Brewing Methods
An overview of the main brewing methods and how to choose the right one.
Choosing a Brewing Method
Every brewing method is a tradeoff between control, convenience, and cup character. The two fundamental categories are:
- Percolation (filter) — Water passes through a bed of coffee. Clean, transparent, highlights acidity and delicate flavors.
- Immersion — Coffee steeps in water. Fuller body, more even extraction, more forgiving.
Brewing Method Comparison
| Method | Category | Clarity | Body | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V60 | Percolation | High | Light | Medium | 3–4 min |
| Chemex | Percolation | Very high | Light | Medium | 4–5 min |
| Kalita Wave | Percolation | High | Light-Med | Low | 3–4 min |
| French Press | Immersion | Low | Full | Low | 4 min |
| AeroPress | Immersion/Hybrid | Medium | Medium | Low | 2–3 min |
| Espresso | Pressure | N/A | Very full | High | 25–30 sec |
Key Variables in Any Brew
Regardless of method, four variables determine your cup:
- Dose — Amount of coffee (grams)
- Water — Amount (grams) and temperature (°C)
- Grind size — Fine extracts more, coarse extracts less
- Time — Total contact time between water and coffee
💡
Change one variable at a time when dialing in a new coffee. That way you know what caused any change in the cup.
Extraction
Extraction is the percentage of soluble material dissolved from your grounds into the cup. The SCA's ideal range is 18–22% extraction.
- Under-extracted (<18%) → sour, sharp, thin
- Ideal (18–22%) → balanced, sweet, complex
- Over-extracted (>22%) → bitter, harsh, dry
Navigate to the specific brewing guides to learn technique for each method.