Comparing Coffee Brewing Methods: Which One is the Best?
Tips for All Coffee Brew Methods
No matter which method you choose, there are a few rules that universally apply:
- Invest in quality coffee beans. They make a huge difference!
- Make sure you’re storing your coffee beans properly or you’ll have no hope of getting a great cup.
- Experiment with the different coffee brewing methods to find your favorite option.
- Ideally you’d grind your coffee beans right before you brew your coffee.
- The quality of the water you use can have a huge effect on the coffee brewed. If your tap water isn’t good then consider using filtered water for the purest coffee flavor possible.
- Keep your coffee maker clean. Many people assume that because it’s only used for coffee it doesn’t need to be cleaned. The truth is that sediment can build up and give you harsh and even rancid flavors in your coffee.
- If you’re using a paper filter, pre-rinse it before using it. This will remove any loose paper fibers that could affect the flavor of your coffee.
- Coffee is only really fresh for about ten minutes. Unless you’re cold brewing, you should be making coffee right before you drink it if at all possible.
These tips will help anyone brew a fresher, tastier cup of coffee, no matter which coffee brewing method they use.
Brewing Espresso
Espresso is strong coffee that’s created by forcing water that’s on the verge of boiling through finely ground coffee beans. It tends to be thicker than coffee brewed via other methods because it has a bigger concentration of suspended and dissolved solids.
The flavor of espresso is extremely concentrated. It’s often used as the base for other coffee drinks like:
- Caffe latte
- Cafee macchiato
- Caffe Americano
- Cappuccino
- Café mocha
Many people think of espresso as a coffee drink with a much higher percentage of caffeine than traditional drip coffee. While this is technically true, the fact that an espresso serving is much smaller than a serving of coffee means that you actually get less caffeine in this drink.
Brewing espresso requires a special machine just for this purpose. People who choose this method generally do so because it:
- Creates a stronger coffee flavor.
- Has a higher percentage of caffeine.
- Is used to create other coffee drinks.
- Some experts believe it’s the purest and best coffee brewing method.
Who it’s for:
- Coffee purists who want coffee like it was originally brewed.
- People who like a high caffeine concentrate and a full flavor.
- People who want to make other coffee drinks.
- People who don’t mind taking their time to brew coffee.
Brewing Drip Coffee
Also known as filter coffee, drip coffee is the most popular choice in the US. It involves pouring hot water over ground coffee. The brew then goes through a filter made from paper, mesh, or metal. The resulting coffee is clear and clean.
There are two types of drip coffee:
- Pour-over devices. The brew in this option is very clear and good. The ratio of caffeine extraction is also higher per tablespoon of ground coffee.
- Electric drip brewers. This is the most efficient and easiest way to brew coffee. It also results in inconsistent coffee flavors and doesn’t have the level of taste or aroma you’d find with a pour-over drip coffee maker.
Who it’s for:
- People who don’t have a ton of time to brew coffee.
- People who want maximum convenience when making coffee.
- People who prioritize efficiency.
Brewing French Press Coffee
Also known as press pot, French press is a simple process that’s gaining in popularity in the U.S. To start with, you grind coffee coarsely and put it in the bottom of the French press maker. Then heat water to almost boiling and pour it over the ground coffee.
Let it steep for a few minutes and then use the French press plunger to separate the grounds. The resulting coffee has a medium body somewhere between espresso and drip and intense aroma and flavor.
Who it’s for:
- People who want a richer coffee flavor.
- People who have at least fifteen minutes to make coffee.
- People who want a pure coffee flavor.
Brewing Cold Brew Coffee
No coffee brewing methods comparison would be complete without mentioning cold brewing. This is a favorite option for those who love the flavor of coffee but have stomach problems and for those who want a sweet, nutty, pure coffee flavor.
The brewing method is simple but time consuming. First, you steep coffee grounds in cold water for anywhere between 12 and 36 hours. Then strain it and serve it cold or heat it. Since the brewing process is extensive, people typically prepare large batches and then store it for days or weeks.
Some people cold brew a concentrate. This is essentially just a very strong cold coffee brew that’s then mixed with hot or cold water to create a cup of coffee or a coffee drink. This can make a single batch of cold brew last even longer.
Who it’s for:
- People who want a lower acid coffee option.
- People who want a true coffee flavor.
- People who like iced coffee.
- People who can wait up to 36 hours for their cold brew concentrate to be ready.
- People who like a sweet, nutty flavor.
Brewing Single-Cup Coffee
If you drink coffee then you’ve probably heard of Keurig and other single-serving brewers. They are a type of drip coffee brewing that pushes water through the coffee grounds. However, the pressure isn’t as great as it is with an espresso machine.
The brewing time is very fast, thanks to the fact that the coffee is ground coarser and less compact. The advantages of this option is that you get a single, fresh cup with the aroma and flavor you want – all with minimum effort. It’s a great choice for people who live alone or don’t share coffee with their family.
Who it’s for:
- Single people.
- People who want a different strength or type of coffee than other people they live or work with.
- People who are in a hurry.
- People who only drink a single cup of coffee at a time.
- People who want a lot of variety.
- People who want a fresh cup of coffee at their fingertips anytime.
Brewing Aeropress Coffee
Aeropress is an option that’s gaining popularity. This is a manual way of brewing coffee that involves using your own pressure to brew the cup. You start by steeping the coffee in hot water and then you push the brew through the coffee grounds.
This extracts lots of solids and caffeine. In fact, it most closely resembles espresso. This method involves using a machine made just for this purpose but many people find it’s the best coffee brewing method for a full-bodied, highly-caffeinated coffee.
Who it’s for:
- People who want to be involved in the coffee-making process.
- People who like upscale coffee.
- People who like a lot of caffeine.
- Fans of full-bodied coffee.
Brewing Moka Pot Coffee
A Moka pot also creates a coffee that’s somewhat similar to espresso. Essentially, it uses steam to push water through the grounds. The main difference between it and espresso brewing is that espresso brewing pressure is about nine times as strong as with the Moka pot.
The resulting coffee is bold but without the crema you get on espresso. It also has a lower concentration of oils. Some people choose it as their top espresso alternative.
Who it’s for:
- People who want the flavor of espresso but slightly less strong.
- People who don’t mind investing in expensive coffee equipment.
Brewing Turkish Coffee
In this coffee brewing process, you take finely ground coffee and infuse it with water that’s almost boiling. The main difference between Turkish brewing and drip brewing is the grind size. With Turkish coffee, it’s so fine that it’s almost a powder.
There aren’t any electric grinding machines that make coffee as fine as Turkish coffee grounds need to be but there are manual mills that work great. Of all the brewing methods, Turkish coffee has the strongest coffee. This is not a good choice for someone who likes clear, weak coffee.
Who it’s for:
- People who want coffee that’s as strong as possible.
- People who have access to a manual coffee grinder.
- People who like very, very caffeinated coffee.
What’s the Best of All the Coffee Brew Methods?
The best coffee brewing method will vary widely based on your needs. Do you need a coffee that can be brewed in two minutes? Do you have time for cold brew coffee? Do you want the strongest cup possible? Our coffee brewing methods comparison gives you all the info you need to pick the right one for you.
