What is the best way to enjoy our coffee at home?

Have you ever wondered which brewing method to choose?

For most of us, coffee is a big deal. Although the coffee we prefer to prepare at home depends primarily on the personal taste of everyone, there are few coffee enthustiasts who are wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of brewing methods available at home.

Is it worth to have  an automatic espresso machine or maybe a capsule espresso machine? Is there room for filter coffee machines today or will hip pour over devices completely replace them? Can instant coffee offer to a fanatic coffee lover?

We have gathered the pros and cons of all home brewing methods - so to always drink the coffee we deserve.

What are the pros and cons of home brewing methods?

Αutomatic and semi-automatic espresso machines

Without a doubt, purchasing an automatic or semi-automatic espresso machine is an important decision and a serious investment for anyone who wants to go a step further in the magic world of coffee. A good home espresso machine is the best solution for quality coffee at all times of the day while minimizing the need for additional equipment. Household espresso machines usually offer complete control of the extraction process, their handling is relatively simple, and there is no limit to the coffee we can use. On the contrary, buying a machine requires a cash investment (although there are very good espresso machines at reasonable prices) and there are few times when there may be a need for maintenance or repair.

Pros: Good Coffee Qualtiy, Full Extraction Control, Lots of Choices

Cons: Constant need for repairi, higher expenses

Capsule espresso machines

Capsule espresso machines are constantly gaining ground because of their ease of use and are perhaps the ideal solution for offices and workplaces as they minimize the time it takes to make a coffee. As there compatible capsules for each espresso machine available, there are several flavor options. The main drawbacks of the capsule machines are that they only allow the user only minimal control of the extraction and continue to be particularly environmentally damaging.

Pros: Easy to use, quick, lots of choices

Cons: minimum brewing controls, lots of waste

Filter Coffee Machines

Although widespread in recent years, conventional filter coffee machines are gradually being abandoned by fanatical coffee friends. The main reason for this is that as they do not let the user intervene in the process, they are not particularly famous for the quality of the coffee they produce (although there are tips that can improve the flavor and aroma of French coffee). On the other hand, they are extremely cheap and may be a practical solution for someone who does not want to get deeper into the coffee.

Pros: Low Cost, Ease of Use

Cons: Low Quality Coffee

Pour – Over Devices

During the last years, filter coffee enthusiasts have turned  to simple Pour-Over devices that are the best solution for homemade filter coffee. By offering full control of the process (temperature, extraction time, grinding, etc) and making coffee aromas the best way, pour - over appliances look perfect for those who have requirements from their cup. On the other hand, they make it necessary to purchase equipment such as a scale and a thermometer, and their use is relatively time-consuming and requires a degree of familiarity and experience.

Pros: Excellent Coffee Quality, full control

Cons: Time consuming, needs experience

Moka Pots

Moka Pots are undoubtedly a retro and vintage charm, but in practice they have definitely lost ground in relation to the past, mainly due to the fall in prices for espresso machines. Coffee produced from a moka pot has a special flavor, but in inexperienced hands the coffee can be bitter and of bad taste. Experience, experimentation and possibly small repairs  are required to enjoy a cup of really delicious coffee from a moka pot, on the other hand, the pots are especially economic and perhaps satisfying for a coffee hobbyist.

Pros: Low costs, allows experimentation

Cons: Time consuming, requires experience

Instant Coffee

Undoubtedly, for the most conscious coffee enthusiasts, instant coffee is ... misconduct. It is true that the instant coffee options are minimal, while the beverages produced are far behind in taste. On the other hand, instant coffee offers extraordinary ease and speed, making it a decent choice for times when there is no access to equipment and machines, and there are not a few who really enjoy its special flavor.

Pros: Low Cost, Easiness

Cons: Low Quality Coffee, limited options  

Whichever method we choose - and why, of course, we have to choose only one - what matters is that our cup will satisfy us. The coffee we drink should be the coffee we deserve!