How to Choose the Right Brewing Method for Your Coffee
Brewing coffee should be as simple as drinking it. That’s why we’re here to skip the jargon and keep things straightforward. Let’s dive into the most popular brewing methods, their distinct features, and—most importantly—how each one adds its own twist to your cup.
The most popular brewing methods
- Pour Over:
Brewing with pour-over is a lesson in patience and precision. Hot water is poured over coffee grounds in stages, allowing the coffee to bloom, releasing trapped gases and enhancing flavour, and then brew slowly. The payoff? A bright, clean flavor with a lighter body.
Think Chemex or V60— cone-shaped drippers made of glass, ceramic, or plastic. Just add a paper filter, and you’re ready to brew. It’s the minimalist’s dream: clean design, even cleaner coffee.
- Espresso Machine:
This is the bold one. Using finely ground coffee, high pressure, and a quick extraction, espresso delivers a rich, concentrated shot that packs a serious punch.
The espresso machine is the heavyweight champion of coffee gear, using 9 bars of pressure to extract a shot in about 30 seconds. Whether it’s a simple home setup or a professional-grade powerhouse, every machine has the same mission: short, strong, and fast coffee.
- Coffee Maker (Drip):
The classic no-fuss method. Just load it up, press a button, and let the machine do the work. It brews a smooth, balanced coffee that’s perfect for your everyday cup.
Drip coffee makers are a staple in homes and offices, steadily dripping hot water through coffee grounds to give you a reliable, hassle-free brew every time.
- French Press:
For those who like it thick. Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in hot water, let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes and then pressed down with the plunger to create a bold, full-bodied coffee with a rich mouthfeel.
The French press is straightforward: glass or stainless steel with a mesh plunger. It’s old school, letting coffee oils and fine particles remain in the brew for that deep full-bodied flavour.
Whole Beans or Pre-Ground: Your Coffee, Your Rules
When you’re buying coffee, you’ve got two options, you can choose between whole beans or ground coffee for your preferred brewing method.
- Whole beans are just that—coffee beans in their original form. You’ll need a grinder to prep them yourself. This gives you more control over the grind size and keeps the coffee fresher for longer. This way, you can enjoy the full range of coffee characteristics for a longer time.
- Ground coffee, on the other hand, is ready to brew. Just ask for it based on your method —whether it’s for pour over, espresso, French press, or drip coffee maker. Keep in mind, ground coffee loses its flavour more quickly than whole beans, so this option prioritize convenience over freshness.
Pick Your Roast, Nail Your Brew
Choosing the right coffee bean depends on how you’re brewing. Light roasts shine with the pour over method, bringing out bright and complex flavours. If you’re using an espresso machine, go for dark roasts—their rich intensity pairs perfectly with the short, concentrated brew. French press fans should reach for medium roasts, which offer a balanced, full-bodied flavour that complements the heavier mouthfeel. And for the drip coffee maker, medium to dark roasts are your best bet for a smooth, reliable cup, day after day.
The Ultimate Guide: Choose the Right Brewing Method for Your Coffee
To keep things simple, we’ve put together a Brewing Guide that breaks down everything you need to know—without the fuss. From grind size to coffee ratios, and even the flavour profile you can expect, it’s all laid out. Whether you’re a pour over pro or a French press fan, this guide will help you brew like a boss, no matter your method. Check out the details below and get ready to make your next cup your best one yet.
Nail Your Brew: To refine your brew, experiment with variables like grind size, coffee-to-water ratio, and brewing temperature until you find what works best for you. It’s important to change only one variable at a time.
- Grind Size: Finer grinds tend to make coffee taste more bitter, while coarser grinds can reduce bitterness, offering a smoother flavour, though they might result in a weaker brew.
- Brewing Temperature: Lower temperatures usually produce a smoother taste, but the coffee may be weak or sour. Higher temperatures bring out bolder flavours but can introduce bitterness. The ideal brewing temperature is 90-96°C (195–205°F), but it ultimately depends on your personal preference.
- Coffee to Water Ratio: Adjusting the coffee-to-water ratio, from 1:1.5 to 1:20 depending on the brewing method, can have one of the biggest impacts on your cup. We’ve suggested ratios for each method, but ultimately, it’s all about how you like it. You can also tweak the ratio if you’re brewing a different coffee using the same method. And remember: the more coffee you use, the stronger the brew.
Try experimenting with different grind sizes, brewing temperatures, and coffee-to-water ratios to find the settings that work best for you. Start by keeping the grind size and ratio consistent while changing the brewing temperature until you find the right one. Then, keep that temperature and ratio the same and experiment with different grind sizes. Finally, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio while keeping the grind size and brewing temperature the same until you find the ideal balance for your taste.
Perfection is subjective. Everyone has their own take on what makes a great cup, so trust your taste and enjoy what works for you. At the end of the day, it’s just coffee.
Our Breasy Coffee Picks
These are the coffees we recommend. For each one, you’ll find the best brewing methods we suggest based on the coffee type. Quality coffee delivered straight to your door, ready to be brewed just the way you like it.
