How to Choose the Brewing Method That’s Right for You
Let’s start with the obvious: There are many ways to brew your morning (or afternoon, or evening) coffee. Maybe you are already completely satisfied with the convenience of your automatic coffee maker, or perhaps the only equipment you have is a French press. But if you are still undecided about your coffee routine and are considering changing it, there are several factors that can help you choose the best brewing method for you.
First of all, note that coffee preferences are highly personal and there is no one “right” way to make a cup of joe. In the end, the best cup of coffee is the cup you like .
How much time do you have?
Perhaps the biggest factor for those with blurry eyes is how quickly we can make coffee and get ready to drink. If you want coffee to be ready at the touch of a button, or better yet, brew before getting out of bed, you’ll probably want to use a drip coffee maker that can be programmed the night before, or a capsule brew like Keurig or Nespresso. … This also applies if your time is limited due to the fact that you have babies to feed, or if it takes a long time to get to work, or if you simply feel in a constant rush in the morning.
If you have time to familiarize yourself with your brewing method, consider a more manual option. A French press doesn’t require much more interaction than a coffee maker, while a douche usually requires at least a few minutes of active attention.
And if iced coffee is your jam, a cold teapot allows you to prepare coffee ahead of time and pour it in the morning.
How many people do you brew beer for?
Convenience also has to do with how many cups you need to prepare in one go. If you’re brewing for a crowd, a 12-cup espresso machine might be the best choice for your investment. If it’s just you, then a single-cup transfusion method such as the V60 may work. At home we cook for two and use a 6-cup Chemex, although a French press can be a good alternative for a batch of this size. Depending on your preference, Aeropress can also handle more than one cup at a time.
And of course, you can always use the large batch method for fewer people, or do multiple rounds using the same brewery. In addition, most brewing methods are at least somewhat geared towards serving more or fewer people.
What equipment do you already have?
Do you want to invest more money in your coffee machine? If not, the brewing method you are already using is best.
If you have the money, think about the cost of not only the brewing method itself, but any other equipment you need to get the most out of your investment, from a Keurig coffee machine to an electric kettle, coffee grinder and scales. If you already have some or all of these things, switching from one fill method to another (for example) will be pretty easy.
A few more questions to look out for: Do you need to remember to keep disposable filters handy, or is a reusable filter suitable? How easy is it to clean the coffee maker ? Do you care about portability for camping, travel, or brewing at work? (If so, Aeropress is your best bet.) Do you prefer an espresso that requires its own unique setting? You can of course spend tons of money on coffee equipment, but you don’t have to.
Could a different method change the taste or experience?
Logistic concerns aside, different brewing methods tend to give a different coffee experience, from flavor to texture. Other important variables include the grains used, grind size , filter type, and accuracy provided by the brewing method you choose.
It may take some practice to choose a new brewing method, but if you have the nuances of flavor in mind, the experiment might be worth it.