"As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?"
- Cassandra Clare -
You would be hard-pressed to find a home without a drip coffee maker. They are everywhere and with good reason. These are very simple to use, and the coffee comes out terrific. However, did you know that if you only use a drip coffee machine, you are only scratching the surface of the brewing game?
There are (at least) 12 different coffee brewing methods. And each approach creates a slightly different spin on the finished product. So, let's look at the various methods and see what's what.
You probably know this, but the drip brewing method is the king.
Drip brewing (or filtered brewing) is a simple, popular way to make coffee. Hot water drips over coffee grounds in a filter, passing through and collecting in a carafe or pot below.
People love drip brewing because it's easy and convenient. Modern drip coffee makers do all the work for you—heating the water, timing the brew, and waking you up to fresh coffee.
Espresso is the whiskey of the coffee world. It's all about the shot and what a potent one it is.
Espresso brewing creates a rich, intense coffee using high-pressure extraction. This method pushes hot, pressurized water through the finely ground coffee, producing a thicker, bolder result compared to traditional brews.
One standout feature of espresso is the 'crema'—a golden, frothy layer on top of the shot. This foam comes from the pressure emulsifying the coffee's oils and is a sign of a well-made espresso.
The French press is a great way to make bold, full-bodied coffee. It works by steeping coarse grounds in hot water and using a mesh plunger to separate them from the liquid.
You only need a French press (a glass or stainless steel beaker with a plunger), coarsely ground coffee, and hot water. A good starting ratio is two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water.
To brew, place the grounds in the press, add hot water, and steep the coffee for about four minutes. Push the plunger down to remove the grounds.
The pour-over coffee brewing method is a hands-on brewing technique that allows coffee lovers to control every variable in the brewing process.
You simply place a filter over a cup, pot, carafe, or whatever coffee catcher you choose. Add the grounds and spread them level inside the filter. Pour hot water over the grounds and allow water to drip through completely. What remains is a flavorful cup of coffee that will rock your taste buds.
Using quality beans and filtered (bottled) water will give you the best results in the pour-over method. The ratio of coffee to water, the grind size, and the pouring technique also play a significant role in the final brew quality.
Cold brew coffee? Is that even possible? Yes indeed.
Cold brewing flips traditional coffee brewing on its head. Instead of hot water, coffee grounds steep in cold water for 12 to 24 hours, creating a smoother, less acidic brew.
This slow process gently extracts rich flavors while leaving behind the bitterness hot water can bring. You only need coffee, cold water, and patience to make cold brew.
The AeroPress blends the best of French press and espresso techniques. Using a simple chamber and plunger, it brews a smooth, rich cup in just 1–2 minutes, much faster than most traditional methods.
What makes the AeroPress stand out? Versatility. You can craft everything from espresso-like shots to classic drip-style coffee. The quick brewing time minimizes bitterness, and the micro-filter ensures a clean, grit-free cup—no sludge as you get with a French press.
Its small size makes it an ideal travel or camping companion, while its simplicity invites experimentation. Adjust brewing time, water temperature, or coffee-to-water ratios to create your perfect cup.
The Chemex brewing method is a simple yet refined way to make coffee, blending the ease of drip brewing with the rich flavor of a French press. It starts with the iconic hourglass-shaped Chemex coffee maker and unique filters.
To brew, place a Chemex filter on top, add your coffee grounds (about 1 tablespoon per 5 ounces of water is a good starting point), and pour hot water just off the boil (around 200°F) over the grounds. Pour slowly to saturate evenly, allowing the water to drip through the grounds into the base.
More than just a coffee maker, the Chemex is an experience—offering a ritual as satisfying as the coffee itself. Plus, it looks great in any kitchen.
Moka pot coffee brewing is a simple, old-school way to make espresso-style coffee. Invented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933, this stovetop espresso maker is a favorite in Europe and Latin America for its bold, rich, and aromatic results.
To brew, you fill the bottom chamber with water, add grounds to the metal filter, and screw the upper chamber on top. Place it on the stovetop, and as the water heats, it creates pressure that pushes the water through the coffee and up into the top chamber.
The Moka pot is perfect for anyone who loves full-bodied coffee but wants to avoid paying for an expensive espresso machine. It's affordable, easy to use, and brings out rich, delicious flavors with a touch of brewing artistry.
The percolator coffee brewing method is a classic way to brew coffee, loved by fans of bold flavors. It repeatedly cycles hot water through coffee grounds until you hit the perfect strength.
The key player here is the percolator pot. Water is pushed up a tube using heat, and gravity brings the brew back down through the grounds, extracting that signature robust flavor. It's a go-to method for anyone craving a strong cup of joe.
Percolatos come in two types: stovetop and electric. Stovetop models are old-school and great for camping or home stoves, while electric ones take the guesswork out by keeping the brewing temperature spot on.
Siphon coffee brewing, or vacuum brewing, is a captivating way to make coffee that blends science with art.
Invented in 19th-century Berlin, siphon brewing has recently made a comeback. The process starts with grounds in the upper chamber and water in the lower chamber. As the water heats, it rises to the upper chamber and mixes with the coffee grounds. Once the heat is removed, the coffee flows into the lower chamber.
The Kalita Wave blends pour-over and immersion techniques. Its flat-bottom design ensures even extraction. The three-hole brewer controls water flow for a longer steep, bringing out your coffee's natural flavors.
Grind your coffee to medium-coarse; prepare a Kalita Wave filter. Start with the "bloom" - a splash of hot water to saturate the grounds and kickstart the flavors-start to slowly pour in the rest of the water in circular motions for even saturation.
Depending on your grind size and coffee amount, the process should take 3–4 minutes.
The Clever Dripper is a standout coffee brewing method that blends immersion and pour-over techniques. It's all about steeping coffee grounds in hot water for rich, robust flavors.
The secret sauce is the "steep and release" mechanism. You let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes. Then set the dripper on your mug or carafe to release the brewed coffee through the clever little valve.
Why do people love it? It's simple, consistent, and totally customizable. You control the brewing time, water temperature, and coffee-to-water ratio for a perfect cup every time. Plus, it's made of BPA-free plastic, uses easy-to-find #4 paper filters, and cleanup is a breeze.