It’s not always clear what size of scoop you need to use for your coffee, but it can be so important!
The amount of coffee you use can determine the flavor and strength of your cup, and it relies on a number of different variables.
These kinds of things can include what you’re using to measure, as well as how much you drink at a time.
Some users may even want to consider how sensitive they are to caffeine, or how much they enjoy the flavor of the coffee.
For the perfectionist its always best to dose your coffee up by weight relative to the amount of water you are using and the brewing method you intend on using. We have an entire post here dedicated to reviewing the best coffee scales if you want to get that precise.
For the average person however tablespoons to water is the simples and easiest rule of thumb to keep in mind and in fact most coffee tins that come with scoops some with tablespoon sized scoops.
Check out the following links to see some of our favorite scoops that you can buy.
- Our Favorite Long Handled Coffee Scoop
- Useful Yet Beautiful Wooden Coffee Scoops
- Quicker-to-Use Two Tablespoon Scoops
There are really so many things to take into account when you think about the coffee you’re scooping into your machine.
Continue on, and you’ll find out what to look for in your scoops and how to use them to make the perfect cup every time!
Ground Coffee Vs. Pods
If you use coffee pods, then you’ll likely find the design makes it very easy. Typically, each pod works for one serving. If you use group pods like K-Carafe, then they’ll likely be marked with how many cups you get per pack.
For those who use them, this is a highly convenient aspect that can mean you don’t have to worry about measuring out grounds.
If you’re interested in a coffee maker that gives you the option to use these pods, there are plenty that can use both options for the highest possible efficiency.
However, if you don’t use coffee pods then it’s going to be important to know how much coffee to use for each cup.
The best way to do that is to have a scoop that will be able to measure efficiently so that you know exactly how many grounds you get per scoop.
Finding the right amount can make a huge difference in the flavor of your cup because it helps you to get just the right ratio of coffee to water.
Most people likely use something around their home, like a spoon, tablespoon or teaspoon.
Some may not bother to measure out the amount at all, and just estimate how much they need based on the results. It can really vary from person to person!
There can also be some differences in the ratio depending on the kind of coffee maker you’re using. For example, a French press might need a different ratio than a drip-style coffee maker.
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re using the right sized scoops in your coffee so that every cup is perfect.
It’s all about having the right tool and the correct ratio for the amount of coffee you drink.
You may be surprised when you find out how much better it makes your coffee!
What Should You Use?
Realistically, you can use pretty much anything you want to scoop out coffee grounds with as long as you get the right amount.
A regular spoon can work if you aren’t too picky, or for those who are keen on the exacts you can also measure the amount by weight.
There are grinders that can also measure out the amount you’re looking for, including such fancy devices as the Forte AP or BG. This can be a great option to make sure you get the exact amount.
Many people will fit somewhere in the middle, meaning you want to use the right amount but don’t feel the need to weigh every grain.
It’s helpful to have a measuring item that is clearly marked, and that you know can contain the amount it claims to.
For many, this is a tablespoon because a standard cup of coffee asks that you use two tablespoons per 8oz of water.
If you want something more specific that you can use just for your coffee then you can even find a 2-tablespoon scoop so that you only need one scoop per 8oz cup.
Something like this can make the process of making coffee a little bit simpler and it gives you something you can trust to provide the right amount each time.
Many of us don’t have the brain power in the morning to count out all the scoops we need. While it may not be too difficult if you just want one cup, it can quickly build up if you want more than one or need to provide coffee for multiple people.
The Ratio Of Coffee To Water
As mentioned earlier, the typical ratio for the ideal coffee is about 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of water. Do keep in mind that depending on your coffee maker, some of that water can disappear into evaporation due to the heat.
Regardless, if you’re looking to stick to the standard then it’s a great place to start.
This is especially true if you’re new to making coffee.
You can think of it as being similar to learning a new recipe. Most people stick to the recipe exactly the first time they try it out, then make adjustments for their own tastes.
Naturally, it’s perfectly acceptable to do the same thing when you’re making coffee.
Generally speaking, the regular ratio will work perfectly well. After all, it’s the standard coffee “recipe” for a reason.
Most people don’t want to overdo it when it comes to the strength of their coffee, but also want to be able to get the boost they need.
While keeping this ratio in mind, it’s a good idea to measure the amount of water you use as well. For each standard serving size, you’ll use 8 ounces.
This magical combination is likely to improve the quality of the resulting cup for many people who haven’t been focused on the ideal coffee scoop or coffee-to-water ratio in the past.
How Much Do You Drink At Once?
While there is a standard serving size, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the serving size that everyone sticks to.
There are some people who drink 16, 20 or even 24 ounces in a sitting! In those situations, it’s important to adjust your ratio so that you’re still in line with the 2-tablespoon to 8-ounce ratio.
When you know what to expect from that ratio, you can also choose to use less coffee so that you can enjoy the larger serving without as much of a caffeine jolt. It all depends on your personal tastes, but starting with that ratio is the perfect starting point.
Another option you can use to simplify things is to stick to 8 ounce servings, but have them more often throughout the day.
No matter which you choose, you’ll want to make sure your scoops are well-measured in some way or another
If you want a device or tool specifically for measuring your coffee, that’s a highly recommended option that can simplify your efforts greatly.
Specialized Coffee Scoops
One of the most common options is a coffee scoop, which can measure out exactly the amount you need for an 8 ounce serving.
Many of these scoops are made to be lightweight and give you an easy way to get the right amount of grounds every time without having to worry about too much calculation.
It’s typically about twice the size of a tablespoon and comes in a number of different material options. You can easily keep these little scoops in your coffee container to use whenever you need it.
Another option you have is a grinder that can weigh out the coffee to measure it by weight rather than volume.
There are plenty of grinding options, from smaller grinders meant for home to heavy-duty options that are made for more heavy-duty use.
Not all of them are able to measure the weight, so you’ll need to shop carefully if that’s your ideal option!
Overall, the most important thing to take away from this article is that using the ratio of 2 tablespoons to 8 ounces of water can ensure that your coffee tastes as it was meant to.
It’s a great idea to use this ratio when you make coffee, but you can divert from it if your personal tastes drift in a different direction.
There are also a number of tools you can use to make measuring quick and easy for just about any serving size you may need.
