If you’re anything like me, then you’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting methods of brewing coffee.
And to be honest, when I first started exploring coffee brewing as a hobby, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. From pour-overs, percolators, and presses to espresso, Nespresso, Moka pots, and more, I realized that the world of coffee brewing was so much bigger than my little drip machine.
With so many coffee brewing methods out there, how do you find the right one?
Sure, a little trial and error never hurts, but do you really want to spend the money buying all these different brewing systems, just to realize they don’t work for you? Not to mention the space they take up!
That’s why I’ve gathered all the information you need about every coffee brewing method out there. Use this handy guide to decide which coffee brewing method you can stick with before making any costly mistakes.
Since not every coffee brewing method is the same (or even remotely similar), I’ve divvied them up into separate categories: the boiling, steeping, dripping, and pressure methods, with a few that don’t neatly fit into one category. That way, you’ll easily be able to find the method that works for you, your lifestyle and your coffee preferences!
Let’s now take a look at all the methods of brewing coffee…
Table of Contents
The Boiling Methods:
Here are the 2 boiling methods that you can use to brew your coffee…
Cowboy Coffee
There’s a long and proud tradition of campfire coffee in America, but it’s not the most common brewing method anymore. If you’ve never had cowboy coffee before, just think of it as French press coffee, but without the filter.
It’s ideal for campsites since it’s easy to make and requires no electricity at all. Simply add water to a coffee pot, bring it to a boil, then take it off the heat and add your coffee.
Allow it to steep for about 4 minutes, stirring once or twice. Finally, add cold water to sink the coffee grounds to the bottom of the pot, and serve!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – bold, full-bodied, and not as acidic as other methods
- Brew Time – 4 minutes
- Grind Size – coarse, roughly the size of coarsely ground salt
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 2 tablespoons for every 8 ounces of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – as many as your coffee pot can fit
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – campers, travelers, and those who want to make coffee when there’s no coffee maker or electricity available
PROS
- Make It Anywhere
- There’s Very Little Equipment Involved.
- Brew As Much Or As Little As You Want
- Brewing Process Is Straightforward.
CONS
- Requires An Open Flame
- Bitter If Over Brewed
Turkish Coffee
This method is likely one you haven’t tried before, but I seriously recommend you give it a shot! Turkish coffee is made by boiling the coffee grounds and water together in an Ibrik or Cezve, which is a small metal pot (usually copper or brass).
After the coffee has steeped together long enough, it’s poured out into the cup, grounds and all, and sweetened with sugar! It’s bittersweet, rich, and an indulgent start to your morning.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – strong and bittersweet, nearly like an espresso
- Brew Time – 7 to 10 minutes
- Grind Size – very fine
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 30 grams of coffee to 12 ounces of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – depending on the size of the Cezve, about 4 cups, 2-2.5 fl. oz. each
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Coffee lovers who enjoy the ritual process of brewing coffee, and those who want to try something new
PROS
- Strong So Easy Caffeine Boost
- Easy To Brew
CONS
- Usually Needs Sweetening With Sugar
- Specific Equipment Needed To Brew
- Not Much Coffee Produced
Check out this graphic that shares the main factors to think about when deciding on the building brew methods discussed above…
The Steeping Methods:
Let’s now take a deeper look at the steeping methods of brewing coffee…
French Press
There’s a reason this is such a popular brewing method – it’s incredibly easy! First, add your grounds to the french press.
Pour boiling water over the grounds just until they’re saturated and let them bloom (bubble up) for a moment.
Then add the rest of the water and gently place the lid over the carafe, but don’t press down! Wait about 4 minutes before slowly pressing down the filter over the coffee, and then it’s ready to serve, just how you like it!
PROS
- Widely Available & Inexpensive
- Lots Of Size Options
- No electricity Needed
CONS
- Filter Won't Remove Cafestol
- Made Od Glass So Potential To Break
Cold-Brew
Cold brew coffee has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder! It’s not as acidic as normal coffee, it’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for those summer iced lattes!
Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water over a long period of time (sometimes up to a full day).
To make cold brew, simply combine coarsely ground coffee with water in a large container like a carafe or pitcher, stir it a bit, and then leave it to sit overnight (or preferably a little longer). Filter it out in the morning and you’re good to go!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – smooth, non-acidic, and intense
- Brew Time – between 14 and 18 hours
- Grind Size – Extra coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee for every 4 parts water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – Cold brew is made in batches, so you can make as much as you like!
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Those who want to make large quantities of coffee at a time, and people who love iced coffee
They’re quick and convenient, and there’s no need for any equipment. You don’t grind your own beans, so there’s no need to worry about having a grinder or taking the time to grind beans fresh.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – Coffee bags are usually made with dark roast, so the flavor is deep and slightly bitter.
- Brew Time – about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee
- Grind Size – Medium
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – usually a 8 to 12 ounce cup of water per bag
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – each bag contains enough coffee for one mug’s worth, around 8 to 12 ounces.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – People who don’t have the time, space, or desire to grind their own beans or store brewing equipment. They’re also great for the office.
PROS
- Can Be Made In Batches
- Strong & Intense
- Simple To Brew
CONS
- Lots Of Coffee Required Per Batch
- Long Brewing Process
Coffee Bags
While not hugely popular in America, Coffee bags are a major staple in the UK coffee market. Coffee bags function just like tea bags — they’re small bags filled with coffee grounds that you place directly into your cup of hot water, and steep until it’s as strong as you like it.
They’re quick and convenient, and there’s no need for any equipment. You don’t grind your own beans, so there’s no need to worry about having a grinder or taking the time to grind beans fresh.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – Coffee bags are usually made with dark roast, so the flavor is deep and slightly bitter.
- Brew Time – about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your coffee
- Grind Size – Medium
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – usually a 8 to 12 ounce cup of water per bag
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – each bag contains enough coffee for one mug’s worth, around 8 to 12 ounces.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – People who don’t have the time, space, or desire to grind their own beans or store brewing equipment. They’re also great for the office.
PROS
- Incredibly Convenient
- Can Be Sealed To Hold Freshness
- Can Customize Strength
CONS
- Freshly Ground Has Better Taste
- Single Use Foil Coffe Bags
Siphon Brewers
Automatic coffee makers are great and all, but what about those days when you want to take your time and enjoy the process? That’s where Siphon brewers come in.
Siphon brewers are made up of two vessels, with water in the lower vessel and coffee grounds in the top vessel.
As the water is heated and evaporates up into the upper vessel, it steeps the grounds and comes back down as coffee into the lower vessel. It’s like a science experiment with delicious results!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – bold, flavorful, and nearly the same as French press coffee
- Brew Time – 5 to 7 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee to 15 parts water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – There’s a wide variety of available sizes, so output depends on the capacity you choose.
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Those who enjoy the process of brewing coffee and want to have more control over their final results. Coffee hobbyists will also enjoy this machine.
PROS
- Great Fun To Use
- Complete Control Over Variables
CONS
- Not Beginner Friendly
- Made Of Glass/Care Needed
- More Expensive Than Some Options
Instant Coffee
Now, I love a cup of freshly ground coffee as much as the next person, but you have to admit, sometimes convenience and price wins out over tradition.
And actually, instant coffee is more widely used than ground coffee in countries all over the world, and there are countless recipes that use instant coffee with fantastic results.
Instant coffee is made when pre-brewed coffee is freeze-dried and then crushed into an ultra-fine powder. To make it, simply rehydrate the powder with hot water. Easy, right?
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – Usually tastes bitter, and sometimes very acidic.
- Brew Time – 1 minute
- Grind Size – Instant coffee comes pre-ground as a super-fine powder.
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – about 1 to 2 full teaspoons of powder for every 8 ounces of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – The brew size is up to you — you can make it one cup at a time or in a larger batch.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – People who want a quick, convenient, and easy cup of coffee, or want to take their coffee anywhere.
PROS
- Can Be Easily Customized
- Just Need Hot Water & A Cup
- Super Affordable & Widely Available
CONS
- Lacks The Quality Of Other Methods
Here’s a visual that covers the main factors of each of the steeping methods we have covered above…
The Dripping Methods:
Now let’s take a closer look at the dripping methods that you can take advantage of to brew a great cup of joe!
Electric/Stove Top Percolators
First invented in 1889, percolators are an old-school coffee maker that has a loyal following, even among the more hard-core coffee nerds out there.
Percolators work by harnessing the power of the bubbles created by boiling water. The hollow tube inside the percolator acts as a sort of funnel to concentrate the bubbles together, which forces the water upwards through the tube to steep in the coffee.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – strong and bold
- Brew Time – 7 to 10 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium-coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 tablespoon of coffee for 1 cup (8 ounces of water)
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – Generally 4 to 12 cups, depending on the size of the percolator
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Those looking for a reliable stovetop brewing method
PROS
- Keeps Hot For Long Period
- Portable Brewing Option
- Easy To Clean & Low Maintenance
CONS
- Can Be Easily Over-Extracted
- Takes Practice For Consistent Brews
Auto-Drip Machines
When it comes to coffee machines, drip coffee makers are about as simple as you can get. Most people start out on a drip maker, and I speak from experience.
Using a drip machine couldn’t be easier; simply pour the water into the reservoir, add the coffee and filter to the basket, press the brew button, and wait.
There’s little to no guesswork when it comes to drip machines, which makes them a great choice for those who don’t want to spend too much time or effort to get their morning cup.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – smooth and strong with a simple flavor profile.
- Brew Time – around 5 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 8 ounce cup of water.
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – Drip machines usually have reservoir capacities at anywhere from 25 to 96 ounces.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Those who want a quick and convenient cup of coffee on hectic mornings, and people who don’t want to put too much work into their morning brew.
PROS
- Fast, Easy To Use & Convenient
- Affordable & widely Available
CONS
- Lacks The Taste Of Other Methods
- Little control Over Final Result
- Generally Don't Stay Hot For Long
Pour-Overs
This method is a personal favorite of mine — it’s easy, simple, and produces beautiful results each time. The way a pour-over coffee maker works is actually pretty simple.
You just pour the hot water directly over the coffee grounds, and gravity does the work for you. The coffee grounds will “bloom” as CO2 is released, and then the water gets fed down through the grounds and falls out the bottom, directly into your mug or carafe. It couldn’t be simpler!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – Strong and vibrant
- Brew Time – About 4 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium-fine, like table salt
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee to 16 parts water, or 1 tablespoon for 8 ounces of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – as much as you want at one time
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – those who want a hands-on coffee brewing approach, but don’t want to spend too much time or effort. Also, someone who wants a single-serve brewing option.
PROS
- Durable & Can Last Years
- Make As Much Coffee As You Like
CONS
- Need To Buy Filter Papers
- Can Take A While To Brew
Chemex
The Chemex coffee brewer was invented in 1941, and it took the coffee-drinking community by storm. A Chemex coffee maker works almost identically to other pour-over coffee makers; the difference is in the filter.
Chemex filters are thick and pull more of the natural oils out of the coffee as it’s being brewed, which leaves your cup of coffee without a hint of bitterness!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – Clean and smooth
- Brew Time – About 4 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium-coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee to 16 parts water, or 1 tablespoon for 8 ounces of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – You can produce around 3-4 cups of coffee per brew
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Those who love pour-over coffee, or who want a manual coffee maker that produces delicious coffee consistently
PROS
- Bright & Clean Flavor No Bitterness
- Widely Available & Affordable
- Beautiful & Classic Hourglass Design
CONS
- Need To Buy Filters
- Not Travel Friendly
Clever Dripper
The Clever Dripper functions very similarly to a pour-over brewer, but there are a few key differences.
Instead of the water flowing straight through the grounds and into the mug like a pour-over, the Clever Dripper has a spring-loaded base that stops the water from going anywhere until it’s placed on a mug. This gives the grounds a bit more time to sit in the water, for better extraction.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – well-rounded and bold
- Brew Time – 3.5 to 4 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium-coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – about 20 grams of coffee for 300 grams of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – about 2 cups of coffee.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – people who love the taste of pour-over coffee
PROS
- Easy To Use & Clean
- Beginner Friendly
CONS
- Plastic Body Can Crack Over Time
- Can Produce Bitter Taste
Check out this graphic that shows the main factors to consider when thinking about choosing which drip brewing method is right for you…
The Pressure Methods:
It’s time to cast our attention to the word of pressure brewing and see just that these methods can produce some great-tasting coffee.
Espresso Machines
For major coffee enthusiasts, there’s no better way to enjoy the hobby than with their very own espresso machine.
If you spend more time in a coffee shop than you do at home, it may be time to learn a few barista tricks yourself. Espresso machines work by forcing pressurized water through a mound of tamped-down coffee grounds.
The result is a strong, thick, concentrated version of coffee. The pressure is the crucial bit — a good shot of espresso should have at least 9 bars of pressure.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – very strong, slightly bitter, and sometimes acidic.
- Brew Time – about 20 to 30 seconds
- Grind Size – Fine
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 6 to 8 grams
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – each pull produces 1 shot of espresso
- Skill Level Required – Advanced
- Who Is This Brew Method For – coffee enthusiasts and those who love to have more control over their coffee brewing method
PROS
- High Quality Home Brewing
- Become A Hobby Barista
- Cheaper Than Trip To Coffee Shop
CONS
- Quality Machines Can Be Expensive
- Not Beginner Friendly
Moka Pot
If you’re like me, you want to enjoy espresso drinks like lattes and macchiatos without the hassle or expense of a full-size espresso machine.
Moka pots create a thick and strong coffee that’s very close to espresso and serves as a good substitute if you’re in a bind. But unlike an espresso machine, Moka pots can be used on a stovetop or over a campfire, making it a fantastic travel-friendly brewing method.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – strong and bitter, almost like espresso
- Brew Time – 3 to 4 minutes
- Grind Size – Fine
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee to 12 parts water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – up to 12 servings when brewed to capacity
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – those who want something close to espresso, without splurging on an expensive machine. Also, people who love to travel and camp.
PROS
- Durable & Good For Outdoors
- Small & Portable
- Can Make Large Quantities Of Coffee
CONS
- Easy To Over-Extract
- Can Be Prone To Leaks
- Hands On Method
AeroPress
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a devoted outdoorsman, or simply don’t have space in your kitchen for a large coffee machine, then the Aeropress is worth checking out!
An Aeropress essentially acts as a large syringe, using pressure to force the hot water through the coffee grounds and filter into your cup. The pressure creates a strong and bold cup of coffee.
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – strong, bold, and slightly bitter, almost like espresso
- Brew Time – about 2.5 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium-fine
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee to 16 parts water, or 1 tablespoon of coffee to 1 cup of water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – 1 or 2 cups of coffee
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – Coffee lovers who want a portable brewing system for travel or storage
PROS
- Portable & Good For Camping
- Easy To Use
- Easy To Clean
CONS
- Only Light-Medium Roasts Work Well
- Only Produces 1-2 Brews
Single-Serve Pod Machines
Single-serve coffee makers like Keurig and Nespresso are easy to use and super convenient. Just insert the coffee pod, add water to the water reservoir, select the brew size (if your coffee maker has that option), and press the brew button.
You’ll have a piping hot cup of coffee in just a matter of minutes, and there’s no need to learn how to operate a complicated espresso machine or grind your own beans!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – there’s a wide variety of flavors, depending on the pod.
- Brew Time – about 2 minutes
- Grind Size – N/A
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – One pod per cup
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – Each brew makes a single-serve cup, usually about 8 to 12 ounces.
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – people who want a quick and convenient brewing option for busy mornings, or those who don’t like to put too much work into getting a decent cup of coffee or espresso.
PROS
- Super Quick & Convenient
- Easy To Use
- Huge Veriety Of Flavors
CONS
- Machines Can Be Expensive
- Generally Not Environmentally Friendly
- Little Control Over Brewing Process
Here are the main things to consider about pressure brewing methods in a handy graphic…
Other Brewing Methods:
Here are some alternative brewing methods that you may be interested in…
Vietnamese Phin
Looking for a coffee brewing method that’s a bit different? Why not check out the Vietnamese Phin filter? In some ways, it’s similar to a pour-over coffee maker, but it’s different enough to deserve its own section.
The filter sits directly on top of your coffee mug, the coffee grounds are added to the main brewing chamber, and then water is added to the grounds.
Then, the water is allowed to slowly drip down into the cup through a perforated filter at the bottom. It requires patience, but the end result is so worth it!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – strong, bold, and full-bodied
- Brew Time – about 5-10 minutes
- Grind Size – Medium coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – about 2 tablespoons of coffee for a single serving
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – 1 cup of coffee
- Skill Level Required – Beginner
- Who Is This Brew Method For – someone who wants a small and portable single-serving coffee brewer
PROS
- Simple & Straightforward
- Strong & Bold Flavor
- Widely Available & Affordable
CONS
- Usually Served With Sweetened Milk
- Slow Method Of Brewing
Nitrous Coffee
I know I wasn’t the only one who went wild over Starbucks’ Nitro Cold Brew when it first appeared! Nitrous coffee, or “Nitro”, as it’s more commonly known, is a kind of cold brew coffee that’s been infused with nitrogen gas.
The result is a delicious cold brew with a creamy foam on top, almost like a beer from the tap. If you can get your hands on a nitro coffee dispenser, this is a brew method worth trying!
What You Need to Know:
- Flavor – smooth, non-acidic, and intense
- Brew Time – between 14 and 18 hours
- Grind Size – Extra coarse
- Quantity of Coffee Needed – 1 part coffee for every 4 parts water
- How Many Cups Produced Per Brew – As much as you want, since it’s made in batches
- Skill Level Required – Intermediate
- Who Is This Brew Method For – People who love iced coffee and cold brew, and those who want to try something a bit new and challenging
PROS
- Incredibly Smooth & Silky
CONS
- Equipment Can Be Difficult To Obtain
Here’s a graphic a shows the main factors when considering if these alternative brewing methods are right for you…
FAQ’s
What Does Brewing Coffee Mean?
Technically speaking, brewing coffee is the process of running hot water through coffee grounds to pull out the soluble compounds and material that are left, which produces coffee as we know it.
What Method Of Brewing Coffee Takes The Longest?
In terms of sheer time, cold brew is by far the slowest coffee brewing method, mainly because the coffee doesn’t brew as fast when submerged in cold water rather than hot.
