Making the best coffee at home is both an art and a science, blending the right ingredients, equipment and techniques to create a delicious brew.
Did you know? Those beautiful designs served up to you on your coffee froth are called latte art. Rolling your froth across the coffee, rather than letting it drop through, is the secret! With a little practice and your cup on a tilt, you can do it too.
First, start with high-quality coffee beans. Freshly roasted beans provide the best flavour. Store them in an airtight container away from light, heat and moisture to maintain their freshness. Grinding your beans just before brewing ensures maximum flavour extraction.
The grind size of beans is crucial and should match your brewing method. For example, a coarse grind works best for a coffee plunger, while a fine grind is ideal for espresso machines. Using a burr grinder instead of a blade grinder helps achieve a consistent grind size, which is essential for even extraction.
Water quality and temperature are vital. Use filtered water to avoid impurities that affect taste. The ideal water temperature for brewing coffee is between 90°C and 95°C. Too hot, you risk burning the coffee. Too cool, you won’t extract enough flavour.
The coffee-to-water ratio is another key factor. A standard guideline is 1-2 tablespoons of coffee per 170g of water but you can adjust this to taste. Experimenting with different ratios will help you find your perfect brew.
Investing in a coffee machine at home offers convenience, cost savings and your favourite flavours. It allows you to experiment with different beans, grind sizes and brewing methods to find your perfect cup. Automatic drip coffee makers are popular for their ease of use and ability to brew multiple cups at once. Single-serve machines or single-serve pod machines offer convenience and a variety of flavours, perfect for those who prefer a quick cup without the hassle of measuring. And espresso machines offer unique benefits for coffee enthusiasts – the ability to craft rich, concentrated shots and long blacks, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos too.
A quality coffee machine provides consistent water temperature and brewing time, ensuring a great cup every time. Many modern machines also come with features like programmable timers, built-in grinders and milk frothers, allowing you to customise your coffee to your absolute liking.
So if you want to be a great home barista, making the best coffee involves becoming an expert with the basics. And a good coffee machine will enhance this process, providing consistency and convenience, and ultimately leading to a delightful coffee experience every day.
Proudly designed and made in their own factory, the Smeg ECF02 is a symbol of coffee heritage and expertise, available in six Smeg colours.
The Smeg BCC13 machine automatically steams your milk at the push of a button. Creating delicious lattes and cappuccinos, whether you’re using dairy milk or alternatives.
Let’s celebrate International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day, celebrated annually on October 1, is a global ode to this most beloved beverage enjoyed worldwide. The first official date was October 3, 2015, as agreed by the (then) International Coffee Organization and launched in Milan.
It’s a day to recognise growers, roasters, baristas and all who contribute to the coffee journey. The full month also highlights sustainable coffee production, fair trade practices and the importance of supporting local coffee growers.
Throughout October, enthusiasts savour the diverse flavours, brewing methods and cultural significance of coffee. On the day, many businesses offer free or discounted cups and share coupons or special deals with loyal followers, while greeting card companies sell International Coffee Day cards as well as free e-cards.
Whether it’s your morning ritual or a social gathering, coffee unites people worldwide. So raise your cup, salute all who bring it to you and enjoy this celebration. We’d love to share a coffee with you some day!
Brought to you by Smeg.
