HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CUP OF COFFEE AT HOME

 

For many of us, enjoying a cup of coffee that’s to our liking and taste is an essential part of the day. But, let’s be honest, running to the corner coffee shop every time we crave coffee or a specialty coffee drink isn’t always convenient. Not to worry, brewing a rich, delicious and satisfying cup of coffee, or a type of espresso drink, is something that anyone can do with a bit of knowledge and practice and the right equipment.

The art of home brewing coffee is in the details so keep reading to learn about the right beans, the right grind, the right water temperature and the right equipment. Our guide will help you understand the various brewing methods—drip, pour over, French press and cold brew—so you can master the art of creating a barista-quality cup of coffee that you and your guests can savour in your very own kitchen coffee bar.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT COFFEE BEANS

To brew the best coffee right in your home, you need to start with high-quality coffee beans.

There are three key factors to consider before brewing:

  • Whole beans vs. store ground

  • The most common types of beans

  • The importance of organic coffee beans

Man holding a canister of coffee beans, prepared to brew.

  1. ALWAYS GO WITH FRESH BEANS

    2. If you want the freshest beans, the best advice is to usually grind them at home. The bean’s outer covering is a protective layer, sealing in the oils and aromas that help coffee deliver its beloved flavour. Once that protective layer is broken, the coffee can begins losing its aromas. If you buy pre-ground coffee, we recommend choosing a brand that packages it in a vacuum-sealed bag. Once the bag is opened, you should store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

    In addition to delivering fresh coffee, grinding your beans lets you control caffeination and taste.

    Shop KitchenAid® coffee grinders to find one that suits your needs.

  2. ROBUSTA VS. ARABICA

    3. If you want the freshest beans, the best advice is to usually grind them at home. Determining the best-tasting coffee depends on your palate. Robusta and Arabica are the two most common types of beans. Robusta beans, which are the easier of the two to grow and are available in most supermarkets, feature a stronger taste that many find to be harsh. It also contains double the amount of caffeine as Arabica beans. Arabica beans, on the other hand, are considered the “superior bean” and are popular thanks to their sweeter, softer taste.

  3. THE DIFFERENCE ORGANIC MAKES

    4. Organic beans are defined as not being treated with any pesticides or chemicals during the growing process. That said, an organic label doesn’t always mean that the beans are of the highest quality. If you want the highest-quality beans, look for a specialty-grade designation. This confirms that the beans were grown in ideal conditions and harvested with care.

 

THE SECRET INGREDIENT IS WATER

Once you’ve selected your beans, it’s time to think about coffee’s only other ingredient – water.
To produce the best home-brewed coffee, the water you use needs to be of the highest quality. This typically means using only filtered or bottled water. Regular tap water has chlorine and other chemicals that can produce unwanted notes in your coffee. You also want to avoid using distilled or softened water as these can damage your coffee maker.

COFFEE TIP:

To get fresh and clean filtered water from your fridge, you will need to use an excellent filter and don’t forget to change it every six months.

everydrop® ice and water filters are the only filters approved by KitchenAid.1

1. everydrop® products and the recommended brand's products are owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation

Water extracts flavour out of coffee beans, so ensuring your water is the right temperature is pivotal to achieving positive results. It’s recommended to use water between 195º F-205º F as this temperature range will effectively dissolve grounds. Remember, water that’s too hot will turn coffee bitter and water that’s too cool can produce a cup of coffee that lacks boldness.

THE BEST EQUIPMENT FOR THE BEST HOME COFFEE

High-quality coffee beans, check. Clean filtered water, check. Now all you need is the best equipment.

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED FOR BREWING COFFEE AT HOME

ray KitchenAid coffee grinder surrounded by assorted fruits and baked goods

COFFEE GRINDER

You need a good grinder to make sure those high-quality coffee beans don’t get wrecked early in the process.

There are two types of grinders – burr grinders and blade grinders. Burr grinders often cost more but they offer more control over your grind and work really well with pour-over coffee makers. Blade grinders feature a blade in the centre of the grinder. With this method, it’s more challenging to get an even grind but the pulsing function lets you control the size of your grounds so that they’re consistent. Blade grinders are versatile and can also be used to process spices, herbs and more.

Whichever grinder you buy, make sure you regularly maintain it.

SCALE

Professional coffee roasters and baristas rely heavily on scales to get the right amount of grounds for the job. You could use a good measuring cup and spoons but to take your home coffee brewing to the next level, you should invest in a digital kitchen scale to accurately measure your grounds.

FILTERS

Shop for “oxygen-bleached” or “dioxin-free” paper filters. For an eco-friendly solution that delivers a bold flavour consider using a gold-plated filter.

gray KitchenAid coffee maker surrounded by cups of coffee, cream, and other items.

COFFEE MAKER

There are a variety of coffee maker styles and your choice should be based on preference. When deciding which model or models to buy, consider the following:

  • How much coffee you need to brew
  • The time you have to invest in brewing coffee
  • The flavour you’re hoping to produce.

Don’t forget to shop the KitchenAid® coffee collection and coffee accessories to find the equipment that can help you brew your ideal cup of coffee.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE

Curious about how to start creating your own barista-level beverages?
Check out this step-by-step guide for the different brewing methods.

A black KitchenAid coffee maker with a cup of coffee and croissants nearby.

DRIP COFFEE

  1. Add the grounds to a filter-lined basket and then place the basket in the coffee maker. If you’re grinding your own beans, aim for the consistency of table salt.

  2. Swivel the spout over the centre of the grounds.

  3. Add purified or filtered water to the back compartment of the coffee maker.

  4. Turn the machine on by pressing the “on” switch.

  5. When the coffee is brewed, turn off the machine to avoid burning the remaining coffee. 

  6. Serve and enjoy!

COFFEE TIP:

The coffee-to-water ratio is called the “Golden Ratio” and it is 1-2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Keep in mind that your coffee should be the way you want it, so adjust it according to your tastes.

A cup of coffee in a see-through glass with a French press in the background.

FRENCH PRESS COFFEE. 

  1. Boil filtered water in a kettle

  2. If using whole beans, grind to a coarse breadcrumb consistency. 

  3. Add the grounds to the French Press

  4. Heat the water to 195º F-205º F and then add it to the French press. 

  5. Stir the heated water into the grounds. This should take about 4 minutes to brew. 

  6. Slowly plunge. This action will separate the grounds from the brewed coffee.

  7. Serve and enjoy immediately. 

French Press Coffee Tip :

To avoid bitter coffee, pour the leftovers into a carafe and enjoy later.

Pour-over coffee setup with multiple cups and a pot.

POUR OVER COFFEE

  1. Boil cold, filtered water in a kettle. A gooseneck style works best for this method.

  2. If using whole beans, grind them until they reach a table salt consistency.

  3. Add a paper filter to the brewer and then rinse with hot water. This will warm the brewer and remove any filter residue. Discard used water.

  4. Add a layer of grounds in the filter and then level it. Next, slowly and evenly pour water (heated to 195º F-205º F) over the grounds. A good method is to start in the centre of the grounds and work your way outward in a circular motion. Make sure you stop pouring before the coffee starts dripping into the brewer to allow the coffee to de-gas. This is called the “bloom” pour.

  5. Over the next 3-4 minutes, slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds. 

  6. Remove the filter. 

  7. Serve and enjoy.

KitchenAid Cold Brew Coffee Maker and a glass of iced coffee on the counter.

COLD BREW COFFEE

  1. If using whole beans, grind until they reach the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs.

  2. Add filtered water and ground coffee to the cold brew maker.

  3. Place in your refrigerator and let it steep for 12-24 hours. 

  4. Using a filter or cheesecloth, strain the coffee into a clean container.

  5. Add milk and ice and enjoy!

Cold Brew Coffee Tip:

You can store extra cold brew in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

ARE YOU READY TO BREW THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE AT HOME?

Now that you understand what goes into brewing a delicious cup of coffee, the next step is to choose your preferred method and the right coffee maker. You want to invest in equipment that will make coffee and specialty coffee drinks to your liking and can be easily stored in your kitchen. 

Shop KitchenAid® Coffee Makers and Accessories to find the right equipment for you.