In the world of coffee enthusiasts, the search for the perfect brew is neverending. In our brew method showdown, we compare three popular coffee brewing styles: pour-over, immersion, and no-bypass brewers. We couldn’t possibly compare every brew method, but we’ll give a few brew methods that fit into each style and explain why they have their own unique charm. As we look into the intricacies of these techniques, we aim to clarify any questions you may have, to help you discover the method that best suits your taste preferences, and elevates your brewing experience.
Pour-over coffee brewing is a meticulous and hands-on method that emphasises precision and control to extract the perfect cup of coffee. In this technique, hot water is poured evenly over ground coffee in a slow and circular motion, allowing for a consistent saturation of the grounds. The extraction process, facilitated by either a cone shaped or flat bottom dripper and a paper filter, enables the extraction of flavours with greater clarity and subtlety. Pour-over brewing allows enthusiasts to adjust various variables such as water temperature, pour rate, and grind size, providing a level of customisation that can significantly impact the final flavour profile. The key difference of pour over brewing vs immersion brewing is that the water constantly drips through the ground coffee into a carafe or cup. A good pour over should be clean, aromatic, and well-balanced, highlighting the distinct characteristics of the coffee you’re brewing.
Best uses:
Black coffee
Pour Over Brewers:
BREWISTA TORNADO GLASS DRIPPER
FELLOW STAGG X POUR OVER SET
HARIO V60
CHEMEX
Immersion coffee brewing is a method that involves steeping ground coffee in water for an extended period, meaning the coffee is fully immersed in the water. Typically conducted in devices like the French press, Clever Dripper or an Aeropress. This technique promotes a more thorough extraction with more body and structure. Once the desired steeping time is reached, a plunger or filter is used to separate the brewed coffee from the grounds. Immersion brewing often yields a full-bodied cup with a robust flavour profile. Popular for its simplicity and consistency, immersion brewing is favoured by those who appreciate a bold and hearty brew, without the meticulous control required in other methods like pour-over. Note: An aeropress or clever dripper can also be used to make espresso-like concentrates for coffee cocktails or even an iced latte!
Best uses:
Black Coffee
Coffee to have with Milk
Espresso replacement in drinks including cocktails
FELLOW CLARA FRENCH PRESS
CLEVER COFFEE DRIPPER
AEROPRESS COFFEE MAKER*
* When using the inverted method
No bypass coffee brewing is a method that, simply put, avoids any dilution of the brewed coffee. Essentially, no bypass is getting its own category here to highlight a new and very interesting brewer, the Next Level Pulsar. This is a no bypass brewer because water cannot avoid going through the coffee grounds on its way to your cup. Whereas, this would be possible in a pour over brewer if you pour water down the side of the filter, for example. The Aeropress could technically be used as a no bypass brewer or a pour over. The Next Level Pulsar can be used to make coffee that tastes more like a pour or immersion, or somewhere in between.
Best uses:
Black coffee
Coffee to have with Milk
Espresso replacement in drinks including cocktails
NEXT LEVEL PULSAR BREWER
