Pour over (such as a V60, Kalita wave etc.) brewing is where coffee has the least time brewing which results in a light but clean and crisp drink. This is the perfect way to showcase a bright, complex but delicate single origin coffee. There are lots of pouring recipes knocking around, this method does take time, patience and some practice but the result can be exquisite and there’s a lovely element of mindfulness involved in the preparation. There are lots of very affordable pour over kits on the market but you will need accurate, digital scales and a timer to get the best results.
Cafetiere/French Press– a very affordable option and easy to brew with. Coffee made in a cafetiere will have more presence in the cup than a pour over as it brews in the water for four minutes or so, rather than water passing through the grinds. A great option if you like milk with your coffee and very easy to customise e.g. use more coffee and or brew for longer if you prefer a stronger taste.
Aeropress– this very handy brewing kit can be used at home but is also perfect for taking to the office, on trips and for brewing outdoors. Aeropress works in a similar way to a cafetiere except an air cushion forces the water through the coffee. Again, this brewing method is very customisable and can result in a coffee that is somewhere between cafetiere and stove-top espresso in presence.
Stove-top espresso/Moka Pot– if you prefer a more intense brew but aren’t looking to spend lots then a Moka Pot is a great option. Originally designed for gas stoves, there are induction and electric stove options available. Like Aeropress these devices are great for travel too and work brilliantly if you’re brewing outdoors. To get the best results use an espresso grind however Moka Pots are fairly flexible and you can experiment with a coarser grind.
Espresso– with a ratio of approximately 1 part coffee to 2 parts water espresso gives you the strongest brew. Buying an espresso machine is an investment. There are plenty on the market ranging from ‘bean to cup’ machines which might not allow for much tinkering around with settings etc. to mini versions of commercial machines where you can really hone your home barista skills. If you’re considering buying an espresso machine it’s important to remember that many don’t have the same steam pressure as commercial versions so it can be difficult to get a consistent micro-foam when steaming milk.