How to Brew Amazing Coffee at Home: V60, AeroPress, French Press, Moka Pot, Cold Brew, and Chemex

There’s nothing like brewing a perfect cup of coffee at home ☕. Whether you’re chasing the clean, crisp notes of a pour-over or the bold kick of an espresso-style brew, mastering different methods lets you craft coffee exactly how you like it. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through six fantastic brewing methods—V60, AeroPress, French Press, Moka Pot, Cold Brew, and Chemex—each bringing unique flavours to your Cuppa mug. From the rich depth of a French Press to the smooth chill of Cold Brew and the elegant clarity of Chemex, there’s something for every coffee lover. Grab your favourite mug, and let’s get brewing! 🫡

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to Six Coffee Brewing Methods

Too busy for the full scoop? Here’s a snapshot of each method to find your perfect brew:

• V60: Clean, bright pour-over; 2–3 min; medium-fine grind; great for flavour purists.

• AeroPress: Smooth, versatile coffee; 1–2 min; fine grind; ideal for quick brews.

• French Press/ Cafetière: Rich, full-bodied; 4–6 min; coarse grind; perfect for bold coffee fans.

• Moka Pot: Bold, espresso-like; 5–7 min; fine grind; Italian-style intensity.

• Cold Brew: Smooth, low-acidity; 12–24 hrs; coarse grind; refreshing and prep-ahead.

• Chemex: Ultra-clean, smooth pour-over; 3–4 min; medium-coarse grind; elegant and nuanced.

Read on for step-by-step guides to master each method!

Why Your Coffee Brewing Method Matters

Your brewing method shapes your coffee’s flavour, strength, and texture. Whether it’s the precise pour of a V60, the pressure of an AeroPress, or the long steep of Cold Brew, each highlights different notes in your beans. To nail any method, start with:

• Fresh Beans: Use beans roasted within 2–4 weeks, stored in an airtight container.

• Grind Size: Match the grind to the method (e.g., coarse for French Press, Cafetière re, medium-coarse for Chemex).

• Water Quality: Filtered water at 90–96°C for hot brews, or room temp for Cold Brew.

Ready to brew like a pro? Here’s how to master each method.

V60 Pour-Over: Clean and Crisp

If you love clean, flavourful coffee that highlights delicate notes, the V60 dripper is your go-to. This pour-over method delivers a smooth, café-quality cup right in your kitchen. It is quick to set up and quick to clean up too. Perfect for a quick but lovely coffee for one person. 

What You’ll Need

• V60 dripper + paper filter (we love the Hario V60) LINK HERE

• Freshly ground coffee (medium-fine, like table salt)

• Hot water (just off the boil, ~93°C)

• Gooseneck kettle (for precision pouring)

• Your favourite Cuppa mug 😜

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rinse the Filter: Place a paper filter in your V60 and rinse it with hot water to remove any papery taste. This also warms your Cuppa mug. Discard the rinse water.

2. Measure & Add Coffee: Use 15g of coffee per 250g of water (adjust to taste).

3. The Bloom: Pour just enough water (~30ml) to saturate the grounds, covering them fully. Wait 30 seconds to release trapped gases for better flavor.

4. Slow Pour: In small, circular motions, pour the remaining water gradually, keeping a steady flow. Aim for a total brew time of 2.5–3 minutes.

5. Enjoy: Let the coffee drip through, remove the filter, and pour into your Cuppa mug. Compost the used grounds or sprinkle them in your garden for plants! 

Pro Tips

• Keep it Steady: A slow, controlled pour enhances flavor.

• Swirl or Stir: Gently swirl the dripper at the end for even extraction.

• Experiment with Grinds: Finer grinds speed up extraction; coarser ones slow it down.

• Use a Spoon: stir the coffee grounds to make sure they are getting mixed and the flavour is being extracted from every ground.m

AeroPress: The Ultimate Coffee Hack

Fast, versatile, and packed with flavour, the AeroPress is a coffee lover’s dream. Whether you want a strong, espresso-like shot or a smooth filter-style brew, this gadget delivers in just minutes. Like the V60, it is easy to clean.

What You’ll Need

• AeroPress + paper filter

• Freshly ground coffee (fine, like table salt)

• Hot water (~85–93°C)

• Spoon for stirring

• Your favourite Cuppa mug, obviously 😜

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Insert & Rinse: Place a paper filter in the AeroPress cap, rinse with hot water, and attach it to the AeroPress.

2. Add Coffee: Use 15–17g of coffee (1 heaped scoop).

3. Pour & Stir: Add 220g of hot water, stir for 10 seconds.

4. Press: After 30–60 seconds, insert the plunger and press down slowly over your Cuppa mug.

5. Enjoy: Drink as is, or add hot water/milk for an Americano or latte-style brew. Super easy and fast!

Pro Tips

• Experiment with Brew Time: A longer steep (60 seconds) gives a richer taste; a quick press (30 seconds) keeps it bright.

• Try the Inverted Method: Flip the AeroPress upside down for a bolder brew.

• Grind Matters: Too fine a grind can make pressing difficult, so aim for table-salt consistency.

French Press (Cafetière): Rich and Bold

There’s something special about the French Press. Rich, full-bodied coffee with minimal effort. If you love a smooth, bold cup with deep flavours, this method is for you. It is not quite as easy to clean up after as the V60 and Aeropress, but you can make a lot of coffee in one go and it is tasty if done well.

What You’ll Need

• French Press (Cafetière) (i want to get this one by Yeti) You can check this list of 5 alternatives by Tom at Batch Coffee club

• Freshly ground coffee (coarse, like breadcrumbs)

• Hot water (~93°C)

• Wooden or metal spoon for stirring

• Your favourite Cuppa mug

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure: Use 1g of coffee per 15g of water (about 2 heaping tablespoons per cup).

2. Add Coffee: Place the coarse grounds in your French Press.

3. Pour & Bloom: Add just enough hot water (~30ml) to saturate the grounds, covering them fully. Wait 30 seconds.

4. Fill & Wait: Pour the rest of the water (e.g., 225g for 15g coffee). Stir gently, filling halfway, stir again, then fill to the top. Put the lid on and brew for 4 minutes.

5. Press & Enjoy: Slowly press down the plunger—don’t push too hard or fast to avoid spills! Pour into your Cuppa mug and savor.

Pro Tips

• Avoid Over-Extracting: Plunge gently and pour out all the coffee right away to prevent bitterness.

• Experiment with Timing: If it’s too strong, try 3 minutes instead of 4.

• Go Fresh: Freshly ground coffee makes a huge difference in taste.

Moka Pot: Brew Like an Italian

If you love strong, espresso-like coffee with a bit of a kick, the Moka Pot (aka Stovetop Espresso Maker) is a must-have. This classic Italian brewer delivers a bold, full-bodied cup.

What You’ll Need

• Moka Pot

• Freshly ground coffee (fine, slightly coarser than espresso)

• Water (filtered if possible)

• Your favourite Cuppa mug (the blue one’s my fave!)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Fill with Water: Add water to the bottom chamber, just below the safety valve. Hot water works best to prevent overcooking the coffee.

2. Add Coffee: Fill the coffee basket with grounds, level it off, but don’t tamp it down.

3. Assemble & Heat: Screw the top chamber on tightly (use a tea towel if using hot water to avoid burns). Place over medium heat.

4. Wait for the Magic: As the water heats, coffee will bubble into the top chamber. When you hear a gurgling sound, remove it from heat.

5. Pour & Enjoy: Stir the coffee quickly and pour into your Cuppa mug. Compost the grounds for your garden!

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overheat: Medium heat prevents burning and bitter flavours.

• Use Preheated Water: This speeds up brewing and keeps the coffee smoother.

• Clean it Well: Rinse with water only; soap can affect flavour. Let grounds dry, then blow through the spout to remove them in one piece.

Cold Brew: Smooth and Trending

Cold Brew is the go-to for a smooth, low-acidity coffee that’s perfect over ice or warmed up. Its long steeping time creates a refreshing, café-style drink you can prep ahead. It’s trending for a reason—easy and delicious!

What You’ll Need

• Mason jar or cold brew maker

• Freshly ground coffee (coarse, like sea salt)

• Cold or room-temperature filtered water

• Fine mesh sieve or paper filter

• Your favourite Cuppa mug (mine is the Blue one!) (chilled for extra vibes 🧊)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure: Use 1g of coffee per 8g of water (e.g., 100g coffee for 800ml water).

2. Add Coffee: Place coarse grounds in your jar or brewer.

3. Pour Water: Add cold or room-temperature filtered water over the grounds.

4. Stir & Steep: Stir gently, cover, and let it steep in the fridge for 12–24 hours.

5. Filter & Enjoy: Filter through a fine mesh sieve or paper filter into a clean jar. Pour over ice into your Cuppa mug, or dilute with water/milk to taste.

Pro Tips

• Steep Long Enough: 12 hours minimum for full flavour; 24 hours for stronger coffee.

• Use Dark Roasts: They enhance Cold Brew’s rich, chocolatey notes.

• Store Smart: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before serving.

Chemex: Elegant and Ultra-Clean

For a pour-over that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Chemex delivers ultra-clean, smooth coffee with bright, nuanced flavors. Its thick filters and iconic glass design make it a favourite among coffee enthusiasts.

What You’ll Need

• Chemex brewer + Chemex paper filters

• Freshly ground coffee (medium-coarse, like coarse sand)

• Hot water (~93°C)

• Gooseneck kettle (for precision)

• Your favourite Cuppa mug

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Rinse the Filter: Place a Chemex paper filter in the brewer and rinse with hot water to remove papery taste and warm the carafe. Discard the rinse water.

2. Measure & Add Coffee: Use 20g of coffee per 300g of water (adjust to taste).

3. The Bloom: Pour 40ml of hot water over the grounds, covering them fully. Wait 30 seconds to release gases for better extraction.

4. Slow Pour: Pour the remaining water in slow, circular motions, pausing to let it drip. Aim for a total brew time of 3–4 minutes.

5. Enjoy: Remove the filter, swirl the Chemex gently, and pour into your Cuppa mug. Compost the grounds for your garden!

Pro Tips

• Use Chemex Filters: Their thicker design ensures a cleaner cup than standard filters.

• Control the Pour: A steady, slow pour for maximum clarity and flavour.

• Try Light Roasts: They shine in Chemex, highlighting floral and fruity notes.

Comparing the Methods

Each method brings something unique to your coffee game. Here’s a quick comparison:

• V60: Best for flavor purists who enjoy a hands-on process.

• AeroPress: Perfect for quick, customisable brews on the go.

• French Press: Ideal for bold, fuss-free coffee lovers.

• Moka Pot: Great for espresso fans who love a strong kick.

• Cold Brew: Suits those who want a refreshing, prep-ahead option.

• Chemex: Perfect for artisanal coffee lovers seeking elegance and clarity.

General Coffee Brewing Tips

• Fresh Beans: Buy beans roasted within the last 2–4 weeks and store in an airtight container away from light.

• Grind Fresh: A burr grinder ensures consistent grinds for better flavor.

• Water Quality: Use filtered water for a cleaner taste. Stick to 90–96°C for hot brews.

• Clean Equipment: Rinse brewers thoroughly to avoid residue buildup.

• Experiment: Adjust ratios, grinds, or brew times to find your perfect cup.

Wrapping Up

Brewing coffee at home is a game-changer. It's affordable, fun, and totally flexible. Learning all the methods and adding to your collection of coffee making equipment is all part of joy. From the crisp clarity of V60 and Chemex to the bold intensity of Moka Pot, the quick versatility of AeroPress, the rich depth of French Press, and the smooth chill of Cold Brew, there’s a method for every mood and moment. Try one (or all!) and find your go-to brew. Drop a comment below or join our newsletter at [yourwebsite.com] to share your favourite method and get more coffee tips! What’s in your Cuppa mug today? ☕

Happy brewing!
Nick at Cuppa