How do you make good coffee at home without fancy gear?
Quick answer
You need four decisions: how much coffee (start 1:16 by weight), how fine to grind (match your brewer), how hot the water (92–96 °C for most methods — not always boiling), and how long water meets grounds. Pick one method, repeat the same numbers twice, then adjust taste.
Step 1 — Choose a method
| If you want… | Start with… |
|---|---|
| Rich, full body, easy | French press |
| Clean, bright cup | Pour over or V60 |
| Fast, forgiving, one cup | AeroPress |
| Strong stovetop "espresso" | Moka pot |
| Iced without heat | Cold brew |
Not sure? Try the coffee method picker.
Step 2 — Weigh your coffee
Use the ratio calculator. For a first mug: 15 g coffee to 240 ml water (1:16).
Step 3 — Grind and brew
Check the grind size chart. Run the brew timer for your method's phases.
Step 4 — Taste and adjust
Sour? Finer grind or longer time. Bitter? Coarser grind or less time. Use the troubleshooter for a structured fix.
Common questions
Do I need filtered water? Filtered or bottled helps in hard-water areas; tap is fine to start.
How fresh should beans be? Use within a few weeks of roast when possible; store airtight, cool, dark.
Is expensive coffee necessary? No — consistent ratio and grind beat rare beans with random scoops.
Log what worked in your local journal — no account needed.