How to Brew the Most Delicious Filter Coffee?

The most delicious filter coffee is made with freshly ground coffee beans, hot water at 92-96 °C, and the right ratio of about 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. Use a paper filter, pour slowly in circles, and give the coffee time to bloom. This way you get the most out of every bean.

Filter coffee is a classic brewing method loved for its smooth flavour and clear aromas. It’s simple, affordable, and delicious. We’ll take you step by step so you can brew the best filter coffee at home yourself. Time to get started!

What exactly is filter coffee?

Filter coffee is a brewing method where hot water slowly passes through ground coffee via a paper or metal filter. The result is a clear, smooth cup of coffee with refined aromas. Unlike espresso or moka, filter coffee is less strong but perfect for those who love nuance.

This method is often called "slow coffee" because you work with care and precision. You decide how much coffee you use, how hot your water is, and how fast you pour, and you can taste that in the result. Filter coffee is not only nostalgic but also a great way to truly taste what your favourite coffee beans have to offer.

What do you need to brew filter coffee?

You don’t need an expensive machine to brew filter coffee, but you do need a few essentials. Here’s what you need:

• Freshly ground coffee beans: preferably medium roast and coarsely ground.
• Paper filter: that fits your filter holder or device.
• Filter holder or coffee machine: like a Hario V60, Chemex, or a classic filter machine.
• Hot water: between 92 and 96 °C for the best extraction.
• Gooseneck kettle (optional): for controlled pouring.
• Scale: to measure the right ratio.
• Coffee grinder (optional but recommended): for freshness and the right grind size.

With these tools at home, you have everything you need to take coffee brewing to the next level. No fuss, just pure enjoyment.

How much coffee per cup of filter coffee do you use?

The golden ratio for filter coffee is 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. But you don’t always have to brew a full litre. For one cup of 200 ml, use about 12 grams of coffee. That’s roughly a level tablespoon with a small scoop on top.

If you want to be more precise (and we recommend it!), use a scale. This way you get the same flavour every time. Also consider your personal preference: if you find the coffee too strong, use a little less coffee. Too weak? Add a bit more.

A handy rule of thumb:

• 1 cup (200 ml) = 12 grams of coffee
• 2 cups (400 ml) = 24 grams of coffee
• 4 cups (800 ml) = 48 grams of coffee

By experimenting with the amount, you’ll discover exactly what you like best. And that’s what it’s all about in the end.

Want to know more about how many scoops of coffee you need for the perfect cup? Check out another blog post!

Step-by-step guide to brewing filter coffee

Brewing filter coffee isn’t rocket science, but a little ritual that with care delivers just that extra bit of flavour. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll have a delicious cup in minutes:

1. Bring water to the boil
   Then let it cool down to about 92-96 °C. Water that’s too hot will burn your coffee, too cold won’t extract enough flavour.
2. Place the paper filter and rinse it
   Rinse your filter with hot water. This removes the paper taste and warms your filter holder.
3. Add ground coffee
   Use the right amount of coffee (e.g. 24 grams for 2 cups). Shake the filter a bit so the coffee is evenly spread.
4. Pour a little water on the coffee (blooming)
   Wait about 30 seconds. The coffee ‘blooms’ and releases air bubbles. This ensures better extraction.
5. Pour slowly in circular motions
   Do this in stages, so the water has time to extract all the flavours from the coffee. Take your time, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Let the coffee drain and serve immediately
   Remove the filter, pour the coffee into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Done! And honestly, doesn’t this sound a hundred times cosier than just pressing a button?

Can you brew filter coffee without a machine?

Absolutely! You can brew filter coffee without a coffee machine, perfect for camping, a holiday home, or just when you want to go back to basics. All you need is hot water, a paper filter, and a way to catch the coffee.

Here’s how:

1. Use a filter holder or improvise
   If you don’t have a filter holder, you can use a funnel or even a reusable coffee cup with a wide opening.
2. Place the paper filter in the holder
   Rinse the filter with hot water and discard this water afterwards.
3. Add ground coffee
   Keep the same ratios as with a normal device: about 12 grams per cup.
4. Slowly pour hot water over the coffee
   Start with a little (for blooming), then pour in circles, just like with a V60 or Chemex.
5. Let it drain and enjoy
   It takes a bit longer than an automatic method, but the result is pure and flavourful.

This way of brewing proves: you really don’t need a fancy machine for good coffee, just a bit of love and attention.

Common mistakes with filter coffee (and how to avoid them)

Even though brewing filter coffee isn’t rocket science, it’s often the little things that make the difference. One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong grind size. If your coffee is ground too coarse, you get a weak, watery taste. If it’s too fine, your coffee quickly becomes bitter and unpleasant. A medium grind, like coarse sand, is ideal.

Also, the temperature of the water is very important. If you pour boiling water straight onto the coffee, you risk burning the flavour. If the water is too cold, the taste remains flat and dull. Always let boiled water cool down to about 94 degrees.

Another mistake is skipping the “blooming” step, when the coffee opens up as a little water is poured on. This releases air and gases and lets the flavours come out optimally. If you skip this step, you miss out on a big part of the aromas.

The ratio between coffee and water also deserves attention. Just scooping by feel doesn’t always work well. Use a kitchen scale and stick to the recommended ratio: this way you’re sure your coffee is always balanced. And finally: pour calmly. Pouring too fast means the coffee doesn’t get all the time it needs to release its flavour. So take your time and pour in circles.

In conclusion: filter coffee is enjoyment in simplicity

This is the moment to wrap up the article nicely and inspire you to get started yourself. Here you can let enthusiasm, experience, and love for coffee shine through, and maybe subtly encourage you to discover products via Café du Jour.