How to make the best cup of coffee at home

Selecting the perfect coffee beans

The best home brew coffee starts with high-quality coffee beans.

There are three important things to consider before you start brewing: whole beans vs. store ground, the most common types of beans and the importance of organic coffee beans.

1. Fresh beans are key

One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting the freshest beans is to grind them at home. The bean’s outer covering acts as a protective “armor,” sealing in the oils and aromas that give coffee its flavor. As soon as that covering is broken the coffee can start to lose those aromas. If you do decide to buy pre-ground coffee, buy it in a vacuum sealed bag and store it in an airtight container in a cool dry place, after the bag has been opened. Learn more about how to store ground coffee and whole beans.

In addition to providing the freshest coffee, grinding your own beans gives you control over taste and caffeination. Learn more about different types of coffee grinders or shop KitchenAid^® coffee grinders to find one that fits your needs.

2. Arabica vs. Robusta

What is the best tasting coffee? The answer may depend on your palate. The two most common types of beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are considered the “better bean” and produce a sweeter, softer taste while Robusta beans, which are easier to grow and are found in most supermarket coffees, have a stronger, harsher taste and contain twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.

3. Organic makes a difference

Organic beans aren’t sprayed with pesticides and chemicals in the growing process but an organic label doesn’t always mean that the beans you’re buying are the best quality. Look for speciality-grade for the highest-quality coffee. This designation will assure you that your beans are grown in the most ideal conditions and harvested with care. Look for them at local roasters.

Water, the secret ingredient

You’ve selected your fresh, high-quality beans and now it’s time to consider coffee’s only other ingredient – water.

Naturally you want this ingredient to be of the highest quality as well so always use bottled or filtered water. The chlorine and other chemicals in regular tap water can produce unwanted notes in your coffee. And because the minerals in high-quality water are necessary for the best home brew coffee using distilled or softened water is not recommended and could also damage your coffee maker.

Coffee tip:

For clean, fresh filtered water straight from the fridge make sure you use a great filter and change it every six months. everydrop^® ice and water filters are the only filters approved by KitchenAid.¹

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Water is the thing that extracts flavor out of your coffee beans, so making sure your water is the right temperature is essential for good results. Experts recommend using water between 195º F-205º F; water in this range will dissolve your grounds most effectively. Water that’s too cool will produce a weak cup of coffee and water that’s too hot will make coffee bitter.

The best equipment for the best home coffee

Superior coffee beans, check. Clean, delicious water, check. The final piece of the “how to make the perfect cup of coffee” puzzle is high-quality equipment.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Filters

Don’t skimp on filters. Look for “oxygen-bleached” or “dioxin-free” paper filters. For an eco-friendly solution that produces bold flavor consider investing in a gold-plated filter.

2. Scale

Want to know how to prepare ground coffee like the pros? It’s all about the right amount of grounds for the job. A good measuring cup and spoons will work, but if you’re planning to take it to the next level you’ll want to invest in a good digital kitchen scale to measure your grounds more accurately.

3. Coffee grinder

Without a good grinder, those high-quality coffee beans you invested in are “toast.” That’s why routine coffee grinder maintenance is so important. There are two types of grinders on the market – burr grinders and blade grinders. Burr grinders are usually the higher-priced option but they offer better control over your grind and are especially important for Pour-Over coffee makers. Blade grinders have a blade in the center of the grinder, similar to a blender blade. It’s more difficult to get an even grind with this method but pulsing can help you control the consistency of the size of your grounds. As an added bonus, you can use blade grinders to process spices, herbs and more. Before buying a coffee grinder, learn how to choose the right coffee grinder for brewing your favorite beverages.

4. Coffee maker

There are a number of different coffee maker styles and which one you choose really comes down to personal preference. You may want to invest in one or more of them depending on how much coffee you need to brew, the time you have to invest and the flavor you’re expecting to produce. This Coffee Maker Buying Guide helps you compare coffee makers and determine which one is best for your unique needs. Here’s a quick snapshot of the most popular options and their advantages.

Be sure to shop the KitchenAid^® coffee collection and coffee accessories for more inspiration.

How to make the perfect cup of coffee

Now it’s time to dive in and start creating your own delicious barista-style beverages. Here are step-by-step instructions for the different brewing methods we’ve discussed.

Drip coffee

1. Pour grounds into a filter-lined basket and place in the coffee maker – if grinding your own beans grind to the consistency of table salt.

2. Swivel spout over center of grounds.

3. Pour purified or filtered water in the back of the coffee maker and press “on.”

4. When coffee is done brewing, turn the machine off to avoid burning your coffee. Serve and enjoy.

Coffee tip:

A general rule of thumb for coffee to water ratio is called the “Golden Ratio”– 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. But keep in mind that coffee is personal so you may want to adjust according to taste.

Pour over coffee

1. Bring cold, filtered water to a boil in a kettle. A gooseneck style is ideal for pour overs.

2. If using whole beans, grind to the consistency of table salt.

3. Put a paper filter in the brewer, then rinse with hot water to remove filter residue and warm the brewer. Discard used water.

4. Place a level layer of grounds in the filter and pour water that has been heated to 195º F-205º F slowly and evenly over the grounds. Start in the center of the grounds and work your way out. Stop pouring before the coffee begins dripping into the brewer to allow the coffee to de-gas. This is known as the “bloom” pour.

5. Take the next 3-4 minutes to slowly pour the remaining water over the grounds. Remove the filter. Serve and enjoy.

French press coffee

1. Bring filtered water to a boil in a kettle.

2. If using whole beans, grind to the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs. Add the grounds to the French Press.

3. Heat the water to 195º F-205º F and add it to the French press. Stir heated water into the grounds. It will take about 4 minutes to brew. Slowly plunge, separating grounds from the brewed coffee.

4. Serve and enjoy immediately. To avoid bitter coffee pour any leftovers into a carafe and enjoy later.

Cold brew coffee

1. If using whole beans, grind to the consistency of coarse breadcrumbs.

2. Add filtered water and ground coffee to the cold brew maker.

3. Steep for 12-24 hours in your refrigerator.

4. Strain through a filter or cheesecloth into a clean container.

5. Add milk, ice and enjoy. Store extra cold brew in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Best coffee recipe

A well-crafted cup of coffee is one of life’s simple, and some might even argue – essential – pleasures. The best coffee recipe for your tastes might require a little experimentation with roasts, water temperature, as well as the coffee maker itself. But don’t stop at that perfect cup of home brewed coffee. Take those newly acquired barista skills and apply them to a special latte, coffee frappe or decadent coffee dessert. There’s a world of possibility out there. Check out this recipe for Cold Brew Coffee Floats to get started.