Throughout history, coffee has become a beloved beverage to millions of people worldwide. From its early beginnings, people have discovered that the method of brewing coffee can significantly impact its flavor, strength, and overall pleasure of drinking coffee. From espresso to drip coffee to French press and beyond, coffee lovers have developed many different coffee brewing methods, each with unique uses and characteristics. When it comes to coffee brewing, understanding how the various techniques extract soluble materials from the coffee beans can help us find the best fit for our personal preferences and lifestyle.
Whether you're an experienced coffee enthusiast or a beginner just starting, reading through will provide valuable insights and help expand your coffee horizons. A comprehensive look at the different coffee brewing methods, like espresso, drip or pour-over coffee, French press, AeroPress, Moka pot, Turkish coffee, and cold brew coffee, will allow us to discover and appreciate coffee's wide range of flavors and experiences. We will discuss each method and provide tips for deciding which technique is the best fit for us.
Preparing a coffee at home is a daily practice for many of us, especially in the morning. Because of coffee, our mornings share a routine with millions worldwide. We all love the aroma of our fresh morning brew.
We can take all the different coffee brewing methods into two major categories: immersion and percolation.
Immersion
Immersion coffee brewing is a method of extracting soluble materials from grounded coffee beans using hot or cold water. In this method, the coffee grounds are fully submerged in water for a certain period, allowing the water to extract the flavors and caffeine from the coffee. This result is a brewed coffee beverage.
When the brewing water is in contact with the grounds, it extracts soluble materials from the coffee for the entire time the two components sit together. All of that makes the steeping time an essential factor in immersion brewing, which is also determined by the grind size, water temperature, and the ratio of coffee to water. All these variables together determine the flavor and strength of the brewed coffee.
Adjusting these variables makes it possible to fine-tune the yielded coffee to personal preferences and consistently achieve the desired result by following a specific recipe for a particular coffee or roast type.
Some examples of immersion brewing methods include French press, AeroPress, cold brew, and Turkish coffee, and each of them produces a coffee beverage with distinct characteristics and flavors.
French press
The French press is a simple coffee brewing device that has been around since the middle of the 19th century, and brewing coffee with it is very straightforward. The French press has two parts: a cylindrical glass or stainless steel jar and a plunger with a metal or plastic mesh.
Today, many manufacturers make French press devices, they mainly differ in their volume and the materials they are constructed, but they all use the same immersion method of brewing coffee.
In the French press method, we pour coarsely ground coffee beans into the pot and add hot water to the press. After that, we allow the coffee to steep for several minutes, usually around four to five minutes. When the steeping time is over, we filter the coffee through the french press metal or plastic mesh plunger, separating the liquid from the coffee grounds, and pour the coffee into a cup.
The resulting brew is delicious, typically full-bodied with rich but mixed flavors. The coffee brewed with a French press comes out slightly cloudy because the mesh filter cannot catch the finest coffee particles as a paper filter would.
ESPRO P3 French Press
With its timeless glass design, the ESPRO Press P3 adds a picturesque charm to each cup, ensuring a classic coffee experience. This coffee brewing device makes excellent coffee every time and has a liquid capacity of 40oz (1200ml), and brews a maximum of 32oz (950ml) and a minimum of 24oz (700ml) of coffee. ESPRO Press P3 also features:
- NO SLUDGE: The product features a patented double micro-filter that keeps your coffee grit and sludge-free, leaving no sip behind.
- CONTROLLED EXTRACTION: Once pressed down, the filter stops extraction completely, preventing your coffee from getting bitter over time and ensuring that each cup tastes as good as the first.
- THICKER GLASS: The product is constructed with 40% thicker, German-engineered Schott-Duran glass, secured by a Safety Lock, and has increased durability and heat retention.
- DURABLE AND SAFE: It is BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free, and also the durable food-grade frame ensures a long-lasting brewing experience, making it a classic product that will never go out of style.
AeroPress
The AeroPress is a pressurized immersion brewing device invented in 2005 by an innovator Alan Adler. Because of how it operates, AeroPress combines immersion and percolation brewing methods.
When brewing with an AeroPress, similar to a French press, we place the grounded coffee in the device chamber, pour hot water over them, and let them steep. During the steeping period, a slight agitation of the grounds is advised to speed up the extraction process. After we have finished steeping, the device needs the force of our hand pressing on the plunger to exert pressure on the water; pushing it down the plunger forces the coffee beverage through a microfilter and into a mug or carafe.
The AeroPress brews coffee quickly, usually in around one minute, and produces a clean, smooth, and balanced flavor.
AeroPress
The AeroPress Original is a popular coffee press used by baristas and coffee enthusiasts worldwide. This coffee brewer uses a rapid, pressurized immersion brewing process to create smooth, full-flavored coffee without bitterness and low acidity. The micro-filters prevent grit from getting into the coffee, unlike the French press, and clean-up is quick and easy. The AeroPress Original is also lightweight, compact, portable, and durable, perfect for traveling, camping, and other outdoor activities. The kit includes the AeroPress Original Chamber & Plunger, replacement micro-filters, filter holder & filter cap, funnel, scoop, and stirrer. It's easy to use, and in just a minute, you can make 10 oz of regular coffee or 1 to 3 espresso-style shots. The AeroPress Original is made in the USA and free of BPA and phthalates.
Cold Brew
Cold brew coffee is another of the immersion brewing methods that involves steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period. Cold brewing coffee is a practical, hands-off method that has been around since people started to make a beverage out of roasted coffee beans. It stood the test of time because it is an effortless and forgiving method of brewing coffee.
To make a cold brew coffee, we'll need to submerge coarsely grounded coffee into cold water. The cold water dissolves the acids, oils, and sugars very slowly, and we will need to leave the grounds steep for a period between 16 to 24 hours. Going longer than 24 hours will not enrich the beverage anymore, so a 24-hour steep is the max time for making a cold brew coffee.
High Ground - Cold Brew Coffee Maker
The High Ground's Cold Brew Coffee Maker is an adjustable-strength coffee brewing product designed for a hassle-free and enjoyable cold brewing experience. This product is intelligently designed to enhance your cold coffee brewing experience, and it has many great features, such as:
- INTELLIGENT DESIGN: The precision spout prevents dripping during and after pouring, and the detachable non-slip silicone base keeps the pitcher in place, safe from accidental bumps. The ergonomic handle and easy-to-adjust lid make the brewer easy to handle. The pitcher fits snugly in the door compartment of your fridge, reducing banging and clanging when you go looking for a drink, and the no-slip rubber bottom keeps it in place wherever it's placed.
- GREAT QUALITY: The unique stainless steel filter maximizes extraction and minimizes sediment or bitterness, ensuring a perfect brew tailored to your flavors. The stainless-mesh filter is removable and won't rust over time, leaving you with a lingering metallic taste like other iced coffee makers.
- EASY CLEAN: Cleaning is made easy with a detachable mesh bottom for easy disposal of coffee, tea, or fruit, and the pitcher is dishwasher safe.
- GOOD CAPACITY: The 1300mL pitcher holds 30% more than the typical 1000mL pitcher.
- SAFE & DURABLE: The cold brew pitcher is made from non-toxic, BPA-free Tritan plastic, which is shatter-resistant and has a glass-like appearance.
The period of 16 to 24 hours for finishing the brew has a large discrepancy because the brewing process is primarily affected by the brewing environment. For example, if we leave the container with a cold brew in the fridge, the cold inside will slow the brewing process and probably take between 20 to 24 hours to finish brewing. While leaving the brewing container on the kitchen counter at room temperature, the brewing will probably get done in less than 16 hours. Cold brewing produces a smooth coffee beverage that is less bitter and with less acidity than other types of brew methods.
Turkish coffee
Turkish coffee is a traditional coffee brewing method rooted in the Ottoman Empire's time. It originates in Asia Minor and the Middle East regions, and through the centuries, this brewing method has spread to all corners of the world.
We make Turkish coffee by submerging extra finely grounded coffee beans in a cezve or ibrik (a small pot with a long handle) with cold water and bringing the coffee nearly to a boil. We will know when the coffee is ready when it starts to rise in volume inside the cezve, and then we take it off the heat and pour our Turkish coffee into a cup as is, without filtering.
This method produces a small strong coffee beverage topped with a rich crema. The prepared Turkish coffee is too hot to drink right away, and we'll need to wait a minute or two before we start sipping. While we wait for the beverage to cool, all the extra fine coffee particles will settle on the bottom of the cup and stay there until we finish our drink, and we'll not feel any grainy coffee particles in between our teeth.
CopperBull Turkish Coffee Set for 2
The Turkish Coffee Full Set for two by CopperBull is an all-in-one package for making traditional Turkish coffee at home. The set includes a hammered 8 oz copper coffee pot made from 2mm thick copper and is the best-selling Turkish coffee pot on Amazon. The collection also comes with two porcelain cups (2 oz), two brass cup holders, two saucers, and 2 cup lids, all engraved. The package includes one pack of 3.3 oz premium Mehmet Efendi Turkish coffee, the best Turkish coffee brand, roasting since 1871. This set is handmade in Turkey by CopperBull and comes with a CopperBull box. Check for the CopperBull logo under the copper pot to prevent imitations.
It can be sweetened with sugar or enjoyed as is. Turkish coffee is worth trying if you are a fan of intense, bold coffee drinks or want to experience a traditional coffee brewing method.
Percolation
Percolation is another method of extracting soluble materials from coffee by running hot water through a prepared bed of coffee grounds using pressure or gravity. The coffee grounds are placed in a metal or paper filter, depending on the equipment a specific method uses. Examples of percolation brewing methods include pour-over coffee, espresso and drip machines, and brewing with a Moka Pot. During the brewing process, all these methods apply pressure to the brewing water either by heating it, using a pump, or letting gravity push it through the grounds.
In percolation brewing methods, the brewing water's speed running through the grounds is directly affected by the size of the coffee particles, so the coffee grind's size is vital. Finely ground coffee will fit more tightly in the filter and offer more resistance to the water flowing through the coffee bed, restricting the flow. That restricted flow of water means that more time the brewing water is in contact with the grounded coffee extracting more soluble materials from it.
Also, a finely grounded coffee exposes more surface area of the coffee bean, so extraction will occur faster during the brewing process than with coarser grinds.
In other words, the finer the grounds are, the more resistance they make to the water, and by that, the water will spend more time in contact with them, leading to more extraction of soluble materials. Because of this, we can easily over-extract finely grounded coffee. On the other hand, coarser grinds will let the water pass through with less resistance and less contact to extract solubles from them, thus resulting in a mild, bland, under-extracted cup of coffee.
The size of the grounds in percolation brewing is of essential importance and will affect our brew in yet another way. Namely, if we grind our coffee beans too fine and brew them with any of the percolation methods, we'll increase the chance of creating a channel into the bed of ground coffee.
Channeling is a concern in all percolation coffee brewing methods. Channeling in coffee happens when we use too finely ground coffee, obstructing the water flow and increasing the water pressure. The increased water pressure compacts the coffee bed even more, up to the point where it breaks, creating a crack or a channel for the water to run through more easily. When a channel in the coffee bed occurs, most of the brewing water passes through it, over-extracting the area surrounding the crack, while the rest of the coffee bed becomes under-extracted. The result of channeling is an overall under-extraction of the grounded coffee inside the filter and an over-extracted coffee drink with an unpleasant taste.
Pour-over Coffee
The pour-over coffee brewing is one of the most popular percolation methods that involve manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a filter to extract soluble materials from the coffee. This method allows for a high degree of control over the brewing process, including the water temperature, pour rate, and coffee-to-water ratio. As a result, pour-over brewing can produce coffee with wonderful crisp flavor and aroma, especially when brewing medium and lighter roasts.
Pour-over brewing is a simple and effective way to make a coffee at home, requiring minimal equipment. Today there is a wide range of pour-over brewers, the most popular being: Chemex, Hario V60, and Kalita Wave brewers.
Chemex brewer is usually made from glass, while V60 and Kalita brewers are made from plastic, stainless steel, or ceramics. While Chemex's lower chamber contains the brew, the Kalita and V60 brewers must be placed over a cup or carafe to collect the brewed coffee. All three require an appropriate paper filter to hold the grounds.
To make pour-over coffee, we will need to use a medium to medium-fine grounded coffee beans. We'll begin by placing the filter in the brewer, wetting it with hot water to remove any paper taste, and preheating the brewer. After discarding the water from preheating, we add the ground coffee to the filter and pour hot water over the grounds in a circular motion, ensuring to saturate all the grounds. As the water flows through the filter, it will extract the flavors and caffeine from the coffee, producing a brewed coffee beverage.
The brewing process is relatively quick; it lasts between 2 and 4 minutes in most recipes, but it requires a bit of practice to get comfortable with the pour-over method. A gooseneck kettle will give more control over the volume and speed of the pour but is not essential; any kettle with a long sharp spout will pour water with a small stream, but it might require a little practice with cold water over the sink first.
Recommended Pour-over Brewers
Chemex Glass Coffeemaker
The Chemex coffee brewer is a simple yet elegant way to make great-tasting coffee. It is made of high-quality, non-porous Borosilicate glass, which does not absorb odors or chemical residues. The patented pour-over design allows coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor. The Chemex is an 8-cup coffeemaker that is measured using five oz. as 1 cup, and it requires Chemex bonded filters FP-1, FC-100, FS-100, or FSU-100, which are not included.
Hario Pour Over Coffee Starter Set
The Hario V60 coffee brewer Starter Kit is perfect for those new to pour-over or manual coffee brewing. This kit includes everything you need for a professional pour-over cup of coffee at home or work; just add coffee and water! The V60 features a single large hole, allowing for ultimate pour control and better accentuation of floral or fruity flavor notes. The kit includes the V60 02 Coffee Dripper, V60 02 Coffee Server, coffee scoop, and V60 02 disposable paper filters (40-pack). The Japanese design is sleek and modern, making it a great addition to any kitchen, and the heatproof glass server has a BPA-free handle, lid, and measuring spoon. The Hario V60 coffee brewer has a capacity of 700mL and is designed to make 1-4 cups of coffee at a time.
Kalita Wave Style UP Set
The Kalita Style UP pour-over coffee set is made by Kalita, a team of veteran baristas and a well-known supplier to America's best cafes and competitive baristas. The set features Kalita's patented wave design that helps reduce contact between the brewing space and the filter, creating a pool of water on top of the coffee bed that controls agitation and ensures a uniform extraction. The set is perfect for both beginners and professionals. It includes a Kalita Wave Glass Dripper (Size 185), Kalita Wave Paper Filters (Size 185, 25 pieces), Kalita Glass Server with Silicone Wrap (Size 500ml), and a Kalita Silicone Dripper Stand. Using the Kalita Wave Style UP Set, we can expect a flavorful, full-bodied cup of coffee every time.
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans using high pressure. The process of espresso brewing results in a thick, syrupy coffee beverage with a robust and intense flavor and a creamy, red-brown layer of foam called crema. A single serving of espresso, or a shot, is typically about 25 grams and is made using about 7 grams of finely ground coffee.
Many enjoy an espresso, accompanied only by a glass of sparkling water, as a daily ritual, savoring its rich and intense flavor. However, because of its concentrated coffee flavor, espresso is often diluted with milk to serve as a base for many popular espresso-based milk drinks, such as cappuccino, latte, cortado, macchiato, etc. The milk we add to make this type of drinks is steamed with enough air incorporated to create a layer of microfoam, which, when combined with espresso, makes it taste smooth and creamy and mellows its astringency.
Besides milk, we can dilute espresso with hot water to make an americano or a long black or add alcohol to espresso to make an Italian Caffe Corretto. Read our dedicated article to learn more about americano, and follow the steps in our guided recipe to make a Caffe Americano.
To make espresso at home, we will need a specialized espresso machine to produce the high pressure required to extract the solubles from the coffee beans with a small amount of hot water.
De'Longhi EC685M Dedica
The EC685M Dedica is an entry-level home espresso machine with a small footprint on the kitchen countertop that brews excellent espresso every time. With its thermoblock technology, it is ready for brewing 1 min after switching it on. It pre-infuses the coffee puck before brewing and has programable brewing times for brewing single and double espresso. Also, the EC685M Dedica features an adjustable brewing water temperature for different types of roasts. It comes with a Panarello steam wand for easy beginner-friendly milk steaming. The removable drip tray can accommodate taller glasses for preparing various espresso-based drinks.
Drip Machines
Drip coffee machines, also known as automatic coffee makers, are famous for home and office brewing. These devices use a percolation brewing method, in which hot water showers over a bed of coffee grounds prepared in a paper filter. Drip machines are essentially automated pour-over brewers. The brewed coffee then drips into a carafe or pot, and the machine will automatically shut off when the brewing has finished.
One of the benefits of drip coffee machines is their convenience and ease of use. They are typically straightforward to operate, with a simple on/off switch and a programmable that allows you to set the machine to start brewing at a specific time. Many drip coffee machines also have a built-in grinder so that we can grind our coffee beans for the freshest possible brew. Drip coffee machines come in various sizes and styles, so we can choose one that fits our needs and budget. Some coffee makers are designed to brew a single cup of coffee, while others brew a batch at once. They also might come with thermal carafes, which keep the brewed coffee hot without needing a warming plate.
Technivorm Moccamaster 79312 KBGT
This automatic drip coffee brewer is the top choice of coffee brewing experts, offering easy one-button operation and a 4-6 minute brew time for 40 oz of coffee. It also features an auto-adjust brew basket that pauses the drip if the carafe is removed. The stainless steel thermal carafe keeps coffee hot for extended periods. This automatic drip coffee brewer is backed by a 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Overall, drip coffee machines are a convenient and easy way to brew coffee at home consistently, and they are a good choice for people who want a quick and easy way to make a pot of coffee in the morning.
Moka Pot
A Moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is a small coffee brewing device that uses steam pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans. Its inventor Alfonso Bialetti was an Italian engineer who designed the Moka Express coffeemaker in 1933 and named after the city of Mocha in Yemen, known for its coffee trade.
The Moka pot consists of three main parts: a base that holds water, a filter basket that holds the coffee grounds, and a top chamber that collects the brewed coffee. To use a Moka pot, you fill the base with water, fill the filter basket with finely ground coffee, and place the pot on the stove over medium heat. As the water boils, steam pressure pushes the hot water through the coffee grounds and into the top chamber, resulting in a strong and concentrated coffee beverage.
One of the benefits of the Moka pot is that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. It is also very portable, so you can take it when traveling.
Bialetti - Moka Express
The Moka Express is the original stovetop espresso maker made in Italy. Its unique shape and patented safety valve make it easy to clean and use on gas, electric, and induction stovetops (with the Bialetti induction adapter plate). The Moka Express comes in different sizes measured in espresso cups. It prepares coffee by filling the boiler with water and ground coffee, then placing it on the stovetop until it gurgles. After use, it should only be rinsed with clean water, with no detergents or dishwasher, to avoid damaging the pot or altering the coffee taste.
The Moka pot produces a coffee similar in strength to espresso but more extensive in volume. It is a simple and convenient way to make coffee on the stovetop, and it is a good choice for people who want an affordable and portable coffee brewing solution.
