Choosing the Perfect Coffee Brewing Method for Your Needs

These days, there are countless different ways to make café-worthy brews from the comfort of your own home. But when it comes to finding the perfect brew method for yourself and your taste buds, where do you begin? What does each mechanism bring to the table? With so many questions to answer, make it easier on yourself and consult our complete how-to-use and why-to-choose guide on coffee brewing methods.

Does the Way You Brew Your Coffee Matter?

At its core, coffee brewing is simple. After the green coffee beans are roasted, generally all you need to make a cup are grounds, water, and some sort of filter. But a quality cup of coffee requires more than uniquely roasted Ethiopian beans! To brew a batch you love, you’ll need to find a coffee brewing method that works for you.

When it comes to choosing a coffee supplier and brewing premium cups, success boils down to the type of brew method you use. Each type, from French press to AeroPress and beyond, has unique benefits and uses. If you’re motivated to craft your best cup of coffee yet, it’s worth exploring the pros and cons of each type of coffee maker.

The Main Elements to Consider When Choosing a Brew Method

Think of coffee makers as snowflakes—no two types are alike! Everyone has their preferences, and there’s a brew method for each! As you shop around for a coffee brewing system, consider these important factors:

Convenience and Time Spent Brewing

Some people want their coffee to brew ASAP, whenever the craving hits. Others prefer a more meditative, slow-moving process to help start their day. One of the main differences between brew methods is how long it takes to get a shot, cup, or pot of coffee. As you browse, consider a realistic time frame you can build into your caffeination routine and buy a machine that aligns with it. 

Unlocking Nuanced Flavor Profiles

Did you know that the taste of a roast can change drastically with each brew method? This is due to varying water temperatures, grounds contact, extraction level, and more minute details.

For example, the same bean can taste brighter or acidic with one option and darker and bitter with another. When shopping, it’s worth asking how the method could affect the overall flavor profile of your brew.

Quantity and Serving Sizes

Before you buy a coffee maker, consider how much coffee you’d like to be able to brew at once. Certain brewing methods, like an auto drip, can make a whole carafe or pot of coffee, while others, such as a pour-over, are better for perfecting a single serving. If you’re grabbing a coffee brewing mechanism for your whole family, you may want a different design than if you were shopping for just yourself.

Desired Control Level

When it comes to their cup of Joe, some people are total control freaks—and there’s no judgment here! If you prefer complete control over your coffee brewing, you may be better suited for a hands-on option, such as a pour-over. Others prefer a set-it-and-forget-it method, which, thanks to modern technology, normally boils down to inserting a pod or filter and pressing a button.

Explaining the Differences Between the Most Popular Coffee Brew Methods

We know, we know—choosing a brew method can feel daunting! Whether you’re shopping online or in-person at a retailer, deciphering the differences between the rows and rows of machines and brands can feel impossible. That’s why we’ve broken down the whats, whys, and hows of the most popular options:

The French Press

The French press is one of the most popular and easy-to-use options on the market. It’s easily recognizable by its cylindrical carafe, plunger, and built-in metal filter. These are available in a wide range of sizes, from single-cup servings to multiple, making them a convenient option for families of all sizes.

French press coffee is brewed by saturating coffee grounds at the bottom of the press in hot water for an allotted time. After the timer goes off, you use the plunger to push and filter the hot water through the grounds, extracting a concentrated and flavorful brew. Medium to dark roasts, such as the standout Colombian coffee, ground at an extra coarse setting are the best choice for a French press!

Benefits of Using a French Press

When it comes to the benefits of using a French press, the list goes on and on! The mechanisms are on the cheaper side of things, often costing as little as $10, and since they don’t require paper filters or pods, they’re considered one of the more environmentally friendly options.

This coffee brewing option allows you to have complete control over every taste-deciding factor, such as ratio, water temperature, and brewing time, to help ensure the final cup is exactly to your liking. They are also easily portable, so you can travel with your favorite brew method and never settle for anything less than delicious coffee on your trips!

How to Use a French Press Brew Method:

• Step 1: Add your desired coarse coffee grounds to the bottom of the carafe.
• Step 2: Pour hot water over the coffee to the correct line or ratio (typically 1:12).
• Step 3: After 4-5 minutes, depending on your preferred strength, use the plunger to force the hot water through the grounds.
• Step 4: Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your mug, add any desired flavored syrups, and enjoy!

The AeroPress Coffee Maker

An AeroPress is a manual coffee maker that consists of a cylindrical chamber, small filters, and a plunger with a patented airtight silicone seal. Like the French press, coffee is brewed using a plunging extraction method. But unlike the larger press, AeroPress coffee is designed to brew one perfect cup at a time. If you need more than one, you’ll need to repeat the process.

Benefits of an AeroPress

The AeroPress offers unmatched versatility, allowing you to brew standard cups of coffee, quickly poured shots of espresso, and even cold brew! The design is simple, easy to clean, and has the perfect lightweight feel and compact size for travel. If you crave a consistent cup that you can customize to your taste buds, this is your best choice.

How to Use an AeroPress Brew Method:

• Step 1: Grind your chosen blend or single-origin beans to the correct level (we recommend medium to fine, depending on your preferences).
• Step 2: Boil water separately using a kettle or stovetop.
• Step 3: Prepare the AeroPress by removing the plunger, inserting a paper filter into the basket, and placing the coffee brewing chamber on a mug.  
• Step 4: Add in your coffee grounds, shaking it lightly to level it.
• Step 5: Pour water to the 4 marked on the side to saturate the grounds.
• Step 6: Stir gently for about 3 seconds before inserting the plunger to create a vacuum to stop the drip.
• Step 7: Wait 30 seconds.
• Step 8: Plunge using gentle, constant pressure until you hear a slight hissing sound.
• Step 9: Add a shot of your favorite Monin syrup and Enjoy!

The Auto Drip

Auto drip coffee is a longtime household staple—and it’s easy to see why! This automatic brew method is an easy, hands-free way to make a large pot of coffee with minimal effort and a palatable payoff. Both the paper cone and basket filter options use a reservoir of water that heats up and passes through the coffee grounds with the press of a button.

Benefits of Auto Drip

Auto drip coffee is, above all else, convenient. With only a few steps to worry about, you can save precious time in the morning without sacrificing quality coffee. And, thanks to modern technology, there are even machines that can be programmed to brew at set-ahead times the next day! If you crave a consistent cup that can be light, medium, and dark blends in a smooth and simple way, this is the coffee brewing option for you.

How to Use an Autodrip Brew Method:

• Step 1: Grind your favorite, like our Viennese Blend, to a medium level.
• Step 2: Add water to the reservoir tank.
• Step 3: Presoak the paper filter to avoid any paper taste in your brew, dumping the excess water afterward.
• Step 4: Place the grounds into the filter and insert it into the machine.
• Step 5: Press the button and watch it brew!

The Pour Over

Pour over coffee requires a conical-shaped dripper tool, carafe, paper or permanent filters, hot water, and medium-fine coffee grounds. This coffee brewing method is a little more involved, making it the preferred choice for anyone who enjoys the almost meditative process of making their cup of Joe in the morning. Traditional pour-overs are sized for single-cup servings, helping you make just the right amount of coffee.

Benefits of Pour Over

Pour overs give complete control over every single coffee brewing variable, such as pouring speed, grind size, and water temperature, resulting in unbeatably tasty cups every time. This brew method only takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is known to bring out subtle notes in single-origin beans and create less acidic mouthfeels. Since it’s only a single plastic, ceramic, or glass cup, cleanup has never been easier.

How to Use a Pour Over Brew Method:

• Step 1: Grind beans, like our Indonesia Sumatra roast, to a medium-fine level until they resemble sea salt.
• Step 2: Place a filter into the dripper, pre-wetting it and dumping the remaining hot water before continuing to the next step.
• Step 3: Add your desired amount of grounds to the filter, tapping it to level the surface.
• Step 4: Start a timer and pour hot water in a slow spiral over the coffee for about 15 seconds. Once all the grounds are saturated, give it 30 seconds to bloom.
• Step 5: Repeat the above step in 45-65 seconds, sinking the expanded grounds to encourage an even extraction.  
• Step 6: As the brewing coffee drips out of the filter, pour additional water in the same spiral for about 15-20 seconds.
• Step 7: Repeat Step 6 for one last pour.
• Step 8: Remove the filter and take a sip!

What is the Difference Between Pour Over and Chemex?

Technically, the Chemex is a pour over—but a few key differences set them apart enough for it to often be considered its own brew method. While both use a filter, hot water, and a conical-shaped device to create a delicious cup, Chemex takes a bit longer to drip as the filter is often thicker. It’s also more expensive, less portable, and requires a coarser grind.

The Stovetop Espresso Maker

A stovetop espresso maker, more commonly known by the brand name Moka Pot, is a great at-home alternative to café-level espresso. This metal brew method sits on the stove and uses steam pressure to force hot water through coffee grounds. These come in various sizes, from one cup to six cups, and can be used to enjoy whatever light, medium, and dark roasts, like our French Blend, you desire!

Benefits of Stovetop Espresso

Stovetop espresso machines are a cost-effective and eco-conscious way to produce a rich flavor from the comfort of your own home. The powerful pressure produced by the boiling water at lower pressure results in a tasty brew that resembles authentic espresso while preserving delicate notes and aromas. With a little regular maintenance and cleaning, this coffee brewing method can last years and years of use, without wavering in quality.

How to Use a Stovetop Brew Method:

• Step 1: Grind your beans to a medium-fine level.
• Step 2: Prepare the pot by unscrewing the top half of the pot, removing the filter basket, and filling the bottom half with water to the notched level.
• Step 3: Fill the basket with grounds, patting it down lightly to create a level surface.
• Step 4: Remove stray coffee grounds from the edge of the filter basket.
• Step 5: Screw the top half back on tightly, making sure it’s on evenly.
• Step 6: Set it on the smallest burner at a medium to low level.
• Step 7: As the coffee begins to brew, you’ll hear a gurgling sound and see bubbling. Quickly turn off the flame and let the coffee percolate until the upper section is full.
• Step 8: Pour and savor every sip!

We believe coffee should be enjoyed by all! Breaking down the confusion over brewing methods is the best way to make coffee more accessible. Hopefully, our step-by-step guides and expertise will help you find the perfect coffee brewing method for yourself and your home.