If you're trying to save a few bucks by avoiding your daily coffee house latte, brewing at home is a great option. But with so many ways to brew, you might not know which is ideal for your taste preferences and lifestyle. Below is a rundown of some of the more popular brewing techniques.
Automatic drip coffee makers are one of the most popular appliances in kitchens today. Their biggest benefit is consistency – their consistent heat and drip settings always brew a quality pot every time. Keep in mind, however, that many have a warming plate under the pot that can make coffee taste bad if left heating for too long.
Today, there's a new trend in brewing — the single-serve “coffee pods”. A few of the more popular brands are K-cups and Nestle’s Dolce Gusto, and the benefit of these machines is that they brew only as much coffee as you want, so it's fresh every single time. But, this is not the "greenest" option, since you throw the single-serve pod out after one use.
The classic French press is a great option for brewing, especially if you don't have a power outlet nearby. This simple process requires roughly ground coffee, which is poured into a glass carafe, and then covered with hot (but not boiling) water. After a few minutes, you hand-press the wire mesh screen down, which separates out the grounds and leaves behind the rich, dark coffee. The French press's one drawback is that is takes a bit of finesse — there's a learning curve to get the ideal brew.
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