Explore different coffee brewing methods and discover which technique best suits your taste preferences and lifestyle.

8 min read

September 10, 2024

Which Brewing Method Is Right for You?

There's no single "best" way to brew coffee—only the best way for you, your taste preferences, and your morning routine. Each method extracts different flavors and creates different experiences. Here's how to choose.

French Press (Immersion Brewing)

Brew Time: 4-5 minutes
Grind Size: Coarse (like breadcrumbs)
Best For: Full-bodied, rich coffee

How It Works:
Coffee steeps directly in hot water, then you press a metal filter down to separate grounds from brewed coffee.

Pros:

Creates full-bodied, rich coffee with oils intact
Simple and foolproof
Makes multiple cups at once
No paper filters needed
Affordable equipment

Cons:

Some sediment in final cup
Not ideal for bright, delicate coffees
Requires more cleanup than other methods

Perfect On'Ze Pairing:
The Memory shines in French press. The full immersion brings out chocolate notes and creates a velvety mouthfeel perfect for slow mornings.

Quick Guide:

Add coarse coffee (1:15 ratio - 30g coffee to 450g water)
Pour 200°F water over grounds
Stir gently, place lid (don't press yet)
Steep for 4 minutes
Press slowly and pour immediately

Pour-Over (Percolation Brewing)

Brew Time: 3-4 minutes
Grind Size: Medium-fine (sea salt texture)
Best For: Clean, complex, nuanced coffee

How It Works:
You manually pour hot water over coffee in a filter. Water passes through grounds and filter into your cup.

Pros:

Highlights bright, complex flavors
Full control over the brewing process
Clean cup with no sediment
Beautiful ritual and mindful brewing
Easy cleanup

Cons:

Requires practice for consistency
Needs specific equipment (dripper, filters, kettle)
Brews one cup at a time (mostly)
More time and attention required

Perfect On'Ze Pairing:
The Explorer is made for pour-over. This method showcases Costa Rica's bright citrus notes and clean finish beautifully.

Drip Coffee Maker (Automatic)

Brew Time: 5-7 minutes (automatic)
Grind Size: Medium
Best For: Convenience and consistency

How It Works:
Machine heats water and automatically drips it over coffee grounds in a filter.

Pros:

Extremely convenient
Makes multiple cups at once
Consistent results
Programmable options available
Minimal effort

Cons:

Less control over variables
Often doesn't reach ideal brewing temperature
Can't adjust for specific origins
Lower-quality machines make lower-quality coffee

Perfect On'Ze Pairing:
The Guide is ideal for drip machines. Its balanced profile shines even in automatic brewers, making it your reliable daily companion.

Tips for Better Drip Coffee: