There was a time not so long ago when coffee came in a can and was purchased at the grocery store alongside peanut butter and crackers. There were no lattes, no pour-over. There was just coffee — plain old, one-flavour coffee. These days, with the accessibility of beans from single-source origns and a spectrum of roasts, a lot of that has changed. But the need is the same — and oh do we need a warm cup of clarity in the morning.
Brewing coffee is a complex science and when done right it can provide different flavours and aromas. Depending on the bean and roast, the method chosen can make or break the coffee.
To help you get acquainted with the home brewing basics, we asked Rogue Wave Coffee’s David Laville to outline pros and cons of some of the most common home brewing methods.
The Drip Machine
Pro
“Simple, easy and consistent. Weigh out the correct amount of coffee, do a proper grind, push a button and you have coffee!”
Con
“You are detached from the brewing process and have little control of the brewing process. However, some of the newer, more expensive coffee makers on the market mitigate this by giving you more control.”
What to Consider
“You will want to ensure the purchase of a drip coffee maker that gets the water to a high enough temperature to properly extract all that wonderful flavour in your beans. You will want to weigh the proper amount of coffee for the number of cups you are brewing. To get the most out of the setup, you will also want to invest in a good grinder and ensure you are using filtered water.”
Easy French Press
Pro
“Can easily make a full-bodied cup of coffee with lots of sweetness.”
Con
“Lose clarity of flavour that other brewing methods bring to the table, and there is some cleanup.”