There are so many different ways to brew coffee, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. From French press to pour over, here is a comprehensive guide to the most popular coffee brewing methods. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this guide will help you find the perfect brewing method for your taste buds.
Coffee Brewing Methods – A Quick Summary
- Espresso machine
- Portable espresso maker
- Moka Pot
- Drip Coffee Maker
- Aeropress
- French press
- Vacuum / siphon pot
- Percolator
- Pour Over Coffee Maker (Chemex / Hario360)
- Cold Brew
- Turkish Coffee
- Instant Coffee
1. Espresso Machine
The espresso machine is one of the most popular coffee brewing methods, and for good reason. The intense flavor and aroma of espresso are hard to beat. Espresso machines require a bit of practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to create delicious cups of espresso in no time. Espresso machines are also relatively expensive, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, this may not be the best choice for you.
Equipment Needed:
- Espresso machine
- Filtered water
- Whole bean coffee
- Burr grinder
- Tamper
- Scale
- Timer
Grind Size: Fine
Ratio: 14 grams of water and 7 grams of coffee
How to Brew with Espresso Machine?
1. Fill the water reservoir with filtered water and let the machine heat up.
2. Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency using a burr grinder.
3. Place the coffee grounds in the portafilter and tamp them down gently with a tamper.
4. Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine and place a cup under the spout.
5. Start the brewing process and time it so that the espresso is brewed for 20-30 seconds.
6. Stop the brewing process and enjoy your delicious cup of espresso!
Pros:
- Rich, flavorful espresso
- Makes a great base for lattes and other coffee drinks
Cons:
- Requires practice and equipment to master
- Can be expensive
2. Portable Espresso Maker
A portable espresso maker is a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to make espresso on the go. These handy devices allow you to make espresso with just a few pumps of the hand, and they’re small enough to fit in your purse or backpack. Portable espresso makers are relatively inexpensive, and they’re a great choice for coffee lovers who are always on the go.
Equipment Needed:
- Portable espresso maker (Wacaco Minipresso)
- Filtered water
- Whole bean coffee
- Burr grinder
- Kettle
- Scale (Optional)
- Timer (Optional)
Grind Size: Fine
Ratio: 25 grams of water and 5.5 grams of coffee
How to Brew with a Portable espresso maker?
1. Fill the water reservoir with filtered water and screw on the lid.
2. Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency using a burr grinder.
3. Place the coffee grounds in the filter basket and screw on the lid.
4. Pump the espresso maker until all of the water has been forced through the coffee grounds.
5. Pour the espresso into a cup and enjoy!
Pros:
- Small and portable
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Makes small batches of espresso
- Many parts
- Steep learning curve to learn to use
3. Moka Pot
The Moka pot is a stovetop coffee maker that brews coffee by passing hot water through ground coffee. Moka pots come in a variety of sizes, so you can brew just enough coffee for one person or a whole potful. Moka pots produce a strong, flavorful coffee that is similar to espresso.
Equipment Needed:
- Moka pot
- Stove / Heat Source
- Hot filtered water
- Whole bean coffee
- Burr grinder
- Kettle
- Scale
Grind Size: Fine
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 7 parts water
How to Brew with a Moka Pot?
1. Fill the lower chamber of the Moka pot with hot filtered water.
2. Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency using a burr grinder.
3. Place the funnel—the coffee grounds receptacle—into the pot..
4. Fill the funnel with the ground coffee, leveling the grounds.
5. Screw the moka pot’s spouted top on tightly.
6. Place the moka pot on a stove over medium heat.
7. As the water in the bottom chamber reaches a boil, pressure will push a stream of coffee up into the upper chamber. You’ll know it’s done when you hear a hissing noise. Remove the moka pot from the heat as soon as possible. Allow your coffee to fill up the upper chamber before pouring it out.
Pros:
- Makes a strong, flavorful coffee
- Inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming
- Can have a bitter taste
- Prone to messy leaks
4. Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee makers are one of the most common types of coffee makers, and they’re also one of the easiest to use. Drip coffee makers brew coffee by pouring hot water over ground coffee and then filtering the coffee through a paper filter. Drip coffee makers come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose one that’s perfect for your needs.
Equipment Needed:
- Drip Coffee Maker
- Filtered water
- Whole bean coffee
- Burr grinder
- Scale
Grind Size: Medium
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 16 parts water
How to Brew with a Drip Coffee Maker?
1. Fill the water reservoir with filtered water.
2. Add a filter, either a disposable filter or reusable filter.
3. Grind your coffee beans to a medium consistency using a burr grinder.
4. Place the coffee grounds in the filter basket.
5. Press the brew button and wait for it to brew. Usually takes 4 to 8 minutes.
6. Once the coffee is done brewing, pour it into a cup and enjoy!
Pros:
- Fast and convenient
- Can make large batches of coffee
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Coffee can be weak or watery
- Lack of customizability
5. Aeropress
The Aeropress is a manual coffee maker that brews coffee by pressing hot water through ground coffee. The Aeropress is small and lightweight, making it perfect for traveling. It’s also easy to use, so it’s a great choice for beginners. The Aeropress makes a rich, flavorful coffee that is similar to espresso.
Equipment Needed:
- AeroPress
- Timer
- Coffee Beans
- Coffee grinder
- Filtered Water
- Kettle
- Scale
Grind Size: Medium Fine
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 16 parts water
How to Brew with an Aeropress?
1. Fill the kettle with filtered water and heat to boiling.
2. While the water is heating, grind your coffee beans to a medium fine consistency using a coffee grinder.
3. Insert a paper filter into the AeroPress’s detachable plastic cap. Use some of your hot water to wet your filter and cap.
4. Assemble your AeroPress.
5. Place the Aeropress on a weighing scale. Tare it.
6. Add your ground coffee.
7. Start a timer. Add the hot water, which should be aroudn 200 degree F.
8. Make sure the coffee is saturated evenly and let it steep for 30 seconds.
9. Add the remaining water into the chamber.
10. Stir the coffee after 1 minutes.
11. Start by screwing the cap on, making sure it is securely locked into place. With great speed and control, turn the whole thing over. Place it on top of your coffee mug and apply downward pressure. When your coffee begins to hiss, it’s ready. This indicates there is no more water available to be pushed through the device.
Pros:
- Makes a rich, flavorful coffee
- Compact and can be taken anywhere
- Durable
Cons:
- Doesn’t retain heat for a long time
- Only can brew single serving
6. French Press
The French press is a manual coffee maker that brews coffee by steeping ground coffee in hot water and then pressing the grounds out. French presses come in a variety of sizes, so you can make as much or as little coffee as you want. French press coffee is rich and flavorful, making it a great choice for coffee lovers.
Equipment Needed:
- French press
- Timer
- Coffee Beans
- Coffee grinder
- Filtered Water
- Kettle
- Scale (optional)
Grind Size: Coarse
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 12 parts water
How to Brew with a French Press?
1. Fill the kettle with filtered water and heat to boiling.
2. While the water is heating, grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency using a burr coffee grinder.
3. Place the coffee grounds in the French press.
4. When the water boil, let it sits for 1 minute.
5. In a circular motion, add water to the press until it’s half full. Start the timer and let it bloom for 30 minutes.
6. Pour over hot water to fill the carafe rest of the way.
7. Place the plunger on top of the chamber and press down slowly, using even pressure.
7. Start the timer again and when the timer reaches 4 minutes, now, you can press the plunger all the down.
8.Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Easy to master
- Inexpensive
- Customizable
Cons:
- Coffee grounds can end up in your cup
- Easy to over-extract
7. Vacuum / siphon pot
The Vacuum / siphon pot is a manual coffee maker that brews coffee by using vacuum pressure to force hot water through ground coffee. The resulting coffee is rich and flavorful. The Vacuum / siphon pot is great for making small batches of coffee, as it only brews 2-3 cups at a time..
Equipment Needed:
- Vacuum / Siphon Pot
- Stove/ Heat Source
- Timer
- Scale
- Filtered Water
- Coffee Beans
- Burr Coffee grinder
Grind Size: Medium
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 16 parts water
How to Brew with a Siphon Pot?
1. Grind your coffee beans to a medium consistency using a coffee grinder.
2. Add the water to the bottom chamber of the siphon coffee maker and place over the heat source.
3. While the water is heating, rinse the paper filter under hot water and place it in the upper chamber.
4. When the water begins to boil, assemble the top chamber in place with the bottom chamber.
5. As the water comes to a boil, it will be transferred into the top chamber. Pour in the ground coffee and start your timer as soon as the water reaches boiling point. At this point, you may also give the coffee a good stir to ensure that all of the grounds are evenly saturated for about 30 seconds
6. When the timer reaches 2 minutes, it is time to turn off the heat source entirely. After a short while, the ‘drawdown’ of the coffee will begin. The brewed coffee will move down into the bottom chamber.
7. Let the coffee cool for a few minutes and then detach the top and bottom chambers. Pour from the bottom chamber and enjoy.
Pros:
- Less leaked coffee grinds
- Easy to clean
- Takes very little space
- Relatively cheap
Cons:
- Complex coffee brewing method
- Fragile setup
8. Percolator
Percolators are one of the oldest ways to brew coffee, and they work by heating water until it boils and then forcing it up through a chamber of ground coffee. The resulting coffee is rich and flavorful. However, percolators can be difficult to use, and they often over-extract the coffee, leading to a bitter cup of coffee.
Equipment Needed:
- Percolator
- Stove/ Heat Source
- Timer
- Scale
- Coffee Beans
- Filtered Water
- Burr Coffee grinder
Grind Size: Medium
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 17 parts water
How to Brew with a Percolator?
1. Grind your coffee beans to a medium consistency using a coffee grinder.
2. Add the ground coffee to the percolator coffee basket.
3. Fill the percolator with water and place it on the stove/ heat source.
4. Bring the water to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Once you hear the bubble perking, you should wait about five minutes for the water and coffee to continue circulating over the grounds.
6. Remove the percolator from the heat source and remove the coffee basket.
7. Pour the coffee into a cup. Enjoy!
Pros:
- Deep and rich taste
- Easy to clean
- Relatively cheap
Cons:
- Easy to over-extract
- Lack of customization
9. Pour Over Coffee Maker
The two popular manual pour over coffee makers are Chemex and Hario360. They are easy to use and make great coffee.
The Chemex is a manual pour over coffee maker that uses a paper filter to brew coffee. The coffee produced by the Chemex is clean and flavorful. The Chemex is great for making small batches of coffee, as it only brews 1-2 cups at a time.
Equipment Needed:
- Chemex / Hario V60
- Stove/ Heat Source
- Kettle
- Timer
- Scale
- Coffee Beans
- Filtered Water
- Burr Coffee grinder
Grind Size: Medium Coarse
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 16 parts water
How to Brew with a Pour Over Coffee Maker?
1. Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency using a coffee grinder.
2. Place the paper filter in the Chemex and pre-wet it with hot water.
3. Pour the ground coffee into the filter.
4. Bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for about 30 seconds.
5. Pour a small amount of water over the grounds, just enough to wet them. Wait for about 30 seconds for the coffee to “bloom”.
6. After the bloom, continue to pour the water in a slow and steady stream until the Chemex is full.
7. Let the coffee brew for about 3-4 minutes and then remove the Chemex from the heat source.
8. Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy!
Pros:
- Produces clean and flavorful coffee
- Great for small batches
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Takes practice to master pour over technique
- Usually brew small quantity each time
10. Cold Brew Coffee
The cold brew coffee maker is a simple way to make cold brew coffee. It consists of a glass carafe and a stainless steel filter. The coffee produced by the cold brew coffee maker is smooth and less acidic than coffee brewed with hot water. Cold brew coffee is great for iced coffee or hot coffee on a hot day.
Equipment Needed:
- Cold Brew Coffee Maker
- Filtered Water
- Coffee Beans
- Burr Coffee grinder
Grind Size: Coarse
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 5 parts water
How to Brew with a Cold Brew Coffee?
1. Grind your coffee beans to a coarse consistency using a coffee grinder.
2. Add the ground coffee to the cold brew coffee maker.
3. Fill the cold brew coffee maker with water and stir to combine.
4. Cover the cold brew coffee maker and let it steep for 12-24 hours.
5. After steeping, remove the lid and the filter.
6. Pour the coffee into a cup and enjoy!
Pros:
- Makes smooth and less acidic coffee
- Great for iced coffee or hot coffee on a hot day
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Takes longer to brew than other methods (12-24 hours)
- Can be difficult to find a good grind size
11. Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a type of coffee made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in water. The coffee is then served with the grounds still in the cup. Turkish coffee is traditionally made in a brass pot called a cezve.
Equipment Needed:
- Cezve (brass pot)
- Filtered Water
- Coffee Beans
- Burr Coffee grinder
- Stove
- Spoon
- Sugar (optional)
Grind Size: Fine
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 9 parts water
How to Brew with Turkish Coffee?
1. Grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency using a coffee grinder.
2. Add the ground coffee and water to the cezve.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Place the cezve on the stove and bring it to a boil.
5. Once it reaches a boil, remove the cezve from the heat and let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir the coffee and then return it to the heat. Bring it to a boil again and then remove it from the heat.
7. Let the coffee sit for 1-2 minutes and then stir it again.
8. Return the coffee to the heat one last time and bring it to a boil.
9. Remove the cezve from the heat and pour the coffee into cups.
10. Serve with sugar if desired.
Pros:
- Makes a strong and flavorful coffee
Cons:
- Takes practice to master the stovetop coffee brewing method
- Can be difficult to find a good grind size
12. Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a type of coffee made by mixing ground coffee beans with water. The coffee is then freeze-dried or spray-dried to remove the water. Instant coffee is convenient because it can be made quickly and easily, but it generally has a weaker flavor than other types of coffee.
Equipment Needed:
- Instant Coffee Powder
- Filtered Water
- Kettle
- Spoon
Grind Size: NA
Ratio: 1 part coffee to 15 parts water
How to Brew with Instant Coffee?
1. Boil water using a kettle.
2. Add the instant coffee powder to a cup.
3. Pour the hot water into the cup and stir to combine.
4. Enjoy!
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to make
Cons:
- Generally has a weaker flavor than other types of coffee
Conclusions
So there you have it – the ultimate coffee brewing guide. Twelve different coffee brewing methods to make the perfect cup of Joe, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Experiment and find the one that’s best for you, or use this as a starting point to branch out into new and exciting brewing territory. However you choose to do it, we hope you enjoy your next cup of coffee brewed exactly the way you like it.
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