How to Brew Coffee on the Stove

There are multiple ways to brew coffee on the stove.

There are virtually three ways to make coffee on top of a hot stove, however two methods require specific coffee-making pots. The traditional Italian espresso pot requires only water, coffee and a hot stove, as do traditional French press pots. Both pots make distinct styles of coffee. If you don't have either pot, stove top coffee can still be made with a percolator filter, a collection pitcher and hot water. The method you choose depends entirely on your resources.

Things You'll Need

• Italian espresso pot
• French press
• Coffee filters
• Funnel
• Coffee grounds
• Water
• Pitcher or pot

Instructions

Italian Espresso Pot

1. Set up an Italian espresso pot. The classic way to boil coffee on a stove is by using an Italian espresso pot. These are specific coffee pots designed to percolate coffee through steam power rather than gravity. The pots work by boiling water in a small chamber that then pushes steam upward through a metal filter filled with coffee grounds, and then up through another filter into the pot chamber. This method is one of the oldest one-pot espresso systems.

2. Fill the bottom chamber of the pot with water just to touch until the steam valve (small nob on the inside of the pot). Place the filter basket on top and scoop coffee grounds into it until it is full but do not pack tight, or the water will not be able to get through. Screw on the collection pot and place over a hot burner.

3. Wait for the water to boil and trickle into the collection pot. Once the pot is nearly full with brewed coffee, remove from the heat, pour and enjoy.

Boiling Water

1. Fill a tea kettle or saucepan with water and bring to a boil. If you don't have an Italian espresso pot, then you can use plain boiling water with a percolator or French press to brew coffee.

2. Set up a percolator. A percolator is the same thing as a standard electric coffee pot, only manual. You can buy percolator sets or set one up using a funnel fitted with a coffee filter set over a small pitcher or pot to collect the coffee. Place 2 tablespoons ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water (this ratio can change depending on your preference). Pour the boiling water in the filter slowly and gradually so as not to overflow it. Continue to pour steadily until your desired amount of coffee is brewed.

3. Set up a French press. A French press requires the use of a specific coffee pot. French presses are large cylindrical glass pitchers fitted with a filter plunger that brew the coffee and then squeeze the grounds out of it. Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water you intend to add to the glass pitcher. Pour the water into the pitcher with the grinds and gently stir. Place the lid fitted with the plunger on top and let it steep for three to five minutes depending on your strength preference. When ready, press the plunger down to capture all the grounds.

References

• Coffee and Caffeine Faq: Just how much ground coffee do I need for x amount of coffee?
• Slow Travel Italy: The Stovetop Espresso Pot
• I Need Coffee: Perfect French Press