Coffee Brewing Methods: Is Your Coffee Brewer Just a Drip?

Each night, millions of us coffee lovers pile heaping tablespoons of our favorite gourmet coffees into those paper filters, fill the tank of our coffee makers with water and set the timer so that our coffee is ready and waiting first thing in the morning. For most of us, brewing up our morning cup of coffee is more than just a necessity, it is a matter of convenience.

But why would anyone spend good money on the finest gourmet coffee beans or fresh ground gourmet coffees and use just any home coffee maker.

So if you are like me and you enjoy the finest gourmet and specialty coffees available, then you must also believe that they deserve the best and most reliable coffee brewing equipment available.

Here is a quick list of the most popular coffee brewing methods & equipment starting from the best:

French Press The French press coffee maker (or press pot) is universally recognized as the best brewing method, allowing for the truest coffee taste and aroma. This method actually brews the coffee in the hot water (as opposed to drip machines which only pass the water through the coffee and a filter). After a few minutes of brewing, a metal filter is pressed through the brew catching the coffee grinds and then trapping them at the bottom of the carafe. What is left over is full-bodied coffee with all its aroma and essences.

French Press

One of the main advantages to using a French press, other than great coffee taste, is the amount of control you have. You can control the water temperature (which incidentally should be around 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that drip makers do not achieve), you can control the amount of coffee you want to add, and you can control the brew time. Four minutes of brew time and 30 seconds of "plunging" time is considered best.

Another great feature about the French press is that it is extremely portable and only requires hot water. You can take it camping or use it in places with limited kitchen space, like a boat or an RV. Some press pots can also be used to brew loose leaf teas in the same manner.

As an aside, you shouldn't leave your brewed coffee in the press-pot with the grounds after you brew it! Either consume it or transfer it to a carafe, preferably a thermal carafe.

Vacuum Brewer Vacuum brewers aren't very common, but they make coffee just about as well as a French press since the coffee and water are brewing together. A vacuum brewer has an upper and a lower chamber connected by a tube with a small filter inside. Coffee grounds are placed in the upper chamber, and water is placed in the lower chamber. As the lower chamber is heated, the water rises up to meet the coffee in the upper chamber where the brewing begins. After brewing, the water (now coffee) cools and seeps back down into the lower chamber leaving the used coffee grinds behind in the upper chamber. Ideally, the upper chamber is removed and the lower chamber is used as a decanter for the finished coffee.

Vacuum Brewer

Vacuum brewers can be electric, stovetop, or even used over a sterno can for dramatic tabletop brewing!

The Toddy Maker The toddy maker or Cold-Brew Coffee Maker uses an unusual cold-brewing method that creates a coffee concentrate. This concentrate is then mixed with hot water to make coffee. The concentrate can be stored in a refrigerator and used to make one cup at a time if you so desire. This method produces a low-acid coffee, which is doctor recommended for coffee drinkers with stomach conditions.

The Toddy Maker

Although this method of coffee brewing is sounds a bit odd, the result in taste is pleasantly surprising. One drawback is the amount of time it takes to brew. A good idea is to brew the coffee overnight. Once brewed, the concentrate can produce more than just one pot of coffee, so it's not a nightly event for a great cup of morning coffee!

Drip Grind Coffee Makers Drip Grind coffee makers are the most common and usual coffee brewing method that we are familiar with.

Drip Grind Coffee Makers

In this method, water is dripped over and passes through the coffee grinds and a filter and is caught by the coffee pot below. Despite being the most common brew method it also happens to be the one which produces a coffee brew with the least amount of flavor and aroma.

There are generally 2 filter options for the drip grind coffee makers.

Permanent filters : are just what they say, permanent. They are usually gold-plated so they don't add any unwanted metallic taste to your coffee, resistant to corrosion so they are dishwasher safe and economical because they don‘t need replacing. Permanent filters are preferred because they allow for better coffee taste as opposed to the second filter option, paper filters.

Permanent filters Permanent filters

Paper filters are the most common filter choice for the drip grind coffee makers. Unfortunately, paper filters can filter out more than just coffee grinds. Flavorful oils can be left behind in the filter and not make it to the finished coffee brew resulting in less coffee flavor and aroma. Since permanent filters allow for more liquid to pass through, the end result is a more flavorful cup.

Paper filters Paper filters

If you are one of these people, don‘t just splurge on gourmet coffee's, get a small French press maker, start experimenting and experience the truest coffee flavor & aroma in each cup. Since, mornings usually need to be made quick and simple, most people have never had their coffee brewed any other way. As you can see, the most common brew method happens to be the one which produces the least amount of coffee flavor and aroma.

gourmet coffee what makes it so special

From the time it was first uncovered, coffee has been one of the most popular drinks around the globe, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and invigorating qualities. From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was pretty much still coffee with milk and sugar. Until recent times, coffee suppliers offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and further choices among these. No longer are gourmet coffees only reserved for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees on their shelves for any occasion. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to please even the most fastidious consumer. But today's coffee connoiseur has become far more sophisticated. So How do we Define Gourmet Coffee Anyway? Gourmet coffee is simply regular coffee to which has been added compatible flavours that actually enhance its coffee aroma and taste. The basic coffee taste, texture, aroma and pick-me-up effect is still present, but now includes a hint of, let's say, mint, caramel, bacon, vanilla, chocolate or any other tantalizing possibility. Add to that, the subtle variations in flavour and texture of coffee beans from selected areas of the planet with varying climates and elevation and you have the ideal combination for gourmet coffee. This is what gives gourmet coffee its unique quality. Most of us have at some time enjoyed a nice cup of coffee with something to nibble. It may be choc-mint buscuits, cheesecake, nuts, savoury snacks, pizza or any other imaginable delight. With a gourmet coffee, you can feel like you're enjoying both, without actually consuming the food. Where Can I Purchase Gourmet Coffee? Gourmet coffee is available in most grocery stores but the most convenient way to access a wider selection, is to buy online. Numerous gourmet coffee websites are waiting for you to order from their extensive range. Gourmet coffee has become a sought after gift idea. They're great for housewarming parties and are the perfect business gift. Many online suppliers, such as Boca Java, offer gift arrangements which include not only the coffee, but also accessories to add to the appeal. The definition of gourmet is a fine food or drink that has been approved by a recognized authority to be excellent. Today, the coffee industry is becoming more like the wine industry, where experts put their credibility on the line to evaluate quality. Bottom line is, if they say it's good, it must be good. Gourmet coffee has earned its name. One of the most highly priced gourmet coffees, is Jamaican Blue Mountain, mainly because it is so rare due to the effect of uncertain weather conditions on the crops. Its beans are not only used for brewed coffee, but are also the flavor base for the famous Tia Maria coffee liqueur. Most online suppliers of any standing will include Jamaican Blue Mountain on their menu. The term "gourmet coffee" not only refers to just the coffee itself, but includes all of the aspects, activities, techniques and experience that produces that kind of coffee. From the selection of the beans, the masterful roast, adding unique flavour... to the final product. Gourmet coffee is the result of a complete and specialised process. Can you smell the aroma now?

From the time it was first uncovered, coffee has been one of the most popular drinks around the globe, mainly for it's aromatic flavour and invigorating qualities.From mild Italian espresso to thick strong Turkish coffee, the choice of flavour was pretty much still coffee with milk and sugar. Until recent times, coffee suppliers offered few alternatives other than your usual, short black, long black, latte, cappuccino, vienna and further choices among these.No longer are gourmet coffees only reserved for a rare treat, but an increasing number of people keep gourmet coffees on their shelves for any occasion. Coffee now comes in just about any flavour, strength or combination to please even the most fastidious consumer. But today's coffee connoiseur has become far more sophisticated.Can you smell the aroma now?

how gourmet coffee can be beneficial for your health

Between the negative attentions that it has garnered due to its caffeine content and a few misreported findings that hinted at health problems caused by drinking coffee, many people believe that coffee is not good for you. Coffee has gotten a bad reputation over the years. With the surge in popularity of gourmet coffees, it has been discovered that some of these gourmet roasts can actually have an even greater health benefit than standard coffee roasts. Actually, not only is this generally untrue but drinking coffee has several health-related benefits. The perception is that coffee is great for a pick-me-up but it can cause health problems down the road. These antioxidants have a variety of health benefits ranging from an improved immune system to healthier skin, teeth, and hair. Because gourmet coffees are usually more carefully roasted than standard coffees which will be powdered or freeze-dried, more of the oils that are rich in antioxidants will be preserved throughout the roasting process and make it in to your cup of coffee. Coffee beans tend to be quite high in antioxidants, and many gourmet coffees have even higher antioxidant content. Contrary to what was believed for many years, drinking coffee can actually be quite good for you, provided that it is done in moderation. Though there are a number of artificial and non-dairy creamers available, many people still prefer to use milk, cream, or half-and-half for their coffee. Gourmet coffee shops tend to use real dairy products in lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee drinks. By using real milk or dairy products instead of a non-dairy substitute you can gain the additional health benefits of milk and dairy when you have your coffee. This includes added calcium and fatty acids, with the calcium being good for your bones and joints and fatty acids helping to keep your brain healthy and your memory strong. Various studies have found a number of health conditions that coffee can help to prevent. Some of the most prominent of these include serious health concerns such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and even some types of skin cancer. In addition to the preventative effect that antioxidant-rich coffee can have when it comes to these conditions, some studies have even shown that drinking coffee every day can help to slow the progression of some of these diseases if they are already present and may even help to make other treatment options function better. This is not to say that coffee alone will cure these serious conditions, but there is a lot of evidence which shows that it can at least have somewhat of a positive benefit when it comes to both prevention and treatment. Another condition that gourmet coffee can help to prevent has been getting a lot of attention due to a study released in 2007. A link has been found which seems to suggest that drinking coffee daily can greatly reduce the damage which is done to the liver by alcohol and that it can either slow or prevent cirrhosis of the liver both due to alcohol consumption and other causes. At first it was considered to simply be the caffeine contained in the coffee that caused this effect, but a similar prevention was not noted among tea drinkers or others who had similar caffeine intakes; though the specific ingredient in coffee which causes this benefit has not been identified, it is clear that it is a coffee-specific compound and is most likely one or a combination of the antioxidants contained in coffee oil. Since gourmet coffee tends to contain a higher amount of these antioxidants it is likely that it will provide exceptional protection against liver damage. Despite all of the warnings that have been given over the years about how the caffeine in coffee can cause excess stress on the heart and higher blood pressure, newer research has shown just the opposite; it is believed that the caffeine in coffee combined with a number of antioxidants can actually help to prevent some types of heart disease. These implications of are of special importance to the elderly, as the study showed that individuals over 65 who regularly drank coffee were at a significantly reduced risk of heart disease than others who drank decaf coffee or no coffee at all. However, provided that you do not overdo it, coffee can be a great part of your daily routine and can give you a health boost that you were not expecting. Even with all of its health benefits, gourmet coffee can still cause problems if it is enjoyed in too large of quantities or too frequently. Similar to many other things, coffee should be consumed in moderation.

Between the negative attentions that it has garnered due to its caffeine content and a few misreported findings that hinted at health problems caused by drinking coffee, many people believe that coffee is not good for you. Coffee has gotten a bad reputation over the years.With the surge in popularity of gourmet coffees, it has been discovered that some of these gourmet roasts can actually have an even greater health benefit than standard coffee roasts. Actually, not only is this generally untrue but drinking coffee has several health-related benefits. The perception is that coffee is great for a pick-me-up but it can cause health problems down the road.These antioxidants have a variety of health benefits ranging from an improved immune system to healthier skin, teeth, and hair. Because gourmet coffees are usually more carefully roasted than standard coffees which will be powdered or freeze-dried, more of the oils that are rich in antioxidants will be preserved throughout the roasting process and make it in to your cup of coffee. Coffee beans tend to be quite high in antioxidants, and many gourmet coffees have even higher antioxidant content. Contrary to what was believed for many years, drinking coffee can actually be quite good for you, provided that it is done in moderation.However, provided that you do not overdo it, coffee can be a great part of your daily routine and can give you a health boost that you were not expecting. Even with all of its health benefits, gourmet coffee can still cause problems if it is enjoyed in too large of quantities or too frequently. Similar to many other things, coffee should be consumed in moderation.