Best 3 Ways To Brew Coffee Like A Pro
Today, there are more ways than ever before to make a cup (or several cups) of coffee from the comfort of your own home.
But you wouldn’t want to settle for just any cup of coffee. You have high standards. You want to brew coffee that’s worthy of the name. You want to really experience your coffee in the cleanest, purest, and most flavorful way.
That begs the question: What exactly is the cleanest, purest, and most flavorful way to brew coffee?
First, you’ll want to start with some excellent beans from a high-quality roaster. Ideally, they’ll have a flavor profile that’s pleasing to your palate. But where do you go from there? What exactly are the best brew methods?
We strongly recommend that you try a pour-over coffee maker. These are widely used in respectable coffee shops and by cupping experts because of their exceptional quality.
And while there are many pour-over options, you can’t go wrong with these three:
Need another factoid about the Kalita Wave to perk you up? How about this? There’s no assembly required. Simply give it a good clean and your Kalita Wave will be good to go right after purchase.
Your coffee will be ready after only about two and a half minutes from first pour to final drip.
At 160.5 degrees Fahrenheit, your coffee will be far from lukewarm when brewing with the Kalita Wave.
Do you like delicious coffee with a full-bodied taste? You’ll be in heaven with the Kalita Wave.
Does the Kalita Wave seem too good to be true? We get that. But it really is this wonderful a way to brew your morning joe.
However, there is one drawback to the Kalita Wave, a problem it shares with our other two choices: it’s made to use with the company’s own pricey Kalita Wave filters.
Another challenge? The Kalita Wave can brew up to 26 ounces of coffee. So if your coffee consumption rivals that of Mr. Pink from Reservoir Dogs (Editor’s Note: This link is NSFW) or if you like to share coffee with friends and family, this might not be the best option for you.
The Hario V-60 is another excellent choice. If your top priority is to take a hands-on approach with your brew, this might be the best option for you. Here are some of the key points about the Hario V-60:
There is one caveat: You will have to use specialty filters, which do cost more than the ones you’ll find in your local market.
The Chemex is our dark horse. It is a versatile option that can make a lot of coffee at a time. Here’s what you need to know about the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker:
Another aspect of the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker that can be cumbersome is cleaning. The Chemex’s carafe must be hand-washed since it is not dishwasher safe.
And while your first cup will be plenty hot, you’ll find that your brew is noticeably cooler by the time you move onto your seventh or eighth.
It’s also fairly expensive compared to the Kalita Wave or Hario V-60. Instead of running you about $24 like those options, you’re looking at around a $47 investment.
Like the Kalita Wave and Hario V-60, you’ll also need proprietary filters. In this case, careful attention needs to be paid to ensure that they are folded properly. But there is a bright side: These filters are extremely thick, which means they do a great job of straining out nasty particulates from your brew.
But you wouldn’t want to settle for just any cup of coffee. You have high standards. You want to brew coffee that’s worthy of the name. You want to really experience your coffee in the cleanest, purest, and most flavorful way.
That begs the question: What exactly is the cleanest, purest, and most flavorful way to brew coffee?
First, you’ll want to start with some excellent beans from a high-quality roaster. Ideally, they’ll have a flavor profile that’s pleasing to your palate. But where do you go from there? What exactly are the best brew methods?
We strongly recommend that you try a pour-over coffee maker. These are widely used in respectable coffee shops and by cupping experts because of their exceptional quality.
And while there are many pour-over options, you can’t go wrong with these three:
Kalita Wave 185 Dripper
This method is the easiest to use and best overall.
The Kalita Wave is our top choice for a reason. Actually, for several reasons. These include:It’s Affordable
Retailing at only $24, the Kalita Wave won’t break the bank.It’s Easy To Use
You don’t need to be a cupping expert to use this product. Even if your grinds or pour aren’t perfect, the Kalita Wave will still brew rich-tasting coffee.Need another factoid about the Kalita Wave to perk you up? How about this? There’s no assembly required. Simply give it a good clean and your Kalita Wave will be good to go right after purchase.
It’s Quick
Your coffee will be ready after only about two and a half minutes from first pour to final drip.
It Brews Hot
At 160.5 degrees Fahrenheit, your coffee will be far from lukewarm when brewing with the Kalita Wave. It’s Consistent
The Kalita Wave’s flat bottom with three holes ensures that your grounds will be evenly saturated for a consistent and flavorful taste each time you brew.
It’s High Quality
Do you like delicious coffee with a full-bodied taste? You’ll be in heaven with the Kalita Wave.
The Downsides
Does the Kalita Wave seem too good to be true? We get that. But it really is this wonderful a way to brew your morning joe. However, there is one drawback to the Kalita Wave, a problem it shares with our other two choices: it’s made to use with the company’s own pricey Kalita Wave filters.
Another challenge? The Kalita Wave can brew up to 26 ounces of coffee. So if your coffee consumption rivals that of Mr. Pink from Reservoir Dogs (Editor’s Note: This link is NSFW) or if you like to share coffee with friends and family, this might not be the best option for you.
Hario V-60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
This method offers the most control over your brew.The Hario V-60 is another excellent choice. If your top priority is to take a hands-on approach with your brew, this might be the best option for you. Here are some of the key points about the Hario V-60:
It Has An Impressive History
A majority of winners at the World Brewers Cup have used the Hario V-60 when in competition.It Gives You Lots Of Control
The Hario V-60 offers more control over variables like water flow, water temperature, and brew time than most of its competitors. If you like to be in the driver’s seat, this may be the product for you.It’s Inexpensive
The Hario V-60 retails at only around $24; that’s less than the price of ordering a daily cup of coffee for a week from your favorite cafe.There is one caveat: You will have to use specialty filters, which do cost more than the ones you’ll find in your local market.
It Has A Learning Curve
If you’re coming into the coffee brewing game as a complete novice, the Hario V-60 may not be your best introduction to the world of home-brewed gourmet coffee. Some degree of familiarity with brewing techniques, such as precision in your aim and the rate of your pour are highly recommended.It May Not Be Hot Enough For You
While the Hario V-60 does provide an even temperature throughout the brewing process because of its ceramic body, it brews at a lower temperature than the Chemex or Kalita Wave. We didn’t find it a problem, but you may see things a different way if you like your coffee scalding.It Provides Quality, But Not Quantity
Your coffee will taste amazing. However, the Hario V-60 can only brew a maximum of ten ounces at a time. Mr. Pink would certainly not approve.Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
This classic method offers quantity and quality.The Chemex is our dark horse. It is a versatile option that can make a lot of coffee at a time. Here’s what you need to know about the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker:
It’s An All-In-One Model
Were you thinking that you might need to buy a separate carafe? Not with the Chemex. It comes with carafe, dripper, and pitcher all included.It’s Arty and Scientific
This characteristic holds a special appeal to all of us here at Goldleaf: Chemist Peter Schlumbohm was inspired by both the Erlenmeyer flask and Bauhaus artistic principles when inventing the Chemex.It Can Brew A Ton of Coffee
The Chemex can brew around 40 ounces of coffee at a time. This makes it a great option for those who need a serious jolt of java or who like to share coffee with their loved ones.And The Coffee Tastes Great
Do you like your coffee light and balanced? Then the Chemex is sure to please!But There Are Some Things To Be Aware Of
We recommend that you either be patient or have some experience in skillfully brewing coffee if you choose a Chemex. Your pour technique will need to be on point for best results. And you may also need to experiment until you get it right regarding water to grounds.Another aspect of the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker that can be cumbersome is cleaning. The Chemex’s carafe must be hand-washed since it is not dishwasher safe.
And while your first cup will be plenty hot, you’ll find that your brew is noticeably cooler by the time you move onto your seventh or eighth.
It’s also fairly expensive compared to the Kalita Wave or Hario V-60. Instead of running you about $24 like those options, you’re looking at around a $47 investment.
Like the Kalita Wave and Hario V-60, you’ll also need proprietary filters. In this case, careful attention needs to be paid to ensure that they are folded properly. But there is a bright side: These filters are extremely thick, which means they do a great job of straining out nasty particulates from your brew.
Summary
Simply put, you’ll be enjoying delicious coffee whether you decide on the Kalita Wave 185 Dripper, the Hario V-60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper, or the Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker.
Do you want to improve your coffee IQ? You can become well-versed in scent and flavor descriptors by clicking here.