Coffee events calendar: SCAJ World Specialty Coffee Conference and Exhibition, Oct 14–17 and 25 more coming up
CoffeeHow
About CoffeeHow Authors How We Test Editorial Policy Affiliate Disclosure Health Disclaimer Research Sources
Start with brew guides
Popular French press Pour over Drip coffee maker Cold brew Siphon Espresso beans

Coffee Brewing Guides

Step-by-step guides to brewing better coffee at home: the right ratio, grind and water for each method, explained by a working barista.

17

Guides

Oct 2026

Last updated

Start here

The right French press ratio (1:15–1:17), grind and water temperature, step-by-step photos, a built-in brew timer, and quick fixes for bitter or muddy coffee.

10 min read Updated

All brewing guides

Brewing tools & calculators

Also useful for brewing

Our process

How we write brew guides

Our brew guides are written by Sasha Pavlovich, a professional barista and coffee educator. We give exact weights, temperatures and times so you can repeat a good cup, not just make one.

Where taste is subjective, we say so, and we explain what to adjust when your coffee comes out sour, bitter or weak.

Coffee brewing questions and answers

What is the best coffee to water ratio?

A good starting point for most filter methods is 1:16, or about 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. Immersion brewers such as the French press often taste best a little stronger, around 1:12 to 1:15. Adjust from there to taste.

What water temperature should I brew coffee at?

Aim for about 90 to 96 °C (195 to 205 °F), just off the boil. Water that is too cool under-extracts and tastes sour, while boiling water can make lighter roasts taste harsh.

How fine should I grind my coffee?

It depends on the brew time. Espresso needs a fine grind, pour-over a medium grind, and French press or cold brew a coarse grind. The longer the coffee is in contact with water, the coarser the grind should be.

Why does my coffee taste sour or bitter?

Sour coffee is usually under-extracted: try a finer grind, hotter water or a longer brew. Bitter, dry coffee is usually over-extracted: try a coarser grind or a shorter brew time.

Do I need a scale to brew coffee?

Not strictly, but a scale is the easiest way to get consistent results. Scoops vary a lot with grind size and roast level, while weighing coffee and water lets you repeat a recipe exactly.