Best Coffee for Every Brewing Method: Chemex, Moka Pot, Espresso & More

The brewer you use changes what good coffee even means. A bean that sings in a Chemex can taste flat in a moka pot. A roast built for espresso can turn sour in a percolator. If your coffee has ever tasted off despite doing everything else right, the mismatch between beans and brew method is usually why.

Pour over: Chemex

Thick paper filter, very clear cup. Highlights good beans and exposes stale ones.

What works: light to medium roasts with fruit or floral notes. Medium-coarse grind.

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Stovetop: moka pot

Bold, concentrated cup in about 5 minutes. Fine-medium grind, medium heat.

What works: medium to dark, low to medium acid.

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Stovetop: percolator

Cycles hot water repeatedly. Easy to over-extract if heat is too high or it runs too long.

What works: medium-dark to dark that can take longer extraction.

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Everyday: drip maker

What works: medium roast, balanced, fresh, medium grind.

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Espresso at home

What works: medium to dark, low to medium acid.

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Cold brew

What works: medium to dark with body and natural sweetness.

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  • Brazil Santos
  • Sumatra
  • Cowboy Blend

Not sure yet?

Best Sellers Sample Pack, six 2oz coffees, $35.99.

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Product picks by method

Method Buy
Chemex Ethiopia Natural, Kenya
Moka Cowboy, Sumatra
Percolator French Roast, Cowboy
Drip House Blend, Breakfast
Espresso Brazil Santos
Cold brew Brazil Santos, Sumatra
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