Brewing coffee on a budget

If  you’re getting into coffee but don’t know where to start, let me tell you something: you don’t need to drop big bucks on fancy equipment or imported beans to make a killer cup of coffee. Whether you want to up your at-home brew game or just save money, there are ways to do it on a budget – without compromising on taste. So, let’s talk about how you can brew awesome coffee without going broke.

Keep it simple

First things first, forget about those expensive espresso machines or high-end gadgets you see at coffee shops. All you really need to start is something like a French press or a pour-over setup. These are both super affordable (we’re talking under 30 euros for either), easy to use, and make great coffee. Plus, they don’t take up much space in your kitchen – perfect if you’re living in a small apartment or dorm.

It’s not about the price tag

A lot of people think you need expensive, single-origin beans to brew a decent cup of coffee, but that’s not true. While splurging on specialty beans is fun once in a while, you can still get a great cup from store-bought coffee. Look for medium roast whole beans – they’re usually more versatile and give you that nice balance of flavour without being too bitter or weak.

Get grinding

One of the best ways to step up your coffee game is by grinding your own beans. But before you start worrying about the cost of a grinder, here’s the good news: you can get a manual hand grinder for cheap, and it’ll make a huge difference in how fresh your coffee tastes. Pre-ground coffee goes stale quickly, but freshly ground beans will make your brew taste so much better.

French press vs. Pour-over

If you’re just starting out, two of the best brewing methods to try are the French press and pour-over. Both are affordable and easy to learn, and they each bring out different flavours in your coffee.

·        French Press: It’s as simple as it gets. Just add course ground coffee, hot water, let it steep for about 4 minutes, and press the plunger down. The result? A rich, full-bodied cup of coffee.

·        Pour-over: This one takes a bit more attention, but it’s still super straightforward. All you need is a pour-over dripper, a filter, and some ground coffee. Pour hot water over the coffee in slow circles, and boom – you’ve got a smooth, flavourful cup with more control over the strength.

Water matters

Believe it or not, the water you use can totally change how your coffee tastes. If you’re using tap water that tastes off, it might mess with your coffee’s flavour too. A cheap fix? Filtered water – either from a pitcher or a simple water filter on your tap.

Save money, brew in batches

One of the easiest ways to cut down on your coffee expenses is to brew more at home. If you’re used to grabbing a latte on the go, making coffee at home can save you a ton of money. Try brewing a bigger batch in the morning and store the extra in a thermos or fridge for later – it’ll keep you caffeinated all day and help you avoid pricey coffee shop trips.

Coffee doesn’t have to be complicated

Starting your coffee journey doesn’t mean you need to go all out with expensive gear or fancy beans. By keeping it simple with a few affordable tools and trying out different methods, you can brew amazing coffee at home. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works for you – without spending a fortune. So grab a French press or a pour-over, pick up some beans, and start brewing!