Tips on making perfect coffee
Water is important
- Don't use water you wouldn't drink. If your tap water tastes bad, use bottled water
- Don't use carbonated or mineral water
- Use cold water. If using tap water, let it run until very cold. Cold water has more Oxygen, which makes the coffee taste better
The ideal mix is one tablespoon of ground coffee per cup (5-6oz)
If using an automatic drip machine, make sure the basket is clean before putting in the filter. If using a French press (otherwise known as a Cafetiere or Bodum), boil the water but let it sit for 15-20 seconds after unplugging. The ideal water temperature for making coffee is 200 degrees Farenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Any hotter and it will burn the coffee, making it bitter. Any less, and it won't properly extract the flavors.
A good coffee grinder is essential for making good coffee, since it allows you to keep the beans fresher for longer. Amazon has a Krups 203-70 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder for only $19.99. It's a quality unit at a reasonable price.