If you’re an avid coffee aficionado seeking to elevate your morning ritual with the richness of our organic coffee beans, you’ve come to the right place. Join us on a journey through six popular manual coffee brewing methods that go beyond the conventional automatic coffee maker, each promising a unique and personalized coffee experience. Your choice of method will ultimately reflect your taste preferences, the time you’re willing to invest, and the level of technique you wish to embrace.
Why Manual Brewing?
There’s a universal acknowledgment that manual brewing methods offer unparalleled quality control and a superior coffee-drinking experience. For many enthusiasts, the hands-on approach to crafting the perfect cup is not just a process but a delightful journey. As the trend toward gourmet coffee-making gains momentum, a plethora of gadgets and diverse opinions flood the scene. Today, we’ll focus on six crowd-pleasing manual coffee-making options, each a potential complement to our single-origin, organic coffee beans available at any of our coffeehouse locations
Pour Over/Drip: Coffee Cone
The simplicity, speed, and affordability of the drip method make it a classic choice for many. Using a coffee cone and paper filter, hot water is evenly poured over the coffee grounds, creating a smooth, round-bodied brew. Popular brands like Melitta, Hario V60, Kalita Wave, and Bee House offer a variety of options. Easy to clean, portable, and requiring minimal investment, it’s an excellent choice for those who value simplicity without compromising on flavor.
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Medium-fine to coarse
Quantity of Coffee: 3 tablespoons (21g)
Brewing Time: 1-3 minutes
Flavour Profile: Smooth, round body
Cost: $8-$71 (extra for filters)
Pour Over/Drip: Chemex
Elegance meets functionality with the Chemex pour-over system. Invented in 1941 by Dr. Peter Schlumbohm, Chemex utilizes a special, heavier paper filter for a balanced, cleaner, and refined flavor profile. Though a bit harder to clean and requires specific filters, the artistry and beauty of the brewing process make it a favorite for many enthusiasts
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Medium-coarse
Ground Coffee: 6 tablespoons (42g)
Brewing Time: 4 minutes
Flavour Profile: Balanced, cleaner, refined, floral, sweet notes, non-acidic
Cost: $45-$78 (extra for filters)
Plunger/Press: French Press
Considered the easiest and best method for a superior coffee experience, the French Press, invented in 1929, extracts rich, luscious flavors. Ground coffee is soaked, steeped, and strained in hot water, preserving the coffee’s essential oils, caffeine, and antioxidants. With a pure, clean flavor profile and no need for filters, it’s a favorite among those who appreciate a bold and complex taste.
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Coarse
Ground Coffee: 2-2.5 tablespoons (14-17g) for one cup
Brewing Time: 4 minutes
Flavour Profile: Pure, clean flavor nuances, complex and robust body
Cost: $8-$112
Plunger/Press: AeroPress
Introduced in 2005, the AeroPress is a relatively new player in the manual brewing scene. With a quick brewing time and a sweet, full-bodied, espresso-style coffee as the result, it has become popular, especially among campers. The plastic design and easy cleaning make it a portable and convenient choice.
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Fine-medium
Ground Coffee: 2.5 tablespoons (17g)
Brewing Time: 1-2 minutes
Flavour Profile: Sweet, full-bodied, espresso-style coffee
Cost: $40-$50 (extra for filters)
- Percolate: Stovetop Moka Pot
A classic since its patent in 1933, the stovetop Moka Pot utilizes steam pressure to pass through coffee grounds, producing a strong, espresso-style coffee. Durable, easy to clean, and portable, it’s a favorite for those who appreciate a bit of tradition in their brewing process.
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Fine-medium coarse
Ground Coffee: 2.5-3 tablespoons (17-22g)
Brewing Time: 5 minutes
Flavour Profile: Espresso-style coffee, strong and potentially bitter
Cost: $20-$60
Vacuum: Siphon
For a touch of flair and a mellow, delicate flavor, the Siphon coffee maker stands out. Invented in the 1840s, it adds a touch of drama to the brewing process. While finicky to clean and not the most portable option, it’s a delightful method for those who appreciate the theatrical side of coffee-making.
Quick Guide:
Grind of Beans: Medium coarseness
Ground Coffee: 6 tablespoons (40g)
Brewing Time: 6 minutes
Flavour Profile: Mellow and delicate flavors
Cost: $70-$160 (extra for filters)
Make coffee at home
Cuisinart Coffee Maker, Single Serve 72-Ounce Reservoir Coffee Machine
- Programmable
- Timer, Water Filter
- Coffee Maker Type: Drip Coffee Machine
Additional Tips for Better Brewing:
Rinse filters before use to remove chemicals.
Employ a slow, steady pour for optimal extraction.
Use a narrow-spouted pouring kettle for even water distribution.
Start with cold, filtered water.
Use fresh-roasted beans and grind just before brewing.
Maintain a hot water temperature just off boil (205F or 96C).
Rinse makers and cups with hot water before use.
Experiment and adjust grind or coffee amount to suit your taste.
In conclusion, the world of manual coffee brewing is a vast landscape of options, each offering a unique journey from bean to cup. As you embark on this flavorful adventure, remember that personal taste is key, and don’t hesitate to experiment to find the perfect balance that suits your palate. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a pour-over cone, the elegance of a Chemex, the robustness of a French Press, the convenience of an AeroPress, the tradition of a stovetop Moka Pot, or the theatricality of a Siphon, each method promises a cup filled with the essence of your coffee journey.
Remember, brewing coffee at home is not just about the end result; it’s about the process, the exploration, and the satisfaction of crafting a cup that resonates with your unique preferences. So, grab your favorite beans, choose your method, and embark on a delightful journey through the world of manual coffee brewing. Your perfect cup awaits!
