Coffee is indeed a very deep field of study. Factors such as the coffee beans, water temperature, water pouring speed, and brewing time all affect the final taste and mouthfeel of a cup of coffee. Apart from using the common high-pressure espresso machine, there are actually many other different brewing methods. Now, let’s introduce 6 mainstream manual coffee brewing methods, including two that are relatively easy for beginners to master, so that even beginners can brew a flavorful cup of coffee.
[1] Espresso Machine
This is probably the most commonly seen method. It involves using high-pressure hot water to extract concentrated coffee from finely ground coffee powder tightly packed in a filter. Espresso machines have different levels of automation and are very convenient, but of course, you still need to have some understanding of coffee to make a great cup!
[2] French Press
The French press is one of the more suitable brewing methods for beginners. It is not too time-consuming and can produce a rich and flavorful cup of coffee. Simply add medium-coarse ground coffee powder to the press, pour in boiling water, let it steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then press down the metal filter and pour out the coffee for consumption.
[3] Cold Brew
Cold brew is also one of the easier brewing methods to master, but it takes time because no heat is involved in the process. Mix coffee powder with room temperature or cold water and let it steep for several hours or overnight according to your preferred strength. The resulting coffee will have low acidity, a slight sweetness, and a smooth and light mouthfeel.
[4] Pour Over
With coffee powder, filter paper, a dripper, and a carafe, you can make a cup of pour-over coffee. Although it may seem very simple, factors such as the coarseness of the coffee grounds, water temperature, and pouring speed will affect the taste of the final coffee. Coarser grounds will result in a milder taste, while finer grounds will produce a stronger flavor. Higher water temperatures will bring out more bitterness and richness, while lower temperatures will result in a milder flavor. Faster pouring will give a refreshing taste, while a longer brewing time will result in a more rounded and full-bodied flavor.
[5] Moka Pot
The coffee brewed from a Moka pot is similar to espresso, with a rich and concentrated flavor. Add water and finely ground coffee powder to the pot, heat it on a stove, and as the water in the lower chamber turns into steam, it will pass through the coffee grounds in the upper chamber and extract a rich coffee flavor.
[6] Siphon (Vacuum) Pot
The siphon pot is a more advanced brewing method that looks like a scientific lab apparatus. However, if used skillfully, it can produce a clear and smooth cup of aromatic coffee. The siphon pot utilizes the principle of vacuum. As the water in the lower chamber boils and produces steam, it expands and forces the hot water to move up into the upper chamber to mix with the coffee grounds. When heating is stopped, the steam cools and contracts, causing the brewed coffee to be pulled back down into the lower chamber.