Coffee brewing methods
Guides/Brewing

Coffee Brewing
Methods Compared

Pour-over, French press, AeroPress, espresso, cold brew - each method produces a distinctly different cup. Here’s everything you need to choose the right one for your life.

10 min read · Published January 2025

Quick Comparison

MethodDifficultyTime
Pour-OverIntermediate4 - 5 min
French PressEasy4 min
AeroPressEasy2 - 3 min
EspressoAdvanced25 - 30 sec shot
Moka PotEasy5 min
Cold BrewEasy12 - 24 hr steep

Pour-Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)

Difficulty: IntermediateBrew Time: 4 - 5 minEquipment Cost: $20 - $60

Hot water is poured slowly over coffee grounds in a filter, giving the brewer full control over extraction. The result is a clean, transparent cup that lets origin flavours shine.

Best beans: Light to medium roast, washed single-origin. Ethiopian and Kenyan coffees are particularly stunning this way.

Best for: People who enjoy the ritual of brewing and want to taste everything the bean has to offer.

French Press

Difficulty: EasyBrew Time: 4 minEquipment Cost: $20 - $50

Coarsely ground coffee steeps in hot water then a metal mesh plunger separates grounds from liquid. No paper filter means oils remain in the cup - giving it body and texture.

Best beans: Medium to dark roast. Brazilian, Sumatran, or Guatemalan beans work beautifully.

Best for: Those who prefer a heavier, more textured cup with minimal equipment.

AeroPress

Difficulty: EasyBrew Time: 2 - 3 minEquipment Cost: $40

A plastic brewer that uses air pressure to push water through grounds. Incredibly versatile - adjust variables to mimic anything from espresso-style to filter coffee.

Best beans: Works with almost any roast level and origin. Great for experimenting.

Best for: Travel, office, or anyone who wants a fast, forgiving, and adventurous brew.

Espresso

Difficulty: AdvancedBrew Time: 25 - 30 sec shotEquipment Cost: $200 - $2000+

Near-boiling water is forced through finely ground, tightly packed coffee at high pressure. Produces a concentrated shot with crema on top. The base for lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.

Best beans: Medium-dark roast, often a blend. Brazilian-based blends are classic, though single-origin espresso is increasingly popular.

Best for: Milk drink lovers, or those who want to dive deep into the craft of coffee.

Moka Pot

Difficulty: EasyBrew Time: 5 minEquipment Cost: $30 - $50

Stovetop brewer that uses steam pressure to push water through finely ground coffee. Not true espresso (lower pressure), but produces a strong, intense brew perfect for milk drinks.

Best beans: Medium to dark roast. Italian-style blends are traditional.

Best for: Those who want strong coffee without investing in an espresso machine.

Cold Brew

Difficulty: EasyBrew Time: 12 - 24 hr steepEquipment Cost: $0 - $40

Coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold or room-temperature water for 12 - 24 hours, then strained. Produces a concentrate that's smooth, sweet, and low in acidity.

Best beans: Medium to dark roast. Brazilian or Sumatra are popular for their chocolatey, low-acid profile.

Best for: Hot weather, those sensitive to acidity, or anyone who wants coffee ready in the fridge all week.

Not sure which beans to buy for your method? Read our bean guide → then browse freshly roasted options from specialty roasters →

Found your method? Now find your beans.

Browse specialty beans from roasters across North America and filter by roast level, origin, and more.