No matter how you brew your coffee, there's always room for improvement to make your cup that little bit better. Whether you’re using a high-tech espresso machine or a humble cafetière, each brewing method has its quirks. Let’s dive into some essential tips for getting the best out of your espresso, filter coffee, cafetière, and Aeropress – no matter your preferred brew.

1. Espresso: For a Rich and Velvety Shot

Espresso is the base for many of your favourite coffee drinks, so getting it right is crucial. Here are some top tips to ensure you get that perfect shot:

• Grind Size Matters: For espresso, you need a fine grind, like powdered sugar. Too coarse, and your coffee will be weak; too fine, and you risk over-extraction and bitterness.
• Tamp Evenly: When tamping (pressing) the coffee into the portafilter, aim for an even, firm tamp. An uneven tamp will lead to uneven extraction, producing a sour or watery shot.
• Water Temperature: Your water should be around 90-96°C. Too hot, and the coffee can taste burnt; too cool, and it might be under-extracted, leaving you with a sour taste.
• Timing is Key: A good espresso shot should take around 25-30 seconds to pull. If it’s too fast or too slow, adjust your grind size.

2. Filter Coffee: For a Clean and Smooth Brew

Filter coffee is perfect for those who want a smooth and straightforward cup. It’s less intense than espresso but full of flavour when brewed correctly.

• Freshness is Essential: Use freshly ground beans for the best flavour. Grind just before brewing, as coffee starts to lose its flavour soon after grinding.
• Correct Coffee-to-Water Ratio: A good starting point is 1:15 – one part coffee to 15 parts water. Adjust to your preference, but don’t go too far off this ratio for the perfect balance.
• Water Quality: The best filter coffee is brewed with fresh, clean water. If your tap water is hard or has an off taste, it can affect your coffee.
• Even Saturation: Pour your water evenly over the coffee grounds to ensure all of them are saturated. A gooseneck kettle with a steady pour works wonders here.

3. Cafetière: For a Full-Bodied Brew

The cafetière (or French press) is a classic choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a rich, full-bodied cup. Here are a few tips to get the most out of this simple method:

• Coarse Grind: Use a coarse grind for the best results. If your coffee is too fine, you’ll end up with a muddy, over-extracted brew.
• Preheat the Cafetière: Preheat your cafetière with hot water before adding your coffee. This helps to maintain a consistent brewing temperature.
• Brewing Time: Allow your coffee to brew for 4 minutes, then press slowly and evenly. Pressing too quickly can cause over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste.
• Stir First: Before pressing, give your coffee a gentle stir to mix the grounds with the water. This ensures an even extraction.

4. Aeropress: For a Quick and Versatile Cup

The Aeropress is beloved for its versatility and speed, producing a cup of coffee that's somewhere between espresso and filter coffee. Here are some tips for brewing with the Aeropress:

• Grind Size: Use a medium-fine grind, similar to table salt. The grind size is crucial to avoid over-extraction or under-extraction.
• Experiment with Ratios: Start with a ratio of around 1:15 (coffee to water), but don't be afraid to adjust it. You can use more or less coffee depending on whether you prefer a stronger or lighter cup.
• Brewing Time: For the standard method, steep your coffee for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then press gently. The key is a slow, steady press, as pressing too fast can result in an under-extracted brew.
• Invert for More Control: Try the inverted Aeropress method (upside down) for better control over the brewing process. It prevents coffee from dripping through before you're ready and helps achieve a richer brew.

Final Thoughts: Perfecting Your Brew

No matter which brewing method you use, the most important thing is to experiment and adjust to your taste preferences. Fresh, high-quality beans are essential, but small changes like grind size, water temperature, and brewing time can make a huge difference in the final cup.

Whether you love the intensity of espresso, the smoothness of filter coffee, the richness of a cafetière, or the versatility of the Aeropress, there’s always a way to make your coffee even better.

Explore Our Coffee Range

At Lincoln Coffee House, we’re passionate about coffee and offer a wide range of fresh, high-quality beans to suit every brewing method. Whether you’re looking for bold espresso blends, smooth filter coffee, full-bodied beans for your cafetière, or versatile options for your Aeropress, we’ve got you covered.

We offer subscriptions, so you can enjoy your favourite beans delivered straight to your door on a regular basis, or you can browse our selection and purchase bags to suit your brewing needs. Visit our shop today and find the perfect coffee for your next brew!

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