Are you wondering how to make the best cup of coffee possible? Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. Navigating through social media and specialized coffee communities can leave you perplexed by expensive machines and unique methods for achieving the ideal flavor.

Given that taste in coffee is subjective, there isn’t really a “perfect” cup of coffee. Instead, it’s about finding a really good cup that suits your personal preferences. To achieve this, there are a few key components you’ll need. While additional costs can bring improvements, they are typically minimal.

So the real question is, how can you make excellent coffee without breaking the bank? We consulted Chris Hendon, a leading expert in coffee science and a professor of computational materials chemistry at the University of Oregon.

1. Get the right beans

Good coffee starts with high-quality beans, which comes as no surprise. While pre-ground coffee from the supermarket might be convenient, it doesn’t offer the best results in terms of flavor.

Hendon explains, “Coffee is a seasonal natural product. As it is roasted, gases escape and the organic molecules responsible for aroma and flavor are lost. The fresher the coffee, and the closer it is to the roasting and harvest date, the better. The flavor profile is enhanced when the coffee is fresher.”

“Look for coffee that has been roasted within one to four weeks before purchasing. Although it may take some effort to find, it makes a significant difference in the end result.”

While this may require more time and money, avoiding pre-ground coffee and opting for fresh, high-quality beans will deliver the best taste.

2. Perfect the grind

Although we mentioned that you don’t need to invest in expensive coffee equipment, if you’re going to spend money on one gadget, make it a grinder. According to Hendon, this will make the most significant difference in the taste of your coffee.

Typically, more expensive burr grinders grind coffee instead of breaking it with blades. Additionally, for those who want to take an extra step, Hendon and his team have researched the concept of “splitting beans.” This includes adding a small amount of liquid to the ground beans, resulting in reduced static electricity and a richer flavor.

3. Change the water

While ground coffee is a crucial ingredient in this widely popular drink, there’s another element often overlooked: the water used. The quality of the water can significantly impact the end result of your cup of coffee, and it all comes down to chemistry.

“Hendon points out that there is a substantial water quality issue in the UK, as hard water with high mineral content, including calcium and bicarbonate, forms calcium stones, which adversely affects the taste of coffee. Specifically, the calcium extracts flavor from the coffee, whereas bicarbonate neutralizes acidic compounds, ultimately detracting from the taste.”

Given that hard water is prevalent in the UK and worldwide, it may be the reason why the coffee you brew at home doesn’t match the quality of coffee from cafes, even when accounting for other factors. Hendon suggests trying soft or distilled water with your homemade coffee and observing any noticeable differences. If there is a discernible improvement, your hard water could be limiting the flavor of your morning cup of coffee.

4. Control temperature, timing, and mass

While investing in a top-notch grinder and high-quality coffee and using soft water can enhance your coffee, there are four additional essential factors that impact the taste of your coffee. The good news is that these factors don’t entail any extra expenses.

• Extraction time
• Water temperature
• Water mass
• Coffee mass

These four variables significantly influence the flavor and strength of your coffee.

“Hendon elaborates, “These are the four big factors that influence the final taste of coffee. There are nuances, such as how the grind affects brewing time, resulting in a slower process.”

“Higher temperatures facilitate the flavor extraction process, while adjusting the amount of water and coffee controls the coffee’s strength. More coffee and less water yield a stronger flavor, whereas it becomes diluted in the opposite scenario.”

5. Experiment

Ultimately, coffee is subjective. While science can provide guidelines for brewing great coffee, it can’t account for individual preferences. Feel free to experiment with various brewing methods to discover your preferred coffee flavor.

Consider experimenting with different brewing methods or altering aspects such as water quantity, temperature, brew time, bean type, and unique techniques like wetting beans before grinding or storing coffee in the freezer. Enjoy the process and have fun taking your coffee to new levels!

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About our expert Christopher Hendon

Christopher Hendon is a professor of computational materials chemistry at the University of Oregon and an author of multiple books and articles on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee.