6 Coffee Brewing Tips for Better Coffee at Home

Making great coffee at home doesn’t require professional barista skills, but a few small adjustments can make a remarkable difference. The freshness of your beans, the size of your grind and even the temperature of your water all affect what ends up in your cup.

We turned to coffee experts Ashley Bolton of Northern Espresso and James Hoffmann for their advice on getting the best possible brew. Whether you use a drip coffee maker, French press or pour-over, these six coffee brewing tips will help you make a better cup every time.

Six Coffee Brewing Tips for Making Better Coffee at Home

1. Use fresh beans (and store them right!)

For the best flavour, buy freshly roasted whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Ground coffee loses its aroma and flavour more quickly than whole beans, so grinding only what you need makes a noticeable difference. Store your beans in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Another benefit? That freshly ground coffee smell.

2. Grind right for your brew method

Grind size has a big impact on flavour. Too fine, and your coffee can taste bitter; too coarse, and it may taste weak or sour. Different brewing methods call for different grind sizes, so use this guide as a starting point and adjust to suit your equipment and taste.

Brewing method	Grind size
Espresso	Fine
Pour-over	Medium-fine
Drip coffee	Medium
French press	Coarse
Cold brew	Coarse

3. Measure coffee and water precisely

Use a gram scale to measure your beans and water. The ideal ratio is 1 g of freshly ground coffee to 15 to 17 g of water. This method guarantees the precision of each brew, allowing a consistently tasty coffee every time.

4. Make sure you keep that water hot

For most hot filter-coffee brewing methods, aim for a water temperature between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). (James Hoffmann recommends starting with hot water if you’re using an entry-level brewer to help achieve the ideal temperature.)

5. Experiment with brewing styles

Do a little recreational research. Beyond drip coffee, consider a French press or the steeped-and-filtered method to get that fully extracted, full-bodied flavour and aroma you’re hoping for with every cup. (Note: Hoffmann advocates side-by-side comparative sipping!) If you’re interested in making espresso and espresso-based drinks, read our guide here.

6. Clean your equipment regularly

Coffee oils and mineral deposits can build up over time, affecting both flavour and performance. Wash removable parts regularly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and descaling your machine. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to descale more frequently. Fresh, filtered water can also make a noticeable difference to the taste of your coffee.