Brewing Guide: Simple Steps for a Better Cup

Click here for our cold brew instructions

☕ How to Brew a Better Cup (Without Overthinking It)

There’s no shortage of opinions online when it comes to making great coffee. Our goal is simple: to give you straightforward guidance for a better-tasting cup using everyday brewing methods.

You won’t find fussy rituals here. Just practical tips, friendly encouragement, and some well-earned opinions from roasters who’ve brewed a lot of morning coffee (often before they were fully awake).

🔥 Start with the Right Water Temperature

Getting the temperature right makes a noticeable difference:

• Ideal Range: 195–205°F (90–96°C)

• Too cool? You’ll under-extract.

• Too hot? Expect bitterness.

Most electric kettles and newer brewers hit the sweet spot. If yours doesn’t, just bring water to a boil and let it sit for 30 seconds before pouring.

⚖️ Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Start with 1:16

For consistently great results, we recommend a 1:16 ratio—that’s one part coffee to sixteen parts water by weight. Here's how that translates:

• Example: 20 grams of coffee to 320 grams of water

• Prefer tablespoons? That’s roughly 1 to 1½ tablespoons per 6 oz cup

Dial it up or down to match your taste—stronger for bold mornings, lighter for easy sipping. But if you’re just getting started, 1:16 is a balanced place to begin.

☕ Drip Coffee Makers

What to look for:

• A showerhead-style water spout for even saturation

• A conical filter basket to aid flavor balance

• Solid temperature control in the 195–205°F range

One note: That “8-cup” brewer? Probably closer to 5 oz per cup, not eight. Worth measuring to avoid the dreaded weak pot.

We recommend 7–9g of coffee (1–2 tablespoons) per “brewer cup.”

> We like the SimplyGoodCoffee™ brewer for its simplicity and solid design.

🇫🇷 French Press

A classic—and great for big, bold flavor.

Pro tip: Before steeping, “bloom” your coffee by pouring just enough water to saturate the grounds. Wait 30–45 seconds, then add the rest of the water. Stir, steep for 4 minutes, plunge, and enjoy.

> We use a Bodum press in our own kitchen.

☔ Pour-Over

This method blends the even saturation of French press with the clean clarity of drip.

• Use a gooseneck kettle for better control

• Bloom the grounds first (see French press tip)

• Pour slowly and evenly in circles

• Aim for a total brew time of 2½–3½ minutes

> We love the Hario V60 paired with Cafec filters and a Brewista kettle for maximum control.

⚙️ Grind Size Matters

Match your grind to your method:

• French press: Coarse

• Drip or pour-over: Medium

• Espresso (not covered here): Fine

If you're using our pre-ground coffee, we’ve dialed it in for excellent performance with both drip and pour-over setups.

🏕️ One Last Word from the Trail

We like coffee that’s delicious and doable. Don’t stress the perfect technique—find a method that fits your rhythm and produces a cup you genuinely enjoy. That’s what matters most.