Ever wonder why your home-brewed coffee doesn’t quite match up to your favorite coffeeshop’s? You’re not alone. Brewing great coffee at home doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few key things that can make all the difference. Here at Ember Coffee, we’ve been named Minnesota’s Best for a reason, and we want to share some tips that will help you enjoy a better cup, every day.
Step 1: Quality Coffee Beans are Everything
It all starts with quality. If your beans aren’t great, no fancy brewing technique is going to save your cup. Many people think any bag of beans will do, but if you’re looking to make a great cup of coffee, you need specialty-grade beans roasted with care. Here at Ember Coffee, we use air roasting to ensure that every bean is roasted evenly, which brings out the best flavors without the bitterness.
Think of it like cooking—better ingredients lead to better dishes. Your coffee is no different. Don’t settle for stale, pre-ground beans from the grocery store. Our award-winning coffee is roasted fresh, which means you’ll be tasting all the unique notes and complexities that you simply won’t find in cheaper bags.
Step 2: Invest in a Grinder
A grinder might just be the most important tool in your home brewing arsenal. Forget about splurging on the latest gadget; if you’re serious about great coffee, start with a quality burr grinder. Grinding your coffee just before you brew ensures that the flavors stay fresh and aromatic. Coffee stales fast once it’s ground, and even the best beans can turn flat if left exposed to air for too long.
A burr grinder (not a blade one!) will give you a consistent grind size, which is crucial for even extraction. At Ember Coffee in Big Lake, we always recommend grinding fresh—whether you’re making a pour-over, French press, or even a good old drip coffee. Trust us, the difference is worth it.
Step 3: Don’t Get Fooled by Gimmicks
There’s a lot of gear out there that claims to “revolutionize” your coffee, but here’s a secret: most of it isn’t necessary. You don’t need a thousand-dollar espresso machine to make great coffee. What you need are the basics done well—good beans, a proper grinder, and fresh water. Some people think they need gadgets like scales with timers or fancy pour-over stands. While those tools can help you refine your brewing, they’re not essentials.
Instead of spending money on gimmicks, focus on what really matters. Spend your budget on quality beans from an artisan roaster like us at Ember Coffee. We believe in putting the customer and craft first, and we’re here to be your personal barista, walking you through what you need (and what you don’t).
Step 4: Nail the Brewing Process
It all comes down to how you brew. No matter what method you choose, there are a few basic rules to follow to get the best results. First, make sure your water is at the right temperature—between 195°F and 205°F. Too hot, and you’ll scald the coffee; too cool, and you won’t extract the full range of flavors.
The ratio of coffee to water matters, too. A good starting point is 1:16—that means 1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water. This ratio works well for most brewing methods and ensures that your coffee isn’t too strong or too weak.
And finally, remember: practice makes perfect. The baristas at our Big Lake coffeeshop didn’t nail every pour-over on the first try, and you don’t have to either. The key is consistency, so keep brewing, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to adjust things as you go.
Ember Coffee: Your Personal Barista
At Ember Coffee, we want to be more than just your favorite Minnesota roaster. We want to be your partner in making better coffee at home. We know that quality comes first, and we’re here to provide you with freshly roasted, specialty-grade beans that make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your brewing game or just want to enjoy a more satisfying cup, we’re here to help.
Come visit our award-winning coffee shop in Big Lake or check out our online selection of freshly roasted beans. Let us be your guide to better home brewing—because life is too short for bad coffee, and you deserve the best.
