Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've been using the Melitta system for over 20 years, and about 5 years ago starting using a new technique, which I like better. So here it is. First, I fill my coffee cup with hot tap water to preheat it. Then fill the Melitta brew cone with a #4 filter, and wet it down with hot tap water. I like the over size # 4 filters, it keeps grounds from going down the side of the filter using this technique. Next, I heat room temperature spring water in a Pyrex glass measuring cup, using a microwave. If you measure the water, you can easily get the right microwave time to produce 185 F degrees. For me, it's about 1:50 for 8 oz. You want to avoid adding the coffee to boiling (212 F) water, it can make the coffee taste bitter. If it boils, let it cool for 60 seconds or so. Then, I add the coffee, measured with a scooper, directly into the Pyrex cup full of hot water, and stir vigorously for 10-15 seconds. If you want, you can wait a little longer, depends on your taste. Last, I pour the coffee and grounds into the Melitta cone/filter, which is placed over the empty pre-warmed coffee cup. I think the end result is better, due to the longer contact time, and better ability to stir the coffee/hot water mixture. Give it a try yourself.