Complete Coffee Brewing Guide

CoffeeBrewerDXB Quick Brewing Reference

	Method	Best Ratio	Grind Texture	Brew Time
☕	Espresso (Standard)	1:2	Fine (Table Salt)	25–30 sec
☕	Ristretto (Stronger)	1:1 to 1:1.5	Fine	20–25 sec
☕	Lungo (Milder)	1:3 to 1:4	Fine	30–40 sec
☕	Pour-Over (V60/Chemex)	1:15 to 1:17	Medium (Sea Salt)	3–4 min
☕	French Press	1:15	Coarse (Breadcrumbs)	4–5 min
☕	Aeropress	1:10 to 1:15	Medium-Fine	1–2 min
☕	Cold Brew	1:8	Extra Coarse	12–24 hrs

Espresso Essentials

• The Golden Rule: For every 1g of coffee in your basket, aim for 2g of liquid espresso in your cup.

• Recipe: Use 18g of coffee grounds to yield 36g of liquid espresso.

• Temperature: Aim for water between 90–96°C (195–205°F).

• Troubleshooting:

  • Sour taste? Grind finer or brew for longer.

  • Bitter taste? Grind coarser or shorten brew time.

    
    

Filter & Manual Brews

• Pour-Over (e.g., Hario V60): Use a 1:16 ratio for a balanced cup (e.g., 20g coffee to 320g water).

• French Press: Use a 1:15 ratio (e.g., 30g coffee to 450g water). Let it steep for 4 minutes before pressing.

• Aeropress: Use a 1:10 ratio for an espresso-style concentrate, or 1:15 for a standard cup.

Tips for Consistency

• Use a Scale: Measuring by weight (grams) is far more accurate than using tablespoons, unless your machine does this for you!

• Freshness: Grind your beans immediately before brewing for the best aroma and flavour.

• Water Quality: Use filtered water. Since coffee is 98% water, impurities can ruin even the best beans.

Detailed Coffee Brewing Guide

Great coffee is not only about where it comes from or how it is roasted - it is about how it is brewed.

At CoffeeBrewerDXB, every coffee we offer is carefully selected and roasted to highlight its unique origin, flavour, and character. This guide is designed to help you brew our coffee correctly at home or in the office, whether you use a manual brew method or a fully automatic coffee machine.

Use this as a foundation, then adjust to taste. Brewing coffee is both a science and a personal experience.

Great coffee starts long before the brewing process. From bean freshness to water quality, a few core fundamentals determine how your coffee will taste in the cup. Master these foundations, and every brew method you use will become more consistent and enjoyable.

Foundations of Great Coffee

Great coffee starts long before the brewing process. From bean freshness to water quality, a few core fundamentals determine how your coffee will taste in the cup. Master these foundations, and every brew method you use will become more consistent and enjoyable.

1. Fresh Coffee

Freshness plays a major role in flavour, aroma, and balance. Using beans that are past their prime is one of the quickest ways to end up with a flat or unpleasant cup. By prioritising freshness, you ensure every cup captures the vibrant notes and natural sweetness of the coffee.

• Use coffee within 2–4 weeks from the roast date for optimal quality. And still keeping a good quality for up to 3 months. After 6 months, it will be fairly flat.

• Store beans in an airtight container, away from light, heat, and moisture.

• Avoid refrigerating or freezing coffee for daily use, as this can introduce moisture and dull flavours.

  
  

Fresh coffee delivers brighter aromas, better sweetness, and a cleaner finish.

2. Grind Size (One of the Most Important Factors)

Grind size is one of the most critical aspects of brewing. It directly controls extraction, and an incorrect grind is the most common reason coffee tastes bitter or sour. Proper grind size ensures a balanced and flavorful cup, regardless of your brewing method.

Brew Method	Grind Size	Texture Reference
Espresso	Fine	Table salt
Pour Over	Medium	Sea salt
AeroPress	Medium–Fine	Fine sand
Filter Machine	Medium	Sand
French Press	Coarse	Breadcrumbs
Cold Brew	Extra Coarse	Cracked pepper

Always grind your coffee just before brewing to preserve freshness and flavour.

3. Water Quality and Temperature

Since coffee is over 98% water, the quality of your water dramatically affects the taste. Impurities, minerals, and temperature inconsistencies can mask the flavours of even the finest beans. Starting with clean, filtered water ensures clarity and balance in every cup.

• Use filtered water whenever possible.

• Ideal brewing temperature for most methods: 90–96 °C.

• Avoid pouring boiling water directly onto coffee, as this can cause harsh extraction.

  
  

Poor water quality can mask even the best beans and brewing technique.

4. Brew Ratios (Consistency First)

Using the correct brew ratio is essential for achieving a balanced cup. Ratios help guide extraction and flavour intensity, giving you a reliable foundation while allowing flexibility to adjust based on personal taste.

Standard Filter Coffee Range: 1:15 to 1:17

Examples:

• 20 g coffee → 300–340 g water

• 60 g coffee → 900 g–1 L water

  
  

Adjust to taste:

• Stronger: 1:14–1:15

• Lighter: 1:17–1:18

  
  

Once these foundations are understood, adjusting your brew becomes intentional rather than guesswork.

Brewing with Coffee Machines

Coffee machines offer consistency and efficiency while still allowing you to control key variables. Whether you prefer hands-on espresso making or push-button convenience, the guidelines below will help you get the best results from your equipment.

Espresso Machines (Manual / Semi-Automatic)

Manual and semi-automatic espresso machines are ideal for creating café-style coffee at home or the office. They give you control over grind, dose, and extraction, allowing you to fine-tune your espresso to taste.

Standard Espresso (Golden Rule)

• Ratio: 1:2

• Dose: 18–20 g

• Yield: 36–40 g

• Brew time: 25–30 seconds

• Water temperature: 90–96 °C

  
  

Style Variations

• Ristretto: 1:1–1:1.5 | 20–25 sec | Stronger

• Lungo: 1:3–1:4 | 30–40 sec | Milder

  
  

Best Practices

• Preheat the machine and the portafilter

• Tamp evenly and consistently

• Brew immediately after locking in

• Clean the group head and portafilter daily

  
  

Consistency in dose, grind, and timing is key to sweet, balanced espresso.

Bean-to-Cup / Automatic Machines

Bean-to-cup machines are designed for convenience with reliable, consistent results. While automation does most of the work, small adjustments can still greatly improve cup quality.

Guidelines

• Use whole beans only

• Start with a medium–fine grinder setting

• Use filtered water

• Begin with medium strength and adjust gradually

  
  

Maintenance

• Empty waste tray daily

• Run cleaning cycles as prompted by the machine

• Descale every 1–3 months depending on water hardness

  
  

Filter / Drip Coffee Machines

Filter and drip machines are reliable and ideal for brewing larger volumes. When set up correctly, they can produce a clean, well-balanced cup with minimal effort.

Recommended

• Grind size: Medium

• Ratio: 1:15–1:17

• Rinse paper filters before use

• Avoid leaving brewed coffee on a hot plate for extended periods

  
  

Fresh water, the right grind, and timely serving make a noticeable difference in the final cup.

Capsule Machines (Reusable Pods)

Reusable capsules offer flexibility and a more sustainable option while still maintaining convenience.

Guidelines

• Grind size: Fine

• Tamp lightly to avoid restricting flow

• Expect some trial and adjustment to find the right balance

  
  

Freshly ground coffee is always recommended. Pay attention to extraction time and taste, and adjust your grind or dose as needed.

Troubleshooting Your Brew

Even with the right equipment and recipe, your coffee may not always taste the way you expect—and that’s completely normal. Brewing is a balance of grind size, dose, time, and freshness, and small changes can have a big impact on flavour.

Use the guide below to quickly identify common taste issues, understand what’s causing them, and make simple adjustments to improve your next brew.

Taste Issue	Likely Cause	Adjustment
Sour	Under-extracted	Grind finer or brew longer
Bitter	Over-extracted	Grind coarser or shorten brew
Weak	Low dose	Increase coffee amount
Flat	Stale coffee	Use fresher beans

Manual Brewing Methods

Manual brewing allows you to fully control extraction, helping you highlight different flavours and characteristics in your coffee. Each method offers a unique experience, so you can select one that aligns with your taste preference and the coffee you are using.

Pour Over (V60, Kalita, Chemex)

Pour-over brewing is known for producing a clean, bright, and expressive cup. This method highlights clarity and subtle flavour notes, making it ideal for appreciating the origin and roast profile of the coffee.

Recommended

• Grind size: Medium

• Ratio: 1:15–1:17 (1:16 as a balanced starting point)

• Brew time: 3–4 minutes

  
  

Method

1. Rinse the paper filter with hot water to remove paper taste and preheat the brewer.

2. Add ground coffee.

3. Bloom with twice the coffee weight in water for 30–45 seconds.

4. Slowly pour the remaining water in circular motions, maintaining an even flow.

5. Allow the coffee to drain completely.

   
   

This method is best suited for single-origin coffees and lighter roast profiles, where brightness and nuance shine.

French Press

The French Press produces a full-bodied, rich cup with a heavier mouthfeel. Because the coffee steeps fully and the oils are retained, this method delivers depth and intensity that other methods might not capture.

Recommended

• Grind size: Coarse

• Ratio: 1:15

• Brew time: 4–5 minutes

  
  

Method

1. Add coffee and hot water.

2. Stir gently to ensure even saturation.

3. Steep for 4–5 minutes.

4. Press slowly and serve immediately.

   
   

With this process, avoid plunging aggressively, as this can disturb the grounds and introduce bitterness.

AeroPress

The AeroPress is versatile, forgiving, and ideal for experimentation. It allows you to adjust variables easily, making it a favourite for both beginners and experienced brewers.

Recommended

• Grind size: Medium–Fine

• Ratio: 1:10–1:15

• Brew time: 1–2 minutes

  
  

Guidance

• 1:10 produces an espresso-style concentrate

• 1:15 produces a standard cup

  
  

This process produces a smooth, balanced cup with low acidity, making it great for everyday brewing.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is brewed over time using cold water, resulting in a smooth, naturally sweet coffee with very low acidity. It’s ideal for warm climates or anyone who prefers a refreshing cup.

Recommended

• Grind size: Extra Coarse

• Ratio: 1:8

• Brew time: 12–24 hours (cold)

  
  

Method

1. Combine coffee and cold water.

2. Steep for 12–24 hours in the refrigerator.

3. Strain and refrigerate. Dilute with water or serve over ice as preferred.

   
   

Final Notes from CoffeeBrewerDXB

Every coffee has a story - from origin to roast to cup. Brewing it correctly allows you to experience that story fully. Start with fresh beans, the right grind size, good water, and clean equipment. From there, adjust based on taste and preference.

This guide is meant to educate, but also to encourage exploration. No two palates are the same, and the best cup of coffee is the one brewed the way you enjoy it.

For further reading and to explore professional coffee brewing fundamentals, visit the Specialty Coffee Association brewing fundamentals. They provide detailed, research-backed advice on brewing, extraction, and coffee science.

For further support, brew recommendations, or coffee advice, CoffeeBrewerDXB is always here to help.