Brewing Coffee

Start with clean coffee equipment
Coffee can absorb off-flavors during the coffee brewing process. The natural oils contained in coffee can build up on coffee equipment or even a coffee mug. If the residue is not removed it could leave your coffee tasting bitter.

When you clean your coffee equipment, you should use hot water and scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Using soap or detergents on your coffee equipment can leave a film, which in turn will affect the taste. Any time you use an abrasive brush or cleaner, you will scratch the interior surface of your coffee brewing container. The resulting minute scratches trap coffee oils and mineral deposits and could affect the taste. The best cleaning solution is to use baking soda or a diluted mixture of vinegar and water. After your have washed your coffee equipment, be sure to fully rinse and dry it.

Measure to ensure consistency
Always measure your coffee and water. By measuring your amounts it will help ensure that you have a consistent brew and it will also minimize waste. By guessing on amounts, your coffee may end up too weak or too strong.

We recommend that two level tablespoons of coffee be used for every six ounces of cold water. If you prefer a stronger cup, you can use more coffee grounds but be sure to measure the amount. If you like your coffee on the weaker side, don't decrease the amount of coffee; instead add either water or milk after the coffee brewing cycle. Using fewer coffee grounds can lead to over-extracted coffee, which can easily cause a bitter tasting cup of coffee.

Water impacts your coffee's taste
We suggest using freshly drawn cold water. Hot tap water and water that has already been boiled will have less oxygen in it, and if used will make brewed coffee taste flat and stale, not a good combination. It is important to remember that coffee is mostly water, so if the water you use has any undesirable flavor or odor, your coffee will too. If this is the case, then filtering your water is an inexpensive way to improve your coffee's flavor.

Water temperature
Another important aspect of brewing coffee is the water temperature. If the water isn't hot enough, then not enough of the coffee's flavor will be extracted. If the water is too hot, then the coffee can be over-extracted, or bitter.

So what is the best water temperature to brew coffee? Between 195 and 205 degree F. Water boils at about 210 degrees F, so if you let boiling water cool just a bit before using, the water will be able to unlock the coffee's optimal taste.

After brewing coffee
As soon as the coffee brewing cycle has finished, remove the coffee grounds to prevent any bitterness. While recycling is good, it is not a good idea to reuse the coffee grounds for making coffee. A better place for used coffee grounds would be in your compost bin.

Serving coffee
The best way to preserve your coffee's flavor is to transfer and store it in a preheated, insulated vacuum thermos or air pot. If coffee is allowed to sit on a warmer, it will immediately begin to burn and lose its flavor.