There are many ways to consume coffee, and not all of them are created equal. At least, that’s what the trends in coffee consumption can help inform you about.
Coffee is the world’s most popular and widely consumed beverage after water and has existed for millennia as a brewed beverage. Over time, humanity’s fascination with this delicious drink has led it to refining the delivery method for this precious source of caffeine.
5 Most Popular Coffee Brewing Methods
If you’re a coffee fan and would like to stay up-to-date on some of the most popular brewing methods for this tasty beverage, take a look at this overview of the various commercial coffee makers available.
Coffee: The World’s Most Variable Beverage
One of the reasons that there are so many delivery methods for coffee is that the drink itself is highly versatile and adaptable. In addition, preparing coffee using different methods can result in a wildly different experience in terms of how the drink tastes and feels. This is one of the reasons that the drink is so popular. Some of the world’s most popular methods for preparing coffee are outlined below:
1. Pour-Over
The pour-over coffee method has gained quite a bit of popularity over recent years due to its ability to consistently deliver fantastic flavor. Pour-over coffee involves grinding fresh beans and placing them in a filter that lies on top of a porcelain or metal pour-over mechanism. Hot water is then poured over the grounds slowly, sometimes using a specialized kettle with an elongated spout. The coffee then seeps through the filter into one’s cup.
2. French Press
The French Press is another very popular method of consuming coffee. French Presses are great for groups of people or for parties. The concept underlying a French Press is relatively simple. Coffee is placed at the bottom of a glass cylinder, followed by boiling water. After the water is poured into the container, the coffee is left to steep for a few minutes. After this, a mesh press is clamped down, which presses the coffee grounds to the bottom of the beaker, leaving only the fresh brew to enjoy.
3. Standard Drip
Standard drip machines have been largely sidelined in recent years due to the plethora of other methods that have become available in recent years. That being said, their utility and commonality have ensured that the standard drip machine has a place in society’s heart.
A staple piece of diners and coffee shops, drip machines like the iconic Mr. Coffee electrically boil a large amount of water and run it through a filter, filling a large pot that can deliver many different cups of coffee.
4. Espresso
In many ways, espresso needs no introduction. Pound for pound, espresso may be the world’s most popular method of coffee delivery. Part of this is due to the fact that this remains the most popular – and sometimes only – method of drinking coffee in certain parts of the world, such as Latin America and Europe.
Espresso is also the most complex method of preparing coffee, and properly constitutes a culinary art in itself. Developed in Italy in the early 20th century, espresso utilizes specialty espresso blends of coffee packed into a highly complex rigging of machinery. Espresso machines have many moving pieces, but generally utilize boiling water and steam to create a variety of different beverages.
5. Aeropress
The Aeropress is a relatively new source of coffee preparation, albeit one that is gaining traction as a popular choice. An Aeropress utilizes a simple yet sophisticated contraption that presses a tasty cup of coffee for interested parties. In addition, the Aeropress has developed into a convenient coffee brewing method for those who tend to travel frequently. Even individuals who are camping or backpacking can easily pack a durable Aeropress into their pack and enjoy high-quality coffee wherever they go.
Which Type is Right for Me?
The type of brewing equipment that you decide to go with will oftentimes be somewhat dependent on your mission in terms of preparing coffee. Most commercial spaces will opt for brewing methods that are effective at delivering high volumes of coffee to large numbers of people, such as espresso machines or drip coffee. If you just have a personal setup, an Aeropress or pour-over might be most appropriate.
Southern California’s Beverage King
SC Beverage is a regionally trusted coffee equipment supplier for all things beverage. If you’re interested in updating the equipment of your restaurant or are simply an at-home enthusiast or entrepreneur, contact us today to discuss whether or not we have what you need to get the ball rolling on your ideas.
