![Can You Use Instant Coffee in a Coffee Maker? [Why You Really Shouldn't!]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=MzI4OjkwOA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTA2MCA2MDAiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjYwMCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
When it comes to making coffee, there are a variety of methods and tools available. One of the most popular and convenient ways to make coffee is by using a coffee maker or brewer. But if you don’t have the time to brew a pot, instant coffee is always an option.
The question is, can you use instant coffee in a Coffee Maker?
The benefit of using instant coffee is that it’s readily available and doesn’t require any special tools to make a cup of coffee. All you need is hot water and a spoonful of instant coffee, and you can have a cup of coffee in seconds.
This makes it a popular choice for people who are always on the go or who don’t have access to a coffee maker.
There are two instances in which I think some people might consider using Instant coffee in their coffee makers:
- You either ran out of coffee grounds and have instant coffee available, so you’re wondering if one can substitute the other,
- Or, you’re considering the fact that instant coffee is generally cheaper that ground coffee, so what if you used it to brew coffee in a coffee maker or other brewers like a french press, moka pot, or any coffee dripper.
Can Instant Coffee Be Used in a Coffee Machine?
Instant coffee can’t and should not be ‘brewed’ in any coffee brewing tool: dripper, coffee machine, Keurig, Moka pot… you name it.
There’s no point of brewing and percolating grounds that turn into a coffee brew instantly as you add hot water to it.
That’s the whole point of using Instant coffee, it’s so you don’t have to use any special tools or machines.
Keep reading to find more information about the difference between ground coffee and instant coffee, which is cheaper, and what you should expect if you do in fact use instant coffee in a coffee brewer.
What Happens When You Use Instant Coffee in a Coffee Machine
Instant coffee is a quick and convenient way to get your caffeine fix. But can you use instant coffee in a brewer? Technically, there’s no rule against it, but there’s no point to it, either. Instant coffee is designed to dissolve instantly in hot water, which means that it doesn’t need to be brewed like regular coffee.
Here’s what you can expect when adding instant coffee to a brewer:
Can You Use Instant Coffee in a French Press?
French press is a popular brewing method that uses a plunger to press the coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot.
You can add in the instant coffee, add hot water…. at that point all coffee granules will dissolve and you’ll have the coffee ready to drink. There’s nothing to plunge.
The only good idea I can think of here is to use the french press pot as a serving pot if you’re making a larger batch of instant coffee. Otherwise, it is not required to make the instant coffee.
Can You Use Instant Coffee in a Coffee Maker?
Using instant coffee in a coffee maker is possible, but it may not be the best option.
According to Barista Joy, “If you brew instant coffee in a coffee maker, the resultant coffee will taste the same as it would if you brew the coffee with regular methods.” However, instant coffee doesn’t have the same body and flavor profile as freshly ground coffee.
Additionally, instant coffee may not dissolve completely in a coffee maker, which can result in a weaker cup of coffee.
Can You Use Instant Coffee in a Coffee Dripper?
A dripper, also known as a pour-over, is a popular brewing method that uses a paper filter to brew coffee.
Using instant coffee with a dripper is as reluctant as using it with other brewing methods. Coffee granules will melt as soon as you add in the water, rendering the entire brewing method useless.
Can You Mix Instant Coffee with Ground Coffee?
If you have a bit of each kind of coffee and want to mix it to make enough grounds for whichever brewing method you want to use, it might not be the best idea.
While there are some potential benefits to mixing instant coffee with ground coffee, there are also some downsides to consider.
One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can affect the taste of your coffee. Instant coffee has a different flavor profile than ground coffee, so mixing the two can create a strange taste that some people might not enjoy.
Each type of coffee requires different brewing method, so mixing them together and using one brewing method won’t work. Adding hot water only (Instant coffee preparation method) won’t work for the coffee grounds, and brewing the coffee grounds won’t add anything to Instant coffee.
How To Make Instant Coffee
Process
The process of making coffee with instant coffee is quite simple.
First, fill your cup with the desired amount of coffee. Then, add hot water. Mix until all coffee is dissolved.
The amount of instant coffee you use will depend on how strong you like your coffee. A good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of instant coffee per cup of water.
Tips and Tricks For Making Instant Coffee
While making coffee with instant coffee in a coffee maker is easy, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure your coffee tastes its best:
- Use fresh, cold water in your boiler. This will ensure that your coffee has a clean, fresh taste.
- Choose a high-quality instant coffee. Not all instant coffees are created equal, so it’s important to choose a brand that you enjoy.
- Experiment with the amount of instant coffee you use. If you like your coffee stronger, use more instant coffee. If you like it weaker, use less.
Can Ground Coffee be Used as Instant Coffee?
If you’re out of instant coffee and wondering if you can use ground coffee instead, as in, add in the hot water on a spoonful of ground coffee, will that make you a cup of coffee?
Technically, if you let it sit, the coffee will brew and you’ll be able to drink that brew. However, the ground coffee will remain in your cup and it has to be filtered out somehow.
How Do You Make Ground Coffee into Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee is made by dehydrating brewed coffee, which can then be quickly rehydrated with hot water. Ground coffee, on the other hand, needs to be brewed with hot water to extract the flavor.
This means that if you try to use ground coffee as instant coffee, you will end up with a cup of coffee that has not been brewed properly and will taste different than a cup of instant coffee.
However, it is possible to make ground coffee behave more like instant coffee by grinding the beans to a very fine consistency. This will make the coffee dissolve more easily in hot water, but you will still have sediments at the bottom of your cup.
If you do decide to use ground coffee as instant coffee, it is important to use filtration to capture some of the lumps. Without filtration, the coffee will be oilier, as the filter normally collects the natural oils from the coffee beans.
Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee
You might be wondering which is better: instant coffee or ground coffee. Both have their pros and cons, and it really depends on your personal preference and lifestyle. Here’s a quick comparison of the two:
Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee Quality of Coffee Brew
Ground coffee is coffee beans that have been ground using a grinder. They don’t dissolve in water, which is why you have to actually brew grounds using any brewing method you prefer. What you get is a rich and balanced brew, but that will also differ depending on the roast you use.
Instant coffee, on the other hand, is made of crystalized coffee that has previously been brewed and freeze dried to turn them into granules of coffee.
This is why instant coffee dissolves into hot water immediately, what you’re doing is simply turning freeze dried coffee brew into a soluble brew. Instant coffee is not as rich as brewed coffee, but it’s perfect for many people. It is a matter of preference, after all.
Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee Price
When it comes to price, instant coffee is generally cheaper than ground coffee.
On average, a cup of instant coffee can cost around 10 cents or less, while a cup of ground coffee can cost around 20 cents or more.
However, keep in mind that instant coffee is weaker in flavor and has lower caffeine content, so you may need to use more to achieve the same strength as a cup of fresh-brewed coffee.
Another factor to consider is how much coffee you consume on a daily basis. If you only drink one or two cups of coffee a day, instant coffee might be a more cost-effective option. However, if you’re a heavy coffee drinker, buying ground coffee in bulk might be more economical in the long run.
It’s also worth noting that the quality of the coffee beans can greatly affect the price of both instant and ground coffee. Specialty coffee beans, such as arabica and single-origin beans, tend to be more expensive than mass-produced beans. So, if you’re looking for high-quality coffee, you may need to pay a premium price regardless of whether you choose instant or ground coffee.
Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee Taste
The taste of instant coffee and ground coffee can vary greatly due to the different processing methods used to create each type of coffee.
Instant coffee is made by freeze-drying or spray-drying brewed coffee, while ground coffee is made by grinding roasted coffee beans.
One of the most noticeable differences between instant coffee and ground coffee is the taste. Instant coffee tends to have a more bitter taste than ground coffee due to the processing methods used to create it. The freeze-drying or spray-drying process can result in a loss of some of the more delicate flavors and aromas found in freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, instant coffee often contains more additives and preservatives than ground coffee, which can also affect its taste.
On the other hand, ground coffee is known for its rich and complex flavor profile. Because it is made from freshly roasted coffee beans, ground coffee retains more of the natural oils and flavors found in coffee. This results in a more nuanced taste that can vary depending on the roast level and origin of the beans. Ground coffee also allows for more control over the brewing process, which can further enhance its flavor.
Another difference between instant coffee and ground coffee is the texture. Instant coffee typically dissolves quickly in hot water, resulting in a smooth and uniform texture. Ground coffee, on the other hand, can be more coarse or fine depending on the brewing method used. This can affect the mouthfeel of the coffee and how it is perceived by the drinker.
Overall, the difference between the taste of instant coffee and ground coffee can be significant. While instant coffee is convenient and easy to prepare, it may not offer the same depth of flavor and complexity as ground coffee. Ground coffee, on the other hand, requires more time and effort to prepare but can result in a more satisfying and enjoyable coffee drinking experience. Ultimately, the choice between instant coffee and ground coffee comes down to personal preference and lifestyle factors.
