Fancy a delicious, well-balanced filter coffee? Here's what you need to make every cup a success:
- Equipment: Precise scale, suitable filter, kettle with temperature control, coffee grinder, thermometer.
- Coffee: Freshly ground beans, stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Use within 30 days of roasting.
- Coffee/water ratio: 16 g coffee to 300 ml water (or adjust to taste).
- Water temperature: Between 92 and 96°C for optimum extraction.
The 7 infusion methods :
- Pour-Over (V60 ): Manual infusion for clear, balanced aromas.
- Percolator: Practical for everyday use.
- French press: Rich, full-bodied coffee, ideal for the morning.
- Aeropress Compact, perfect for travel.
- Cold Brew: A mild, refreshing infusion, ideal for summer.
- Fabric filter: Traditional, for clean aromas.
- Reusable capsules Fast and environmentally friendly.
Quick method comparison
| Method | Infusion time | Temperature | Grinding | Taste profile | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-Over (V60) | 2.5-3 min | 92-96 °C | Medium-fine | Clear and balanced | Pure tasting |
| Percolator | 4-6 min | 88-92 °C | Average | Classic and round | Daily use |
| French press | 4 min | 94 °C | Gross | Rich and full-bodied | Breakfast |
| Aeropress | 1.5-2 min | 85-88 °C | Fine to medium | Concentrated and gentle | Travel, office |
| Cold Brew | 12-18 h | 20 °C | Gross | Mild and low-acid | Summer cocktails |
| Fabric filter | 3-4 min | 94-96 °C | Medium-fine | Clean and aromatic | Regular use |
| Reusable capsules | 25-30 sec | 90-92 °C | Fine | Intense and balanced | Quick to use |
Key tips:
- Use quality water with a hardness of around 130 ppm.
- Clean your equipment regularly.
- Experiment with different coffees to vary flavours.
Ready to sublimate your filter coffee? Discover the details of each method and find the one that best suits your tastes and habits.
Basic equipment and installation
Tools required
To make quality filter coffee, make sure you have :
- A precise scale (0.1 g accuracy)
- A filter to suit your brewing method
- A kettle with temperature control
- A high-performance coffee grinder
- A graduated container for measuring water
- A thermometer, if your kettle is not equipped with one
Selecting and storing coffee
To make the most of your coffee's flavour, follow these tips:
- Store beans in an airtight container, away from light.
- Store at room temperature (around 20°C).
- Avoid the fridge or freezer, as they can alter the aromas.
- Ideally, coffee should be consumed within 30 days of roasting.
- Grind the beans just before preparation to ensure optimum freshness.
Coffee/water ratio
Finding the right balance between the quantity of coffee and water is crucial to achieving a balanced brew. Let's take a V60 method as an example:
| Water volume | Quantity of coffee | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 300 ml | 16 g | 1:18,75 |
| 500 ml | 26,7 g | 1:18,75 |
| 1,000 ml | 53 g | 1:18,75 |
"The basis of every brewing recipe is the coffee/water ratio (brew ratio). It determines the strength of the filter coffee." - Nico von Günter Coffee Roasters
For a single cup, start with 16 g of coffee to 300 ml of water. This ratio, which you can adjust to suit your preferences, produces a slightly smaller volume than the water poured in, as some of it is absorbed by the coffee and the filter.
These elements prepare you to discover the seven infusion techniques described in the following sections.
[RECIPE] Preparation methods: filter coffee ...
7 Ways to Brew Filter Coffee
Here's a look at seven techniques for making filter coffee, each offering a different experience to suit your tastes.
The Pour-Over Method(V60)
Use a medium-fine grind (resembling granulated sugar) and water heated to between 92 and 96°C. Pre-wet the filter to eliminate any paper taste, then pour the water in concentric circles for 30 seconds to degas. Continue infusion for 2.5 to 3 minutes.
The percolator
- Medium grind and water temperature of 88-92°C.
- Clean the tank weekly to prevent deposits.
- Perform a complete descaling every three months to maintain performance.
French Press
- Use a coarse grind and water at 94°C.
- Keep to a ratio of 60 g of coffee per liter of water.
- Total infusion time: 4 minutes. Pour in the water, wait 30 seconds, then stir lightly before pressing.
Aeropress Technique
- Prefer fine to medium grind and water at 85-88°C.
- Infusion time: 1.5 to 2 minutes.
- Apply constant pressure for optimum extraction.
Cold Brew
- Choose a coarse grind and water at room temperature (around 20°C).
- Leave to infuse for 12 to 18 hours.
- Once prepared, coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
The Fabric Filter Method
- Use a medium-fine grind and water at 94-96°C.
- Wash the filter thoroughly after each use and let it air-dry to prevent mildew.
Reusable Capsules
Fill the capsules with a fine grind, pack lightly and clean immediately after use. Extraction should take between 25 and 30 seconds for best results.
Summary table of recommended parameters
| Method | Infusion time | Temperature | Grinding type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-Over | 2.5-3 min | 92-96°C | Medium-fine |
| Percolator | 4-6 min | 88-92°C | Average |
| French Press | 4 min | 94°C | Gross |
| Aeropress | 1.5-2 min | 85-88°C | Fine to medium |
| Cold Brew | 12-18 h | 20°C | Gross |
| Fabric filter | 3-4 min | 94-96°C | Medium-fine |
| Reusable Capsules | 25-30 sec | 90-92°C | Fine |
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Comparison of infusion methods
Here's an analysis of the seven infusion methods to help you choose the one that suits you best:
| Method | Ease of use | Preparation time | Initial cost | Environmental impact | Taste profile | Ideal use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-Over | ★★★☆☆ | 3-4 min | 25-45 € | Very low | Clear and balanced | Pure tasting |
| Percolator | ★★★★★ | 5-7 min | 80-300 € | Moderate | Classic and round | Daily use |
| French Press | ★★★★☆ | 4-5 min | 20-40 € | Very low | Rich and full-bodied | Breakfast |
| Aeropress | ★★★☆☆ | 2-3 min | 35-45 € | Low | Concentrated and gentle | Travel, office |
| Cold Brew | ★★★★☆ | 12-18 h | 30-50 € | Low | Mild and low-acid | Summer cocktails |
| Fabric filter | ★★★☆☆ | 3-4 min | 15-25 € | Minimal | Clean and aromatic | Regular use |
| Reusable Capsules | ★★★★☆ | 30 sec. | 15-30 € | Low | Intense and balanced | Quick to use |
Each method has specific features worth exploring:
- Pour-Over: Ideal for lovers of precision, it brings out clear, balanced aromas.
- Percolator: guarantees easy preparation and consistent quality, perfect for everyday use.
- French Press: This choice offers a robust coffee with a velvety texture, ideal for a good start to the day.
- Aeropress: Compact and versatile, perfect for travel or the office.
- Cold Brew: A refreshingly mild option, particularly suitable for sensitive stomachs or summer cocktails.
- Fabric filter: Combining tradition and ecology, it produces a coffee with well-defined aromas.
- Reusable capsules: A quick and practical solution, without sacrificing coffee quality.
Each method has its own advantages, whether in terms of flavor, simplicity or environmental impact. It's up to you to choose the one that best suits your habits and tastes.
Guidelines for a Successful Infusion
To make a success of your infusion, follow these essential technical tips.
Water quality
Water plays a key role in the extraction of aromas.
| Component | Optimal level | Impact on Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Overall hardness | 130 ppm | Influences texture and softness |
| Alkalinity (KH) | 40 ppm | Acts on acidity and balance |
| Temperature | 92-96 °C | Affects extraction |
Here are three ways to improve your water quality:
- Brita filter
Ideal for removing chlorine and softening water on a daily basis. - Third Wave Water
Mix one sachet with 3.78 L of distilled water to obtain approximately 55 ppm calcium, 75 ppm magnesium and 40 ppm alkalinity. - Lotus Water drops
Add 3.78 L of distilled water:- 5 drops of CaCl2 for +6 ppm hardness
- 5 drops MgCl2 for +6 ppm hardness
- 5 drops of NaHCO3 or KHCO3 for +3 ppm alkalinity
"Each coffee reveals unique flavors depending on the quality of the water used."
The right water, combined with precise measurements, guarantees optimum extraction.
Precise measurements
Accurate measurements are essential for a consistent cup:
- Use an accurate scale (to within 0.1 g)
- Maintain a ratio of 5 to 7 grams of coffee per 100 ml of water.
- Adapt the ratio according to the chosen method, e.g. 16 g of coffee for 300 ml in V60.
Example: For a 300 ml V60 infusion, use 16 g of coffee. Note that the final volume will be slightly reduced due to the absorption of water by the ground coffee and the filter.
Conclusion
Making the perfect filter coffee requires attention to detail. These tips will help you make every cup a success.
Our carefully roasted coffees bring out the distinctive aromas of each origin. You might appreciate Burundi for its delicate notes, Papua New Guinea for its marked character, or our 3 Tastes blend, ideal for a filter infusion thanks to its aromatic richness.
"Choosing us means choosing the artisan!" - Van Hove Coffee
For consistent quality, follow these steps:
- Use high-quality water, heated to between 92 and 96°C
- Use precise doses: 5 to 7 g of coffee per 100 ml of water.
- Clean your equipment regularly
Once you've mastered these basics, experiment with different origins to enrich your experience. Whether you opt for a method like the V60 or the French press, try coffees from Costa Rica or Mexico to vary your pleasures and discover new aromatic profiles.
FAQs
What are the benefits of the different methods for making the perfect filter coffee?
Each brewing method offers a unique experience for preparing the perfect filter coffee:
- V60: Produces a light, balanced, delicate coffee, ideal for savoring subtle aromas.
- Chemex: Produces a clear, rich coffee thanks to its thick filters, perfect for refined tasting.
- French press: Produces a full-bodied cup with an oily texture, ideal for lovers of intense flavours.
- Aeropress: Versatile and fast, it makes a full-bodied coffee in just a few minutes, perfect for when you're on the move.
- Mocha: Offers a robust coffee with deep notes and a slight bitterness, reminiscent of a traditional espresso.
Each method brings out different aromatic profiles, allowing you to personalize your coffee experience according to your tastes and preferences.
Which filter coffee brewing method best suits my tastes and daily routine?
To choose the ideal brewing method, think about your taste preferences and your routine. If you like your coffee light and balanced, the V60 method is an excellent option. For a fuller-bodied, richly flavored cup, the French Press is perfect, offering an oily texture and intense flavor. Finally,Aeropress is a versatile method that adapts to different flavor profiles depending on the grind and quantity used.
Take your lifestyle into account too: some methods, like the French Press, are quick and easy, while others, like the V60, require a little more precision and time. Adapt your choice to your needs and enjoy perfect coffee every day.
How to choose and optimize water to make quality filter coffee?
For a tasty filter coffee, choose filtered or low-mineralized water, such as bottled water. Tap water may contain impurities or chlorine that alter the coffee's aroma.
Make sure the water is heated to an ideal temperature, between 90°C and 96°C, for optimum flavor extraction. Avoid boiling the water, as this could burn the beans and impair the quality of your beverage.
