Best Coffee Brewing Methods - Top 6 Picks

There are endless ways to brew this delightfully energizing brown concoction that coffee is. But the idea of a perfect cup is personal. The best coffee brewing method for you will depend on factors that matter to you and produce a beverage that hits the right notes.  Today, we are here to ease your decision to pick the right brewing companion for your coffee-making process.

We have reviewed the methods that have kept the caffeine rush running for generations, with equipment that is easily available in the market. By understanding what sets each tool apart, you can figure out what suits you and your best coffee brewing method at home.

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According to an expert: what makes the best coffee

Whichever path you take to get to your morning cup of joe, certain determining factors should be taken care of. Experts believe that while a recent roast date is an absolute must for good coffee, you should also use freshly ground beans i.e. grinding your coffee just before brewing.

Moreover, being particular about measurements and using a scale will give you a high-flying sip of coffee. Lastly, make sure you use soft, filtered water for your brew.

Coffee-brewing methods: Quick overview

As the coffee industry evolves, it keeps innovating the methods and types of coffee makers. But the basic principle underlying the tools is either percolation, pressure, or filtration. They can be manual or electric, artisanal or robotic, but each of them is assembled to give you a happy coffee experience.

Apart from the taste, a few areas you can score your options on can be quantity, pricing, and convenience. Scroll through till the end to know which is the best at-home coffee brewing method for you.

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6 Best coffee-brewing methods for the best cup

1) Aeropress

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Requirements

1. Aeropress
2. Filter paper
3. Stir Stick
4. Ground coffee (grind size - medium-fine)
5. Hot water

Time: 5 minutes | Difficulty level: Easy | Taste rating: 4/5

Overview of method/process

Put a paper filter in the bottom of the chamber, then add coffee grounds and hot water, stir, and use the plunger to force the water through the grounds. We suggest you wet the filter first and let the coffee sit for 10 seconds before plunging.

Aeropress results

Aeropress gives a power-packed cup of coffee - dark, smooth, and rich with very little bitterness. You can pretty much use it anywhere, and cleanup is easy, which makes it super travel-friendly. However, you might have to buy specialty filters. But as far as the coffee result is concerned, it is A-1!

Pros

• Its durability and portability give the Aeropress a strong edge over other coffee makers.
• It is a cheaper option.
• Hassle-free cleaning.

Cons

• It prepares only one cup at a time. 
• Might not be for you if you’re concerned about paper waste.

2) French press

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Requirements

1. French Press
2. Ground coffee (grind size - medium-fine)
3. Hot Water

Time: 8 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Taste rating: 3/5

Overview of method/process

Preheat your press. Measure coffee grounds depending on how strong you want your cup to be, and add it to the press. Add measured hot water. Put the lid on and let it seep for 4 minutes. Now, slowly press the plunger down, and pour! Have a peep into our French press recipe on the Android & iOS app!

French press results

The French press is a historic home brew coffee method where the final cup is robust and full-bodied. It has a nice hint of caffeine and a gratifying thickness. Your coffee will not have a sharp flavor.

Pros

• Can make a potful of coffee for a big group.
• Gives a unique taste and feel to the coffee.
• Easy to use and maintainable.

Cons

• Might infuse some undesirable flavor.
• Not a quick method to get coffee.

3) Pour over

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Requirements

1. Pour Over Equipment
2. Coffee Grinds
3. Hot Filtered Water
4. Filter Paper
5. Digital Scale

Time: 2-3 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Taste rating: 4/5

Overview of method/process

The pour-over method involves pouring hot water through coffee grounds in a filter. The water drains through the coffee and filters into a carafe or mug.

Pour Over results

The classic pour-over method produces a delicate, lighter-bodied cup of coffee that gives you full control over the flavor. It’s slow and makes only one cup at a time, but an amazing one. The yield is a dark, thick liquid with a rich mouthfeel. Also, using a paper filter eliminates the sheens of oil.

Pros

• Given the clarity of flavor, pour-over coffee is well-loved for its taste. 
• The equipment is easy to handle and clean.

Cons

• Pour Over coffee doesn’t pair well with milk.
• Makes 1-2 cups at a time‍.

4) Drip coffee maker

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Requirements

1. Drip Coffee Maker Machine
2. Ground Coffee
3. Cold Water

Time: 5 - 15 Minutes | Difficulty: Moderate | Taste rating: 3.5/5

Overview of method/process

To make coffee, cold water is added to the reservoir, and ground coffee to the filter. As the water heats up, it passes through the coffee grinds and the brewing begins. As soon as the coffee has been brewed, it is poured into a carafe that is placed on a hot plate.

Drip coffee maker results

Making coffee in a drip coffee machine is certainly not as exciting as traditional methods where you are more in touch with the process and can see the coffee brewing. But the technique more or less remains the same for electrically propelled coffee makers. At the press of a button, you’ll get a well-balanced, slightly sweet, aromatic cup of coffee that you can enjoy without milk or sugar. 

Pros

• It takes almost no effort or skill compared to other methods.
• The coffee produced has a refined and refreshing taste and is full of flavor.
• A bigger volume of coffee can be prepared.

Cons

• Cleaning the machine might seem like a task.
• Nothing aesthetic about the process. ‍

5) Moka pot

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Requirements

1. Moka Pot
2. Warm Water
3. Ground coffee (Medium fine)
4. Stove

Time: 3-4 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate | Taste rating: 4/5

Overview of method/process

Watch a Moka Pot brew coffee and you’re sure to restore your child-like wonder. The base holds water, which should be just below boiling point before you put it on the stove.

When the water boils, it generates steam, which forces the water up through the disk carrying coffee grounds to the top chamber.

Brewing with the lid open gives a better cup of coffee. As soon as the crema bubbles start flowing out of the spout, you remove it from the heat, close the lid, and your coffee is ready to be poured. Given the high-pressure brewing, the Moka Pot is also known as the ‘poor man’s espresso machine’.

Moka pot results

This is a classic Italian way to brew coffee, and how can anything that comes from Italy not be yummy? The Moka Pot makes coffee that is steamy and thick with a jolting aroma. It offers a slightly bitter sip which is enjoyed by many.

Pros

• It is not a demanding process. In fact, it is quite a fun way to brew coffee at home.
• Makes a strong cup of coffee.

Cons

• Needs attention while cleaning.

6) Espresso machine

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Requirements

1. Espresso Machine
2. Suitable Grinding Tool
3. Espresso Beans
4. Filtered Water

Time: 5-15 minutes to warm up, 15-20 seconds to brew | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Taste rating: 5/5

Overview of method/process

Turn on the machine and let it reach the right temperature for brewing. This can take 10-15 minutes. By the time, measure and grind your beans to a fine powder. Add coffee to the portafilter and tamp firmly to smoothen it. Make sure there are no air pockets. Insert the filter into the machine and start brewing. It’ll take 15-20 seconds to get the hot brew in your cup. Enjoy the crema first with your eyes, and then your tastebuds.

Espresso results

An espresso machine can give you the best cup of coffee you’ve ever made. You’ll get such a fine and flavorful shot of coffee that you will want a cup like that every morning. But is an espresso machine the best at-home coffee brewing method? Not really. It is substantially expensive and a wasteful way to make small amounts of coffee. 

Pros

• Quick brewing process.
• Produces a strong coffee shot.
• Blends well with milk.

Cons

• Quick brewing process.
• Produces a strong coffee shot.
• Blends well with milk.

The final cup of thoughts

We hope that by now, you must be all geared up to brew coffee at home. Are you leaning toward any of these brewing methods? If you are, then tell us which one it is!

For us, the Aeropress and pour-over make the cut the best coffee brewing methods. We feel that they are super simple to use and never disappoint with the taste. If you have more questions regarding coffee-making, feel free to hit us up!