If you are like many adults, coffee is an essential part of your day. From the morning-wake-up cup to the leisurely relaxation cup, a great cup of coffee does wonders. However, with the growing trend in pre-packaged instantaneous coffee, and the abundance of automatic machinery, a great deal of flavor has been lost in the brewing process. That is to say, to brew a best cup of Joe sometimes takes time and much efforts.

Percolator – the first tool to make a best cup of Joe

A percolator differs from the standard pot on a stove in that it cycles the water throughout the pot to brew the coffee. Water is placed in the bottom of the container and the grounds are placed in the top components. As the water heats up it fills the top component and increases the pressure in the pot. Unlike the automatic coffee maker, the brewing is from water being pushed up through the grounds and then trickling down whereas the automatic brew is just the hot water trickling through the filter.

The benefit is that the ground coffee can reach a very high temperature while at the same time delivering a full flavored coffee. However, if the pot is not well attended, it is quite easy to have the brew boil and burn. In addition, depending upon the brand of percolator that you use, the coffee may take on a metallic flavor if left for too long. And a best of Joe is not too far.

Coffee Cone – the second priority to brew a best cup of Joe

If you do not require a large pot of coffee, then the cone technique may be ideal for you. The coffee cone uses a cone like filter to hold the grounds.  The amount of coffee that is added to the filter will determine the strength of the coffee. Typically, boiled water is slowly poured over a cone, which has been put in an individual cup. The benefit of this process is that you only drink what you need and that the coffee that you brew does not end up being reheated throughout the day. Additionally, the brewer can determine the strength of the coffee to his or her preferences based upon the amount of coffee to water ratio. The downside of this process is that it only brews one cup at a time and that it takes time to do. You cannot simply press a button and have the process done for you. That being stated, if you have the time and patience to brew the coffee in this manner you may find it somewhat therapeutic. It is really like brewing a modern best cup of Joe.

French Press – one traditional way to prepare a best cup of Joe

The French Press is one of the older and more desired methods for brewing coffee, especially for those that do not want to lose any of the flavor from the beans. Unlike the traditional ground coffee, which is powdery and very fine, the French roast is a bit course. Special considerations need to be given to the coffee bean so that it is ground for the French Press. One of the greatest benefits of the French Press is that it is incredibly simple to use. Grounds are placed on the bottom of the press and boiling water is then poured over the grounds. The top of the French Press is then put onto the container and the container is left to seep for 5 minutes. Upon reaching the 5-minute mark, the top of the press is pushed down forcing the grounds to the bottom of the container and the coffee to the top. With the press, a best cup of Joe is easier than ever.

Chemex

The Chemex resembles a vase in design. It does require a specific filter on the device, which represents a cone filter. Fill the top of the Chemex filter and make a divot for the hot water to go into. It is important that you fold your cone so that 3 sectors of the cone are on one side and one is on the other. Slowly pour the water onto the grounds and let the coffee drip down into the container. The method is much like that of the cone method. You will want to ensure that your water hot and that you pour the water so that the grounds hit the side of the filter. It does take a bit of practice to get your own methodology down, but overall it is intuitive. The benefit of using the Chemex is that unlike the cone brewing method you can have multiple cups brewed at the same time. Additionally, the aesthetics of the Chemex provides a bit more of visual container than the one of the traditional brewer. Hey, it looks like you have already brewed a best cup of Joe as an artist?

Brewing considerations

With any brew, it is advised that you use the freshest grounds for the best flavor. Coarser ground coffee tends to have a more robust flavor. Keep in mind that each brewing method has an ideal setting. In all brewing techniques, you want to give the coffee a time to bloom and develop the flavors. By experiencing different ways of brewing coffee, you will subsequently recognize the best suited ones for a best cup of Joe by your own criteria.