Using an OXO drip coffee maker is straightforward, allowing you to brew delicious coffee with ease, but it's important to follow a specific setup step before your first brew.
Before brewing your first cup of coffee with your OXO drip coffee maker, you need to run a cleaning cycle using only water. This important step ensures the machine is clean and ready for use.
Getting Started: First Time Use
According to the instructions for the OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, the very first time you use your coffee maker, you must run a water-only cycle. This helps clean any manufacturing residue from the internal components.
Here's how to perform the initial water-only cycle:
- Fill the water tank up to the max fill line.
- Select the five to nine cup cycle.
- Press the OXO button to start the cycle.
Let the machine complete this cycle. Once finished, discard the water in the carafe. Your coffee maker is now ready for brewing coffee.
Daily Brewing Steps
After the initial setup, brewing coffee with your OXO drip coffee maker involves a few simple steps:
1. Prepare the Machine
- Add Water: Fill the water tank with fresh, filtered water up to the measurement marking for the number of cups you want to brew. Using filtered water helps prevent mineral buildup and improves taste.
- Add Coffee: Place a paper filter (or the included permanent filter, if applicable) into the brew basket. Add the desired amount of coffee grounds based on your preferred strength and the amount of water you added. A common ratio is about 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per 6 ounces of water.
2. Position and Brew
- Place Carafe: Ensure the carafe (either thermal or glass, depending on your model) is correctly placed on the warming plate or beneath the brew basket outlet to collect the brewed coffee.
- Select Brew Size/Cycle: Some OXO models allow you to select between different brew sizes or cycles (like the 5-9 cup option mentioned in the first-use instructions). Choose the appropriate setting if available.
- Start Brewing: Press the OXO button (or the designated start button) to begin the brewing process.
3. Enjoy Your Coffee
- Serve: Once the brewing cycle is complete, the coffee is ready to serve. If your model has a thermal carafe, remove it to keep the coffee hot. If it's a glass carafe on a warming plate, be mindful of the holding time to avoid over-extracting.
Tips for Optimal Brewing
- Always use fresh, cold, filtered water.
- Use coffee beans ground to a medium consistency, suitable for drip brewing.
- Clean your coffee maker regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain performance and coffee quality.
By following these steps, including the essential first-time water cycle, you can consistently brew great coffee with your OXO drip coffee maker.
