There is truly nothing quite like a good cup of coffee in the morning, as it sets the mood for the entire day. While many people travel to nearby coffee shops for a perfect blend, your daily cup of Joe can become quite pricey. Although baristas spend a great amount of time perfecting their coffee brewing craft, it is possible to make the perfect blend of coffee right from the comforts of your own home. It doesn’t matter if you’re a coffee master or a coffee novice, deciding on the right style, beans and coffee to purchase can greatly affect the joy of that perfect cup of coffee.

Whole Beans vs. Pre Grounds

If you are looking to craft the perfect blend, you should start by considering the type of coffee beans you will be using. Although there is an unmatched quality to using whole beans versus pre ground beans, there are several advantages and disadvantages to using both options. While pre ground beans are easier to use and more cost efficient, they have less flavor and aroma producing compounds when compared to whole beans. On the other hand, whole beans transfer the grinding responsibility to the buyer. While this may add a significant amount of time to the brewing process, it also makes the coffee taste more fresh and complex. Grinding coffee beans moments before they are to be brewed makes sure that you bring all of the soluble compounds to the forefront within the coffee beans, and results in a distinct wonderful taste and impressive aroma.

Steps to Brewing a Perfect Cup At Home

While most coffee shop franchises proclaim to have the best cup of coffee you can ask for, making a perfect brew can be achieved from the comforts of your home. Good beans paired with the right roasting method can equate to an amazing cup of Joe. Here are few helpful tips that you can incorporate into your brewing process for a more delightful cup of coffee:

• Brew your coffee with cold filtered water
• Measure your coffee
• Ensure that the water temperature is between 195 and 205 degrees
• Rinse your filter with hot water
• Pour just enough water to ensure you do not saturate the grounds
• Drink your brew within 30 minutes

Best Home Brewing Equipment

Picking the perfect coffee machine is just as important as selecting the perfect grounds. There are a variety of machines at your disposal with features designed for a quality brew. If you’re looking to brew perfect coffee, you should start by considering which brewing method you typically use. Whether you have adapted to brew your coffee using pressure, steeping, filtration or dripping, or even boiling, there are a variety of coffee machines you can choose from, including:

• Espresso Machine
• Handheld or Stovetop Espresso Maker
• Aeropress
• French Press
• Coffee Bag
• Vacuum or Siphon Pot
• Percolator
• Manual or Machine Pour Over Coffee Maker

Flavor Profiles of Different Roasts

In addition to the type of bean and equipment, the type of roast also has an impact on the coffee experience. Depending on what you are looking for in your perfect blend, you may find it in a light, medium, or dark roast. The lighter roasts are lighter in color and have a light and fragrant taste, making them a more likely choice for more mild-bodied coffee drinkers. Medium roasts are more brown in color and have a non-oily surface. If you are looking for a traditional cup of coffee, this is the perfect blend for you. This flavorful blend is the preferred type of coffee in the United States. The dark roast blend features coffee beans that are nearly black with an oily surface that produces obvious bitterness. For people who prefer a stronger flavor, the darker roast coffee is the perfect choice.