Coffee With Jody Victor

Looking for a new coffee brewing method or just wondering what your options are? Check out this list for great coffee.........

Coffee brewing methods are just as important as the type of beans you choose and the grind. Knowing your brewing method and equipment will help you make the best cup of coffee. From this list of most common brewing methods and equipment, you should be able to determine what you already have or what type of equipment you would like to purchase.

 

Filtered manual drip into an insulated container - Freshly boiled water is poured through the coffee into a filter cone set on an insulated container. Advantages: The water temperature can be controlled, allowing for the release of coffee’s desired flavor components, and the coffee stays hot in the container. Disadvantage: This method is less convenient than automatic drip coffeemaker. Note: You can purchase automatic drip coffeemakers that go into an insulated coffee carafe.

 

Filtered manual drip into glass carafe - Boiling water is manually poured through the coffee into a filter cone set over a glass carafe. Advantage: The water temperature can be controlled, allowing for the release of coffee’s desired flavor components. Disadvantages: It’s not as convenient as an automatic drip coffeemaker, and the coffee must be consumed immediately.

 

Filtered automatic drip – Water is automatically heated, poured through coffee in a filter, and the coffee drips into a carafe or insulated container. Advantages: It’s convenient – come models even offer automatic timers. Disadvantages: The water temperature cannot be controlled and usually does not reach high enough temperatures to release coffee’s best flavors. Coffee can develop a burnt taste if it sits on the warming plate. This is my preferred method using an insulated carafe to eliminate the burnt taste element.

 

French press – (also called plunger or coffee press) – Freshly boiled water is poured over coffee into a cylindrical carafe, then if infuses (like tea) for a few minutes. A plunger filter is pressed through the water, trapping grounds below. Advantages: Produces a richly textured coffee rife with natural oils. No paper filters are needed, and water temperature can be controlled. Disadvantages: Coffee must be consumed immediately. This method allows for some sediment in the brew; some people feel this adds character, and others find the taste bitter.

 

Electric percolator – As water boils, the water is forced up through a tube and sprinkled over the grounds. Advantage: It’s convenient. Disadvantages: The water temperature is not controlled, and coffee is recycled through the grounds, thereby creating “off” flavors.