The question is: Can you actually put instant coffee in a coffee maker? What will happen if you do?
Over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world daily, and you’re probably one of them. It helps wake up our senses and gives us that extra jolt we often need in the mornings.
But, what do you do when you run out of ground coffee? When you’re desperate for that cup of joe, it’s normal to wonder if you can brew instant coffee in the coffee maker instead. Most of us have backup containers of instant coffee somewhere in the kitchen, but we often don’t drink them unless we’re out of the good stuff.
Again, can you actually put instant coffee in a coffee maker? What will happen if you do? Before you put instant coffee in your coffee machine, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into beforehand.
So, before you put a tablespoon of instant coffee in your coffee maker, continue reading to find out whether or not it’s a good idea.
What is Instant Coffee?
First things first, let’s define instant coffee.
Essentially, instant coffee is a pulverized form of coffee that comes in a ready-to-use container. Unlike other coffees, instant coffees are gritty or pasty in appearance. Various companies make them compatible with their unique brewing methods. Instant coffee is prepared by mixing it with water to produce a flavorsome beverage.
As with numerous everyday choices, people use instant coffee for different reasons. For one, instant coffee is an ideal choice if you want to prepare a fresh cup of coffee quickly without spending a hefty amount of time in preparation and cleaning. Also, instant coffee can be used as an emergency drink if you are in a hurry.
When you have less time to spend on your morning routine, instant coffee is the ideal solution. This type of coffee has a milder taste than the original medium-to-coarse ground coffee.
Can You Put Instant Coffee in a Coffee Maker?
The short answer? No.
Putting instant coffee in a coffee maker is not recommended. Why? Instant coffee gets dissolved in water, which results in more coffee mixing than normal. This can result in a very strong cup of coffee that is much more bitter than expected. The taste and smell both are quite odd as compared to the ground coffee beans.
Plus, instant coffee hardens once it dries, so this may cause clogging of your coffee maker. It won’t only make a mess when it comes to cleaning, but it can also destroy your favorite coffee machine.
What Happens if You Put Instant Coffee in a Coffee Maker?
If you put instant coffee in a coffee maker, the result will be mushy with an odd smell. Plus, it won’t taste good, and there will be a mess that is difficult to clean. A clogged machine could be an issue because instant coffee hardens as it dries. The only effective way you can remove it is to scrape (or dig) it out using a spoon or a dull knife.
What Type of Coffee is Used in a Coffee Maker?
So, if you can’t use instant coffee in a coffee maker, what type of coffee can you put into it?
Typically, ground coffee beans give the best results when it comes to brewing. Coffee makers are designed to brew ground coffee by slowly dripping the hot water. That’s why in coffee machines, ground coffee dissolves properly in an optimal manner.
Ground coffee is unprocessed and undried, so it retains the optimum natural taste you love in your cup of joe. The aroma also remains preserved because these beans weren’t subjected to freezing or drying like instant coffee. So, especially in terms of a coffee maker, it is always recommended to use ground coffee (or freshly ground beans).
Alternative Methods to Make Instant Coffee without a Coffee Maker
Instant coffee is great because it’s convenient and fast. And while it doesn’t taste quite like a freshly ground and brewed cup of coffee, it isn’t all bad. But, if you’re looking for alternative ways to prepare your instant coffee (without ruining your coffee maker!), here are some methods you can try.
- French Press. For optimum taste, it is still ideal to use ground coffee with your French press. However, unlike a coffee maker, you can use instant coffee with a French Press. How?
Here’s what you need: A French Press coffee maker and some hot boiling water. First, take some instant coffee in a bowl and mix it with boiled water. Make sure that the mixture is not too thin or thick. Then, pour this solution into your French Press container and put it on its cover properly to keep air out of it. Next, lower the top of the press and pour the coffee out.
You can also stir it consistently if required. It’s that easy!
Bonus Tip: You can add hot water directly to the grounded instant coffee in your French press. Or, you can also use tap water to brew a cup of plain, brewed coffee with no additions at all. Many users prefer a cup of coffee made with hot, filtered water.
- Cold Brew. Yes, preparing a cold brew does take a long time, but once it’s done, you can have as much coffee as you want on-hand and ready to drink! All that’s required for this method are coffee grounds, water, a container large enough so they will fit in it comfortably. Then, put this container inside a fridge overnight, and once you wake up, the cold brew is ready!
As a replacement for coffee grounds, you can use instant coffee, which tastes equally good using this method.
Pour the coffee in a pitcher, keep it in the fridge, and have it ready whenever you need it.
The Bottom Line
The answer to the question, “Can you put instant coffee in a coffee maker?” is, unfortunately, no, but that doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy it. There are alternative methods you can try, such as using a French Press or cold brew so you can still have a really good cup of joe. Enjoy!
