The average American consumer drinks about 2 coffees a day. This ancient drink is one of the most popular beverages on the planet. People around the world spend their days visiting sidewalk cafes with friends, family, and colleagues for a cup of coffee and a snack.
So it’s no surprise there are many different ways to prepare it.
Everyone has a unique taste. But, this doesn’t only apply to fashion and food. Coffees can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. And, there are a lot of different ways you can brew them. Each method is different, which changes the ways your coffee will taste.
Finding your favorite brewing method is not always easy. Most of them require specific items. Which means that purchasing the utensils and trying all of them may not be an option.
Below, we’ll go over the different ways to brew coffee and tell you how each one works.
What Is Coffee Brewing?
Before going over the best methods, let’s take a look at the process of brewing. Brewing is the preparation of ground coffee via water infusion. Most people brew coffees using hot water, but there is such thing as cold brewing.
There are many elements that affect the taste of your coffee. One of them is the brewing method. The coffee beans and the degree of roasting will also affect the flavor of your brew.
That said, simply changing the way you prepare your coffee can improve the way your current coffee tastes.
8 Different Ways to Brew Coffee at Home
There are many different ways to prepare coffee. Some of these date back thousands of years. Other brewing techniques are more recent and date back just a few decades. Even though most of them are fast, brewing coffee can take some time. Depending on which method you use of course.
Some coffee makers are so easy to use, you only have to press a button. To find out more about these, you can read more here.
Here are 8 popular ways of brewing coffee at home.
1. Individual Pour-Over Coffee Makers
Individual pour-over coffee makers are some of the oldest designs you can find. These use a drip method but use it for individual mugs. They consist of a plastic, metal, or porcelain cup with holes at the bottom. You place the cup on your mug and add coffee to it. Then, you pour hot water into it and the coffee drips at the bottom.
This set up is ideal for travelers who don’t want to carry large machines. Still, you’ll be able to pour yourself a nice cup of coffee wherever you go!
2. Drip Coffee Machine
Traditional drip coffee machines use the same concept as pour-over cups. You add coffee to one compartment and water in the other. The coffee machine heats the water and transfers it to the coffee compartment. This is where the brewing takes place.
As the water seeps through the coffee it releases its flavor. The coffee compartment looks like a funnel and has a filter at the bottom. It’s important to note that some filters are reusable while others are not. Once at the bottom of the funnel, the liquid drips into a pouring jar and it’s ready.
3. Stovetop Espresso Makers
Stovetop espresso makers, also known as Italian coffee machines, are next on the list. These look similar to a kettle. They are often made of stainless steel or another durable metal.
You can disassemble these coffee makers into different parts. There are two external parts, one chamber that holds the water and another empty one. You’ll also find one internal piece which is where you will place your coffee.
These coffee makers get their name because they make strong coffee. This allows espresso lovers to enjoy a similar coffee without having to buy a huge machine.
4. The French Press AKA Cafetiere
The French press, also known as the cafetiere, is another common way to brew coffee. Unlike other coffee makers, cafetieres come in all sizes. You can find some that only brew one cup at a time. Others can brew as many as six depending on the size you choose.
French press coffee makers are very simple. You pour coffee and hot water into the empty jar. Then, you place the lid that also has the plunging mechanism. Keep in mind that the plunger should be all the way up. And, you should let your coffee brew for at least five minutes.
Once ready, slowly push the plunger to filter out the sediment. This makes for a fresh, light coffee that’s perfect for all occasions.
5. Aeropress
The Aeropress is one of the newest coffee makers out there. This simple machine consists of five plastic pieces and a small paper filter. It can produce different types of coffees that are similar to espressos and long blacks. This also means that you can make a variety of coffees. That said, you won’t have the ability to froth milk!
6. Home Espresso Machines
Home espresso machines are made for people that want professional coffees in their house. They come with a milk frother, so you can make cappuccinos and other fancy coffees. Yes, they are more expensive than most other types. But, having one of these bad boys at home is a great way to ensure good coffee.
7. Chemex
Chemex coffee makers look like decorative glass vases. But, they are much more functional as they allow you to make a delicious brew. These brewers look odd but they can produce several mugs of perfect groundless coffee. That said, learning how to make a perfect coffee will take some time and practice.
8. Cold Brews
Cold brews require special drippers. And, you’ll also need to let your coffee brew for hours before you taste it. Yes, hours! But, the resulting coffee is a strong and tasty beverage. There is no sign of bitterness or acidity. Not even regular sugar users will need to take the edge off this unique brew.
Brew the Perfect Coffee Today!
There are dozens of different ways to brew coffee. They all need special tools, but they also make various coffees that have different qualities. But, remember, the methods above are just some of the many ways you can brew coffee today.
Want to learn more about the best foods and drinks? Check out the rest of our blog for more articles.