Empire Coffee & Tea Co. Inc.

Once again, it's really a subjective issue. But here are some tips on the most popular methods.

Automatic Drip

In the U.S., most people use an automatic drip coffee maker, for convenience and reliability. You simply put the appropriate amount of fine- or medium-fine-ground coffee in the filter and add cold water to a compartment. The machine does the rest.

Some automatic machines use paper filters, others have a permanent gold-mesh filter. The paper filters are even more convenient, because you an just toss them after each brewing, whereas you have to clean the gold filter well after every use. However, some coffee drinkers feel that paper filters add a paper-y flavor to their coffee, that comes between them and the true taste of the coffee they've selected. Also, paper filters create more garbage, if you're concerned about that sort of thing (keep in mind that if you use unbleached filters, the whole affair is great for the compost pile). Empire offers a selection of both varieties from top manufacturers in various sizes, some have extra features, such as timers that brew you a cup of coffee just as you're stumbling out of bed. Ahh, true love.

It's important to thoroughly clean the carafe with warm soapy water in between brewings. The same goes for the gold-mesh filter, if you've got one. It's also a good idea to start with fresh cold water. Other than that, these devices are super easy to maintain and use.

Manual Drip

The manual drip coffee maker is similar to the automatic, only less whiz-bang. You heat the water yourself to the perfect temperature in a kettle and pour it over the filter containing the fine-ground coffee, directly into your mug or a carafe. Within this category are the beloved Chemex and the nostalgic Melita.

The Chemex brewing system has an almost cult-like following, and it's easy to see why. First of all, it's gorgeous. In fact, it's part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. (Really!) Secondly, it makes a great cup of coffee. The secrets in the filters, which were designed by a chemist to allow the ground coffee more brewing contact with the heated water, while letting more of the aromatic oils pass through into your cup. Chemex coffee makers take nearly 2 full minutes longer to drip-through, increasing the time your ground coffee is in contact with the water, which results in a better brew. Special note: Chemex coffee makers work especially well with burr-style grinders (see the grind-your-own section of this page for more info on different kinds of grinders). Need an outstanding housewarming, engagement, or wedding present? How about a Chemex coffee maker with filters and a burr grinder?

The Melita is favored by college students around the world because it is perhaps one of the most economical ways to brew a great cup of coffee. Know of a student heading off to college? A Melita, some filters, some coffee, and a Wiseass Mug would make the perfect gift.

There are a few important things to remember when making coffee with your Manual Drip. Start with fresh cold water in your kettle. Either remove the water from the stove just before it starts to boil, or wait 30-60 seconds after it's stopped boiling before you pour it over the grounds. When the water is ready, pour a little bit over the ground coffee, just enough to wet the grinds. Then wait 30-60 seconds before pouring the rest of the water. This allows the grinds to swell, which will keep the water from running too quickly through the grinds.

The trickling of water through the freshly ground beans and the aroma of strong coffee as I read my morning paper set me in a positive frame of mind as I wait for that first cup. It's no wonder that coffee is an addictive beverage -- the whole process from start to finish is steeped in ritual and pleasure!

Basically, the grind mostly depends on the method you use to make coffee. The most popular method in the US is the auto-drip, using either disposable paper filters or a permanent metal-mesh. (All of these can be found on this site in our Machines, Vessels, and Devices section).

Here is a rule-of-thumb guide for what type of grind to use:

Espresso/Cappucinno machines: extra fine grind

Auto-Drip coffeemakers using paper filters: fine-medium grind

Auto-Drip coffeemakers with a metal-mesh filter: medium grind

Manual drip (pour-over): medium-coarse grind

French Press: coarse grind

Percolator: coarse grind

Now, remember this is a rule-of-thumb, not a rule. We recommend you experiment a little. Try starting with these guidelines and see how the coffee tastes to you. Then, to make your coffee taste a little stronger, you could try getting it ground more finely the next time. Or, if there is a touch of bitterness, perhaps your machine actually requires a coarser grind.

Grinding your own coffee beans just before brewing definitely provides the absolute, freshest tasting coffee. It's also an easy way to impress dates and dinner party guests ("Wow, he must know an awful lot about, well, EVERYthing if he grinds his own coffee!). So, if you want to give it a try, check out our selection of home grinders. The electric ones whir and purr in the most seductive way. The hand grinders make you look like the type of guy or gal who might dance with wolves.

Here's how to achieve various grinds at home:

Fine: 30 - 40 seconds

Medium:20 - 25 seconds

Medium-Coarse: 15 - 20 seconds

Coarse: 5 - 10 seconds

How much coffee should I use?

Our customers use anywhere from 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 oz cup, which is the size of a regular mug. (And speaking of mugs, we have some excellent ones to choose from, although we wouldn't call them regular, they're actually quite extraordinary!)

We'd suggest starting with 1.5 tablespoons of the appropriate grind. If that's too strong, use less next time. Want it stronger? Use a little more.

To fine-tune your cup of coffee to your particular taste see our roast guidelines and our grind guidelines. Don't worry, with a little patience and experimentation, everyone from the most mild-mannered to the most-behind-on-their-term-paper can find the ideal combination of roast, grind and amount.

Air tight.

If you'll use the coffee within a week, just store it in a clean, airtight container. This is the best way to keep your coffee fresh and flavorful.

If you need to keep it for more than a week, keep it in an air-tight container in the freezer. Whole beans stored this way will stay optimally fresh and good tasting for about two months. Ground coffee stored this way will be fine for about 3-4 weeks. Any airtight container will do. You can use tupperware, chinese food containers, or a ziploc bag. Or, for a more stylish solution, see our selection of airtight canisters.

Did we mention the container should be airtight?