Vicky Sanderson Of course you get great coffee from a high-end maker. I love, for example, my Philips LatteGo for its terrific coffee, expresso and milk foam functions. But I’ve been recently reminded of just how good some classic, cost-effective coffee methods are., and how a simple coffee ritual can become one of life’s little pleasures. Take Melitta’s inexpensive pour-over coffee-maker. I loved revisiting this product, which I first used in the 70s.
Pour-over step by step
Different people have different ways of making pour-over, but here’s what I do: dribble a little just-boiled water over a heaping tablespoon of fairly coarse grounds held in a filter. Let the water bubble and drain for about 30 seconds. This releases carbon dioxide in the beans, making it easier for the next pour of water to extract full flavour from them. Sometimes it’s called “blooming”. I’ve been doing it since I first used a Melita filter.
A Signatures Series model made of top-rack dishwasher-safe porcelain is small enough to store but pretty enough to leave out. Cost is between about $30 and $40.
Coffee essentials
Coffee benefits from precise temperatures, Hamilton Beach’s variable temperature kettle has six settings and is about $90.
Great beans make better coffee. There’s no shortage of sustainable, ethical coffee brands to choose from. One of my favourites is the Winter Blend from Balzac’s , which I sometimes cut (about five to one) with Muskoka Maple from Muskoka Roasters.
Pour-over is only one quick and easy way to make good coffee. Lots of people, myself included, are also very happy to be served French Press coffee, which is a form of pour-over, except that pressure is used for force the grind through hot water to capture its fresh flavour and fragrance. It’s a little messier to clean than a pour-over filter, but not much. And they come in a range of sizes (see pic below), including single serve.
Different methods require different coffee grinds
For French Press or pour-over, you want a slightly coarser grind of coffee, as you don’t want water to pass too quickly through it. That’s where a counter-top grinder comes in handy, if the budget can handle it, along with better beans. Both are a small investment that pay off in more sustainable, satisfying coffee moments.
