How To Become The Best Coffee Maker

         A great cup of coffee is the perfect way to start the day. The rich aroma of brewing coffee wafting through the air alerts the senses, titillating the taste buds with the promise of a special experience. Excitement builds as the aromatic coffee is decanted into a waiting mug, a wisp of vapor rising slowly from the surface as smoke from a quenched candle.

         Expecting liquid bliss, you raise your cup, close your eyes, sip . . . only to be disappointed. It is a fact that the vast majority of coffee consumed, especially in the United States, is tepid, bitter and over-priced. If that is your experience, learn the keys to a good cup of coffee and how to become the best coffee maker in your social group.

        Coffee connoisseurs understand that brewing the best coffee begins with freshly ground roasted coffee beans, pure water, and a great, if not the best coffee maker. With just a little bit of effort and the right mix of ingredients, an exceptional cup of coffee is available to everyone.

         Whatever your blend preference, all coffee beans must undergo roasting and grinding before they can be brewed. A key factor in flavor is the time between roasting and brewing. Most coffee is roasted in large commercial ovens weeks, even months before it hits the store shelves and is available for purchase. Many experts believe that the roasted beans begin to grow stale as quickly as two weeks after the roast. While you can roast the coffee beans yourself, most elect to forego home roasting, relying instead on the Internet or a local mom-and-pop coffee house for a supply of fresh roasted beans.

          The time between grinding and brewing is also critical for a superb tasting experience as coffee beans quickly begin to lose flavor after grinding. For that reason, many coffee enthusiasts purchase home grinders and grind their beans shortly before use. The fineness of the grind can affect the taste; if the grind is too fine, the greater surface area of the particles can produce a harsh taste; too coarse, and the resulting brew will be weak. Fortunately, the best coffee makers detail the grind that should be matched to their brewing methods and time.

            Finally, use pure water or filtered water to eliminate any mineral or chlorine taste in the coffee and a clean coffee maker. The coffee maker should be able to quickly heat and maintain the water temperature between 195 degrees and 204 degrees for brewing. Use these keys and you will be known as the best coffee maker among your friends.