7 Best Coffee Brewing Methods: How to Brew the Perfect Cup at Home

by Owala Team October 28, 2024

Barista pouring freshly brewed coffee into two cups, with steam rising from the rich brew.

If you’re on a quest for the perfect cup of coffee, understanding different coffee brewing methods and different ways to make coffee is the first step. Each technique brings its own unique flavor profile, body, and aroma—whether you love the hands-on ritual of a pour-over or prefer to let the machine do the heaving lifting (hello, espresso). This guide will help you discover the best way to brew coffee at home, including various methods and techniques for how to brew coffee to turn your daily caffeine fix into a full-on experience.

Whether you're looking for a full-bodied brew or something lighter and brighter, there’s a method that’s practically made for your taste buds. Get ready to dive into the world of coffee brewing, break down the pros and cons, and discover the perfect method for both you and your favorite beans.

Coffee Brewing Methods

Want to know the best way to make coffee? Well, that’s different depending on who you ask. That’s because it all comes down to your flavor preferences, convenience, and equipment. Each method pulls different flavors from the beans, so whether you want something bold, smooth, or packed with flavor notes, there’s a technique that’s got your name written all over it. From the pour-over or machine-driven methods like espresso, experimenting a little will enhance your overall coffee experience at home. Below, we’ll dive into a few popular coffee brewing methods.

Pour-over

The pour-over is a go-to for coffee geeks who like full control over brewing time and a little zen in their morning routine. Here’s the deal: You pop a filter into your dripper (Chemex, V60—you get it), add about 25 grams of medium-fine coffee grounds, and then slowly pour hot water in a spiral, starting at the center and moving outward. The coffee should bloom, releasing carbon dioxide and enhancing flavor. It’s basically the magic flavor coming to life. Keep pouring until you've hit a water-to-coffee ratio of about 1:16. End result? A cup that’s clean, crisp, and lets the bean’s natural flavors shine.

This method is made for showing off those complex flavor notes of single-origin beans, especially lighter roasts. If you’re into bright, clear flavor that lets the coffee’s personality shine through, pour-over might just be your brewing soulmate.

Person brewing coffee using the pour-over method, with water slowly dripping through the filter.

French Press

The French press is for those who like their coffee rich, robust, and straight to the point. It’s an immersion method, meaning the coffee grounds steep in hot water for a few minutes, extracting all that goodness. Here’s how you do it: Add coarsely ground coffee (about 56 grams) to the French press, pour in hot water (200°F) over the grounds, give it a stir, and let it steep for 4-5 minutes. After steeping, gently press the plunger down to separate the grounds from the liquid.

The French press method is a dark roast’s best friend, since it enhances the richness and mouthfeel of the coffee. If you prefer a strong, bold flavor, this is one of the best ways to brew coffee at home.

Person brewing coffee with a French press, pressing down the plunger to extract the coffee.

Espresso

Espresso is the superhero of the coffee world—strong, concentrated, and always ready to save the day. It’s brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure. To brew, start by grinding your coffee beans to a fine consistency, tamping the grounds evenly into the portafilter. An espresso machine, set to reach 9 bars of pressure, forces the water through the grounds in 25-30 seconds, resulting in a 1-2 oz shot topped with crema.

The result? A bold, intense shot that’s the base for popular drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Espresso is one of the best coffee brewing methods for those who prefer a strong, rich taste.

Barista brewing espresso with a machine, as coffee flows into a small cup.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is one of the most versatile and portable brewing methods. It combines elements of immersion and pressure. Start by adding 17 grams of coffee to the AeroPress chamber, then pour in hot water and stir. After steeping for about a minute, press the plunger down slowly to extract your coffee into a mug.

The result is a smooth, flavorful brew with low bitterness. This method is perfect if you’re looking for a quick, consistent way to brew coffee, whether at home or while traveling. It’s one of the best ways to make coffee at home if you're seeking a balanced flavor in a short amount of time.

An AeroPress, a portable device for brewing coffee is full of hot coffee, ready to be pressed.

Drip Coffee

Drip coffee is one of the most common coffee brewing methods. It’s a trusty option for brewing larger quantities of coffee with minimal effort and zero hassle. Just load up your electric machine with medium-ground coffee and water, and let it do the rest. The hot water slowly filters through the grounds into a carafe, producing a pot of coffee.

Drip coffee machines are reliable for daily use, easy, and perfect for when you need more than just a single cup. If you’re looking for convenience or you’re brewing for a crowd, drip coffee is your go-to.

Drip coffee brewing method: hot water dripping through ground coffee in a paper filter.

Siphon or Vacuum Coffee

The siphon method turns your morning routine into a bit of a science experiment. It involves placing water in the lower chamber, heating it until it rises into the upper chamber where the coffee grounds are. After brewing, the coffee is drawn back down into the lower chamber as the heat is removed. The result? A complex and delicate cup.

It’s one of the most visually impressive brewing methods and perfect for anyone who enjoys the process and aesthetic. The siphon brewing method is one of the best coffee brewing methods for those seeking an aromatic, nuanced flavor experience.

Siphon coffee brewing method: vacuum pressure brews coffee in glass chambers for rich flavor.

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew coffee is perfect for those who like their brew low on acidity and high on refreshment. It’s super simple to make: Just steep coarse coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours, strain it, and boom—you’ve got a batch of cold brew that’s ready to serve over ice or mix with water and milk. All you need is a jar or pitcher, coffee, and a little patience.

This method is a lifesaver on hot summer days or for anyone who prefers a less acidic, smoother flavor. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in large batches so you can sip on your cold brew for a few days.

Cold brew coffee method: coarse grounds steeped in cold water for a smooth, less acidic flavor.

Percolate Coffee

Percolated coffee is a traditional brewing method that uses a stovetop or electric percolator. It cycles boiling water through the coffee grounds multiple times until the desired strength is reached. Add cold water to the bottom chamber, pop your coarse grounds in the filter basket, and set the percolator over heat. Then watch the magic happen as the water repeatedly rises and falls through the grounds.

It can be a little tricky since it’s easy to over-extract and end up with an extra-strong brew, but if you like old-school, robust coffee, this method has a loyal fan base.

Coffee percolator on display next to a jar of coffee beans, highlighting brewing essentials.

Which Coffee Should I Use For Each Brew Method?

Different coffee brewing methods bring out various characteristics in coffee, so choosing the right coffee beans for your method is essential. Lighter roasts work like a dream with methods that highlight clarity and subtle flavors, like pour-over and AeroPress. These methods let fruity, floral notes shine—perfect for a light roast Ethiopian bean. Learn more about the differences between light, medium, and dark roasts in our guide on the types of coffee roasts.

Darker roasts, on the other hand, thrive with full-bodied brews like French press or espresso. A dark roast’s richness and bold flavors come through beautifully with these techniques, delivering a strong, satisfying cup. For example, a French press will bring out the depth and smoothness of a dark roast, while an espresso shot will pack in that bold, intense flavor.

Once you've chosen your coffee, consider how you want to enjoy it. There are various types of coffee drinks you can create with these brewing methods. Explore our guide on types of coffee drinks to discover delicious options that suit your taste.

Additional Tips to improve home brewing methods

For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing. Invest in a good burr grinder to achieve consistent grind sizes, and pay attention to water temperature, which should ideally be between 195-205°F for most brewing methods.

To further elevate your experience, using insulated coffee mugs ensures your brew stays at the perfect temperature, whether hot or cold, so you can enjoy it at your own pace while brewing coffee. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time to fine-tune the flavor of your coffee. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, small adjustments can make a big difference in your brew—and experimenting is half the fun.

Brew and Drink Your Coffee With Owala

At Owala, we’re passionate about enhancing your coffee experience, whether you’re experimenting with different brewing methods, seeking the best way to make coffee, or enjoying your favorite brew on the go. Our premium range of SmoothSip® Slider coffee mugs is designed to keep your coffee hot or cold for hours, so you enjoy every sip of your perfectly brewed cup. Whether you're trying different coffee brewing methods or perfecting the best way to brew coffee at home, Owala has you covered for your coffee adventures.