Brewing methods
Ibrik
The Ibrik is a pear shaped metal pot that was originally designed to brew Turkish coffee on hot desert sands - but a stove or campfire is more often used by the modern brewer. To make strong, luxurious coffee, take 1 heaped teaspoon of pulverised coffee and equal amounts of sugar (if desired) and 90ml of water per person. After allowing the coffee to boil and settle for up to three times, remove the coffee from the heat and serve in small cups.
Espresso
Espresso is the term for coffee made by drawing steam through ground coffee under pressure. It is richer and more concentrated than standard 'drip' coffee and is often used as a base for a variety of popular coffee drinks, such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Espresso stove top
Our Bialetti espresso pots are the traditional Italian method of making espresso, and can be found in most Italian households in a variety of sizes, to satisfy even the largest family gathering. The espresso pots have two parts that join in the middle: the bottom part houses the water and a basket for putting the finely ground coffee in, while the top is empty. When placed over heat, the water boils and the steam and hot water are forced through the coffee and up into the top half of the pot. Shop for Espresso stove top.
Espresso machine
There are two main types of espresso machines on the market: the pressure and the pump. The pressure machine works by boiling a chamber of water to make pressure and steam, which is then released through the coffee to make the espresso. Two drawbacks to this method are that the water is hotter than recommended to make an authentic espresso (85-90c) and the water cannot be topped up until the machine has cooled.
The pump machine works by heating the exact amount of water it needs to use for each espresso. It then uses between 9 and 15 bar of pressure to extract the espresso at 85-90c. This is the same system used in professional machines and produces an perfect espresso with a good crema (a thick foam) that can support granulated sugar. See coffee recipes. Shop for Espresso machines.
Filter
Filter coffee is very convenient to make as it simply involves combining medium ground coffee and boiling water in a filter paper or mesh, and allowing it to into a jug. However, filter machines can 'stew' the coffee if left in a jug on a hotplatewhich can result in a bitter flavour. We prefer the filter machines that brew into a vacuum jug, so the coffee will stay hot without stewing. Shop for Filter machines.
Cafetiere
Cafetieres are probably the most popular way to make fresh coffee at home in the UK, and again, is very convenient. Water is poured directly onto the coarsely ground coffee in the bottom of a pre-warmed cafetiere, approximately 7g per cup. After stirring, the coffee should be left to brew for around four minutes before plunging and pouring. Shop for Cafetieres.
Percolators
A less popular method for producing coffee is the percolator, where coarse ground coffee is put in the basket at the top of a pot with a tube that circulates the hot water over the basket of coffee. The main issue with this method of making coffee is that it is too easy to let the water boil, but many electric percolators avoid this by switching off as soon as the water reaches the correct temperature.
Individual cups
We have a variety of methods for making one cup of coffee, for the solitary coffee connoisseur or the person on the go, most involve filtering into the cup or having an inbuilt cafetiere in the mug. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like more information. Shop for Individual cups.