Our Best Coffee Brewing Methods 2023
Welcome to the world of coffee brewing at home! Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore the different methods or a seasoned pro searching for a new technique, there’s a home coffee brewing method out there for everyone. From the classic drip brew to the hands-on pour over, the smooth and creamy cold brew to the bold and aromatic espresso, the possibilities are endless. Let’s have a look at the best home coffee brewing methods for 2023.
In this article from Figment Coffee, we’ll be diving into the various coffee brewing methods, from traditional to modern, to help you find the perfect brew for your taste preferences. We’ll also cover the equipment needed for each method and offer some tips for brewing the perfect cup. So grab a bag of your favourite beans (cough Figment beans, cough) and let’s get brewing!
Coffee brewing is an art and a science, and there are many different methods and techniques that can be used to extract the delicious flavours and aromas from coffee beans. Understanding the different types of brewing methods and the equipment required can help you brew the perfect cup of coffee every time, correct or incorrect brewing can make or break your home coffee experience, but it’s also a personal thing and what you prefer might be different to the typical approach, so always experiment with different variations, beans and quantities to find a coffee that does what good coffee should.
Drip brewing
Drip brewing, also known as filter brewing, is one of the most popular and simple brewing methods. It involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, which are contained in a filter, and allowing the brewed coffee to drip into a carafe or mug. Drip brewing is a quick and easy way to brew coffee, and it’s ideal for large batches or for those who want to brew a single cup at a time.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- Filters
- Drip coffee maker or pour-over setup
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Water kettle or pot
French press
The French press is a classic brewing method that has been around since the early 1900s. It involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water for several minutes before pressing a plunger down to separate the grounds from the brewed coffee. French press coffee is known for its full-bodied, robust flavour and is a popular choice for coffee connoisseurs.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- French press
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Water kettle or pot
Espresso
Espresso is a concentrated coffee beverage made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans at high pressure. It is a key ingredient in many popular coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos. Making espresso requires specialized equipment, including an espresso machine and a grinder.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder
- Espresso machine
- Portafilter
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Water kettle or pot
Pour over
Pour over coffee brewing, a personal favourite for me, involves manually pouring hot water over ground coffee beans contained in a filter, typically using a cone-shaped brewer like a V60. The brewed coffee then drips into a carafe or mug. Pour over brewing is a more hands-on method that allows for more control over the brewing process, resulting in a cleaner, more nuanced flavour profile. I find the process of pour over brewing to be a really great way to take time away from the desk and to engage in quite a therapeutic, enjoyable break… while also getting some beautiful coffee at the end!
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- Filters
- Pour over brewer (such as a Chemex or Hario V60)
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Water kettle or pot
Cold brew
One for those increasingly hot summers… Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, typically 12-24 hours. The resulting coffee is naturally lower in acidity and has a smooth, creamy texture. Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular as a refreshing alternative to hot coffee, and it can be served over ice or mixed with milk and other ingredients to create various cold coffee drinks.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- Cold brew coffee maker or large container (such as a Mason jar)
- Filters
- Measuring scoop or scale
Aeropress
Arguably the most fun of them all, the Aeropress is a relatively new brewing method that has gained a devoted following in recent years. It involves pressing hot water through ground coffee beans using a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The resulting coffee is clean and smooth, with a flavour profile that falls somewhere between French press and pour over.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- Filters
- Aeropress brewer
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Water kettle or pot
Moka pot
The Moka pot, also known as a stovetop espresso maker, is a popular brewing method in Europe and Latin America. It consists of a cylindrical pot with a spout, a filter basket, and a chamber for brewed coffee. To use a Moka pot, you fill the chamber with water, add ground coffee to the filter basket, and place the pot on the stove. As the water boils, the steam pressure pushes the brewed coffee up through the spout and into the top chamber. Moka pot coffee has a strong, bold flavour and is often served in small demitasse cups.
Equipment required:
- Coffee beans
- Grinder (optional)
- Moka pot
- Measuring scoop or scale
- Stove
No matter which brewing method you choose, it’s important to start with high-quality, specialty coffee beans that are roasted fresh by experts and ground appropriately for the brewing method you are using. At Figment Coffee, we source the best coffee beans we can get our hands on from around the world and take care to find the perfect roasting profile as we roast the beans weekly in our Aberdeen roastery. We serve our freshly roasted beans in our Aberdeen city centre café and also sell bags of whole bean and ground coffee on our website.
It’s also important to pay attention to the water quality, as the taste of your coffee can be greatly affected by the minerals and other impurities in the water. Experimenting with different brewing methods and adjusting the variables, such as grind size, water temperature, and brew time, can help you find the perfect brew for your taste preferences.
In conclusion, coffee brewing is a vast and varied landscape with countless methods and techniques to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic drip brew, a smooth and creamy cold brew, or a bold and aromatic espresso, there is a brewing method out there for everyone. So go ahead and explore the world of specialty coffee brewing, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite way to brew!
One thing is for sure, if you give our Figment house coffee ‘wonderland‘ a go, you won’t be disappointed and to help you keep practicing without the caffeine there is always our delicious sugarcane ‘daydream decaf‘!
