Coffee brewing is an art form, and there are so many choices that it can be intimidating to choose the right one. Two of the most common questions we receive are: What is the best coffee brewing method? and What should I use? While these are simple questions, the answers are complex and personal. With all the brewing possibilities, each is distinct in the way it impacts flavor, body, and experience.
In this tutorial, we will take you through some of the most popular coffee brewing methods, their pros, cons, and unique characteristics.
1. French Press
French Press is one of the most widely used methods of coffee brewing and is popularly used due to its simplicity and intensity of taste.
How It Works:
Ground coffee is immersed in hot water inside a jar.
A few minutes afterward, a metal mesh-filter plunger is pushed down, straining the coffee grounds out of the liquid.
Pros:
- Easy to use and not much equipment required.
- No paper filter required.
- Inexpensive and allows more volume to be brewed.
Cons:
- Hard to clean.
- Produces a heavier-bodied coffee with some sediment.
- Not as clean as pour-over coffee.
Sleek and Stylish Design: Our glass coffee press features an elegant, timeless design that complements any kitchen decor; its transparency allows you to watch your coffee brew, adding a touch of sophistication to your morning routine.
2. Pour Over
The specialty coffee aficionado’s go-to, pour-over brewing allows for more control over the extraction process.
Common Devices: Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex
How It Works:
Hot water is poured over coffee grounds within a filter so that water can trickle slowly and extract flavors.
Pros:
- Makes a clean and aromatic cup.
- Greater control over brewing parameters.
- Better flavors and nuances, perfect for light roasts.
Cons:
- Requires skill and precise pouring technique.
- Requires special equipment like a gooseneck kettle and scale.
- More waste because paper filters are utilized.
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3. Clever Dripper
A cross between Pour Over and French Press, the Clever Dripper uses both immersion and filtration.
How It Works:
Coffee steeps in water until a valve is opened, and filtered coffee drips into a cup or carafe.
Pros:
- Simple to replicate and needs less accuracy than pour-over.
- No use of special pouring equipment.
Cons:
- Cleaning is awkward.
- Not as aesthetic as other methods.
That coffee moment is everything. The aroma of freshly ground beans. The tantalizing drip. The first sip, hot and fresh. Great tasting coffee requires time and patience. Wouldn’t it be nice to snap your fingers and enjoy a delicious brew each morning, but still enjoy the process of achieving that coffee moment?
Other brewing “solutions” are messy, too involved, complex, and expensive. Clever Coffee Dripper makes every coffee lover’s life easier. Hold a cup of perfect coffee in your hand in just minutes. No clean-up, no complication, no inconsistencies.
4. AeroPress
A small, all-purpose brewing technique, AeroPress brews coffee with pressure in a fraction of a moment.
How It Works:
Submerging ground coffee in hot water inside a chamber, it is pressed out through a minute filter with human pressure.
Pros:
- Tiny, durable, perfect for transport.
- Quick brew cycle (1-2 minutes).
- Easy to clean and not much waste.
Cons:
- Brewing capacity at 200-250ml a batch.
- Gourmet recipe opportunities galore could overwhelm beginners.
- Pretty cloudy coffee compared to pour-over.
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5. Moka Pot
A stovetop coffee maker, the Moka Pot makes a full-bodied, rich coffee with some espresso-like characteristics.
How It Works:
Water in the lower chamber is heated, creating steam pressure that pushes water through the ground coffee to the upper chamber.
Pros:
- No additional kettle necessary.
- Durable and perfect for camping.
- Traditional design and history.
Cons:
- Hard to control brewing consistency.
- It is difficult to clean.
- It is unsafe if used carelessly due to steam pressure.
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6. Cezve/Ibrik (Turkish Coffee)
An old method producing a strong, unfiltered coffee with intense fragrances.
How It Works:
Ground coffee and water and sometimes sugar are mixed in a cezve (tiny pot) and heated slowly.
The mixture is removed near boiling but not allowed to overflow.
Pros:
- Simple and no filter is required.
- Strong and rich flavor.
Cons:
- Over-extraction is readily accomplished.
- Requires a very fine grind, often a special grinder.
- Small batch brewing.
TRADITIONAL BREW: Handcrafted copper pot allows you to brew rich and flavorful Turkish coffee just like traditional cafes, with finely ground coffee boiled and served in small cups.
PREMIUM MATERIAL: Constructed of the highest quality 1mm thick copper that heats quickly and evenly to brew rich, flavorful coffee.
7. Drip Coffee Machine
Effective and repeatable process of brewing coffee in quantity.
How It works:
Hot water drips over coffee grounds held in a filter and brews directly into a carafe.
Pros:
- Simple to operate and requires little effort.
- Consistent brew with little input from the operator.
Cons:
- Less control over brewing parameters.
- Requires frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- More costly upfront than manual brewers.
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8. Espresso
The foundation for the majority of coffee drinks, espresso is brewed under high pressure for a robust shot with crema.
How It Works:
Water is forced through ground coffee at high pressure, extracting coffee rapidly.
Pros:
- Produces a robust, concentrated coffee.
- The foundation for most coffee drinks (latte, cappuccino, etc.).
Cons:
- Expensive equipment and maintenance.
- Requires an expert hand to pull a decent shot.
The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Perfect Brewing Method
Ultimately, the best coffee brewing process will depend upon your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you place a high emphasis on convenience, flavor differentiation, or tradition, there’s one for you.
Coffee Brewing Hints:
- Use high-quality specialty coffee for optimal flavor.
- Grind your coffee just before you brew it in order to optimize the flavor.
- Experiment with all the different techniques to find out what you prefer!
How do you prefer brewing your coffee? Let us know in the comments!
