Core Concepts
The author emphasizes the importance of starting with quality beans, using a good grinder, and finding a brewing method that suits your taste preferences to make exceptional coffee at home.
Abstract
To brew better coffee at home, start with quality beans from specialty shops, use a burr grinder for consistent grinding, and choose a brewing method like French press or pour-over. Experiment with different recipes and ratios until you find what works best for you. Troubleshoot issues like under-extraction or over-extraction by adjusting grind size and water quality.
Stats
"Soft water, free of tastes like chlorine, is the best place to start," Hoffman says; if your pipes spout hard water, you might need to consider filtering it.
"The most common error is using too much coffee," Hoffman says, especially when you’re trying to make a strong cup.
"Under-extracted coffee isn’t usually just weak," Hoffman explains. "It is often a bit sour and hollow tasting, too."
"Simply adding more coarsely ground coffee will make a stronger, more acidic cup—not a better one."
"Grinding the beans lets more moisture in and releases CO2, which is important during the brewing process."
Quotes
"The quality of coffee you start with sets the limit for how good your coffee can be." - James Hoffman
"Find a suitable recipe that explains the coffee-to-water ratio... Grab a coffee you know you enjoy and then play around with different approaches." - Author
"If you aren’t making good cups of coffee after following your recipe correctly, it’s time to reassess your life." - James Hoffman