All Known Brewing Methods and Devices
Though they may look different, they can be simply categorized into just three main types: immersion, infusion, and pressure methods. Let's discuss each one. In our online store, you can buy freshly roasted coffee beans from Peru.
Immersion
This method is how most people first get acquainted with coffee. Why do we say that? Because most of us have likely brewed coffee at home in a cup. Immersion has a synonym - steeping. The following methods of brewing are considered immersion methods: a cup, French press, and when brewing cold brew coffee, which can also be called an immersion method. Some popular devices for brewing combine immersion and infusion. These include Clever Dripper, Bonavita, and Wilfa. These devices have a shape similar to the V60 funnel but also have a valve at the bottom. So the coffee steeps in the funnel and then drains through the valve. Such methods offer a very clean taste, along with a good body and clearly defined descriptors.
During immersion brewing, coffee particles are extracted through contact with water. These methods typically have a slightly longer brewing time, as no physical forces (gravity or pressure) influence the extraction process.
Infusion
These are the favorite devices for brewing by most baristas. They include Chemex, V60 dripper, Kalita, Origami, and others. In this brewing method, coffee particles are extracted by repeatedly pouring water over the coffee bed and using gravity. These methods are the most amenable to modifications and various recipe variations. Factors such as pouring speed, amplitude, turbulence, and more influence the result in the cup. The downside of these devices is the inconsistency of results. It's tough to consistently achieve the same recipe repeatedly, considering all the variables. So if you love to brew coffee quickly and consistently the same way, choose immersion methods.
Pressure Methods
The king of this brewing type is certainly espresso. In this same family are the stovetop espresso maker and AeroPress.
These methods are characterized by the fastest brewing time (espresso is brewed in an average of up to 30 seconds). Not surprisingly, since with the interaction of pressure and hot water, extraction happens the fastest and most efficiently. The downside, yet again, is instability. While an espresso machine can maintain a consistent pressure of 9 bars, when brewing with an AeroPress, we cannot guarantee that we exert the same pressure every time. The speed and intensity of extraction sometimes lead to the extraction of negative taste elements alongside the positive ones. Therefore, these methods carry the highest risk of ending up with a high level of bitterness.
Every brewing method has its merits. We recommend trying something new all the time and finding what suits you best. And with recipes and coffee, we are always ready to help.
