There are many benefits to manual coffee brewing. From more to control to more flavor, trying manual brew methods is worth your while.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of manual coffee brewing.
Different Types of Manual Brewing Methods
There are a variety of different types of manual coffee brewing methods, from the French Press that has been around for hundreds of years to the new kid on the block, the AeroPress. Below are some common manual brewing methods:
French Press – The French press is a coffee brewing method that has been around for hundreds of years. It is simple to use and only requires a few pieces of equipment – a French press, ground coffee, water, and a heat source.
Aeropress – The Aeropress is a newer manual brewing method that was invented in 2005. It is a quick and easy way to brew coffee, and it only requires a few pieces of equipment – an Aeropress, ground coffee, water, and a heat source.
Chemex – The Chemex is a manual coffee brewing method that was invented in 1941. It uses a cone-shaped filter that allows for a slow and steady pour-over style of brewing.
Siphon – The siphon is a manual coffee brewing method that was invented in the early 1800s. It uses a vacuum to brew coffee, and it requires a few pieces of equipment – a siphon, ground coffee, water, and a heat source.
Benefits of Manual Brewing
Regardless of the type of manual brewing method you use, there are a few key benefits that all manual brewers share.
More Flavorful Coffee
The first and most obvious benefit of manual coffee brewing is that it produces a more flavorful cup of coffee. This is because with manual brewing methods, you have more control over the variables that affect flavor – water temperature, coffee grind size, and brewing time.
With automatic coffee makers, the machine controls these variables for you, which can lead to coffee that is either over- or under-extracted. Over-extraction occurs when the water extracts too much flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a bitter cup of coffee. Under-extraction occurs when the water does not extract enough flavor from the coffee grounds, resulting in a weak and watery cup of coffee.
With manual brewing, you have the ability to control these variables to ensure that your coffee is extracted just the way you like it. This results in a more flavorful cup of coffee that is tailored to your taste.
Cheaper in the Long Run
Another benefit of manual coffee brewing is that it tends to be cheaper in the long run than automatic brewing. This is because with a manual brewer, you are not paying for all the parts and pieces that make up an automatic coffee maker.
Instead, you simply need some basic equipment – a French press, an Aeropress, a Chemex, or a siphon – and some ground coffee. Additionally, manual brewing often requires less water than automatic brewing, so you will also save on your water bill.
More Environmentally Friendly
When looking for the perfect way to brew coffee, manual coffee brewing is more environmentally friendly than automatic brewing. This is because with a manual brewer, you are not using electricity to power the machine.
Additionally, manual brewing often requires less water than automatic brewing, so you will also save on your water bill.
Customizable to Your Own Taste
One of the best things about manual coffee brewing is that it is highly customizable to your own taste. With automatic coffee makers, you are stuck with the pre-set settings on the machine.
With manual brewing, you have the ability to control all of the variables that affect flavor – water temperature, coffee grind size, and brewing time. This allows you to experiment with different ratios and brewing times until you find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste.
For example, if you enjoy using a particular bean from a local roaster, but the grind size is not quite right for your preferred brewing method, you can play around with grinding it at different settings
Great Way to Learn About Coffee
Another great thing about manual coffee brewing is that it’s a great way to learn more about coffee and brewing techniques. When you brew coffee manually, you are in charge of all the variables that affect flavor. This gives you a chance to learn about the different flavors that coffee can have and how to change the brewing process to produce those flavors.
You can also experiment with different coffee blends and grinds to find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste. As you become more familiar with the brewing process, you will be able to fine-tune your technique to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time.
Great Way to Make Your Coffee Just the Way You Like It
Another benefit of manual coffee brewing is that it’s a great way to make your coffee just the way you like it each time. When you use an automatic coffee maker, you are limited to the pre-set brewing settings that the manufacturer has chosen.
This can be frustrating when the brew time is too long or the ratio of grounds to water is not quite right for your taste. With manual brewing, you have complete control over all of these variables – so if something isn’t quite right, you can change it until it is perfect for your taste.
Allows You to Experiment With Different Coffee Blends and Grinds
As mentioned above, another great thing about manual coffee brewing is that it allows you to experiment with different coffee blends and grinds. This is because you have complete control over the brewing process, so you don’t have to worry about the coffee maker’s recommended settings.
You can try different roasts, single origin coffees, and blends until you find your favorite brew. Additionally, with manual brewing, you can play around with grind size – from course grinds that are perfect for French presses to finer grinds for espresso machines. This allows you to get the perfect cup of coffee each time, no matter what type of coffee or brewing method you prefer.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits to manual coffee brewing. From the improved flavor to the increased control over the brewing process, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing this method over automatic brewers.