Great coffee = the right method + the right bean. In this guide we compare pour-over, French press, and espresso (with quick notes on moka and AeroPress). You’ll get grind sizes, ratios, target times—and which Coffee for Humans personas shine with each method.
Quick Comparison
| Method | Grind | Ratio | Time | Body | Clarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pour-over | Medium | 1:16 | 2:30–3:30 | Light-Medium | High |
| French press | Coarse | 1:15 | 4:00 steep | Full | Low-Medium |
| Espresso | Fine | 1:2 (18→36g) | 25–32s | Full | High intensity |
| Moka pot | Fine-Medium | Fill basket | Until sputter | Full | Medium |
| AeroPress | Medium-Fine | 1:12–1:15 | 1:30–2:00 | Medium | Medium-High |
How to Dial Each Method
Pour-Over (V60/Kalita/Chemex)
- Grind: medium (table salt)
- Ratio: 1:16 (e.g., 25g coffee to 400g water)
- Water: 92–96°C / 197–205°F
- Steps: Rinse filter → bloom 30–45s (2–3× coffee weight) → slow circles → finish by 2:30–3:30.
- Troubleshoot: Bitter/harsh = grind coarser; Sour/thin = grind finer or extend pour time.
Best personas: The Mastermind (bright, floral), The Human (balanced), The Creative (playful fruit).
French Press
- Grind: coarse (breadcrumbs)
- Ratio: 1:15
- Water: 93–96°C / 200–205°F
- Steps: Add water → stir → lid on → steep 4:00 → skim oils/foam → plunge slowly → decant fully.
- Troubleshoot: Muddy/astringent = grind coarser & decant right away; Weak = grind finer or add dose.
Best personas: The Adventurer (classic, nutty), The Barista (caramelized, round), The Champion (Decaf) (smooth nights).
Espresso
- Grind: fine
- Ratio: 1:2 (e.g., 18g in → 36g out)
- Time: 25–32s from first drip
- Steps: Even distribution → firm tamp → lock in → start timer → stop near target weight.
- Troubleshoot: Sour/fast = finer grind or higher dose; Bitter/slow = coarser grind or lower dose.
Best personas: The Night Owl (syrupy, bold), The Barista (milk-friendly), The Human (daily driver).
Moka Pot (Stovetop)
- Grind: between espresso and drip
- Water: pre-heat base to speed extraction
- Tip: Stop as soon as the stream lightens to avoid bitterness.
Best personas: The Night Owl, The Barista.
AeroPress (Classic or Inverted)
- Grind: medium-fine
- Template: 15g → 200–225g water, 1:30–2:00 total
- Tip: Play with bypass (add hot water after pressing) for cleaner cups.
Best personas: The Creative, The Mastermind.
Water & Freshness
- Water: If coffee tastes flat or sharp, try filtered water—minerals change flavor.
- Rest: Most coffees peak 3–14 days after roast; espresso often needs more rest.
- Storage: Airtight, cool, dark. Avoid fridges; don’t pre-grind if you can help it.
Common Mistakes → Quick Fixes
- Too bitter: Coarsen grind, shorten time, lower temperature slightly.
- Too sour: Finer grind, lengthen time, raise temperature.
- Weak: Increase dose or reduce water; verify grind isn’t too coarse.
- Inconsistent: Use a scale and timer; keep grind changes small between brews.
