Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home

With all the time us frugal-living people spend harping on how smart it is to make coffee at home, you think we’d devote a little more time to how to actually make that coffee. After all, one of my big beliefs about frugal living is that you do not have to be miserable while saving money — frugality is about enjoying life while finding ways to spend less. To that end, making coffee at home doesn’t mean that your only option is to plug in the ol’ drip-drip maker (although drip machines can make some darn fine coffee).

Of course, I must note that the method of preparation is only one factor in the taste of your coffee. The beans you choose, whether you grind them fresh or buy them pre-ground, and even your water can affect your brew. But for the moment, let’s focus (no matter how caffeine jittery we are) — here are 12 different methods for brewing your beans. (See also: 5 Reasons to Drink Coffee)

1. French Press

I begin with the French press for one very unscientific reason — it’s what I use. Most days, I only drink one cup of coffee, and my little Bodum French press makes that one cup so nicely. I really dig the way French press coffee tastes, although some people rag on the French press because it can leave more sediment in the coffee than some other methods. Others, however, point out that French presses preserve coffee oils better than drip coffee makers, although that’s true of more than one of the methods listed here.

To get started with a French press, check out my colleague Greg’s step-by-step guide to French press coffee.” Get more here: Better Brewing: 12 Ways to Make Coffee at Home | Wise Bread.

It’s what we use, too…