Money may earn a commission when you click on the products and services below. Compensation may determine where and how they appear. This content was created and/or updated by a third party and not by Money's editorial staff.

Struggling To Make Strong Coffee at Home? Here Are Some Easy Fixes

Published: Apr 04, 2023 7 min read
Mother with her son in her arms makes morning coffee with a coffee machine in the kitchen
Courtesy of iStock

If you’re a coffee lover, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of trying to make a great cup of coffee but ending up with a brew that’s weak and flavorless — especially if you’re trying out a new blend. Making delicious coffee at home can be tricky, but with a few tips and techniques, you’ll be able to brew a cup that’s strong and full of flavor.

In this post, we’ll share some of the most useful advice on brewing strong coffee at home. You’ll learn how to choose the right coffee beans, grind them correctly and get the coffee-to-water ratio just right. Plus, we’ll also discuss the different types of coffee makers for those who want to take their coffee game to the next level. So, let’s get brewing!

Invest in the right equipment

The right equipment is key when it comes to making strong coffee. Investing in quality items like a coffee grinder, filtered water and the right coffee machine is essential for bringing out the most flavor from your beans.

In terms of coffee grinders, it's important to get one that offers consistent grind sizes so that all of the particles are extracted evenly. A burr grinder is ideal for creating an even grind and makes it easy to adjust the fineness or coarseness of your grinds if necessary. For making regular brews with pour-over or AeroPress coffee machines, grinds should be relatively even but not too fine, whereas making espresso requires a very fine grind size.

You can't make great coffee without great water. By using filtered water, you ensure all of the minerals in the water have been removed and won't interfere with the taste of your brew. Hard water may cause chemical changes in the flavor of your cup and can also cause calcium build-up inside your machine — resulting in poor-tasting coffee or performance issues with the appliance.

Depending on what type of brewing method you prefer, there are several different options available for coffee machines. For example, for highly filtered brews and manual operation, consider a pour-over, French press or AeroPress model. On the other hand, if espresso is what you're after or you want to save time in the morning, then a bean-to-cup coffee machine with a built-in grinder may be something to consider. This type of coffee maker allows for more control over your grind size and extraction process while eliminating the need for a separate coffee grinder.

Choose quality coffee beans

The quality of coffee beans will directly impact how your coffee tastes, so it's worth investing in good quality ones from reputable suppliers. There are many different types of beans available to choose from, such as Arabica and Robusta varieties, and they each have unique flavors so it's important to do your research before deciding on what beans will suit your preferences best. Some blends may also include additional flavorings such as chocolate or vanilla, so keep this in mind if those flavor notes are something that you desire in your cup of coffee.

Another important factor when choosing beans is their freshness. As beans age, they will lose their flavor and strength, so it's best to buy freshly roasted beans if possible and consume them within two weeks for optimal flavor extraction during brewing.

Measure the correct amount

To make strong coffee, measuring the correct amount of each ingredient is important. This means getting accurate measurements for both the weight of your coffee grounds and the amount of water used for each brew. Otherwise, you'll end up with a cup of coffee that’s too weak or bitter.

The general rule when making filter-based coffee, such as with the pour-over or AeroPress methods, is 1 gram of coffee to 16-20 grams of water, which equals 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 fluid ounces of water — adjustable depending on how strong you like your brew. For espresso, you’ll want to achieve a 1:2 ratio of coffee grounds to water. It's best to experiment with different ratios until you find one that works best for your tastes, but make sure to always weigh out each ingredient with a kitchen scale for accuracy rather than just guessing.

Choose the proper brewing temperature

The temperature at which you brew your coffee is also important in delivering rich flavors while keeping bitter tastes at bay — so heating your water properly is essential. The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in determining the extraction rate, which indicates the number of flavor compounds extracted from coffee grounds. It also influences the levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) that affect the body, mouthfeel and overall strength of the coffee. If the water temperature is too high, it may lead to over-extraction, resulting in a bitter taste. On the other hand, if it's too low, the coffee may have weak flavors due to under-extraction.

For filter-based methods and machines such as pour-over or AeroPress, aim for a temperature range between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. For espresso drinks such as cappuccinos or lattes made using a bean-to-cup coffee machine, aim for a slightly lower temperature, between 190 and 198 degrees Fahrenheit.

Perfect your technique

To make strong coffee consistently without any guesswork, it's important to perfect certain techniques based on your preferred brewing method. Taking notes when trying out different beans, ingredient ratios and temperatures can help you determine which combinations work best. Using additional tools like a thermometer and scale can also make it easier to be precise with your measurements and brewing process. Either way, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if you don't get things right away.

Conclusion

Making strong coffee takes some trial and error, but it’s easier to achieve thanks to these simple tips. With the right equipment and knowledge of brewing techniques, anyone can make delicious coffee right at home. Choose quality coffee beans, measure correctly, experiment with different brewing temperatures and try out different techniques to prepare your ideal cup. Once you've perfected the execution of these steps, you can enjoy your strong homemade coffee, knowing that it’s been brewed exactly how you like it!