How to Make Filter Coffee in a Coffee Maker

The Kaapiswada family · 2026-10-22

You can make filter coffee in a coffee maker by using filter coffee powder in the paper filter, less water than usual for a stronger brew, and hot milk added after. It will not be exactly the same as the slow drip of a steel filter, but it gives a good, strong cup in a few minutes.

If your home has a drip coffee maker and no South Indian filter, here is how to make filter coffee in a coffee maker, what to change, and what to expect.

What you need

  • Filter coffee powder (like Kaapiswada Swadamalnad: our 80:20 blend made with single-estate Arabica from our own family estate in Chikmagalur)
  • A drip coffee maker with a paper filter
  • Fresh milk, boiled and kept hot
  • Sugar, if you take it

How to make filter coffee in a coffee maker, step by step

  1. Place a paper filter in the basket.
  2. Add the coffee powder. For a stronger cup, use about one heaped tablespoon for every 100 ml of water.
  3. Fill the water tank with less water than the cups you want, so the brew comes out as a strong decoction.
  4. Start the machine and let it finish.
  5. Mix a few spoons of the strong brew with hot milk and sugar.
  6. For the traditional touch, pour it between two steel tumblers a few times. See our guide on how to get froth in filter coffee.

What changes compared with a steel filter

  • Time. A machine takes a few minutes, a steel filter takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Body. A paper filter holds back more oils and fine bits, so the brew is a little lighter. Adding more powder helps.
  • Grind. A machine does fine with a slightly coarser grind than a steel filter. Very fine powder can clog the paper.

If you would like to try the traditional method later, our guide on how to make South Indian filter coffee at home covers it.

Which powder works best

A blend with chicory gives a darker, heavier brew that suits milk. A 100% Arabica powder (like Kaapiswada Pureswada: 100% single-estate Arabica from our own family estate, no chicory) gives a cleaner, more aromatic cup. Both work in a coffee maker. You can see them on our products page.

If you want to try it, see our Swadamalnad filter coffee, or look at all our coffees.

Questions people ask

Can I use filter coffee powder in an automatic coffee machine? Yes, in a drip machine with a paper filter. Use a little less water for a stronger brew.

How do I make filter coffee with a filter coffee machine? Put filter coffee powder in the paper filter, add less water than the cups you want, start the machine, and mix a few spoons of the strong brew with hot milk. The steps above go through it one by one.

Why does my machine coffee taste weak? Usually too much water for the amount of powder. Add a spoon more powder or reduce the water.

Do I need a special grind for a coffee maker? A medium-fine grind works well. If you grind beans at home, see our note on the grind size for South Indian filter coffee.

Is it still called filter coffee? Many people call any coffee brewed by dripping through a filter "filter coffee", though the South Indian steel filter gives the classic taste. Instant coffee is another matter; see filter coffee vs instant coffee.

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