Introduction 

This post is for those who have tried to make coffee at home, and it tastes like any standardized coffee machine. Starbucks has perfected the art of coffee making and you can enjoy the same quality in your kitchen with these tips. If you enjoy drinking high-quality Espresso drinks or want to get into barista competitions, our guide can help you achieve levels of flavor and aroma not possible with pre-ground supermarket coffee beans.

Making The Finest Cup Of Coffee 

One often wonders what makes a given coffee drink taste like any other. Some claim that the difference between beans, roast, or the brewing method makes a great coffee cup. We tested each of these factors but found that they are not as important as you might believe. In fact, you can create a cup of coffee that will be comparable to Starbucks or Peet’s at home without any fancy equipment. The secret comes down to grinding the beans and following the proper brewing technique.

1. Freshly ground beans

Using a fresh pack of ground beans is essential to make a great-tasting cup of coffee. Ensure that you’re using a burr grinder versus a blade grinder for uniform grinds and added flavor.

2. Using a good coffee maker

Using a coffee maker with pour-over and drip technology renders the best tasting cup of coffee, whether it’s at home or in a café. You can also get optimum results with a coffee maker that costs 100 dollars or less. Remember to look for models that have dual filter baskets. These models help catch dust, grounds and other fine particles to avoid overly bitter or weak cups of coffee.

3. Water temperature

The ideal water temperature required for brewing is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The water changes from its liquid state to a gaseous state when it boils. However, it needs to be in the range of 195 and 205 Fahrenheit for optimum utilization of the coffee grinds. 

4. Water volume

The ratio or amount of water you use in each pour will ultimately determine the volume of coffee in the cup. A limited amount of water dilutes the flavors, while too much water overwhelms the coffee, making it bitter. 

5. Avoid Water With High Mineral Content

Water with high mineral content may affect the overall taste of the coffee; this is why you should only use filtered water to brew coffee. If you are using hard water, use the aeration process to soften its initial taste.

6. Timing 

You should not consume coffee within the first three minutes. You can allow it to rest for up to three minutes after you remove it from the heat source.

7. Pour slowly and evenly 

Pouring coffee over a period of time allows for all the aromas to be extracted and not just the ones at the top. Stir the coffee at least twice, 15 seconds on each side. This will ensure that the taste is flavorsome. 

8. Cleanup tip 

The last thing that could possibly occur is pouring out colored water from a carafe after going through the whole coffee-making process. A common mistake made by those just getting started at coffee is not cleaning up after they brew their first pot. Start by cleaning the empty carafe with soap and warm water or vinegar after each use for ensuring a flavorful coffee mug.

Fundamentals of Starbucks Quality Coffee

Starbucks has made a name for itself by producing the kind of coffee that isn’t available anywhere else. If you’re thinking of mimicking the coffee of such a well-known brand, then you’ll need to be careful of a few things. There are four aspects, in particular, you need to be cautious about. 

1. Proportions

Starbucks has set high standards for itself. To help ensure consistency in quality, they have set the ratio of coffee to water at 6 to 1. The baristas are trained in making these measurements and can produce the same type of coffee at all times. On the other hand, anyone can utilize this recipe if they want to measure and produce the exact type of coffee blend. It’s 10 grams of coffee per 180 milliliters of water. A high amount of grounds would leave the cup with a bitter taste, while a scant amount would diminish its flavor and aroma. 

2. Grind

Coarse grinds are the ideal choice for a tasty cup of coffee. The thumb rule states that the higher the amount of ground coffee, the more flavor you will have. For a traditional mug of coffee, you need to use about 12 grinds or less. However, you can try using 16-grinds for the cup if it suits your taste. However, various brewing methods require different grinds. If the grind is too fine, it’ll trap too much water and result in a bitter brew. A grind that is too coarse leaves the coffee with a bland taste without any distinct flavors.

3. Freshness 

Oxygen and moisture can have a significant effect on the taste of coffee. If you buy beans from a supplier, the best way to ensure freshness is to store them in an environment that does not allow them to oxidize. You can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them to prevent their odors from getting contaminated. Alternatively, you can store beans in a non-oxidized environment, such as an opaque bag under refrigeration. However, the fresher the beans are, the better they’ll taste.

4. Water

The brewing water determines the level of bitterness and, to a certain extent, the body and intensity of the final brew. Water hardness can have a significant impact on the flavor of the coffee. It can also soften the bitterness of the last cup. If you live in an area with hard water, it is best to visit the local supermarket for bottled water or use a water softener.

Always use fresh water that’s free of impurities. Don’t use either soft water or well-water. Also, water boiled at a low temperature does a great job of fully bringing out the flavor of the grinds. However, cold water will reduce the taste of the end product.  

Benefits Of Drinking Flavorful Coffee 

Starbucks considers some ingredients as necessary for a strong and enjoyable cup of coffee. These include coffee beans, butter, and sugar. The coffee blend of this brand is a combination of two to three kinds of beans, which can be Arabica, Robusta or a mix. The beans are roasted and ground in-house at Starbucks for guaranteeing the best-tasting coffee possible.

There are numerous benefits of drinking coffee. These include the following:

1. Coffee contains a significant amount of caffeine. It’s one of the most well-known additives that enhance happiness and energy levels without causing jitteriness or too much caffeine crash.

2. Caffeine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety, reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, boosts the immune system, and reduces headaches and migraines. 

3. Coffee is also rich in antioxidants, including allicin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rutin. 

4. Coffee is one of the best sources of vitamin B2 or riboflavin and contains a significant amount of calcium for health benefits. 

5. Coffee is also rich in magnesium and potassium, which help to reduce high blood pressure, constipation, and other medical conditions. 

Benefits of Drinking Flavorful Coffee – A Detailed Approach

1. Antioxidants

Coffee has a lot of antioxidants that can protect the body against several diseases. That’s why it’s the first choice among people who have to take medicine. It’s also a great source of caffeine, which renders energy and improves overall performance. 

2. Boosts Metabolism

Coffee is often taken when there is a requirement of vitality and energy after a hectic day of work or exhaustion after a strenuous exercise. The chemical compounds present in java help the body get rid of toxins that cause fatigue. They also increase the levels of adrenaline and releases more energy from the system, which improves stamina.

3. Health And Fitness 

Starbucks coffee is not just about energy, but also mainly consumed by active people. The substance in coffee helps to promote better digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients from food. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and improves the body’s ability to process sugar. The antioxidants present in coffee are also ideal for promoting weight loss, which decreases the risk of many chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease.

4. Enhances Cognitive Functions

Regular coffee drinking is associated with a decreased risk of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The caffeine present in coffee enhances brain functions, particularly memory. It also improves mental alertness and focus, which improves productivity and immunity.

5. Lowers The Risk Of A Stroke 

It has significant amounts of L-theanine, which is also known as N-ethyl acetamide and is found naturally in green tea. It has neuroprotective properties that lower the chances of suffering from a stroke by interfering with the brain’s signaling pathways. 

6. Lowers The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes 

Studies have found that people who drink coffee regularly are at a lower risk than non-coffee drinkers to suffer from diabetes in the future. Drinking coffee can lower your blood sugar level, improve insulin sensitivity and help you stay active throughout the day.

7. Improves Skin 

Coffee is a natural cleanser for the skin. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the face. Coffee can also help fight acne and blemishes from the face’s skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties that also reduce itchiness from acne. 

The Best Coffee Makers Under 100 Dollars

While most people will pop into their local coffee house for their daily dose of caffeine, the following coffee makers can be found and purchased online or at a local store for under 100 dollars. 

1. Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

If you’re looking for a high-quality machine that can deliver a consistent and reliable Espresso, then look no further. Breville is one of the best coffee makers on the market. It’s a fantastic Espresso maker with an affordable price tag. It’s effortless to use and works with a simple mechanism of adding beans and water. The mechanical button grinds and mixes the slurry into a flavorful and savory cup of coffee. The stainless steel boiler heats up quickly and maintains high pressure to deliver a consistent flavor every time. 

The Breville BES870XL is one of the most popular Espresso makers for under 100 dollars. It has a sleek and modern design with a compact footprint and it’s easy to clean. It’s a useful machine for beginners as it has a user-friendly UI and comes with an illuminated LCD panel with easy-to-navigate controls and indicators. 

2. Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer System

This machine can tackle all sorts of coffee drinks, whether you prefer a cappuccino or even an Espresso. It has a unique square design that renders instant control and monitors the entire brewing process. 

The Ninja Coffee Bar System features NINJA-Power Extraction, meaning the coffee maker extracts all the flavors of the ground beans quickly and efficiently. You can personalize the drink’s taste with five different settings such as bold, rich, medium, mild, extra-bold or regular. The system also comes with a variety of brew sizes to accommodate large gatherings.

3. Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

If you like to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee every morning, the Cuisinart Brew Central is an ideal choice. It features a user-friendly design with a digital display and a programmable timer.  The Cuisinart Coffee maker is durable and precise, allowing efficient control and production of flavor and strength.

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and many items can be made with the Cuisine DCC-1200 Brew Central. The machine comes with a transparent and removable water reservoir that allows you to view how much water is left in the pot. You can also program the device to shut off when the water reaches its fill level automatically. 

4. Capresso 560.05 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

This grinder will allow you to create a wide variety of coffee beverages with its precision spouts and variable-sized holes. The Capresso 560.05 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder has a slim design that ensures an easy fit on the kitchen countertop. Its stainless steel construction is durable and easy to clean, making it a sound investment for homes or offices. The top of the grinder uses an innovative double-wall seal that keeps the contents from spilling as the grinding process moves on. 

The Capresso 560 can make delicious coffee beverages like French Presses, Espresso shots, and Lattes. It has a stainless steel construction which is sustainable and easy to clean. It has a double-wall seal that keeps the contents from spilling as you grind the beans into the machine. 

5. Pasquale F50 Coffee Grinder

This grinder comes with a sturdy die-cast aluminum body that’s not only stylish but also easy to use and store. It can also be used to make spices and snacks. The Pasquale F50 Coffee Grinder is an excellent addition to any kitchen because it doesn’t take up a lot of space and conveniently fits on the countertop.

It also comes with a built-in timer that allows you to set the exact time for the grinding process. The Pasquale F50 Coffee Grinder is used to grind coffee beans into coarse or fine powder efficiently.

6. De’Longhi EC155 Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

This Espresso maker provides a delectable cup of coffee in minutes. It has all the features of a high-end coffee maker at an affordable price. It’s effortless to use and comes with great features that render the taste and quality of high-end brands. The steam wand is also adjustable for making a variety of tasty treats. 

The De’Longhi EC155 has a modern Italian design that will fit in any kitchen. You can use it to make Espresso, cappuccino or different coffee drinks. The stainless steel steam wand holds up to 4 ounces of milk and produces a froth-oriented and foamy texture. The controls are conveniently located on the machine’s top panel to easily adjust the steam function while maintaining easy access to all other controls.

7. Mr. Coffee Thermal Coffee Maker

Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew thermal pot coffee maker is equipped with brew-pause technology that provides sufficient time to take the coffee cup before the brewing process ends. It comes with a removable filter basket, which makes it easy to clean and maintain the machine. The carafe has a drip-free spout and ensures convenient placement over the kitchen countertops without worrying about any mess. 

Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew also caters to your drinking requirements. You can use it with decaf to get the best tasting coffee at all times. It has a wide range of settings and features that ensures a tasty blend of coffee. This unit includes a two-minute automatic shutoff, programmable number of cups and a brew-size indicator. 

8. De’Longhi Burr Grinder

The DeLonghi Burr Grinder is a handy accessory for homes or offices. It comes with a lid that makes it easy to use, store and prevent a mess. The DeLonghi Burr Grinder fits perfectly on any kitchen countertop and its design provides exceptional grinding capacity.

This appliance comes with a removable bowl and filter. The motor is strong and can grind beans for up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. It has an adjustable grind selector that allows you to choose the grind quality degree for a delectable cup of coffee.

9. Krups Personal Café Grind Drip Maker Coffee Grinder

This coffee maker is a simple to use drip coffee maker. It comes with a convenient timer feature that allows a perfect cup of coffee at any given time of the day. The Krups Personal Café Grind Drip Maker also includes a removable basket and filter, making it easy to use, fill and clean. The machine also has a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. 

This personal coffee maker is compact and can fit on the kitchen countertop without taking up much space. It comes with a removable drip tray for easy cleanup and has a pause-and-serve function that allows you to take a cup while the pot continues to brew. 

Conclusion

All of the machines discussed here are perfect choices for making high-quality coffee at home as they’re easy to use and can be operated with minimal training. Choose the one that fits your needs and is most suitable for your budget. Enjoy coffee at home with these modern machines and leave the barista behind.