When it comes to coffee brewing methods, it can feel like there are nearly as many coffee brewers as there are types of coffee. You could go the traditional route and brew a pot of drip coffee, or get fancy with an espresso machine. For those who like things even simpler, there’s always the old-fashioned percolator. And for those who like their coffee ultra-rich and flavorful, there’s the ever-popular French Press.
With so many choices, it’s no wonder that people can get overwhelmed with the brewing options out there. What ever happened to good old-fashioned "drip coffee?"
And when we use the term "drip coffee," what exactly are we referring to?
In short, drip coffee is any type of coffee that is brewed by dripping hot water over ground beans. This can be done using a drip coffee maker, or even a simple filter and a mug. The result is a rich and flavorful cup of coffee that is perfect for any time of day.
If you’ve ever had a cup of coffee in the first place, chances are you've had drip coffee. That's because it's the standard, go-to coffee you’ll find in millions of offices, restaurants, hotels—and of course, homes—worldwide, where a glass vessel sits below a filter suspended by a machine, which automatically delivers the right amount of water to "drip’" through into the vessel.
The “Perks” of Drip Coffee
While auto drip coffee makers are routinely ridiculed by coffee snobs, drip coffee can still be delicious. If you're more concerned with things like convenience, consistency, and ease of use over perfect taste and aroma, then auto drip coffee makers have several advantages over other brewing methods.
As I mentioned, they're certainly easier to use than some more advanced coffee brewers, requiring little more than a push of a button to get started. Furthermore, the quality of the coffee is highly consistent, meaning that each cup of coffee will taste pretty much the same as the last—which can be a good thing or a not-so-good thing.
Finally, auto drip coffee makers are relatively inexpensive, making them the most accessible for budget-minded coffee drinkers. So don't rule out the auto drip coffee maker—it definitely has its place in the echelons of coffee brewing methods.
How to Brew the Best Drip Coffee at Home
- Use high quality coffee beans.
- Grind your beans properly.
- Use filtered water rather than water straight out of the tap. It honestly makes a difference in the flavor of your coffee!
- Remove the coffee pot from heat after brewing—this will help prevent the coffee from becoming too bitter or developing the "burnt" taste some people associate with office break room coffee makers.
Drip coffee is convenient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive overall—which explains its popularity. But let’s be honest—drip coffee can also be… pretty boring.
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, there are plenty of other brewing methods out there waiting to be explored. Why not give them a try and experience something new? You might just find a new favorite way to enjoy your coffee—and then you can really start to get snobby about it. ;-)
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