There are a number of ways to make a full-bodied coffee with a firm crema and excellent flavour. But which one suits you best? Do you prefer strong, stimulating coffee or a milder version? Do you want to make and enjoy it quickly or would you rather savour the entire coffee making process? The choice of coffee beans is huge, which makes you even more spoilt for choice. Which bean for which coffee making method?

There are a number of different methods for brewing coffee. In addition to classic espresso machines or automatic coffee machines, many other manual methods are available to make the perfect cup of coffee. Try them out yourself and see which one best suits you and your taste.

Espresso dripping out of an espresso machine into a Villeroy & Boch cup

Process/Instructions

  • Fill the bottom chamber of the moka pot with water
  • Fill the filter chamber of the moka pot with ground coffee
  • Let it boil
  • Serve

Tips for making coffee with a moka pot

A moka pot consists of three chambers. You need a stove top to make coffee using this method. It doesn’t matter whether you use a gas, electric or induction stove. But if you have an induction stove, make sure you choose a moka pot that is made from conducting material. Fill the bottom chamber of the moka pot with water.

The ground coffee goes into the filter chamber. Make sure to use freshly ground coffee with a medium coarse grind. Think about getting a coffee grinder as you will be able to better control the grind size. Pressure pushes the coffee into the top chamber where it is collected. You can remove the top chamber and serve the freshly brewed coffee straight away.

The name “moka pot”, or “espresso maker”, is slightly misleading as it is not just limited to espresso – it can also make classic coffee. For the perfect coffee experience, we recommend drinking the coffee from appropriate coffee cups.

Process/Instructions

  • Boil water
  • Remove the lid of the French press and add ground coffee
  • Pour the hot water and steep for 4 minutes
  • Place the lid back and push the plunger down to the bottom
  • Serve

Tips for making coffee with the French press

This coffee making method takes you back to its roots. Cafetières come in a range of sizes and designs with different capacities – for up to 6 people. Some models cannot be used as a pot, so you will need an additional pot or cup. It differs to a French press as the coffee is also filtered and no coffee grounds remain in the brew.

Person putting ground coffee in a filter cone

How to make coffee with a filter cone

Making coffee with a filter cone is the easiest and most original method for brewing coffee. All you need is a classic coffee pot, filter paper and a filter cone, which is available in a range of materials. It is not without reason that this version has its fans as well as advantages and disadvantages. It is available in many different qualities. Make sure that the paper filters the coffee very finely. 

Connoisseurs swear by organic paper filters, claiming they produce better coffee. This brewing method is very easy. Simply boil water in a kettle. Make sure that the water has boiled before you brew the coffee. Place the filter cone onto the pot. 

How to make coffee with an espresso machine

Espresso machines are the easiest but also most expensive way to make coffee. There are many brands to choose from. Espresso machines are also referred to as automatic coffee machines. They not only make espresso, but also classic coffee or a range of coffee specialities. An espresso machine brews coffee by the cupful. Therefore, it is not really the best choice if you want to make coffee for a lot of guests at the same time. You simply fill the espresso machine with water and coffee beans. Depending on the model, you can brew either one or two cappuccino cups at the same time.

Many models will also let you use ground coffee. But it is not to be recommended as connoisseurs will be able to taste the difference. Moreover, using ground coffee is not even necessary as most machines have a built-in coffee grinder. The beans required for making the coffee are ground immediately before being brewed. Only the amount of beans needed for the selected coffee speciality will be freshly ground.

Espresso machines can make fantastic coffee with a firm crema thanks to their higher bars of pressure. This mainly applies to machines of very high quality. You can choose from a wide range of espresso machines in different price ranges. Tests show that it is definitely worth spending a little more on a really good espresso machine. The quality of the coffee increases with the value of the coffee machine. But inexpensive models also have an impressive amount of functions. However, connoisseurs will notice the difference between a simple and a high-quality coffee making method. 

As espresso machines are very robust, durable and reliable, it is only worth buying a premium machine for yourself if you are a coffee enthusiast and don’t just want to enjoy high-quality Italian coffee in a restaurant. Modern machines are easy to use and self-explanatory, so you should be able to operate your machine without any problems, even as a new barista.

What is the healthiest way to brew coffee?

Coffee is a luxury item. The prerequisite for a delicious coffee is the coffee bean. Every coffee making method deals with coffee beans differently. The quality, wholesomeness and amount of pollutants in coffee depends on its cultivation conditions, transportation and processing methods. These indicators significantly influence the taste of good coffee. Coffee should be enjoyed in moderation. The roasting process does not make coffee palatable for everyone as brewed coffee contains acid-forming substances. But people with a sensitive stomach can still enjoy coffee if they consider the following tips:

  • Organic coffee is usually more palatable
  • Cold brew coffee is healthier and less acidic
  • The coffee should contain a low level of acrylamide
  • Coffee should be drunk black
  • Coffee is more palatable when it has been long roasted or is your own roast

Studies have shown that coffee made using a filter cone contains the lowest amount of unhealthy elements, which makes this coffee brewing method the healthiest. Using long-roasted or own-roast coffee and drinking it black makes the drip coffee even better. To make sure that your coffee is not only delicious but also good for you, go to a small roast house and ask about their coffee beans. Small roast houses prefer organically grown, fair trade coffee and high-quality beans.

A more mindful coffee experience also includes the use of sustainable coffee travel mugs. Our reusable and plastic-free coffee mugs ensure that you can always have your favourite drink with you.

Some connoisseurs swear by manual coffee making methods. Others regularly use a French press and many enthusiasts opt for a modern espresso machine. Try out different techniques and devices to find the best and right coffee brewing method for you.

Take your time and enjoy the experiment – because drinking coffee is a pleasure.

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