The Different Coffee Brewing Methods Explained
Brewing a fresh cup of coffee in the morning is one of our favorite ways to start the day. But today, there are several different ways to craft that perfect cup. According to the National Coffee Association, there are 13 different ways to prepare coffee. In this guide, we’re going to explore some of our favorite techniques and coffee brewing methods.
Pour Over
The pour over brewing method is one of the most straightforward techniques to brew a cup of delicious coffee. This technique is known to produce a cup that is full-bodied and rich in flavor. We recommend adding a coarse-grind coffee bean into your paper filter and coffee cone and then pouring hot water evenly over the grounds, which will begin releasing flavor and dripping down into your cup. One of our favorite pour over cones is the Hario V60 which you can learn more about here.
AeroPress
The Aeropress is a quick method of brewing 1-3 cups of American, cold brew, and espresso-style coffee in about a minute. This versatile brewing method is an excellent substitute for an expensive and complicated espresso machine. It delivers a cup of coffee with just a fraction of the acidity of a French Press or Drip Coffee. We offer a more detailed description of how to use two different Aeropress brewing methods here.
Chemex
While sometimes grouped with pour over brewing, there are some differences between Chemex and a traditional pour over. While both methods use the coffee cone, the key differences are in the filter. The Chemex uses a proprietary filter that is 20-30% thicker than a traditional pour over filter. You can check out our detailed guide to learn more about the nuances of this technique.
French Press
French press is a method that often allows you to brew coffee for more than just one person, gives you greater control over the water temperature, and how long the coffee brews before being enjoyed. At first, a French press can look intimidating, but it’s very easy and straightforward to use once you get the hang of it. You want coarse or medium grind coffee for this technique because you won’t be using a traditional filter, but rather a fine mesh screen. Since we’re not using a paper filter, this brew method allows more oils to pass along to your cup, leading to a very robust flavor. You can learn more about the French Press in our in depth guide.
Moka Pot
The Moka pot is a stovetop-style brewer that uses pressurized steam to produce an espresso-style cup of joe. For this brewing method, you want to grind your coffee slightly more coarse than espresso but finer than a standard drip coffee. The Moka pot will produce a resulting cup that has somewhat more bitter notes than a traditional espresso.
Standard drip coffee maker
While each automatic drip coffeemaker is a bit different and can have unique features, the enduring draw of a standard drip coffee maker is the convenience. For many, this is the preferred method of brewing large quantities of coffee with ease.
Single-serve steeped coffee
One of the easiest ways to brew a great cup of coffee is with the new Nobletree Steeped Coffee bags. Steeped coffee bags are one of the newest and best ways to enjoy a specialty roast coffee without the need for expensive equipment. These individually packaged bags are each filled with hand-roasted coffee and are nitro-sealed for freshness in sustainable packaging. This brewing method is an excellent way to enjoy the coffee you love while camping, backpacking, or traveling.
What is the best way to brew coffee?
We’re often asked what the best way to brew a cup of coffee is, and while we have our preferences, the correct answer is whatever you prefer! Each brewing method has its subtleties and will require different amounts of time, and technique, to master. However, at the core of any method you choose – starting with fresh, whole ground beans is recommended to ensure freshness and better control of the grind’s coarseness. When you’re ready to explore the art of manual coffee-making, check out our Nobletree whole bean varieties to get started.