Coffee at home: choosing a brewing method that suits your lifestyle
Coffee Brewing Methods at Home: Enjoying a coffee at home can be one of life’s simple pleasures. We all want to enjoy our favourite coffee at home, without the trip to the café. Perhaps you want a quick coffee to start your day, or maybe you want to relax and have the odd-flavoured coffee. There are so many ways to brew coffee, so it’s about finding your perfect.
Many coffee drinkers will use a French press if they want a full-bodied, delicious coffee that’s quick and easy. But that’s not your only option. Whether it is filter or drip coffee, or even an espresso machine, there is an option to suit any lifestyle, space or personal taste.
Think about your daily routine
Think about the time you have available in the mornings before selecting a coffee machine. If you tend to be in a hurry to get off to work then a quick, yet effective method might be best. While instant coffee is as quick as it gets filter machines aren’t much harder and many can make more than a single cup.
If you’ve got time in the morning, an easier pace may work for you. Dialing in the beans, measuring coffee and watching it brew might turn into a nice way to ease into the day. Don’t rush out and get fancy equipment at first – find a method that fits smoothly into your morning.
The classic cafetière for a full-bodied flavour
If you like a more straightforward brewing process, then a cafetière might be ideal. You just need to throw in some ground coffee and hot water in the jug and wait a few minutes, before plunging down the plunger. This does not use any paper filters or power.
This lets a bit more of the natural oils of the coffee make it into the cup. So the flavour tends to be richer than with coffee made using some paper-filtering techniques. You can also vary the strength by adding more or less coffee, or changing the brewing time.
Cleaning is quite simple, but you will need to clear the grounds when you have finished brewing. There are different sizes of a cafetière, ranging from the smaller ones designed for one person to larger ones for sharing. It is a good idea to think about size before buying, particularly if there is more than one coffee drinker in the family.
Filter coffee for busy households
Filter coffee is an easy solution for making multiple cups with minimal hassle. Simply insert ground coffee into the filter, pour in water, and turn on the machine. Most machines will keep the brew warm for a brief period of time, making them convenient for families or those that consume more than one cup of java in the morning.
If you discover the proper amount of coffee and water, then you can repeat it every day. Coffee grounds don’t get through the paper filters, which simplifies cleaning.
You can also pour your own by yourself with a manual pour-over brewer. That means you pour hot water on the beans, which gives you the advantage of choosing how quickly and how much water to put on the beans. It takes some getting used to, but it’s worthwhile if you like the details.
Espresso machines for café-style coffee
If you love a good cappuccino, flat white or strong shot of espresso, then a coffee machine might be a purchase you want to make. A coffee machine uses pressure to force hot water through expertly ground coffee to give you a shot of highly concentrated liquid with a stronger flavour.
There are a few varieties to consider. Manual espresso machines give you the most control but take some skill. Bean to cup machines are designed to do everything with the press of a button as they grind the beans and make the coffee. The pod machines tend to be quicker and simpler but you will have to buy their capsules.
Determine your budget before you decide which machine to purchase. Prices can range from quite inexpensive to pricey, and some are more complicated to maintain than others. Look at the counter space in your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen, you may want a more lightweight machine that takes up less space than the one in the big island.
Choose your brewing style to suit your taste.
Taste is as important as ease of use. For a robust and full-bodied taste try a cafetière. If you prefer a clean, lighter taste then filter coffee may be for you. If you like your coffee strong and intense then try an espresso, though you may find that milk-based drinks can mellow this a bit.
Your choice of coffee beans can influence the result, too. Certain beans contain hints of chocolate or nuts; others have more fruit or floral flavor. Roast level, grinds and freshness are also factors.
But you don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to appreciate the variety. Taste the same beans with a variety of methods to discover your favourite. Small adjustments to the quantity of coffee or the length of the brew can also yield a flavour that you like.
Consider your budget and the available space in your kitchen
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype when it comes to coffee gear. But just because it costs more doesn’t mean it will give you a better experience. A simple cafetiere or pour-over system can make great coffee without taking up too much space or costing too much.
It’s tempting to be all consumed by the look of coffee equipment. But – more expensive doesn’t always translate into more of a great experience for you. Even a simple cafetière or pour over set can brew delicious coffee without overwhelming your space, or your budget.
Keep in mind, the regular costs as well. Accessories, cleaning products, replacement parts and paper filters will cost you. Reusable equipment might cost you more in the beginning, but is cheaper on the long run.
If you’ve got enough room on your worktop, larger nozzles and accessories like steamers will usually come in handy. However, if you’re limited on space, opt for small nozzles that can fit in a cupboard when they’re not needed. Make sure to consider the size of the equipment prior to purchasing and how easy they will be to clean.
Make coffee time your own
It’s not one-size-fits-all when it comes to brewing, as it will all come down to how much time you’ve got, what kind of drinks you’ll be drinking and how much effort you want to make with it. A family who are often on the go might want a filter machine, but a connoisseur might prefer a cafetière or espresso machine.
Begin with the essentials. The most efficient (and cheapest) way to instantly upgrade your morning brew? Use freshly ground coffee beans, use clean equipment and drink the perfect amount of water. And that moment you spend alone preparing your coffee might be the best part of your day.
If you’re looking for options to make coffee at home, Maxi Coffee has cafetieres and coffee equipment to suit your kitchen and your life. Browse the various types and sizes of cafetières and decide on one that will make your life and your daily coffee enjoyment easier.
