coffee machine has suddenly decided not to cooperate.

Well, don’t despair. In this guide, I will show you how to make coffee on a stove without using a coffee maker. As long as you still have coffee grounds in your house, you don’t have to miss out on having your drink.

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Let’s dive into how to make coffee on a stove without a coffee maker. Come with me will you?

More: 13 Different Coffee Drinks You Need To Know About

How To Make Coffee On A Stove – The Old Fashioned Way

Even without an expensive electric coffee maker or the fancy French press, you can still enjoy your coffee by making it the old-fashioned way. 

How to make coffee on a stove the old fashioned way:

1. Mix coffee grounds and water in a saucepan.
2. Boil the mixture over high heat on a stove or campfire.
3. Remove it from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the coffee to be steep and for the grounds to settle.
4. Pour the coffee slowly and carefully into a mug to keep the coffee grounds at the bottom.
5. Alternatively, set a filter on top of the mug and pour the coffee through it.

Related: How To Grind Coffee Beans At Home Without A Grinder

How To Make Coffee On A Stove Without A Coffee Maker – 8 Easy Methods

Method 1: How to Make Coffee on A stove (in a Saucepan)

No coffee machine? No worries. You can still get to enjoy your favorite cup of joe regardless. How is this possible? Your saucepan will come in handy.

Even with your limited supplies, you can make yourself a cup or a whole pot of coffee on your stovetop. This method involves boiling the coffee on a stovetop. Super simple, right?

So let’s get to the nitty-gritty details of the process. Here is how to make coffee on a stove in a saucepan. But first,

You’ll need

• Ground coffee
• Small saucepan 
• Water
• Spoon( or anything that you can use for stirring)
• Ladle (optional)
• Mug

How to brew it

1. Measure water and pour into the saucepan. Consider using a slightly higher amount than your desired amount of coffee, as you will lose some of it on boiling.
2. Measure and dissolve the coffee grounds in the water.
3. Place the pan on the stove and bring the mixture to boil over low-medium heat while occasionally stirring to avoid the coffee grounds sticking at the bottom of the pan.
4. Boil uncovered for 3 minutes.
5. Turn off the stove
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest for 3 minutes to allow the grounds to settle at the bottom.
7. Use a ladle to scoop coffee into your mug or slowly pour to keep the grounds out of your cup.
8. Enjoy your drink

Related: The Different Types Of Coffee Beans And Their Variations

Method 2: How to Make Coffee With a Strainer

Woke up to a dead coffee machine and no filters? It’s definitely one of your worst mornings ever. But, if you got a strainer within your reach, here is how to make coffee on a stove. You can crack the nut and get your coffee.

However, not just any strainer will pull the trick. Make sure your strainer has very minute holes, like a double-layer mesh strainer. This will help to keep coffee grounds out of your cup. 

This method is pretty similar to the saucepan method above, with the only difference being you won’t need to wait for the grounds to settle because you are using a strainer. Instead, the strainer will collect any grinds escaping from the pan as the coffee drips into the mug.

So, how do I make coffee with a strainer? Let’s find out, shall we?

You’ll need

• Ground coffee
• Mesh strainer( a small, conical one is preferable)
• Mug
• Kettle or saucepan
• Water

How to brew it

1. Pour the appropriate amount of water into your saucepan or kettle for the number of cups you want to make
2. Add an appropriate quantity of coffee ground ideal for the number of cups you are making and stir the mix.
3. Bring the water to boil and allow it to continue boiling for extra 2 minutes.
4. Take the saucepan or kettle off the heat.
5. Place the strainer over the mug and pour the coffee through it. The strainer will help hold the coffee grounds that come out of the saucepan as the coffee flows into the cup.
6. If it appeals to you, add cream and some sugar.
7. Have a seat and enjoy the taste of your coffee as it flows down your throat.

Method 3: How to Make Coffee On A Stove: Cowboy Style

Are you a camping enthusiast? Or maybe you like cowboy adventures. If you are a coffee nerd like me, you wouldn’t imagine missing your drink just because you’re out adventuring. One problem, though, how do you get it in this in a campfire surrounding?

Take a quick peeked into past decades when no coffee machines existed. Get it now?  Yes, I’m talking about that old-fashioned cowboy method. This is the classic way of making coffee using a saucepan.

And no, you don’t need those boots or the cowboy hat to make this! Wondering how to make coffee on a stove but cowboy style? Let’s get to it.

You’ll need

• A pot or saucepan
• Fire or Stove
• Coffee grounds
• Water mug
• Stirring spoon

How to brew it

1. Measure water into the pot or saucepan.
2. Using the ratio of one tablespoon per serving, measure coffee and add it to the water.
3. Stir the mixture well
4. Set the pot on fire or stove and bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about two minutes
5. Remove the pot from the heat.
6. Let the mixture sit for four minutes to allow the ground to settle at the bottom of the pot.
7. Slowly pour your coffee into the mug, ensuring the coffee grinds remain inside the pot.
8. Hurray! Your drink is now ready. Enjoy

Related: Should You Put Cinnamon In Coffee?

Method 4: How to Make Coffee On A Stove – With a Fake French Press

Are you a staunch fan of French press coffee but without the machine at home? You can still enjoy a cup with a similar taste easily by duplicating the brewing method with a few tools.

What’s better, you can do it conveniently in your kitchen or out over a campfire. So, if your French press coffee machine decides to conk on you, don’t fret. Instead, try out this method and satisfy your thirst.

However, since you will be using a faux French press that looks similar to the real one, you may have some grounds in your cup with this method. This is how to do it;

You’ll need

• Hot water
• Fresh, coarsely ground coffee
• Deep bowl
• A tablespoon
• Mug

How to brew it

1. Measure the ground coffee and put it in the deep bowl. The ideal measure is one tablespoon per cup.
2. Pour hot water over the grounds little by little till they are fully saturated.
3. Add the proper amount of hot water enough for the servings of ground in the bowl. Allow it to sit for four minutes.
4. Once the coffee grounds have settled, gently press them to the bottom of the bowl. Ensure you don’t get splashed.
5. Slowly pour the coffee into your mug while pressing the grounds with the spoon to prevent them from following. Be gentle enough to avoid shaking the grounds and bringing the grounds up.

The result of this method is a strong cup of coffee. However, leaving the coffee in the bowl for long may lead to over-steeping, making it extra bitter.

Method 5: How to Make Coffee On A Stove With a Bag

Yes, you read that right, and I know what you are thinking. Coffee in a bag? Well, you must have made tea using tea bags, right? If yes, then this brewing method uses the same principle. 

If finding coffee grounds in your cup completely puts you off, this method is fit for you. Besides, the resulting coffee is devoid of any bitterness, unlike one made using some other methods such as cowboy.

What’s more interesting is that just a filter and a string will do the trick. So in case you’ve run short of filters, empty tea bags can come to your rescue. So the next time you are embarking on a take some filters for backup, you might need them. How to make coffee on a stove with a bag:

You’ll need

• Unwaxed piece of string
• Hot water
• A mug
• Coffee filter
• Ground coffee

How to brew it

1. Measure a single serving of coffee grounds and pour it in the middle of a coffee filter
2. Close the filter tightly by wrapping it around the coffee to make a pouch
3. Tie it with a piece of string and hang one long head outside your cup like a teabag
4. Place the bag inside an empty mug
5. Heat water in a kettle, cup, pot, or even microwave
6. Pour the hot water slowly and carefully over the bag in the cup
7. Let the coffee steep for about four minutes. You can, however, adjust the time depending on how strong you like your coffee
8. Remove and discard the filter before drinking your coffee
9. Sit back and enjoy

Related: 10 Best Espresso Beans – Review & Buying Guide

Method 6: How to Make Microwave Coffee

Are you in a rush but still need to grab a cup of coffee? But, you don’t want to pass by the coffee shop or convenience store on your way to work as well? That microwave in your kitchen is your savior. As long as you have power, You will sort your coffee craving. How much simpler can it get? This is how to brew coffee using a microwave:

You’ll need

• Coffee grounds
• Water
• Mug
• Microwave

How to brew it

1. Fill the mug with water and microwave it for about two minutes. Ensure the water is very hot but not boiling.
2. Add a spoonful of coffee ground into the water.  On adding, they will produce a sizzling sound at first.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for around four minutes for the grounds to settle at the bottom of the mug
4. That’s it. Enjoy your coffee but avoid the last sip unless you don’t mind a mouthful of grounds.

Method 7: How To Make Coffee On A Stovetop – Easy Turkish (Greek) Coffee

Did you know that Turkish coffee is not a type of coffee but rather a preparation method? Well, now you know. This method works just like the cowboy method but with some slight differences. It uses a small Turkish pot, also known as an ibrik. Besides the resultant coffee is smooth and strong, it’s also highly aromatic, efficient, and super easy to make.

Let’s find out how to make coffee on a stove Turkish (Greek) style.

You’ll need

• An ibrik
• Coffee grounds
• Coffee mug
• Water
• Sugar. This is optional and suitable if you prefer sweet coffee

How to brew it

1. Pour water into the ibrik
2. Set it on the stove
3. Add sugar if preferred for taste
4. Turn on the heat and bring the water to boil
5. Lower the heat and add the ground coffee without stirring
6. Return to an almost boil; you would want it foaming
7. Remove the pot from the stove and put it aside to allow the grounds to settle at the bottom
8. Serve and enjoy

Related: 7 Best Nespresso Compatible Capsules Reviewed

Method 8: How to Make Cold-Brew Coffee

If you are not in a hurry for your next dose of caffeine, this method will ideally suit you. Although this technique has got some similarities with the other techniques, it has distinct differences. First, it uses cold water to brew, and the brewing process takes quite some time, usually 12 to 24 hours. Can you imagine that?

The resulting drink is quite distinguished from the usual hot brewed coffee in that it has less acidity, it’s light to drink, easy on the stomach, and doesn’t cause caffeine crash. However, you need to be careful as it has high caffeine content.

Related: 8 Best Coffee For Cold Brew

What I like about this technique is that you can brew a batch that will last longer. If you don’t have a coffee machine and are not short on patience, give this method a shot. So, what’s the process like?

You’ll need

• Two wide-mouth mason bars
• Coarse coffee grounds
• Refrigerator
• A spoon for stirring
• Water
• A cheesecloth or anything similar for filtration
• Up to 24 hours worth of your patience

How to brew it

1. With 1:5 grounds to water ratio, put the coffee grounds in the mason jar
2. Wet them, and wait for 30 seconds, then add the rest of the water
3. Stir the mixture well and screw the top on the mason jar
4. Place it on the fridge and let it rest for 14-24 hours. Adjust the hours according to your preferred brew strength. The longer the time, the stronger the coffee
5. Put the cheesecloth over another empty mason jar or bowl and slowly empty the first jar into it
6. Keep the filtered concentrate in the fridge. This can last up to 7 days. 
7. Pour a small portion into a glass to serve. Dilute it with water to your preferred intensity.
8. Sit back and enjoy

Do not dilute all the concentrate at once.

How to make coffee on A stove Top with milk 

To make this,

You’ll need

• A mug
• Kettle or pot
• Sugar to taste
• Instant coffee

The process for brewing coffee on a stove

1. Heat the milk
2. Mix 1.5 teaspoons of instant coffee with one spoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of water in a coffee mug
3. Stir with a spoon for about five minutes to mix the ingredients until it becomes light brown.
4. Pour 1 cup of milk into the pot or kettle. 
5. Set the burner to a medium-high and place the pot
6. Wait for the milk to bubble and rise
7. Pour it into the cup and stir to work up a froth.
8. Enjoy your drink

Related: The Best Nespresso Machine – Ultimate Guide

How to make coffee on A stove with ground coffee 

Making coffee with ground coffee is fast and straightforward. It only requires hot water and ground coffee, and you will be enjoying your favorite drink in no time.

How to make coffee on a stove with ground coffee:

1. Put water in a saucepan and let it boil
2. Once boiled, remove the saucepan from heat
3. Add a teaspoon of the ground coffee to a mug
4. Add the boiled water into the cup and stir using a spoon
5. Place a filter on another empty cup and slowly pour the coffee into it.
6. That’s about it. Your coffee is ready. Relax and enjoy. 

It can’t get easier than this.

How To Make Coffee On A Stovetop – Hacks and Tips For Stovetop Coffee

There are other surprising ways of making coffee on your stovetop. Allow me to give you some tidbits about how to make coffee on a stove.

How To Make Coffee On A Stove – The Swedish Egg Method

 Coffee with egg? But how? Let’s learn some more.

• Ice cold water
• Filter 
• Saucepan
• Fresh egg(s)
• Room-temp water
• Cup

Brewing Method

1. Boil room-temp water in a saucepan
2. Crack the egg and put everything, including the shell, in a cup
3. Crush and stir the egg together with the coffee grounds
4. When the water has boiled, add in the mixture and boil for 3-5 minutes
5. Once the mix clumps and floats on top, turn off the heat, add ice-cold, and let it sit
6. Once the clump settles at the bottom of the pan, slowly pour through the filter into your bug.

Related: The Best Handheld Milk Frother

Making coffee with a percolator

Percolators are cheap, easy to get, and can be used on any type of heat, including electricity, stove, or even campfire.

This is how to make coffee with a percolator;

1. Add cold water into the percolator
2. Put coffee grounds in the coffee basket
3. Set the stove to medium heat and place the percolator on top
4. Ensure that the water is sufficiently hot but not boiling
5. Allow the water to gently bubble and the coffee steam for about 6-8 minutes
6. Remove the percolator from heat
7. Remove the grounds basket
8. Enjoy your steaming hot cup of coffee.

How can you make strong coffee at home? 

You can make strong coffee without a French press or an espresso maker. What makes coffee is adjusting the coffee to water ratio. All you need to do is increase the ratio of coffee grounds without changing the water ratio. To make a strong cup of coffee at home:

1. Put two heaped tablespoons of dark coarsely ground coffee into a saucepan
2. Add a cup of hot water into the saucepan 
3. Stir until it stops foaming, and the coffee grounds settle at the bottom
4. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes
5. Put a strainer on top of a mug and pour your coffee through it.

Related: The Best Electric Gooseneck Kettle (Pour Over)

How To Make Coffee On A Stove FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have a coffee filter?

If you’ve run short of coffee filters, you can use a folded paper towel that’s cut to fit your cup, a clean kitchen towel, or a cotton handkerchief as substitutes.

How do you make a homemade coffee filter?

To make a homemade coffee filter, fold a paper towel into two, cut it to fit your cup or coffee maker, and there you have your filter.

How long do you boil coffee on a stove?

You can boil coffee on a stove uncovered for 2 minutes, then remove the pot from heat and let it sit for around 5 minutes.

Related: 9 Best Keurig Coffee Makers

Wrapping Up: How To Make Coffee On A Stove

You don’t have to forgo your favorite cup of joe just because you don’t have a coffee machine or it has decided to stop working. 

As you have seen, there are various ways on how to make coffee on a stove without using a coffee maker. After all, what’s most important is having hot water and coffee. Even though you will not get most roasts without a coffee maker, these stovetop brewing methods will come in handy when you desperately crave some caffeine boost.

Since most of these options are budget-friendly and utilize readily available equipment, you can experiment with all the options until you identify what suits you best.

Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by Shevy