Brew Your Way: Exploring the Big 4 Coffee Methods

Brew Your Way: Exploring the Big 4 Coffee Methods (French Press, Pour-Over, Espresso & Moka Pot)

So you’ve gotten into good coffee.
You’ve found a roaster (hey 👋), picked up beans with tasting notes like “stone fruit” and “dark chocolate,” and now… you’re staring at a wall of gear wondering what the best method to brew is.

Do I need a French press or a pour-over? What’s the difference between espresso and Moka Pot? And which one’s going to actually make my coffee taste better?

Welcome to the world of brewing methods—where how you brew matters just as much as what you brew.

Let’s break down the Big Four and help you find the right method for your morning ritual.

1. French Press Method: Full-Bodied & Bold

The vibe: Slow mornings. A good book. No rush.


Brew time: ~4 minutes

Grind size: Coarse

Taste: Can accentuate chocolatey, nutty, or woody flavors

Why people love it:
French press is the cozy sweater of brewing methods. It’s immersive, meaning the grounds steep in hot water like tea. That gives you a full-bodied cup, often with more of the coffee’s natural oils.

Best for:
Earthy or chocolatey beans from Brazil, Guatemala, or Sumatra. Great if you like your coffee low-acid and full-flavored.

Pro tip: Don’t let it steep too long or it gets bitter. And swirl before plunging for a more even extraction.

Handy Dandy Brewing Guide

2. Pour-Over Method: Clean & Crisp

The vibe: Precision, Focus, Zen


Brew time: 2–4 minutes

Grind size: Medium

Taste: Great for highlighting acidity and subtle flavors, like floral, citrus, and berry notes

Why people love it:
Pour-over  method (like the Hario V60 or Chemex) lets you control the pour, which controls the flavor. It’s meditative, but also incredibly dialed in.

Best for:
Light roasts from Ethiopia, Kenya, or Colombia. This method brings out complexity and clarity.

Pro tip: Use a gooseneck kettle for better control. And yes—weigh your coffee and water.

Handy Dandy Brewing Guide

3. Espresso Method: Intense, Tiny, and Beautifully Bold

The vibe: Fast, focused, deeply caffeinated.


Brew time: ~30 seconds

Grind size: Fine

Taste: Concentrated, sweet, sometimes syrupy.You’ll get bitterness, sweetness, and acidity all packed together.

Why people love it:
 Espresso is pressure-brewed at high temps, giving you a tiny shot with big impact. It’s the base for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos—or just sipped solo for that perfect crema.

Best for: 
Any roast, but medium to dark roasts really shine here. Great if you like strong, balanced flavor in a small package.

Pro tip: Home espresso is a commitment (machines aren’t cheap), but if you’re ready to geek out, it’s insanely rewarding method.

Handy Dandy Brewing Guide

4. Moka Pot: Classic with a Kick

The vibe: Vintage. Bold. No-nonsense.

Brew time: 4–6 minutes
Grind size: Fine (but not espresso-fine)
Taste: Strong, rich, and intense. Often described as somewhere between espresso and drip—full-bodied with deep, roasted flavors.

Why people love it: The Moka Pot delivers a punchy, espresso-like brew without a machine. It’s iconic, durable, and time-tested. Plus, it fills your kitchen with that nostalgic, café-at-home aroma.

Best for: Those who like it bold. Morning rituals. Espresso fans without the hardware. Great for lattes or straight shots of strong coffee.

Pro tip: Use pre-heated water to avoid overheating the grounds. And don’t tamp! Let gravity and pressure do their thing.

Handy Dandy Brewing Guide

☕ So Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s the quick rundown: