The search for the perfect cup of coffee often starts with a simple question: How many tbsp for 10 cups of coffee?
This guide will answer that question, but it’ll also explore the different factors that affect the ideal coffee-to-water ratio.
We’ll move beyond simple tablespoon measurements and delve into the nuances of coffee brewing, including grind size, brewing methods, and personal taste preferences.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, this guide aims to help you make a consistently delicious pot of coffee.
The golden ratio: How to brew great coffee
The ratio of coffee to water is the single most important thing that determines the strength and flavor of your coffee. Too little coffee and you get a weak, watery brew. Too much coffee and it tastes bitter and muddy.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) suggests a coffee-to-water ratio of 55 grams per liter. A good rule of thumb is a 1:15 to 1:18 ratio — that’s one gram of coffee for every 15 to 18 grams of water. This gives you balanced extraction, so it’s not too weak or too bitter.
If you want to make 10 cups, it’s important to get the ratio right. Let’s look at how to do it using tablespoons and more accurate measurements.
Calculating Coffee for 10 Cups: Tablespoons, Scoops, and Grams
So, you’re making coffee for a crowd? Excellent! But how much coffee do you need for 10 cups? Let’s break it down, because it’s not as straightforward as you might think.
Understanding Cup Sizes
First, a coffee “cup” isn’t always the same as a measuring cup. Coffee makers often use a 5- or 6-ounce measurement. So, a 10-cup coffee maker might actually brew 50-60 ounces of coffee total.
Tablespoon Measurements
A common rule of thumb is 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. For 10 (6-oz) cups, that’s 10-20 tablespoons. Starting with 15 tablespoons for 10 cups gives you a balanced starting point. Then, you can adjust to taste if you want it stronger or weaker.
Scoop Measurements
A standard coffee scoop holds about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee. So, 15 tablespoons is equal to 7.5 scoops. You can round that up or down, depending on how precise you want to be.
Gram Measurements
For the most accurate measurement, use a kitchen scale and go by weight. A good starting point is the 1:16 ratio, meaning 1 gram of coffee for every 16 milliliters of water.
So, 10 cups (6oz each) equals 60oz or about 1774ml of water. Divide the water volume by 16 to get the coffee grounds needed in grams: 1774ml/16 = roughly 111 grams of coffee.
Factors Affecting Coffee Measurements: Beyond the Numbers
While the guidelines above will get you close, there are other variables that can affect how much coffee you use.
Brewing Method
The way you brew your coffee can change the amount of coffee you need. For example, drip coffee makers generally work best with a medium grind and a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:16. French presses usually call for a coarser grind and a slightly higher coffee-to-water ratio.
Grind Size
Grind size affects how quickly the coffee is extracted. A finer grind extracts more quickly, while a coarser grind extracts more slowly. If your grind is too fine or too coarse, you could end up with a brew that’s either bitter or weak.
Coffee Quality and Type
Freshly roasted beans will give you a more flavorful cup than beans that have been sitting around for a while. Different roast levels and bean origins change the strength and flavor profile of your coffee, too.
For the best results, use a kitchen scale
While measuring coffee with tablespoons and scoops is convenient, it’s not precise. A kitchen scale, on the other hand, lets you measure coffee by weight, so you get the same result every single time.
A digital kitchen scale allows you to measure your coffee and water as accurately as possible. This is especially important for getting the coffee-to-water ratio just right.
Using a scale is the best way to fine-tune your recipe and brew the perfect cup of coffee over and over again.
Troubleshooting Your Brew: Common Mistakes and Solutions
Even with the right coffee-to-water ratio, things can still go wrong. Here are a few common mistakes and how to fix them:
- Stale or poorly stored coffee beans: Always store your beans in an airtight container, away from light and heat. This helps keep them fresh.
- Inconsistent grind size: A burr grinder will give you a much more even grind than a blade grinder. An even grind is essential for a balanced extraction.
- Wrong water temperature: The sweet spot for brewing coffee is between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Too hot, and you’ll get a bitter taste. Too cold, and you’ll get a weak, sour brew.
- Dirty coffee maker: Mineral buildup can mess with the taste of your coffee. Clean your machine regularly!
Key Takeaways
In the end, the best coffee is the coffee you love to drink. So don’t be afraid to play around with different coffee-to-water ratios, grind sizes, and brewing methods until you find what tastes great to you.
Start with the guidelines provided here and adjust to your personal tastes. Keeping track of what you do will help you recreate your favorite brews.
Making coffee should be a joy. Relax, experiment, and enjoy the process of crafting your perfect cup (or ten!).