Recently, hand brewing coffee at home has gained immense popularity with the rise of the third wave coffee movement. This term refers to a new era of coffee culture where the focus is on quality, sourcing, and the enjoyment of specialty coffee. The third wave coffee movement has led to a renewed interest in traditional brewing methods, resulting in a greater appreciation of the art of coffee brewing and making home brewing an experience that people take great pride in and enjoy.
If you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of hand brewing at home, this all might seem a bit daunting. Don’t fret - we’re here to help! Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular hand brewing devices going:
Chemex®
This pour-over style coffee maker was first patented in 1941 by German-American inventor Peter Schlumbohm. This iconic brewer is made of glass and has a unique hourglass shape, complete with a wood collar and leather tie. It's known for its ability to produce a clean and flavorful cup of coffee, with a pronounced clarity that sets it apart from other brewing methods.
What sets the Chemex® apart from other brewing methods is its ability to brew multiple cups of coffee at once, making it ideal for sharing with friends or family. With a Chemex®, you can control the strength and flavour of your coffee by adjusting the coffee to water ratio, grind size, and pour speed.
Overall, the Chemex® is a versatile and reliable coffee brewing method that is well-suited for coffee lovers who are looking for a clean and flavorful cup of coffee. Whether you're brewing for one or for a crowd, the Chemex® is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at home.
Grind size: Medium-coarse, roughly the consistency of sand.
Requires: Chemex® Filter papers - there’s a variety of sizes to match different models, make a note which brewer model you have when ordering filter papers.
Good for: clean, flavourful brews to share with friends and family.
Grab the gear here.
French Press
Timeless and simple to prepare, the French Press is a classic and popular hand brewing device that has been around for over a century. It's known for its simple yet effective design and ability to produce a rich, full-bodied cup of coffee for a group of people.
One of the biggest benefits of the French Press is its simplicity. All you need is coarsely ground coffee, hot water, and a French Press. The brewing process is straightforward and requires little technical skill, making it a great choice for coffee drinkers of all levels. It’s also known for producing a bold and flavourful brew - the steeping process allows the coffee to extract more of its natural oils and flavours, resulting in a full-bodied cup.
Its affordability and versatility are perhaps its most renowned qualities. French Presses are relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option for coffee drinkers on a budget. They're also durable and long-lasting, so you won't have to replace them often. They’re also a great choice for entertaining guests, as they can make multiple cups of coffee at once. Simply brew a large batch of coffee and pour into serving mugs or a carafe.
Grind size: Medium-coarse, roughly the consistency of sea salt.
Good for: Simplicity and getting started with home brewing. Bold, flavourful brews for groups of people.
Aeropress
Invented in 2005 by Aerobie President, Alan Adler, the Aeropress has gained a renowned status within the specialty coffee world. It is known for its ability to produce a clean and smooth coffee with less bitterness and acidity than traditional drip coffee makers. Due to its unique brewing process, the Aeropress has become a favourite among baristas and is used in barista competitions throughout the world.
The Aeropress is a versatile brewing device that can be used to brew a variety of coffee types and styles, including espresso-style shots, iced coffee, and even tea. Its straightforward process requires minimal effort and results in a perfect cup of coffee in just a few minutes. The device is also easy to clean and can be used anywhere, making it an excellent option for coffee lovers on-the-go.
Its compact size and affordability make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into hand brewing. Compared to other devices, the Aeropress offers more control over the brewing process and the ability to experiment with different recipes and techniques.
Grind size: Medium-fine, consistency of table salt.
Requires: AeroPress Filter Papers.
Good for: Incredibly versatile. Compact, great for travelling and on-the-go brewing.
Grab the gear here.
V60
The V60 is a pour-over coffee brewing device developed by the Japanese company Hario in 2004. Its cone shape and spiral ridges guide water through coffee grounds, resulting in a clean and flavorful cup. This is due to the filter paper used in the device, which removes coffee sediment and oils. The V60's popularity grew in response to the rising interest in manual coffee brewing methods in Japan. It's also affordable, versatile, and easy to use, offering coffee enthusiasts control over the brewing process and the ability to brew a variety of coffee types and styles.
The V60 was developed in response to the growing interest in manual coffee brewing methods in Japan. It quickly gained popularity and has since become a go-to for coffee enthusiasts around the world. Its name comes from its 60-degree angle and the letter "V" shape of the cone.
One of the biggest perks of brewing with a V60 is the control it gives you over the brewing process. By pouring the water yourself, you can control the water flow, saturation, and temperature, resulting in a cup of coffee that is tailored to your preferences.
Being relatively inexpensive and easy to learn, the V60 has become a favourite among coffee enthusiasts due to its ability to produce a delicate and nuanced cup of coffee.
Grind size: Medium, slightly finer than rock salt.
Requires: V60 filter papers - there’s a variety of sizes to match different models, make a note which brewer model you have when ordering filter papers.
Good for: clean, delicate brews. Inexpensive and easy to learn.
Grab the gear here.
Stovetop Moka Pot
The stovetop Moka pot, also known as a "macchinetta" in Italian, is a coffee maker that was invented in Italy in the 1930s. The Moka pot consists of a bottom chamber for water, a middle chamber for coffee grounds, and a top chamber for the brewed coffee. When heated on a stovetop, the water in the bottom chamber boils and is forced through the coffee grounds, producing a rich and full-bodied cup of coffee.
One of the benefits of the stovetop Moka pot is its simplicity. It doesn't require electricity or any complicated machinery, just a stovetop and some water and coffee. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to make espresso-like coffee at home without having to invest in a high-end machine.
Another perk of the stovetop Moka pot is its versatility. You can use it to make a variety of coffee drinks, from an espresso-style brew to a longer, American-style coffee. Just adjust the amount of water and coffee you use to suit your taste preferences.
It's simple and versatile design makes it a favourite of coffee lovers around the world, and its affordability and ease of use make it a great choice for anyone who wants to brew rich and intense coffee at home.
Grind size: Medium-fine, roughly the consistency of table salt.
Good for: Simplicity, rich and full-bodied brews.
Regardless of your preference, hand brewing at home provides you with an opportunity to slow down and savour the experience of brewing your own cup of coffee. With so many different options available, the world of hand brewing is waiting for you to explore. Which method will you choose to start your home brewing journey?
