Of course, we know there are many different ways to brew coffee, but which one is best? Well, that's a loaded question. What's best for me might not be best for you. And what's best for one type of coffee drink might not be best for any other type of coffee drink. Just about everything to do with brewing coffee is relative. So let's take a look at several common brewing methods to see what might work best for you.

Most Common

The most common method of brewing coffee is with a drip machine using a paper filter. This machine makes brewing your coffee quick, easy, and, typically, foolproof. Simply add your measure of coffee grounds and the appropriate amount of water to the machine and turn it on. The heating element in the machine will heat the water to the ideal temperature and drip it through the coffee grounds. This liquid will then strain through the paper filter which will hold back the grounds. The subsequent coffee is ready to drink.

Brewing your coffee with a drip machine is one of the easiest ways to get your caffeine fix. Add a timer to your machine and you have a "set it and forget it" coffee situation. In addition to being fast and simple, using a drip machine produces a consistent cup brew after brew.

*Much like a drip machine with a paper filter, using a drip machine with a metallic mesh filter cup works the same way. You may experience a little bit of the coffee grounds in your cup occasionally if your grind is fine.*

Use the drip coffee maker for consistency, ease, and a hands-off way to get your morning joe.

Get It Quick

Much more common than it was in the immediate past, single-serve coffee machines have come a long way. With the instant hot water capabilities of these little workhorses, you can get a cup of coffee in the shortest amount of time of any of our brewing methods. Just pop a pod into the chamber, fill the reservoir with water, and hit the button. You'll have a piping hot cup of coffee in seconds.

With the wide variety of coffees available in coffee pods today, you could have just about anything your heart desires ready to go in no time flat. Add the ability to use your own coffee in an adapter and the sky's the limit with your choices.

Use the single-serve machine when you're in a hurry and have to get your motor going.

Let's Press On

Want to add a little flair to your morning? Try a French press! This interactive method of brewing is very easy but gives you a little bit of drama to your breakfast.

Add your favorite coffee grounds to the container and pour in your water just off the boil. Place the plunger lid on top and wait a few minutes. Once your coffee has brewed for the proper amount of time, slowly and steadily press the plunger down which will strain out the coffee grounds. If you aren't going to serve the coffee immediately, we suggest you decant it into another vessel to take the beverage off the grounds.

Pressing your own coffee gives you a little more control over your coffee. You determine the amount of time the water stays in contact with the grounds which affects the strength of not only the flavor but also the caffeine content of your brew.

Use the French press method for a touch of control and little action in your morning.

Pour On Over

If you want even more control over your coffee, the pour-over method is where it's at. Some pour-over aficionados even use a scale when making their coffee. They can measure the specific amount of coffee and water to ensure they have the perfect ratio every single time. With the pour-over method, you can be as specific as you like. You have complete control over the amount of coffee, the temperature of the water, and even the speed of the water dripping through the grounds.

If you wish to have complete command over the situation, add a quick-read thermometer to your pour-over kit. This will help in determining the ideal 200-degree temperature for your brewing. Place your cup on the scale and add the pour-over cone. If the cone uses a paper filter, add that as well. Now, tare the scale (make the scale read zero) and add your precise amount of grounds to the cone.

As you are preparing the coffee, cup, and grounds, boil your water. After the water comes to a boil, take it off the heat and insert the thermometer. Wait a minute or two until the water is the ideal temperature then slowly drizzle some water over the grounds to wet them. Once they're wet, slowly and steadily pour the rest of the water over the grounds until your ideal amount of water has been added. Once the liquid finishes filtering into your cup you're ready to go.

Use the pour-over method if you are extremely particular about your coffee.

Baby, It's Cold

Cold brew coffee has really hit its stride lately. With the subsequent coffee beverage having zero bitterness, it's no wonder people have flocked to this method of brewing. Add to the fact that it is, hands down, the easiest way to get your caffeine fix and it's surprising more people don't brew their coffee this way.

Using the cold brew method also gives you the highest caffeine content of all the methods. This is because the resulting liquid is a coffee concentrate that you can then cut with cold water and ice for a refreshing cup of coffee at any time of day. OR cut it with hot water for a bitter-free cup of coffee you will surely savor.

To make your cold brew, add your grounds to a glass or plastic container, and pour in the appropriate amount of water. Typically, one pound of coffee grounds to one gallon of water is a good place to start. Cover the container and put it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours. Strain out the grounds and you've got a smooth coffee concentrate you can use however you wish.

Use the cold brew method when you have time and you want the smoothest, least bitter coffee with the highest caffeine content.

What'll It Be?

The beauty of preparing coffee is, there's no one way to do it. Depending on how much time you have and how hand's on or off you wish to be can determine which method you choose. Have a few of these methods on hand to fit your mood. You're not locked into just one way of making your morning elixir. Try them all!

Let us know your favorite way to brew your brew.