The love of coffee has grown significantly in the last few decades. The awareness around the sourcing, roasting, and brewing of different coffees has expanded greatly. People no longer accept bad coffee in their lives; now you might even say that they see good coffee as a necessity!
National chains have commodified coffee and created a commercial business out of caffeine drinks and other options. While some coffee lovers enjoy their daily brew from the big chains, others are discovering the interesting variety available at independent coffee shops, and they’re wanting to replicate the experience at home. Whatever type of coffee you like—whether you like it bright, well-rounded, or dark—below are five ways to brew great coffee at home.
1. French Press
A French press is a cylinder that brews coffee for one or multiple people. It was invented in 1929 by Italians. You grind roasted coffee coarsely, which means that the grounds are larger than a lot of other methods of brewing. Then you pour hot water, the temperature is up for debate by a lot of coffee aficionados, and let it sit to brew for a few minutes. Then you press the metal filter down, bringing the grounds to the bottom and removing them from the liquid. Simply pour your coffee into a glass and drink up. This method is good for darker roasted coffees. You will love the ease and participation you get with a French press. It has become one of the most popular ways to brew coffee at home.
2. Pour Over Filter
Like French press, a pour over filter brewing can be done by hand in small quantities. Pour overs are one of the most popular ways for coffee lovers to brew a fresh cup. Using a Chem-Ex or Hario brewer, you grind fine coffee and put it into a filter at the top of the brewer. Then, using a kettle, you pour the heated water over the grounds, making sure to soak every ground in the hot water. You should get a blooming effect as the grounds are brewed. This means that you are getting the most out of the grounds. Pour overs are typically used for lighter coffees.
3. Moka Pot
The Moka pot is another classic way to brew coffee. Named for the city in Yemen known as the birthplace of coffee, the Moka pot is a way to brew coffee for an individual or a group. You load the bottom with water and the filter with ground coffee. The grind can be medium to fine. As the water heats up, it rises through the coffee instead of falling. This gives the coffee a unique aroma. You can use just about any kind of coffee this way, but you can also find a specific coffee for moka pot products specifically ground for this preparation. Like French presses and pour over filters, the moka pot is another unique way to brew your favorite coffees.
4. Aeropress
An Aeropress is like a French press, but it uses a filter and a small plastic tube that keeps the steam inside. The Aeropress was designed as a mobile coffee brewer you can take on camping trips and use in desperate situations. The brewer is so good, though, it’s great to use at home. Put in the filter and fine coffee grounds. Pour the hot water over the ground and let it steep for about three minutes. Then carefully push down the press. The pressure of the Aeropress creates a more flavorful and aromatic coffee than its French equivalent.
5. Espresso
If you have enough money and can afford an espresso machine, who wouldn’t have one in their house? Espresso is made with fine grounds tamped down in a portafilter. Hot water is sent through the filter, which slowly pours the coffee. You also have the option to steam milk and make creative lattes and cappuccinos. Espresso is more involved because of the machinery, but if you have enough money and want to invest in an espresso machine, you will be happy you did.
These are just a few of the ways you can brew coffee at home. Whether you are really in love with the process of making coffee or just want something easy to brew an individual cup for yourself, these brewing methods will go a long way. Once you have mastered these methods, you can get into more complicated coffee procedures like cold brew and siphoned coffee.