If you take a stroll down the coffee isle of your local grocery store, you'll come across a vast array of different kinds of coffee. From whole bean to ground, instant, decaf, organic, your choices are many! Brewing a great cup of coffee is not difficult if you know a few basics.

First, start with filtered water. Tap water will work too, but if you can get filtered water, your coffee will not be tainted with the minerals found in your community's water.

Second, make sure your coffee maker is completely clean. Scrub the basket and carafe with dish soap and warm water. If that doesn't get it clean, you may want to spray it with cleaner like CLR to get rid of deposits. Then wash completely with soap and water.

Third, use freshly ground coffee beans. Store them in an airtight container or keep them in the bag they came in as long as you plan to use all the beans within a week or two. Use one heaping teaspoon for each cup of coffee you plan to brew.

With those three important basics,