Explore all major coffee brewing methods side-by-side. Discover taste profiles, difficulty levels, and which method is perfect for you.
| Method | Difficulty | Cost | Speed | Flavor | Control | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | Easy | $ | Fast | Balanced | Low | Many |
| Pour Over | Medium | $$ | Medium | Bright | High | Few |
| AeroPress | Easy | $$ | Very Fast | Full-bodied | Medium | 1-2 |
| Chemex | Hard | $$$ | Slow | Clean | High | 2-4 |
| French Press | Easy | $$ | Medium | Rich | Low | Several |
| Espresso | Hard | $$$+ | Very Fast | Intense | Very High | 1-2 |
| Cold Brew | Easy | $ | Slow | Smooth | Low | Many |
| Moka Pot | Medium | $$ | Medium | Strong | Medium | Several |
Taste Profile:
Balanced, smooth
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Coffee maker, filters, carafe
Taste Profile:
Clean, bright, complex
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Dripper (V60/Chemex/Kalita), filters, gooseneck kettle, scale
Taste Profile:
Full-bodied, smooth, low acidity
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
AeroPress, filters, kettle, scale
Taste Profile:
Exceptionally clean, bright
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Chemex, special filters, gooseneck kettle, scale
Taste Profile:
Full-bodied, rich, oils present
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
French press, kettle, scale
Taste Profile:
Intense, bold, concentrated
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Espresso machine, grinder, tamper, scale, cups
Taste Profile:
Smooth, sweet, low acidity
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Jar, filters or strainer, cold water
Taste Profile:
Rich, strong, espresso-like
Key Details
Pros
Cons
Equipment Needed:
Moka pot, stovetop, scale
Find answers to common questions
Drip coffee makers and French press are the easiest for beginners. They require minimal technique and produce consistent results. AeroPress is also very forgiving despite seeming complex at first.