How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Food Guide

Elevate your home coffee game with these expert tips and brewing techniques for five popular methods: Aeropress, Chemex, French Press, Pour-Over, and Auto-Drip.

Tools for the Perfect Brew

Fresh Beans:
- Look for whole beans with a roasting date (preferably roasted within a few days).
- Grind beans just before brewing.

Burr Grinder:
- Ensures uniform grind size for balanced flavor extraction.
- Choose the grind size based on your brew method.

Water Temperature:
- Ideal brewing temperature: 195°–205°F.
- Use filtered water to avoid off-flavors.

Scale:
- Measure precise amounts of coffee and water for the best brew ratio.

Timer:
- Control brew time to prevent over- or under-extraction.

Brewing Methods and Steps

1. Aeropress

Flavor: Fairly complex, good body and aroma.
Steps:
Grind coffee beans to fine.
Wet the piston and insert it into the brewing cylinder; place on a scale.
Add 17g coffee, zero the scale, then add 250g hot filtered water (205°F).
Steep for 1 min 15 sec.
Insert moistened paper filter, flip onto a cup, and press steadily.

2. Chemex

Flavor: Aromatic, balanced, with sweet, juicy undertones.
Steps:
Grind coffee beans to medium-fine.
Place and moisten paper filter; discard excess water.
Add 32g coffee and zero the scale.
Pour 60-70g hot water in circular motion; wait 45 sec.
Continue pouring until the total is 500g.
Brew time: 3:30–4:15 minutes. Adjust grind if necessary.

3. French Press

Flavor: Full-bodied and bold, retaining coffee’s natural oils.
Steps:
Grind coffee beans to coarse.
Add 35g coffee to carafe; zero the scale.
Add 250g hot water (205°F) and stir.
Add water to reach 500g total.
Steep for 4 minutes, stirring at 2 minutes.
Slowly press plunger and pour.

4. Pour-Over

Flavor: Smooth, full, sweet flavors.
Steps:
Grind coffee beans to medium-fine.
Place moistened paper filter in brewing vessel; discard excess water.
Add 32g coffee and zero the scale.
Pour 64g hot water (205°F) in circular motion; let sit 40 sec.
Slowly pour water until total is 500g.
Brew time: 3:30–4:15 minutes. Adjust grind if needed.

5. Auto-Drip

Flavor: Convenient but less complex and slightly acidic.
Steps:
Grind coffee beans to medium-fine.
Moisten paper filter (if used) and discard rinse water.
Add 6 Tbsp ground coffee for 24 oz. water (4 cups).
Brew with cold, filtered water.

Pro Tips for the Best Cup

Adjust grind size to control brew time and flavor balance.
Keep equipment clean to avoid off-flavors.
Experiment with water-to-coffee ratios and steeping times to find your perfect cup.

Enjoy your barista-quality coffee right at home!