7 Ways to Brew Coffee

By

Favy

on November 17, 2024

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Want to try something new with your coffee? Here are some popular (and niche) methods of brewing your coffee. And even if you already have a preferred routine, you might discover a new technique you like even more! Check out some of the best Coffee Clubs here!

Pour Over & Drip Machines

Pour over and drip coffee methods are some of the oldest and easiest ways to brew coffee. You simply pour hot water over coffee grounds in a cone-shaped paper filter and the coffee will drip into the cup below. 

Most of these coffee cones are made from ceramic, glass, plastic, or stainless steel; the flavor is impacted by the type of filter used and the cone shape. 

Coffee that is brewed using this method typically has a smooth, round body. It requires medium-fine to coarse grounds and takes around 1 to 3 minutes to brew a cup of coffee. 

Many brands have a pour over or drip device, including Chemex and Hario V60. These devices are convenient, and are portable and easy to clean; however, they also require a matching paper filter in order to brew coffee. 

The Chemex is one of the most well-known pour over coffee makers. It’s an elegant device that was invented by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm in 1941 and it uses a specific paper filter – which is 20 to 30% heavier than other types of paper filters and removes some of the smallest particles and even unwanted oils and fats. The hot water is poured into the cone and the brewed coffee drips into the bottom of the device (which is its own carafe).

The Hario V60 (named for the fact that the cone is shaped at a 60-degree angle) is another beautifully designed drip coffee maker that is easy to use. You simply have to place the dripper over your mug to brew. It comes in ceramic, glass, plastic, and copper, and you can choose from a variety of colors.

Standard Coffee Maker

The most commonly used method to brew coffee is a standard drip machine, such as those from Hamilton Beach or Mr. Coffee. Most of these are programmable so all you have to do is prep your beans and you’ll have coffee waiting for you when you wake up. 

French Press

The French press, which was invented in 1929, is an easy-to-use device that brews a flavorful, full-bodied cup of coffee. It’s convenient to use, and it uses a mesh wire filter to allow the caffeine, antioxidants, and natural oils of the beans through. 

AeroPress

The AeroPress, created in 2005, is another type of plunger coffee maker. It’s a compact, portable, and easy-to-clean coffee maker that can brew a single espresso-style, full-bodied cup of coffee, which makes it perfect when you’re on the go. 

The AeroPress is a light, plastic device that comes in three parts. Before you use it, you’ll need to get the required AeroPress micro paper filters or a reusable metal filter. To brew, simply place fine-to-medium coffee grounds in the brew chamber, then add hot water to steep the coffee. Once it’s ready (in around 1 to 2 minutes), press the plunger down to extract the coffee through the filter and into your cup. 

Stovetop Percolator

Stovetop coffee makers were patented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, and have become popular again in recent years. It’s a stainless steel device that uses steam pressure from the boiled water in the bottom section to pass through the medium-to-medium-fine coffee grounds above it, resulting in brewed coffee in the highest section. It’s easy to clean, portable, and doesn’t require any filters. Some popular brands include Bialetti, De’Longhi, Kabalo, and Pedrini. 

The stovetop Moka Pot brews a strong cup of coffee similar to espresso, and it’s ideal to use in lieu of an espresso machine for drinks such as cappuccinos and macchiatos. It takes around 4 minutes to brew and can easily make multiple cups of coffee in one sitting. 

Siphon Coffee

Siphon coffee makers (invented in Germany in the 1940s) are some of the most elaborate devices used to brew coffee. However, they produce some of the brightest, cleanest, and most vibrant coffee, and once you finish your cup, there won’t be any grounds left at the bottom.

The way it works: coffee grounds are placed in the upper vessel while air pressure pushes the hot water up. When it’s removed from the heat, the coffee is pushed through a filter to a bottom vessel. 

Some popular brands for a siphon coffee maker include Bodum, Hario, and Yama. 

Cold Brew Maker

Cold brew coffee is not the same thing as iced coffee – it’s more about the process of brewing the coffee and not the temperature at which it is served (since it can be served hot or cold). 

To prepare cold brew, ground coffee is stepped in cold water for 12 to 24 hours to extract the caffeine, oils, and sugars – the longer you leave it in, the stronger the flavor. It’s less acidic than iced coffee but slightly bitter; it also has a smooth and slightly sweet flavor. 

Cold brew is so concentrated that it isn’t diluted once milk, water, ice, or other ingredients are added.

Popular cold brew maker brands include Bodum and Takeya. 

Espresso Machine

And lastly, the espresso machine. It’s an absolute must-have for any budding barista.

Espresso is used in popular drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and mochas. 

Espresso shots are extremely thick and concentrated due to being brewed with hot pressurized water and pushed through the ground coffee and a filter. There are a variety of espresso machines, including air-pump, piston, pump, and steam-driven types. 

Some of the most popular brands of espresso machines include Breville and De’Longhi.

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Favy

For All Your Favorites

Favy offers comprehensive reviews and comparisons of our favorite products and brands.

Favy offers comprehensive reviews and comparisons of our favorite products and brands.