For many coffee enthusiasts, the ritual of brewing a perfect cup of coffee is an art form. One of the most popular and approachable methods of coffee brewing is using a filter. Whether you're a newbie looking to explore the world of coffee or a skilled coffee enthusiast in search of the ideal cup, mastering the technique of brewing coffee using a filter can elevate your coffee experience to new heights. In this guide, Cofftok team will walk you through the step-by-step process of achieving coffee perfection with a simple filter.
You'll need coffee and a filter
Before embarking on your filter coffee journey, it's important to select the right filter and coffee beans. There are various filter options available, such as paper filters, metal filters, and cloth filters. Each type imparts a slightly different character to the final cup, so choose according to your taste preferences. As for coffee beans, opt for freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing for the best flavour.
Equipment You'll Need
- Coffee Grinder: To grind your coffee beans to the desired consistency.
- Filter: In our experience best choice is paper filter like Origami or Hario.
- Fresh Coffee Beans: Select high-quality coffee beans and measure the appropriate amount. Usually it is 15-17gr of 100% arabica. Best for filter is light roasted or omni-roasted coffee.
- Kettle: Goose-neck kettle Brewista or Fellow is the best choice for brewing filter coffee.
- Scale: For precise coffee-to-water ratio.
- Timer: To ensure accurate brewing times.
- Dripper: Best fit would be Dotyk, Hario, Chemex, Brewista etc.
- Mug or Carafe: To hold the brewed coffee.
The Brewing Process
Step 1: Boil Water Begin by boiling fresh, filtered water. For a single cup of coffee, aim for about 230 ml of water. Water temperature plays a crucial role, so heat the water to around 90-96°C. This range helps extract the optimal flavours from the coffee grounds without scalding them.
Step 2: Measure and Grind Coffee Measure your coffee beans according to the desired strength. A standard coffee-to-water ratio is around 1 to 15 or 1 to 17, depending on your preference. For example, if you're using 15 grams of coffee, you'll need roughly 225-255 gr of water.
Step 3: Pre-wet the Filter Place the filter in the dripper and pre-wet it with hot water. This helps eliminate any paper taste from the filter and preheats your brewing vessel. Discard the water used for pre-wetting.
Step 4: Add Coffee and Start Brewing Put the ground coffee into the filter. Gently shake the filter to level the coffee bed. Start the brewing process by pouring hot water evenly over the coffee grounds, ensuring they're fully saturated. Allow the coffee to bloom for about 30 seconds as gases escape and the grounds expand.
Step 5: Controlled Pouring After the bloom, continue pouring the hot water in a slow, controlled spiral motion over the coffee grounds. Maintain a steady flow to prevent over-extraction or channeling. Keep the water level below the rim of the filter to prevent overflow.
Step 6: Brewing Time The total brewing time for a filter coffee is typically around 3-4 minutes. Adjust this based on your taste preferences.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Coffee Once the coffee has finished brewing, remove the filter and enjoy your freshly brewed cup of coffee. You can savour it as is or customise it with your loved additives like milk, cream, or sweeteners.
To sum it up:
Brewing coffee using a filter is a delightful journey that allows you to appreciate the intricate flavours and aromas present in coffee beans. With the right equipment, fresh beans, and a little practice, you can master the art of filter coffee brewing. Remember, the key to success lies in experimenting, refining your technique, and most importantly, enjoying every sip of your lovingly brewed cup of joe.