There are dozens of ways to brew coffee. Each one produces a different cup. Here is a straightforward breakdown of the methods you're most likely to encounter and what makes each one distinct.
Pour Over
Hot water is poured slowly and deliberately over ground coffee sitting in a filter. The water passes through the grounds, extracts flavor, and drips into a cup or vessel below. The result is a clean, bright, clear cup that highlights subtle flavors. This is the method specialty coffee lovers tend to reach for because it gives you the most control and produces the most nuanced cup.
French Press
Ground coffee steeps directly in hot water for several minutes, then a metal mesh plunger is pressed down to separate the grounds. Because there is no paper filter, more oils from the coffee end up in the cup. This produces a fuller, heavier, richer cup than pour over. It is less delicate but more body-forward.
Espresso
Hot water is forced under pressure through very finely ground coffee. The result is a small, concentrated shot with intense flavor and a layer of crema on top. Espresso is the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and most cafe drinks. It requires a machine, which is the main barrier to entry at home.
The Jebena — Ethiopian Traditional Brewing
The Jebena is a clay pot used in the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Coffee is brewed slowly inside the pot over hot coals, then poured through a strainer into small cups called sini. The result is something between a pour over and a French press in character — earthy, aromatic, and deeply tied to ritual and community. This is how coffee has been brewed in Ethiopia for centuries and is the original brewing method for the world's first coffee culture.
The Jebena is not just a brewing tool. It is a cultural artifact. When you brew in a Jebena, you are participating in a tradition that predates every other brewing method in existence.
Which Method Is Right for You?
If you want nuance and clarity — pour over. If you want body and richness without equipment investment — French press. If you want cafe-style drinks at home — espresso. If you want to connect with the culture that gave the world coffee — Jebena.
See the Brew Guides for step-by-step instructions on each method.