How do you brew good coffee at home?

Question

I love Starbuck's regular brewed coffee. When I make brewed coffee at home, it just doesn't taste as good. Does anyone have any advice on how to brew excellent coffee at home?

Answer 1

get a french press

Answer 2

First, make sure your coffeemaker is CLEAN. I usually run a pot of vineagar through, then five pots of regular water. Next comes the coffee..I find it truly doesn't matter what kind of coffee you use, just the right combonation. I put on heaping scoop (1 1/2 Tablespoons per cup) so if I'm making 8 cups, I put four scoops or 6 Tablespoons total. Then I sprinkle about a teaspoon of cinnamon on top and brew away. It is the best!!!!! I've used every brand from Maxwell House, to Dunkin Donuts to Starbucks and it's very consistent. Good luck!

Answer 3

Buy good, fresh roasted beans and use a Melitta Manual Pour coffee pot with a filter. The problem with automatic coffee brewers is that they don't heat up the water enough to get the most out of the coffee beans.

Melita makes a wide range of manual filter devices that they call gourmet brewers. They include single cup brewers to Euro models that can do 6, 8 or even 10 cups. You boil your own water, measure out your coffee, and pour your "off the boil" water into the filter slowly, covering all the grounds. Repeat until the proper volume of coffee has been brewed.

Answer 4

The debate over what temperature water to start with has always been a big one. I prefer cool to cold water, but I don't believe you need to use bottled water UNLESS your tap water has a bad or chemical taste.

The right kind of grounds make a huge difference, and if you use regular coffee brands, you would be best to try and get a darker roast. For example, Folgers has it written on the label as to how the coffee is blended. I don't subscribe to coffee house brand coffees, but instead to fresh ground coffees from other brands (Millstone is one I like, but I also use Folgers, too.) Trying different flavors instead of just brands can make a difference.

Finally, the right amont of coffee grounds to water is a factor. I believe in 8 rounded TBSPs for 12 cups, but my personnal preference is a 1 mug maker so I can get the right amount for every 14oz mug I make.

Answer 5

First...strong doesn't mean bitter...more grounds=less bitterness and stronger coffee...less grounds will cause the coffee to taste bitter. Also, sprinkle just a tiny bit of salt over the grounds before brewing...this will also help prevent bitter coffee...last but maybe the most important...use half and half instead of powdered creamers...it offers a much better flavor. Enjoy..

Answer 6

trying using 2-3 small scoops of coffee then brew

Answer 7

Keep your coffee pot clean! You should run a full pot of just water through every couple weeks to make sure nothing is building up in the pipes and stuff. You can also run it through with a little bit of dish detergent if you want, just make sure you run another couple pots of water through to make sure you get it all out. You should do that at least once a year anyway.

Answer 8

Try doubling the coffee grounds. Strong coffee is best. And use only great coffee!!

Answer 9

Always start with fresh, COLD water...not tap water. I use bottled water that's super cold. You dont have to use "fancy" coffee. I use the "Great Value" brand of coffee from Walmart and everyone who has coffee at my house always compliments me on how great it tastes.

Answer 10

You should get some very nice coffie at the store and try something new then brew it.

Answer 11

purchase whole beans and grind them right before you make the coffee. it will give it better flavor. also make sure you are using the right amount of coffee per pot (ie, 1tbs per 1 cup of coffee).