If you're a coffee lover like us, we know the drill – waking up and immediately reaching for that first cup of coffee is how we start our day. With so many of us working from home now, we've lost the ability to swing by the local café or chat with coworkers over a brew.

But, let's be honest, it's time we take control of our own coffee destiny! So, how do we brew the perfect cup of coffee at home? The truth is, it depends on how you like your coffee. The method you choose will bring out different flavors, and there's no single answer.

Let's walk through the best brewing methods for you to try at home. Here are five popular methods:

Cafetiere – The Quick and Easy Brew

If you're looking for an effortless way to make coffee for yourself or your family, the cafetiere is your best friend. It doesn't require paper filters and is super easy to use. Just grind your coffee beans, add hot water, and press the plunger down after a few minutes. You'll have a flavorful cup without the fuss.

Chemex – The Smooth Extraction

Chemex is all about bringing out those delicate flavors in your coffee. It's elegant, and while it takes a bit more time than a cafetiere, it's worth it for that smooth cup of coffee. The special filter paper helps with clarity, so your brew is light and clean, making it a great choice when you want to showcase more nuanced flavors.

V60 – Flavor Extraction in a Cone

This method produces coffee very similar to Chemex, but it's typically quicker. The V60 uses paper filters that absorb a lot of coffee's oils, which results in a cup with distinctive flavors. It's perfect for brewing one or two cups at a time, so it's ideal for solo coffee drinkers or smaller gatherings.

Aeropress – Intense and Rich

If you prefer your coffee strong and bold, Aeropress is your go-to. It's a fantastic method for making a rich, concentrated coffee that's not too harsh. Perfect for those mornings when you need an intense coffee kick but don't want to spend too much time making it.

Moka Pan – Espresso at Home

The moka pan brews coffee in a similar way to an espresso machine, creating that thick, rich coffee you can either enjoy as is or dilute with hot water for a lighter brew. If you love espresso or just want a stronger coffee without the price tag of a coffee shop, this is the way to go.

Part 1: Equipment – The Essentials

Before we dive into the methods, let's talk about the equipment you might need to make the best coffee at home. While having the right tools is not a must, it certainly makes a difference when it comes to the final result.

Grinder

If you're going to invest in any coffee equipment, a good grinder is the most worthwhile. Freshly ground coffee always tastes better, so having a grinder at home will give you the perfect grind for your brewing method. We recommend the Baratza Encore grinder for a consistent grind, but if you're on a budget, manual grinders like the Hario Skerton work just fine.

Scale

Consistency is key when making coffee, and a scale helps you measure the right amount of coffee each time. Coffee beans have different densities, so weighing your grounds ensures you're using the right amount of coffee and water. Acaia Pearls is an excellent choice if you want something high-end, but the Rhino Digital Scale or Hario V60 Scale are also great alternatives.

Pour-Over Kettle

While any kettle can do the job, a pour-over kettle gives you more control for even extraction. It's especially useful for methods like V60 and Chemex. Hario offers affordable options, and if you want to invest a little more, Stagg Pour-Over Kettle with a built-in thermometer is a great choice.

Filters

Depending on the brewing method, you'll need different filters. Make sure to get the correct ones for your method—V60, Chemex, or Aeropress all use different kinds. A quick look at the manufacturer's recommendation will guide you.

Coffee Beans

Of course, coffee is the most important element! It's time to explore different roasts and origins to find your perfect coffee. Do you like chocolatey, nutty flavors with a smooth body from Brazilian beans? Or do you prefer bright, fruity notes with a hint of acidity from Ethiopian beans? Your coffee journey starts here.

Part 2: Brewing Methods – How to Brew Like a Pro

Now that we have the right tools, let's get into the actual brewing. The rule of thumb is to use 60 grams of coffee for every liter of water, but feel free to tweak this based on how strong you want your brew. Let's break it down with a recipe of 18 grams of coffee to 300ml of water. If you're brewing more than one cup, simply scale it up. For a stronger brew, try adding an extra 5 grams of coffee. Remember, the best water temperature for brewing is between 88°C to 92°C.

Method 1: Cafetiere

The cafetiere, or French press, is one of the easiest methods. Here's how to do it:

1. Boil your water and let it cool for a minute.

2. Add 18 grams of coarsely ground coffee to the cafetiere.

3. Pour in 300ml of slightly cooled water.

4. Stir well, then cover and let the coffee steep for 3-4 minutes.

5. Push down the plunger slowly, and voilà – a delicious cup of coffee!

Method 2 & 3: Chemex & V60

Both of these methods are similar but have some key differences. The main difference is the grind: V60 needs a finer grind than Chemex due to the thickness of its filters. Here's the process:

1. Boil the water and let it cool.

2. Place the filter in your Chemex or V60 and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.

3. Add 18 grams of ground coffee for V60 (or 30 grams for Chemex).

4. Add double the weight of the coffee in water (36 grams for V60, 60 grams for Chemex) and let it bloom for 30 seconds.

5. Slowly pour in the remaining water, in a circular motion, until you reach the desired amount.

6. Let the coffee drip through, and enjoy!

Method 4: Aeropress

Aeropress is known for producing a strong and rich cup. Here's how you can do it:

1. Boil the water and let it cool slightly.

2. Wet the Aeropress filter and place it on the plunger.

3. Add 18 grams of ground coffee to the Aeropress.

4. Pour in double the weight of coffee in water (36 grams), and let it bloom for 30 seconds.

5. Add the remaining water to fill the Aeropress, then stir it well.

6. Seal with the lid, flip it over, and press it slowly into your cup.

Method 5: Moka Pan

The moka pan brews a strong, espresso-like coffee. Here's how to use it:

1. Fill the bottom chamber of the moka pan with water up to the safety valve.

2. Add ground coffee to the filter basket, leveling it off.

3. Assemble the moka pan and place it on the stove.

4. Once the water boils, lower the heat to maintain a steady brewing process.

5. When the coffee starts bubbling up into the top chamber, it's done – pour it immediately and enjoy!

No matter which method you try, brewing coffee at home can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with different methods, find your perfect brew, and enjoy every sip! Happy brewing, Lykkers!

Best ways to make great coffee at home | Everyday Food | ABC Australia

Video by ABC Australia