Do you love the taste of a fresh cup of coffee in the morning? If so, you’re like millions of other people across the globe.
But what is the best way to make better coffee at home?
There are many different ways to make this delicious drink, and some methods are definitely better than others. In this blog post, we will discuss the top ten ways to make coffee. So whether you’re a beginner or an expert, read on for tips and tricks that will help you create the perfect cup of joe!
What is the best way to make coffee?
Let’s get right to the $1 million question.
Is there a single “best” or “right” way to make coffee?
Judging by all the gadgets that have been created over the years to make our coffee not only taste better, but also remove acidity, create the perfect grind size, froth our milk, measure for the perfect water temperature, etc.— there must be, right?
When it comes to making the perfect cup of coffee, there is no shortage of methods and techniques. And while we applaud the true artistry of baristas and certified coffee brewers around the globe, not everyone is looking to acquire their level of knowledge. At the end of the day, most of us are just looking for the right brewing style that give us our favorite flavor profiles and fits in with our lifestyles.
If you like your coffee strong and intense, you might prefer a French press or an espresso machine. If you prefer a less bitter cup of coffee, you might opt for a drip coffee maker or a cold brew system. And if you’re looking for something in between, you could try a pour-over method. Ultimately, the best way to make coffee is the way that makes the coffee you like best.
So experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the most popular–and some lesser-known ways–to brew a great cup. You can check out each of these different brewing methods and decide which ones might fit your needs, budget, and interest.
Here are the top twelve ways to make coffee:
1. French Press
The French press is a classic brewing method that is simple, affordable, and easy to use. It is also one of the best ways to make coffee, as it allows for a lot of control over the final product.
To make french press coffee, start by boiling water and then allowing it to cool for about 30 seconds. Next, add coarsely ground coffee to the press pot and pour in the hot water. Stir gently and then allow the mixture to steep for four minutes. Finally, press down on the plunger slowly until it reaches the bottom of the pot. Pour into your mug and enjoy!
If you find yourself becoming a french press enthusiast and start yearning for a perfect cup of joe on the go—you can purchase this single serve french press travel mug from Amazon.
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a French Press
French presses are one of the most popular ways to make coffee, but they also have some disadvantages. One advantage of using a French press is that it allows the coffee grounds to steep in the water, which results in a fuller-bodied cup of coffee. However, this can also be a disadvantage, as it can make the coffee taste bitter. One thing to note about making coffee with a French press, is that a lot of the flavor comes from finding the perfect grind size of your coffee. Most French press owners turn to a burr grinder to help with creating the perfect grind.
Additionally, French presses can be difficult to clean, as the coffee grounds can become trapped in the filter. But, since the plunger acts as the main filtration component, there are no paper coffee filters needed. Finally, French presses generally only make enough coffee for one or two people, so they may not be ideal for large groups. However, despite these disadvantages, French presses are still widely used because they produce a rich cup of coffee that many people enjoy.
Check out the best french presses.
2. Espresso Machine
An espresso machine, or espresso maker as others might call it, is another great way to make coffee, especially if you like your coffee strong and intense. This brewing method uses pressure to force hot water through finely-ground coffee, resulting in a small amount of very concentrated coffee.
To make espresso, start by grinding your coffee beans very fine. Just like with a French press, understanding the grind size is super important when making espresso—so it is often recommended to purchase a coffee grinder that has an espresso setting. Most burr grinders work perfectly.
Next, add the grounds to the portafilter and tamp them down so they are evenly packed. Place the portafilter into the espresso machine and turn it on. The machine will heat up the water and pump it through the grounds under high pressure. Finally, press the button to dispense the coffee into your mug and enjoy it by itself, or add your shot to an iced coffee or single cup of coffee to add an extra boost of caffeine and flavor!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with an Espresso Machine
There are a few things to consider before making the switch to an espresso machine, however.
First, espresso machines can be pricey, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget. Second, they can be time-consuming to use, so if you’re in a hurry for your morning coffee, an espresso machine may not be the best option. Finally, espresso can be quite strong, so if you’re not a fan of bitter coffee, you might want to stick with another brewing method.
But for the espresso lovers out there, a lot of people really believe that adding a shot of espresso to a good cup of coffee can end up turning it into a great cup of coffee.
Check out the best espresso machines.
3. Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
A drip coffee maker or a drip machine as some call it is a popular brewing method that is simple and easy to use. This type of coffee maker brews coffee by dripping hot water over ground beans which are held in a filter. The resulting liquid drains into a carafe or pot, and is then ready to be served.
To use a drip coffee maker, start by adding water to the reservoir and then turning on the machine. Next, add ground coffee to the filter basket and place it in the coffee maker. The hot water will drip over the grounds and into the carafe below. When the brewing cycle is complete, pour yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee makers are a popular way to make coffee at home, but they have their pros and cons. On the plus side, drip coffee makers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They also make a large pot of coffee, which is ideal for entertaining guests or for starting mornings. On the downside, drip coffee makers can be slow, and they require a filter. Some people also find that the coffee made in a drip coffee maker tastes somewhat bland.
If you like the ease of a drip coffee maker, but you find that the flavor is too bland, might we suggest an alternative method that still makes a larger quantity of coffee, but provides a more robust flavor—a Chemex or Bodum.
In the past, a con to using a drip coffee pot was the life span of the actual machine due to sediment build up that would clog the internal filter. While drip coffee machines have come a long way, manufacturers still advise against using tap water and suggest that you use filtered water instead—which can sometimes cause extra work for someone looking for a quick and easy way to make coffee.
Overall, drip coffee makers offer a convenient way to make coffee at home, but they may not be the best option for those who are looking for the best flavor.
Check out the best drip coffee makers.
4. Percolator
A percolator is a type of coffee maker that brews coffee by circulating hot water through ground beans. Found in both stovetop and electric options, electric percolators have been more popular for the past decade or so with the most popular brand being Moss & Stone. This brewing method typically produces a strong and intense cup of coffee.
To use a percolator, start by adding water to the chamber and then turning on the heat. Next, add ground coffee to the basket and place it in the chamber. The hot water will circulate through the grounds and back into the chamber. When the brewing cycle is complete, turn off the heat and pour yourself a cup of coffee.
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Percolator
For many coffee lovers, brewing the perfect cup of coffee is a ritual that involves multiple steps and a careful balancing of ingredients. Many purists swear by the percolator. This process can produce a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee; however, it can also be tricky to master.
If the water is too hot, the coffee will be burnt and bitter.
However, if the water is not hot enough, the coffee will be weak and watery. In addition, percolators can take longer to brew a pot of coffee than other methods. Consequently, they are not always the best choice for busy mornings.
5. Cold Brew System
A cold brew system is a great way to make coffee if you prefer a less bitter cup. This brewing method uses cold water instead of hot, which results in a smoother and less acidic flavor.
To make cold brew coffee, start by adding coarsely ground beans to the pitcher or carafe. Next, slowly pour cold water over the grounds, being sure to wet them evenly. Allow the mixture to steep for 12-24 hours, depending on your preference. Finally, strain the coffee using a filter or cheesecloth and enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Cold Brew System
Brewing coffee with a traditional coffee maker is typically quick and easy, but it can also produce a bitter-tasting cup of coffee. On the other hand, making cold brew coffee requires a bit more time and effort, but the end result is typically a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee. Additionally, cold brew coffee generally has a higher caffeine content than other types of coffee, so it may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to cold brew coffee. For one thing, it can be more expensive than traditional brewing methods, since you’ll need to purchase a cold brew system. However, if you find that you aren’t ready to invest in a cold brew system, consider a drip coffee maker to brew a stronger batch of coffee to pour over ice.
Check out the best cold brew systems.
6. Pour-Over Method
The pour-over method is a popular brewing method that is simple and easy to use. Selected as a favorite tried and true brewing method by most baristas and home brewers, pour-over coffee turns good coffee to great coffee because of the way that the paper filter cone helps to extract all of coffee’s amazing flavors, while trapping most of the unwanted oils that cause acidity within the paper filter.
It is so popular that most coffee shops you walk into now a days actually use the pour over — or coffee drippers as others call them — as a main brewing method in house.
This method involves pouring hot water over ground beans which are held in a filter. The resulting liquid drains into a carafe or pot and is then ready to be served.
To make coffee using the pour-over method, start by boiling water and then allowing it to cool for about 30 seconds. Next, add ground coffee to the filter basket and place it over your mug or carafe. Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, being sure to wet them evenly. Allow the coffee to drip into the mug or carafe below and then enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Pour-Over Method
Pour-over brewing can be done using a variety of different devices, from simple cone-shaped filters to more elaborate setups with glass carafes and metal stands. The most popular brands in the pour over space are the Hario v60 and Kalita wave.
There are several advantages to using a pour-over method. Perhaps most importantly, it allows the coffee drinker to have complete control over the brewing process. By regulating the speed of the pour and the amount of water used, it is possible to extract a wide range of flavors from the beans. This means that pour-over coffee can be tailored to the individual drinker’s preferences. However, the pour-over method does require a bit of practice and patience to perfect. Additionally, it can be somewhat messy and time-consuming.
One other drawback of pour-over coffee is that it’s not particularly friendly for the environment due to the use of paper filters.
While mesh filters are available, one of the core reasons why paper filters are used, is because it absorbs unwanted oils from the coffee. Purists will swear by the paper filter and a critical piece of the process.
But, you may be able to offset the environmental impact if you compost the paper filter and spent grounds.
Check out the best pour-over coffee makers.
7. Chemex and Bodum
The Chemex and Bodum are a type of pour-over coffee maker that is very popular among coffee enthusiasts. This brewing method involves pouring hot water over ground beans which are held in a filter. The resulting liquid drains into a carafe or pot, and is then ready to be served. If you are a fan of pour over coffee—but you need to make enough for a crowd, the Chemex and Bodum might be a perfect option for you!
To use a Chemex or Bodum start by boiling water and then allowing it to cool for about 30 seconds. Next, add ground coffee to the filter basket and place it over your mug or carafe. Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds, being sure to wet them evenly. Allow the coffee to drip into the mug or carafe below and then enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Chemex or Bodum
For many coffee lovers, there is nothing quite like a cup of coffee made with a Chemex or Bodum. However, there are also some potential disadvantages to making coffee with a either. One is that it can be more difficult to control the brew time, meaning that it is easy to over-extract the coffee and end up with a bitter cup.
Both the Chemex and Bodum now offer a mesh filter option so that you don’t even have to worry about buying and replacing special filters that can be difficult to find and may be more costly than other types.
Overall, the pros and cons of making coffee with a Chemex or Bodum should be weighed carefully.
8. Moka Pot
A Moka pot is a type of coffee maker that is popular in many parts of the world. While moka pots fit into the percolator family, moka pots are specifically designed to be used on the stovetop
This pot brews coffee by forcing hot water through ground beans which are held in a filter. The resulting liquid drains into a carafe or pot, and is then ready to be served.
To use a Moka pot, start by adding water to the bottom chamber and then screwing on the top chamber. Next, add ground coffee to the filter basket and place it in the top chamber. Screw on the lid and place the pot on your stove over low heat. The water will boil and be forced up through the grounds into the top chamber. When the coffee is done brewing, remove the pot from the heat and enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Coffee with a Moka Pot
Making coffee with a Moka pot is a popular method that has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, Moka pots produce a strong, full-flavored coffee that is less acidic than other brewing methods. They are also very easy to use and clean, making them a great option for coffee lovers who are short on time. However, there are some drawbacks to using a Moka pot as well. The coffee can often be quite bitter, and the small size of the pot means that it can be difficult to make more than one or two cups at a time.
Overall, the pros and cons of making coffee with a Moka pot depend on your personal preferences. If you like a strong cup of coffee with complex flavor, then a Moka pot is a great option. However, if you prefer a milder cup of coffee or are short on time, there are other brewing methods that may be better suited for you.
9. Turkish Coffee Pot
If you’re looking for an authentic and unique coffee experience, consider brewing with a Turkish Coffee Pot.
These tiny pots, known as a cezve, are built to brew a small batch of strong, rich coffee. They’re typically made of copper or brass and include a long serving handle.
To brew Turkish coffee, you add ultra-finely ground coffee to cevze with water and place it over heat. The typical brewing process involves bringing the coffee to a boil – twice! – before scooping off the foam and stirring the mixture together.
Once the coffee is brewed, it’s poured from the cezve into special Turkish coffee cups usually made of porcelain. Serve and enjoy!
The Pros and Cons of Making Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is not for everyone.
Although it’s a fun and interesting way to brew, it does have a few key drawbacks:
- Requires special equipment
- Requires ultra-fine coffee ground
- Coffee grounds remain in the final cup
This last point is one of the main reasons people don’t enjoy Turkish coffee. Since there is no filter used in the brewing process, you’ll end up with a thick slurry of coffee grounds at the bottom of each cup. So, if you’re looking for an ultra-clean cuppa, this one isn’t for you.
But if you’re one of the people buying extra-pulp orange juice at the grocery store, then it may be right up your alley.
Aside from that, the process itself is fairly quick and simple. The coffee is rich, fragrant, and robust.
10. Siphon, or Vacuum Coffee Maker
CALLING ALL PHYSICS FANATICS! THIS COFFEE IS FOR YOU!
The siphon or vacuum coffee maker brews coffee by using steam pressure to force hot water through ground beans. The resulting liquid drains into a carafe or pot, and is then ready to be served.
To brew, start by adding water to the bottom chamber and then screwing on the top chamber. Next, add ground coffee to the filter basket and place it in the top chamber. Screw on the lid and place the pot on your stove over high heat or turn on the included heat source. The water will boil and be forced up through the grounds into the top chamber. When the coffee is done brewing, let the siphon to sit for 3-5 minutes and cool.
The Pros and Cons of Making Siphon Coffee
Siphon coffee makers offer several benefits, such as a cleaner taste and more uniform extraction of flavors.
However, they can also be more complicated to use than other methods, and the end result can be less consistent. For those who are willing to put in the extra effort, though, a siphon coffee maker can be a great way to make a delicious cup of coffee.
Check out the best vacuum coffee makers and siphons.
11. AeroPress Coffee
The AeroPress is great for beginners who want to graduate from their standard automatic drip coffee maker.
It’s similar to a French press but many people find it simpler to use and produces a better cup of coffee.
To brew:
- Add medium-fine ground coffee to the carafe
- Add hot (not quite boiling) water
- Stir
- Brew for ~30 seconds
- Use the plunger to press directly into cup or mug
The Pros and Cons of Making AeroPress Coffee
Using the AeroPress is one of the fastest and easiest brewing method – and that’s the main draw.
For those who like quick, convenient cups, it’s a simple and effective way to get your morning caffeine fix – or make coffee on the road, outdoors, or just about anywhere you have access to hot water.
But there are some trade-offs. AeroPress coffee is often compared to the flavor and richness of espresso. So, for those who like a neater and cleaner cup, this may not offer the intended results. In fact, that’s probably the overall biggest drawback of the AeroPress brewing method – while it brews consistent cups, there aren’t too many variables at your disposal. So, if you don’t like the coffee it makes, you’ll probably have to find an alternative rather than tweaking your recipe.
12. Single Pod Coffee
Said to be by far the easiest brewing method on this list, single pod coffee is a trend that’s spread through households, hotels, and offices all around the world. The most popular brands include Keurig and Nespresso.
Here’s how it works:
- Plop in a pod
- Add water
- Hit start
The machine takes all of the work (and guesswork) out of brewing coffee, producing a pungent cup in just a few minutes.
But, as with most coffee makers, there’s a tradeoff between convenience and control.
In this case, there’s also the broader impact to consider.
The Pros and Cons of Making Pod Coffee
Let’s start with all of the things that make K-Cups and other single-serve coffeemakers great:
- Convenience
- Speed
- Ease of use
It’s practically impossible to get it wrong. And the coffee you get will be exactly the same, day in and day out (unless you experiment with some of those off-the-wall flavored cups or fancy coffee syrups!)
But many-a coffee connoisseur will lament the Keurig and other pod coffee machines as bland, boring, and uninspired. As the brewer, you have little control over how the final cup will turn out and the brewing method itself won’t preserve the complexity or deep flavors that you might get from other methods like a French press or a coffee dripper.
And we have to mention the environmental impact, here, too. While many brewing methods produce waste, the K-Cup phenomenon is especially bad. An estimated 13 billion single-serve pods end up in the landfill every year.
While there are now reusable pods that might allow you to lessen your coffee-carbon footprint, the companies are actively trying to fight their use – plus, if you’re filling your own pods each morning, is it really any easier than just using a more standard brewing method?
How to Choose the Best Way to Make Coffee (For You!)
When it comes to coffee, there are many different brewing methods to choose from. Each method has its own unique flavor profile, and the best way to choose is to experiment until you find the one that suits your taste.
If you like your coffee strong and intense, French press or espresso is likely the best choice for you. If you prefer a lighter cup of coffee, drip brewing or pour over will be more to your liking. Ultimately, the best way to make coffee is the way that satisfies your personal preferences. So experiment with different brewing methods and find the one that makes the perfect cup of coffee for you.
There are also a number of factors to consider when choosing the best way to make coffee.
First, think about how much coffee you drink on a daily basis.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, you’ll need a machine that can handle large quantities of coffee. For lighter drinkers, a single-serve machine may be a better option.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the coffee beans you’re using. The better the beans, the better the coffee will taste.
Next, think about how much time you’re willing to spend making coffee. If you’re short on time, a drip coffee maker or single-serve machine may be the best option.
Finally, take into account your budget and the amount of counter space you have available. If you’re on a tight budget, a French press or pour-over coffee maker may be the best choice. If you have limited counter space, a single-serve machine may be the best option.
Also think about some of the extra products or gadgets that you might need for some of the brewing methods mentioned in this article like coffee grinders, paper filters, water filters, etc when thinking about overall cost.
What is your favorite method for making coffee?
No matter what your preferences are, there’s a coffee brewing method that’s perfect for you. So choose the best way to make coffee and enjoy the perfect cup every time.
