Top 5 Brewing Methods
- 3 January 2025
- Marisela Hernandez
Talking about the best brewing methods can be as dangerous as talking about politics or religion—at least if you’re having this conversation with the most passionate coffee lovers. Each of us has a strong opinion on how it should be done: the brewing method, the gadgets, and perhaps... most importantly... the coffee beans. However, we can all agree on one thing: enjoying your cup of coffee is what really matters—being able to taste the beautiful roasted flavours and smell its unique aroma. At The Coffee Company, we believe the best brewing method comes down to personal preference. We won’t try to convince you to use a specific coffee maker or follow a certain method; instead, we’ll share with you what you need to know and let you decide which one suits you best. Here, we’ve listed our top 5 preferred brewing methods. Fill up your cup, and let’s get started:
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French Press
Robust, bolder, and richer flavour!
The French Press is a full-immersion method where the ground coffee beans sit in hot water for about five minutes. Once the time is up, the filter is plunged down through the French Press to "press" the grounds, rather than just letting the water pass through them. This method often results in a stronger flavour due to the insoluble material that remains in the final cup. A very popular method.
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Stovetop or Moka Pot
Rich, flavorful, and highly concentrated!
This Italian ritual requires more attention and practice. It’s essential to use the right water and the perfect blend. The Stovetop or Moka Pot uses pressure rather than gravity. Pour the hot water into the base of the stovetop, insert the filter with the ground coffee back into the stovetop, and screw on the top piece. Turn off the heat when you hear a bubbling or brewing sound.
As Bialetti aptly states on their website, "in the history of coffee, there is a before and after Moka." This simple yet ingenious design has made espresso-style coffee accessible worldwide, transforming the daily coffee ritual into something truly special. With the right water, blend, and technique, your Moka pot can deliver a rich, satisfying brew every time.
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Aeropress
Convenient, smooth, and tasty!
The Aeropress is the favorite go-to brew method for coffee lovers who enjoy their coffee on the go. This compact, durable, and easy-to-transport device is perfect for one or two people while on the road. It works with a plunger, forcing hot water and coffee grounds through the filter and into your cup—very similar to a syringe. Unlike the French Press, the Aeropress uses a paper microfilter, which brews a clean and full-flavored cup of coffee. Although it brews under pressure, don’t let anyone fool you—it’s not espresso!
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Pour Over
Delicate and clean, light-bodied coffee!
The pour-over method requires patience and practice, allowing you to control each brew to get the optimal flavor from the grounds. It’s a great way to tease out the subtle flavors of a particular coffee. You make it by placing a filter and a cone, filling the filter with ground coffee, and pouring hot water over it, allowing it to drip through into your cup. If you prefer a bitter, ashy taste, let your brewing time go slowly; if you like it more salty and sour, let it brew faster.
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Espresso Machine
Concentrated, stronger, and rich!
For this method, your coffee grinder is your point of control—and you’ll also need a scale. Espresso machines use a large amount of pressure to force water through finely ground coffee beans, speeding up the extraction and brewing process to hit that "flavor extraction sweet spot," resulting in a very concentrated coffee.
In the end, the best brewing method is the one that brings you the most joy. Whether you prefer the smooth richness of a French press, the precision of pour-over, or the bold intensity of an espresso machine, each method has its own charm and offers a unique experience. Let us know in the comments what your favourite brewing method is and which one you practice the most!