- Grind your own coffee beans. This is the most important step if you want a truly fresh cup of coffee. Invest in your own grinder, and for best results, store the beans in an airtight container. Grind the beans less than 30 minutes before you brew for the freshest taste.
- Use a scale instead of a scoop. Weighing your coffee will ensure you use the same amount each time. Once you find the perfect ratio of coffee to water for your taste, you will have consistent results.
- Test different brewing methods. If your drip coffee-maker just isn’t doing it for you, try a different process. The French press is popular among coffee lovers and is affordable. The pour-over method is one of the simplest, and some say it produces the best-tasting coffee when done correctly.
- Use a better filter. Bargain brands don’t make the best brew. Look for the words “oxygen-bleached” or “dioxin-free.”
- Keep it clean. It may not be on your mind first thing in the morning, but clean brewing equipment makes the best cup. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep yours sparkling.