Arbor Day Coffee Club members: this post on our favorite coffee brewing methods is especially for you! If we had to guess, coffee is an integral part of your daily routine — whether you brew a pot first thing in the morning or in the afternoon for a midday pick me up.
There are many ways to brew coffee outside of the standard automatic coffee maker (which you’re probably a pro at by now). The Arbor Day Coffee team compiled three of our personal favorite coffee brewing methods, with step-by-step instructions for you to try. For each of these brew methods, our team recommends using whole-bean Arbor Day Coffee for optimal freshness, a water kettle, and a coffee grinder. If you don’t have a grinder, no worries! Your ground coffee will work just fine.
The Chemex
Kara is the Business Development Manager for the Arbor Day Coffee program and uses a Chemex every morning to start her day.
“Each morning, my day starts with coffee. I switched from a traditional coffee maker to a Chemex a couple years ago and haven’t looked back. This pour-over method really brings out the flavor characteristics of the coffee, making each cup an experience. It’s a morning ritual I truly look forward to.”
You’ll need:
- A Chemex that best meets your consumption needs. Kara uses the 8-cup model, but there are many different sizes to choose from.
- Special Chemex filters, however the Melitta #4 filters work well in a pinch.
Brewing instructions:
- Measure out your coffee for a 1:18 brew ratio. In an 8-cup Chemex, our recommendation would be to use 50 grams of coffee and 900 grams of water.
- Grind your coffee medium-course so it is the consistency of fine sea salt.
- Heat the water until it comes to a boil and then reduce the heat. You’ll want your water just off boil (200–205° F).
- Place the filter into the Chemex and pour some of the hot water through the filter to rinse out the paper fibers. (Don’t forget to dump out the water!)
- Pour your ground coffee into the filter.
- For precise brewing, place the Chemex onto a scale. Be sure to tare the scale before pouring the water through the grounds.
- Slowly pour the hot water over the grounds until gradually the scale reaches 900 grams. This will take roughly 4 minutes.
French Press
Ryan is the Operations Manager for the Arbor Day Coffee program and enjoys brewing his coffee in a French press at home and on camping trips!
“I love French press coffee for its simplicity and consistently great results. Because there’s no paper filter used, French press coffee delivers a complex, full-bodied, and slightly more viscous cup of coffee (often you’ll see a small amount of coffee sediment on the bottom of your cup, similar to loose-leaf tea). I find French press the perfect method to use when camping or traveling.”
You’ll need:
- A French press that best meets your consumption needs. Ryan uses the 34 oz., 8-cup Bodum Caffettiera French Press, however smaller and larger options are available as well.
Brewing Instructions:
- Measure out your coffee for a 1:15 brew ration. In a 34 oz. French Press, our recommendation would be to use 60 grams of coffee and 900 grams of water.
- Grind your coffee course. It should look like course sea salt.
- Heat the water until it comes to a boil and then reduce the heat. You’ll want your water just off boil (200–205° F).
- Pour your ground coffee into the French press and give it a little shake so the grounds settle at the bottom.
- Pour the hot water over the grounds, ensuring all the grounds are saturated. Pouring the water until it reaches the top will be approximate 900 grams, so using a scale isn’t necessary for this brew method.
- Put the plunger lid on and set your timer for 4 minutes.
After 4 minutes, slowly push the plunger all the way down. Then enjoy!
Moka Pot
Megan is the Project Manager for the Arbor Day Coffee program and enjoys a strong cup of coffee. The Moka Pot is a great brew method for a robust cup!
“The Moka Pot brews a really strong cup of coffee, which I love. If you enjoy espresso, you will love the Moka Pot. It’s also a fairly simple brew method that does not require a hot water kettle or a paper filter, because it sits right on your stove-top burner, similar to a percolator! I personally add a touch of cream to my coffee for a smooth and delicious cup.”
You’ll need:
- The Moka Pot, like most other brewing devices, comes in different sizes. Megan uses the 6-cup Bialetti Express Moka Pot.
Brewing Instructions:
- Unscrew the bottom half of the Moka Pot, remove the funnel shaped metal filter, and fill the lower chamber with cold water until the water is right below the valve.
- Grind your coffee fine. It should look powdery.
- Fill the funnel shaped metal filter with your finely ground coffee. It’s important not to tamp down the grounds. Place the metal filter back into the lower chamber.
- Attached the top back onto the base and place the Moka Pot onto the stove-top burner.
- Heat the water to a boil. The coffee will percolate through the center spout.
- Once the coffee is done coming through the spout, turn the heat off.
Pour your strong and robust coffee into your favorite mug, add a touch of cream if you prefer, and enjoy!
Which of these coffee brewing methods will you try next?
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