
Sometimes just few more details can make the real difference. With this in mind at SoloEspresso we have prepared this crash course on Coffee Brewing Methods.
Here we will take you through the basics of the most common coffee brewing methods in very simple and actionable steps.
Have you ever wondered what if that first cup of coffee you drink in the morning can taste even better? Or wish to experiment new types of coffees without having to be a Pro Barista?
So let’s get into it and help you improve your coffee experience with new brews. We hope in our list below you’ll quickly recognize which one will satisfy your palate.
Coffee Brewing Methods
There’s no perfect, right method. All these coffee brewing methods are—and will stay—part of coffee culture because each person likes something different. Each of these brews brings out something different from coffee grounds.
Let's move on with this coffee crash course and find out which one is your favorite.
Espresso

This is the drink you try when you need a caffeine boost and you love your coffee extra strong.
A shot of espresso is only a small amount of coffee—only 1 fl oz/30ml--, full of flavor, that you enjoy without adding milk or even sugar.
The ideal espresso temperature Celsius is 90.5-96 degrees (195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit).
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Drip / Filter Coffee

In a coffee crash course the drip brew cannot miss. It is one of the oldest, classic ways of coffee brewing. You’re probably used to it since many households have been using it for years.
You can place any type or flavor coffee in one of the machines, so you can always make exactly what your taste buds desire. You can also cater for a large group of people at one time.
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
French Press

This is the brew you pick if you love strong coffee. Because the water and grounds can stay in contact for a long time—depending on the brewing time you pick—all possible flavor is extracted.
See also in what the French Press is different from Drip Coffee and Pour Over. If you are a coffee Connoisseurs, you surely don't want to miss how to brew coffee with a Chemex Coffee Maker.
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Single Serve Brewing

This is your quick answer in the morning and you can pick any flavor you want. A single serve brew comes from water run through a coffee pod, into your cup.
Each pod caters for one person, so you don’t have to settle for what someone else just had. Pick your favorite.
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Stovetop Brewing

Another classic to be added to this coffee crash course. For most Italians this was the coffee - point.
Here’s how you make your favorite brew for a large group of people. On the stove top you’ll add water and coffee grounds together. After boiling and stepping you can then filter it when pouring it into your cups.
A Moka pot uses a similar process but will filter the coffee on your behalf.
In both cases, what you’ll be left with is flavorful coffee and because it’s easy to make it’s accessible to all coffee lovers.
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Aeropress

Here’s how you get an espresso-like coffee without having to purchase a costly machine.
With an Aeropress you can have an espresso at any time, since the device can easily travel wherever you go. By using water at the right temperature and steeping it correctly all the flavors you love will come out.
Main Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Coffee Makers
One thing you expect from a coffee course is to understand more about Coffee Makers.
Why so many on the market? Much of it has to do with modern society’s search for faster methods and more variety.
While classic brewing methods stay popular, during the late 20th century coffee aficionados prompted manufacturers to find more effective brewing machines. And that’s why you can now take your pick from this list below.
Espresso Machine

The espresso machine pushes nearly boiling water through coffee grounds.
If you’re a true coffee lover an espresso machine should be on your shopping list. Though it’s a more expensive device, the strong flavors of the coffee you get is worth it.
All the espresso making process takes is:
The strength of your espresso will be determined by how fine your grounds are and how quickly the machine pushes water through them.
You can alter these aspects to create the perfect espresso.
Espresso is also often served with water on the side.
Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Drip Coffee Maker

Water is heated up and then runs through the grounds & a filter. The hot water brings out the flavor of the coffee while the grounds stay behind as they can’t move through the filter.
With this brewing method you get exceptional flavor when the machine can heat up water to very high temperatures. You can usually customize the strength and taste according to your preferences.
If you want to go in more details, we have an in depth guide on drip coffee makers with some of them reviewed.
Characteristics
French Press

Here’s a brewing process you can do in your home and customize your coffee to your specific taste. All you need is a French press, filters, grounds and boiling water.
You place the grounds and water in the press & let it brew for a few minutes. You then press the grounds to the bottom of the container and you can pour your brew.
Here’s a handy tip: Don’t leave the coffee in the press but rather drink it immediately or pour it into another container. If you leave it inside your brew is still in contact with the moist grounds which will affect your brew. As coffee becomes stronger it contains more and more acid, which gives you that bitter taste most of us hate.
When it comes to coffee, timing is everything.
Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Single Serve Coffee Maker

If you want that perfect cup of coffee in the morning, this is an ideal machine to place in your kitchen.
Purchase a programmable one so you can set it to have your brew ready when you get up in the morning.
You use a pod for each cup of coffee and there are many available on the market, so find your favorite flavors.
Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Stovetop Brewing / Moka Pot

Here’s what some call the ‘stove top espresso’. This Moka Pot comes all the way from Italy where Alfonso Bialetti patented it in 1933.
Why did this unique design reach the far corners of the earth? Because it was much used in the Italian armed forces during the Second World War.
With Italian soldiers stationed across Europe or moving elsewhere after the war, this coffee maker gained global popularity.
Today you’ll find many types of Moka pots so you can pick one that fits your requirements in terms of size and even décor style.
It’s what you can use to cater for large groups of people. You simply have to get a Moka pot large enough to hold coffee for everyone.
During the brewing process water in the bottom chamber is heated up to boiling point. The steam creates pressure in the chamber that pushes the boiling water through a funnel into an upper chamber. On its way to the top the water passes through a filter with coffee, creating your brew. We have an entire post on how to brew an espresso with the moka if you are interesting in this specific brew
Characteristics
PROS
CONS
Aeropress Coffee Maker

This coffee making idea is barely a decade old and already a favorite method of many coffee aficionados.
One of the huge benefits is how quickly you can enjoy a strong cup of coffee because it takes under a minute to steep.
Best of all is you can enjoy strong, flavorful coffee without purchasing expensive, electrical appliances.
The Aeropress was invented in 2005 and made of polycarbonate.
But don’t worry. Because of concerns regarding BPA in plastic ware, the company—Aerobie—later switched to using copolyester, making sure only BPA-free materials are used.
Two plastic tubes fit into each other. You place water and grounds inside, let it steep and then place it over your cup.
It’s like using a syringe. You press down on the one plastic tube, forcing the brew into the cup.
Characteristics
Conclusion
We hope you’ve recognized that coffee making can be much more than you’ve experienced thus far.
Your next cup can match your palate’s particular preferences if you make a few adjustments to your coffee making habits.
And now you’ve seen that it doesn’t have to cost you much—or take up much of your time—to customize your brew. Which method will you try out first?