Good coffee does not require expensive tools. It requires a few simple principles applied consistently.
First, use fresh coffee. Even the best brewing method cannot fix stale beans. Start with coffee that was roasted recently and stored properly.
Second, pay attention to ratio. Using too much coffee can make the cup heavy and bitter, while too little makes it thin. A good starting point is one gram of coffee for every fifteen to seventeen grams of water.
Third, grind size matters more than most people think. Too fine, and the coffee extracts too much. Too coarse, and it tastes weak. Adjust gradually until the cup tastes balanced.
Finally, use clean water. Coffee is mostly water, so if the water tastes off, the coffee will too.
You do not need precision scales or advanced machines to enjoy good coffee. Consistency and awareness go a long way.
