Manual Brewing 101
Author | groundwork coffee Date | January 02, 2021
Whether you're the new owner of a V60 or have a Chemex getting dusty in the cupboard that you never quite learned how to use, we're here to help make 2021 the year you master manual brewing.
Don't have a brewer yet? There are a few things to consider when choosing a manual brewing method.
The first is aesthetics. There are a thousand brewers out there, including Chemex, V60, and Kalita. Which one are you most going to like looking at on your kitchen counter? If you’re going for that mid-century modern look, the Chemex is perfect. Something simple and storable more your style? A ceramic V60 will do the job.
The next thing to consider is volume. How much coffee are you looking to make? If you’re looking to dial in that perfect single cup to start your morning, a V60 is great. If you like to have a few cups throughout the day, you’ll definitely want that larger Chemex.
Finally, are you looking to brew and get out the door or are you open to taking your time with a more artful process? The easiest and most forgotten of the manual brewers is a french press. It's simple to use and almost fail-safe. An Aeropress is great for those without a lot of space to spare or for traveling. Brewing with a Chemex or V60 is slightly more involved (but provide a great opportunity to practice mindfulness!).
Ready to get started? We've got brewing guides for all our favorite manual brewers. Share your journey with us by tagging us on Instagram at @groundworkcoffee!
Coffee purists appreciate the classic styling of this carafe with wood collar and tie. The Chemex filter drip method eliminates bitterness, and the slow brewing allows full flavor from the best coffee beans. Unlike flat bottom filters, the conical shape concentrates grounds at the bottom of the filter, ensuring a clear flavorful coffee without fail.
The Hario V60 brewer is elegant, compact, and produces a bright, clean
brew. Designed for precision, this method is hands-on and requires attention to detail. We recommend using with a gooseneck kettle for the ultimate pour-over coffee experience.
The French Press is one of the most popular coffeemakers in the world and for good reason. The materials are completely taste-free so nothing comes between your ground coffee beans. No paper filters means that the coffee beans's essential oils go directly into your cup, delivering fantastic flavor and a waste-free experience.
This direct-infusion coffee brewer combines optimum extraction with vacuum
pressure to produce a very quick, full-bodied, and rich cup of coffee while minimizing bitterness and astringency. It makes 1 to 4 cups of coffee in approximately 90 seconds and features “micro-filter” technology to achieve a clean, grit-free, tea-like mouthfeel. Fast and convenient, this innovative brewer makes one of the best cups of coffee you'll ever taste!
