Are you looking for a new method to prepare coffee? You have many to choose from. And each of these is going to produce a different coffee flavor – not to mention different levels of difficulty. In this article, you will find how to make your coffee at home
This is the variety which is one of the great things about specialty and third-wave coffee. So it’s easy to find the perfect cup for you that you like. But experimenting can also be daunting. Fear not – we’ve summarized the differences between the top prep devices, along with some practical advice.
Do you want to go to your preferred preparation method? Go directly to Hario V60, Kalita Wave, Chemex, coffee, Clever, French press, Aeropress, machine home espresso, Moka, siphon, or ibrik/cezve.
Let’s start with filtering methods …
Hario V60
Named for its 60 ° cone, this is a popular pour/drip preparation device. Delivers a deliciously clean cup profile and consistency. It’s easy to experiment with extraction parameters like temperature, grind size, and coffee-to-water ratio.
Use a medium to fine grind, and after letting it bloom, pour water in concentric circles directly onto the coffee bed.
Make it if: you want a clean mug, want to manipulate recipes, and don’t mind a bit of a challenge.
Kalita Wave
Kalita Wave is a pour/drip method, like the V60, but it has its differences. You can find that it has a flat bottom with three small holes in it which helps you prepare coffee. This affects the flow of water, allowing it to pool to the bottom before dripping. In turn, this makes for a more consistent cup of coffee.
Prepare it as if it were a V60, including the medium-fine grind.
Make it if: you want to pour over coffee and like the idea of a more consistent brew.
Chemex
The Chemex is, visually speaking, sensational. They have even a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. What’s more, unlike many other pouring devices, you can brew up to eight cups at a time.
As for coffee, the good thing about this device is its filters. They are thicker than average, keeping a lot of oils out of the final cup. However, due to the deep V shape of the Chemex, it can be more difficult to ensure consistency in the preparation.
Oh, and unlike most pouring devices, a Chemex typically works best with a coarse-medium grind.
Make It If: You value coffee extremely clean and want to brew coffee for more than one person at a time, consistency is not your highest priority.
Coffee makers
The coffee makers were associated with burnt and poor quality coffee, coffee made hours before being served. However, the attitude is now changing, and there is a growing range of specialty coffee makers that have been certified by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Some specialty coffee shops even prefer them over manual brewing devices.
The good news is that specialty coffee makers are easy to control. You can often set the temperature to the nearest degree, pour pulse mimic, bloom control, and much more. In the high-end ones, you can even set a changing temperature throughout the preparation to control the extraction.
Typically you’ll want a medium grind, but with the wide variety of coffee makers available, it would be best to check the recommendations for your particular brand.
Make It If: You want a consistent brew that can serve multiple people at once, and you don’t mind paying a little more for equipment or missing the brewing ritual.
Let’s move to dive …
Clever Dripper
This method may seem more like a pour-over method, but it is a combination of filter and immersion. With a valve at the bottom, you completely submerge the ground coffee particles in water so that extraction can take place. Then when you’re ready, you open the valve and the coffee is filtered. In terms of grind size, it will be medium-coarse.
Prepare it if: You want the best of both worlds, or you value consistency.
French Press
One of the most well-known and simplest coffee making tools in the world, the French press is often (though not always) looked down upon by specialty drinkers. However, a few simple tricks can improve the flavor profile.
Most important of all, make sure that after pressing, you decant the coffee. If you don’t, you will leave the preparation exposed to the particles and they will continue to be extracted. Since the bitter compounds are the last to be extracted, you can end up with a bad taste in your cup of coffee.
A coarse grind is normally recommended, but some people achieve better results when they experiment with dipping and grinding time.
Prepare it if you like the body and a simple preparation method.
Aeropress
Aeropress is a lightweight, portable, and durable coffee maker that is an innovation from Aerobie, Inc. The AeroPress is loved by people who make coffee on the go. Whether it’s walking, sailing, or even flying in a hot air balloon. Deliver good coffee quickly.
You can expect a full-bodied preparation, but there is plenty of room to experiment. While the AeroPress is beginner-friendly, it’s also the only brewing device to have its world championship (aside from the espresso machine, of course).
Two popular ways can make an AeroPress: inverted and traditional.
Invested:
Place the plunger upside down (inverted) on a surface, then take the Aeropress “tube” and push it over the plunger seal, leaving it 1 cm below the plunger.
Add fresh coffee grounds into the tube so that it sits on the plunger seal. Depending on your preferences you can use it from a fine to medium grind size.
Add water and let the coffee bloom.
Add the rest of the water and then shake (optional, but recommended)
When you’re ready, add the filter cap and rinse the filter paper. Flip the Aeropress over in your mug, and press.
Traditional :
Add the filter cap and rinsed filter paper to the AeroPress “tube”, then place it on top of your mug.
Add fresh coffee grounds. Depending on your preferences you can use it from a fine to medium grind size.
Add water and let the coffee bloom.
Add the rest of the water.
Stir
Insert the plunger 1cm, and then pull it to create suction (this will prevent the water from spilling out).
When you’re ready, press.
Make it if: you want a coffee on the go or an easy full-bodied drink.
Espresso time, or espresso-like methods
Espresso machine
For those who love espresso, there are few substitutes for an espresso machine. However, it is a great investment – both in terms of the initial machine and any add-ons. A new, high-quality espresso machine will start at around $ 500.
Alternatively, you can purchase portable / handheld espresso devices. These will have fewer features than an espresso machine and can vary in quality. However, they are also usually cheaper and can be used when camping or traveling.
Of course, preparing espresso coffee is completely different from pouring or dipping methods: you are talking about extra fine grinding, which you have to imprison before placing it in the portafilter; A short preparation in time and sweet; and great opportunities to manipulate the recipe (depending on the quality of your machine).
Make it if: if you love your espresso and don’t care about the price.
Bialetti Moka coffee maker
Like the French press, this traditional device gets a bad rap – and like the French press, a few simple adjustments can improve your readiness.
Put the finely ground coffee inside the chamber, add the water, and put a device on the stove: it’s really simple. However, traditional Moka pots have a burning and ash effect. To make sure this doesn’t happen to your coffee, heat the water first. You can use room temperature or cold water when you will leave the coffee grounds on a hot metal surface for too long.
As for coffee, the Moka coffee machine is designed as a device for preparing espresso on the stove. It won’t create as much pressure as an espresso machine, however – the pressure is critical for espresso.
Prepare it if: you want a coffee-like espresso without paying so much.
Now let’s look at some unusual prep devices… (note: these are not designed for beginners).
Siphon
If there is one brewing device that makes you feel like a scientist, it is the Vacuum siphon. A blend of filter and immersion technology, featuring a live flame, multiple glass chambers, and the powers of science. Produces a clean but full-bodied cup.
Prepare it if: you don’t mind hard work, you love the body and cleanliness of a cafe, and you want a steampunk vibe.
İbrik / Cezve
This unique and historical brewing device hails from Turkey and what used to be the Ottoman Empire. It is known for a bitter-tasting coffee, with an elaborate brewing ritual, and a very fine grind – so fine that you may have to buy a special grinder.
To prepare it, you have to buy an Ibrik / Cezve. Add water and (optional) sugar and heat on a hot grill or sand. While it boils, add the coffee grounds. Wait for it to boil and reach the top of the cezve, quickly remove it from the heat and then return it. You can do this three times, and you are good to go!
The result is a traditional, full-bodied coffee, with the particles still in it – and a demonstration that will impress any guest or spectator. You will also hear that they call it Turkish coffee.
Prepare it if: you want a cultural experience if you like bitter or sweet coffee, and you don’t care about all the work it takes.
You will find many more brewing methods than what we have mentioned in this article: Third wave coffee is an industry marked by innovation. But these 11 are the main ones you will find.
No matter what preparation methods you choose, I encourage you to experiment with recipes, grind settings, and much more. One of the wonderful things about specialty coffee is the ability to make the perfect coffee for your preferences. So, what are you waiting for?