Cafedirect’s top coffee tips

Want to get the most out of your coffee? Knowing what goes into making a great cup will help you get there. Here are some tips from the experts at Cafédirect on making your coffee just the way you like it.

Use the right beans

Whether you prefer your coffee light or dark, the right beans are essential for a great cup of coffee. Knowing whether to go for a product such as London fields that is specially roasted in London, or choosing instant freeze-dried coffee, will give you a consistent taste that you love.

Clean your equipment

Having a great coffee maker is one thing, but if it’s not clean, you will not get consistently great coffee. Make sure to descale your machine regularly and clean it with warm soapy water (and a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach places) every few weeks.

This ensures your coffee tastes great and your machine lasts longer. Coffee grinds and scum leave pungent aromas and tastes in your next brew.

Grind your own beans

For the freshest cup of coffee possible, grind your own beans. You can use a blade grinder for a quick, budget-friendly option or treat yourself to a burr grinder for a more consistent grind. Just make sure to grind your beans right before brewing for the best results.

Using the right hand grinder is essential – doing your research and finding the one that meets your needs will give you the best results.

Store your beans properly

Once you’ve ground your beans, they start to lose their flavour. So, it’s essential to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Also, ideally, only grind the number of beans you need for each cup.

Don’t overlook the importance of freshness

Coffee beans start to lose their flavour as soon as they’re ground, so it’s essential to use them quickly. For the best results, use them within two weeks of grinding.

Measure the Ground Coffee

Another critical step in making great coffee is to use the right amount of coffee. Too much and your coffee will be harsh and bitter with a coarse mouthfeel; too little and it will be weak and watery. A general rule of thumb is to use two tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water or for more specific quantities while using a scale the industry standard ratio of coffee : water is 60g per 1000 ml of water. 

Moreover, the grind size is crucial in making a great cup of coffee – if it’s too fine, the coffee will be over-extracted and taste bitter; too coarse, and the coffee will be under-extracted and taste sour.

Brew at the Right Temperature

Water that is too hot will scald the coffee and make it taste bitter, while too cold water will result in a lack of extraction creating a weaker brew. The ideal brewing temperature is between 90°C and 94°C.

Use your favourite coloured dripper

Add some colour to your coffee-making routine with just the right coloured coffee dripper to brighten your day.

The right colour can make all the difference in your coffee drinking experience.

Conclusion

Making great coffee at home is easy if you follow these simple tips. So, get grinding and brewing, and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in no time.