For Black Coffee Lovers - Coffee Brewing Alternatives

This is a commissioned article.

Coffee today is more than just a refreshing drink. The focus is increasingly not only on the intensity or caffeine content, but also on the unique tastes, aftertastes, and brewing methods. In cafés, professional espresso machines dominate, while at home, many simply pour hot water over ground coffee. Yet the growing coffee culture inspires us to explore brewing alternatives such as compact coffee machines, paper filters, and specialty coffee utensils.

A Coffee Machine at Home is No Longer a Luxury

To enjoy quality coffee at home, you don’t need a bulky café-style espresso machine. A compact, space-saving coffee machine may be enough, but flavour is more influenced by brewing method and bean choice than the machine itself.

Today, home coffee machines are popular for their ease of use. Many are compact enough for small kitchens. Capsule machines and small semi-automatics remain favourites thanks to their affordability and convenience.

Capsule coffee machines require special coffee capsules. Simply fill with water, insert the capsule, and press a button. The variety is impressive — from bold espresso to sweet caramel macchiato.

Semi-automatic machines offer a more hands-on ritual: fill and tamp the handle with ground coffee, lock it in place, and start the brew. They’re a delight for black coffee lovers, delivering a grounds-free cup every time.

Filtered Coffee: Over 100 Years of Tradition

Filtered coffee isn’t a modern fad — it’s been enjoyed worldwide for more than a century. In 1908, German inventor Melitta Bentz created the first paper coffee filter to avoid grounds in her cup. Today, the Melitta brand focuses on coffee machines, but its legacy lives on in paper filters and the filtered coffee tradition.

Chemex: The Key to Rich and Aromatic Coffee

The Chemex brewing method is prized for producing pure, clean, and aromatic black coffee. The thicker paper filters and elegant hourglass-shaped vessel create a distinctive, slow-brew ritual. Preparing Chemex coffee involves pre-wetting the filter, measuring coarsely ground beans, and pouring hot water in a slow, circular motion.

Hario V60: Elegant and Easy Filter Brewing

The Hario V60 is a versatile home coffee maker that brews directly into your cup. Its cone shape and 60-degree angle allow water to flow evenly through the grounds, producing a clean and flavourful coffee. Available in ceramic, plastic, metal, and copper, it’s perfect for those seeking precision with a minimalist setup.

For best results, use medium or coarse grinds, saturate evenly, and pour water slowly to avoid bitterness and highlight the coffee’s best qualities.

Filtered Coffee: A Healthier Choice

Filtered coffee may be the healthiest brewing method. A 20-year study from the University of Gothenburg found that brewing with paper filters removes cafestol and kahweol, compounds linked to raised cholesterol. This means filtered coffee reduces coffee oils and grounds, making it a cleaner, healthier choice.

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Stock photography from Unsplash used in this post.

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