While there are many brewing methods, let's take a look at some of the most common methods used in the US. Keep in mind that this list is a brief one, there are so many ways you can make a good brew these days - even freeze dried coffee!
Brewing by Pressure
Espresso Machine | This machine is the most common used in coffee shops these days because they allow quite a bit of versatility. Many people prefer milk, flavor, and sweetener in their coffee so taking an espresso shot and turning it in to a latte is the easiest way to accomplish that. There are many variations of machines from fully automatic down to manual. So you can create a shot with a push of a button or if you're like us you can enjoy the process with a little more hands on approach.
How it works: pressurized water is pushed through a chamber/puck of finely ground coffee beans, through a filter, resulting in what we call a shot of espresso.
Mocha Pot | This is the next best thing to create an espresso like brew at a fraction of the cost. This brewer is cheap yet impactful. It does require some skill though.
How it works: water in the bottom chamber boils, and the steam causes pressure that pushes water up through the coffee grounds into the top chamber.
Aeropress | If you’re a traveler or just someone who appreciates a quick, clean and great tasting coffee then this small, lightweight device is for you. You can make an "espresso", regular coffee or cold brew with an aeropress.
How it works: using air pressure, it forces the water through by pushing the plunger down.
Brewing by Steeping
French Press | A cheap brewer you can find in most stores. Simple to use, but there is technique to the grind size. This creates an aromatic coffee that is full of flavor, related to your beans. It will, however, have some sediment left at the end of the cup.
How it works: steeping coffee grounds and hot water in a glass beaker. Once the coffee is done steeping, a metal mesh filter is pressed to the bottom of the beaker which separates the coffee grounds from the coffee.
Brewing by Filtering/Dripping
Pour Over | There are many different pour over brewers including but not limited to: Hario V60, Origami Air S, Chemex, and Kalita Wave. It seems simple, however it can be an involved process. This method is for the brewer who enjoys a slow morning process to create a good cup. It is a way to make a very clean and smooth brew, but it takes high skill.
How it works: Hot water is poured slowly over the coffee grounds, extracting the coffee as it passes through.
Batch Brew/Coffee Pot | One of the most common brew methods to date, even though specialty coffee drinkers are steering away from this method. This is your standard coffee pot or what you would find on a cafe menu under drip coffee.
How it works: it heats water and then disperses it over the top of the ground coffee, which is held in the filter inside the filter cone; the brew falls into a carafe held at the bottom of the machine.
Cold Brew | This method takes time, however, it creates a strong, unique tasting coffee with a super smooth finish with no acidity or bitterness. With this method, there is no need for milk or sweeteners, allowing you to taste the real flavor of the coffee bean. It is a 10+ hour process though.
How it works: slowly drip cold filtered water through your fresh grinds for a long period – often 10 hours or more.