Home-brewed coffee doesn’t have to be “just good enough”—it can be exceptional. With a few small changes, you can turn your kitchen into a café and start each day with a barista-level brew. Many Kiwis have already embraced at-home coffee, with a growing trend in investing in quality beans and brewing equipment. The good news?
You don’t need fancy gadgets or professional training to make the best coffee at home - just a few tweaks to technique and tools can make all the difference.
From perfecting your grind size to choosing the best beans, here are five easy changes that will completely transform your coffee routine. Get ready to boost the flavour, richness, and aroma of your daily cup. Let’s make that home brew truly sing!
It’s all about the coffee beans
Once you have your favourite beans, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Avoid the fridge or freezer, as these can introduce moisture and affect the flavour over time. With quality beans and the right storage, your coffee will stay vibrant and fresh for longer, enhancing every cup you brew.
Master the right grind size for your brew method
Grind size affects extraction, which ultimately impacts flavour. For example, a French press needs a coarse grind, while espresso requires a fine grind. If the grind is too fine or too coarse for your chosen brewing method, you could end up with bitter or weak coffee. Invest in a burr grinder, which gives a more even grind, allowing you to dial in the right size for each brew style.
Pay attention to water quality
When it comes to making coffee at home, it’s easy to overlook water - but it makes up 98% of your coffee. Filtered water works best, as tap water can contain minerals or chemicals that interfere with taste. Using clean, filtered water helps highlight the coffee’s natural flavours, giving you a smoother, richer cup. If you’re serious about quality, consider a water filter jug or even bottled water.
Experiment with brew ratios
The coffee-to-water ratio is essential for achieving the right balance of strength and flavour. A general rule is 1:15 or 1:16 (one part coffee to 15–16 parts water) for a balanced cup, but you can adjust it to suit your taste. Play around with the ratios, starting with 15g of coffee for every 240ml of water, and adjust until you find your ideal strength. This experimentation can be a game-changer for refining the perfect cup.
Control your brew temperature and time
Brew temperature and timing are key to extracting the best from your beans. Aim for water temperatures between 90–96°C to avoid bitterness or sourness. Timing is equally important: for example, a French press should steep for about 4 minutes, while pour-over can vary between 2-4 minutes depending on technique. Monitoring these factors will give you more control over the final taste, allowing you to consistently get the best flavours from your beans.
Final thoughts on making coffee at home
With these small adjustments, you can elevate your daily coffee routine, making each cup a rich and satisfying experience.
If you haven’t quite found your signature coffee blend yet, why not test-drive some Essenza Coffee? If you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into making coffee at home, be sure to check out the rest of the resources on our blog. If you have any questions, please reach out to the friendly team.