🔬 Brewing Methods

Master Your Extraction

Each brewing method is a different path to the perfect cup. Choose your method and unlock the science behind extraction.

The Four Pillars of Extraction

Pressure Brewing

Using high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. Perfect for espresso, Moka pots, and Italian coffee makers.

Optimal Temperature

90-96°C

Pressure Range

8-9 Bar

Brew Time

25-30 seconds

Gravity Brewing

Letting gravity pull water through coffee grounds. The foundation of pour-over methods like V60 and Chemex.

Optimal Temperature

92-98°C

Flow Rate

2-4 minutes

Grind Size

Medium-Fine

Immersion Brewing

Full contact between coffee grounds and hot water. Ideal for French press, cold brew, and Aeropress methods.

Optimal Temperature

85-95°C

Steep Time

4-8 minutes

Grind Size

Coarse

Hybrid Methods

Combining multiple techniques for unique results. Experiment with hybrid approaches to discover your perfect brew.

Flexibility

Variable

Difficulty

Advanced

Best For

Experimentation

The Science of Extraction

Solubility

Water dissolves soluble compounds from coffee grounds. The extraction percentage determines flavor profile and strength.

Optimal Range

Target 18-22% extraction for balanced coffee. Below 18% tastes sour, above 22% tastes bitter and astringent.

Variables

Grind size, water temperature, contact time, and ratio all affect extraction. Master each variable for perfect results.

Water Temperature Impact

TEMPERATURE

80-85°C

Weak & Under-extracted

Too cold for efficient extraction. Results in sour, thin coffee with minimal flavor.

TEMPERATURE

90-96°C

Optimal for Espresso

Perfect for high-pressure extraction. Delivers balanced, full-bodied espresso shots.

TEMPERATURE

92-98°C

Best for Pour-over

Ideal for gravity-based methods. Extracts complex flavors while maintaining clarity.

TEMPERATURE

100°C

Hot & Over-extracted

Too aggressive. Extracts bitter compounds, resulting in harsh, unpleasant coffee.

Grind Size Mastery

Extra Coarse

Large particles for extended steeping and full immersion

French Press, Cold Brew

Coarse

Medium particles for controlled gravity extraction

Chemex, AeroPress

Medium

Balanced particles for standard brewing methods

Drip Coffee, Pour-over

Fine

Small particles for high surface area and pressure extraction

Espresso, Turkish Coffee

Extra Fine

Powdery consistency for maximum extraction and strength

Turkish Coffee, Moka Pot

Brew Time Fundamentals

Contact Time

The longer water stays in contact with grounds, the more extraction occurs. Each method has an optimal range.

  • • Espresso: 25-30 seconds
  • • Pour-over: 2-4 minutes
  • • French Press: 4-8 minutes
  • • Cold Brew: 12-24 hours

Timing Precision

Accurate timing is critical for consistent results. Even 5-second variations can significantly impact extraction.

  • ✓ Use digital timers for precision
  • ✓ Start timing when water touches grounds
  • ✓ Stop when extraction is complete
  • ✓ Log results for consistency

Flavor Profile Optimization

Under-Extracted

Sour & Weak

CAUSE

Short contact time, coarse grind, low temp

SOLUTION

Increase brew time, fine grind, raise temperature

Perfectly Extracted

Balanced & Complex

CAUSE

18-22% extraction rate achieved

SOLUTION

Maintain current parameters for consistency

Over-Extracted

Bitter & Harsh

CAUSE

Long contact time, fine grind, high temp

SOLUTION

Reduce brew time, coarsen grind, lower temperature

Brewing Ratios

Brewing MethodRatioCoffee AmountWater AmountNotes
Espresso1:218g36gDouble shot standard
Pour-over1:1625g400gMost popular ratio
French Press1:1530g450gFull immersion
AeroPress1:15-1715g225gVariable intensity
Cold Brew1:4-550g200gConcentrated form

Troubleshooting Guide

Channeling

CAUSE

Water finds low-resistance path through grounds

SOLUTION

Distribute grounds evenly, tamp with consistent pressure, use quality equipment

Inconsistent Results

CAUSE

Variables not controlled properly between brews

SOLUTION

Use scales, timers, thermometers. Log every variable for tracking.

Slow Flow Rate

CAUSE

Over-tamping or too-fine grind

SOLUTION

Reduce tamping pressure, coarsen grind, ensure proper water temperature

Weak Coffee

CAUSE

Under-extraction due to short contact time

SOLUTION

Increase brew time, fine grind slightly, verify water temperature