Fill the water reservoir and insert a filter

A Mr. Coffee machine brews by heating water and dripping it through ground coffee into a pot below. To start, lift the top lid and pull out the filter basket — the plastic cone that sits inside. Place a paper filter (size #4, the standard for Mr. Coffee) into the basket, then add your ground coffee. A common ratio is one tablespoon of ground coffee per six ounces of water, though you can adjust this to taste.

Fill the water reservoir on the back or side of the machine with cold water. The reservoir has measurement marks on the inside; fill it to the line that matches how many cups you want to brew. Pour the water into the top opening until it reaches that mark. The water will flow down into the heating chamber below.

Key Takeaways

  • Insert a #4 paper filter into the basket, add ground coffee (about one tablespoon per six ounces of water), and close the lid.
  • Fill the water reservoir to the cup line you want, then place the glass pot on the warming plate and press the power switch.
  • Brewing takes five to ten minutes; the machine stops dripping when the water runs out, and the warming plate keeps the pot hot.
  • Clean the filter basket and pot after each use, and run water through the machine monthly to clear mineral buildup.

Position the pot and turn on the machine

Set the glass carafe (the pot) on the warming plate at the base of the machine. Make sure it is seated all the way back so the drip tube aligns with the opening. If the pot is not positioned correctly, water will drip onto the warming plate instead of into the pot.

Press the power switch, usually located on the front of the machine. You will hear the machine hum as the heating element warms the water. Within a minute or two, water will begin to drip from the filter basket into the pot. The dripping will continue steadily for five to ten minutes, depending on how much water you added.

Wait for brewing to finish and remove the pot

Let the machine run until the dripping slows to a stop. This means all the water has passed through the coffee grounds and into the pot. The machine does not have an automatic shutoff — it straightforward stops dripping when there is no more water to heat.

Once dripping has stopped, you can remove the pot from the warming plate. Grab it by the handle and lift straight up. The warming plate will keep any coffee left in the pot hot for a while, though the longer coffee sits, the more bitter it becomes. If you want to stop the machine before brewing is complete, straightforward lift the pot away — the dripping will pause, and you can pour a cup while the rest brews.

Clean the machine after each use

While the machine is still warm, remove the filter basket and discard the used filter and grounds. Rinse the basket under running water to remove any coffee residue. Rinse the glass pot as well, or wash it with soap and water if you prefer.

Do not submerge the main machine body in water. Wipe the outside and warming plate with a damp cloth if needed. Leave the lid open so the inside can dry.

Run a cleaning cycle monthly to remove mineral buildup

Over time, minerals from tap water build up inside the heating chamber and slow down brewing. To clear this buildup, fill the reservoir with equal parts white vinegar and water. Place an empty filter basket (no filter or grounds) in the machine and set the pot on the warming plate.

Turn on the machine and let it run through a full cycle, just as if you were brewing coffee. The vinegar solution will flow through the heating chamber and into the pot. Once it finishes, discard the vinegar solution. Fill the reservoir with plain water and run two full cycles of plain water through the machine to rinse out any vinegar taste. Your machine is now ready to brew again.

Troubleshoot slow brewing or weak coffee

If your machine brews very slowly or the water barely drips, mineral buildup is the most common cause. Run the vinegar cleaning cycle described above. If the problem persists, the heating element may be failing, and the machine may need replacement.

If your coffee tastes weak, you are likely using too little ground coffee or water that is not hot enough. Try adding more coffee (up to two tablespoons per six ounces of water) or check that your tap water is cold before filling the reservoir. If the machine is very old, the heating element may not reach full temperature; again, a cleaning cycle can help, but replacement may be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a reusable filter instead of paper?

Yes. Reusable metal or cloth filters work in Mr. Coffee machines, though they let more fine particles through, which can make the coffee slightly gritty. Rinse the reusable filter thoroughly after each use and let it dry completely to prevent mold.

What if water leaks from the bottom of the machine?

Check that the pot is seated all the way back on the warming plate and that the filter basket is pushed down firmly into its slot. If leaking continues, the seal inside the basket may be worn, and the machine may need replacement. Do not try to repair the internal seal yourself.

How long does the warming plate stay hot?

The warming plate stays on as long as the machine is plugged in and the power switch is on. It will keep coffee warm for about an hour, though the coffee will taste better if you drink it sooner. Turn off the machine when you are done brewing to save electricity and prevent the pot from overheating.

Can I brew with hot water from the tap instead of cold?

No. The machine is designed to heat cold water to the right temperature for brewing. Hot tap water will not reach the proper brewing temperature and will result in weak, under-extracted coffee. Always start with cold water.

Why does my coffee taste bitter?

Bitter taste usually means the coffee has sat on the warming plate too long or you are using too much ground coffee. Try brewing a fresh pot and drinking it within 15 minutes, or reduce the amount of coffee by half a tablespoon and taste the difference.