There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own cup of coffee. Not just any coffee, but coffee done right – with care, precision, and the kind of ritual that turns a morning routine into something sacred. At St Martins Coffee Roasters, we believe that incredible coffee shouldn’t be reserved for baristas and busy cafes. You can brew like a pro right at home.

Whether you’re a long-time loyalist to our core blends or just starting to experiment with brewing methods, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through the essential tools, brewing methods, water science, timing, temperature, and how to get the very best from your St Martins coffee.

Why Brewing at Home is Worth it

Before we dive into the methods and mechanics, let’s take a moment to appreciate the value of brewing at home. For many of our customers, brewing is more than just a means to caffeine. It’s about slowing down, being present, and finding a bit of calm in the chaos.

And here’s the best part: when you brew at home, you control the outcome. You decide the strength, the flavour profile, the mouthfeel. You choose whether it’s a punchy filter brew to get you out the door, or a slow Sunday pour-over to ease into the day.

Home brewing gives you freedom, but it also gives you consistency – especially when you’ve got the right equipment and know-how.

The Basics: What You Need to Brew Like a Pro

Let’s talk kit. You don’t need a full-blown espresso machine to brew well. Some of the best-tasting coffee you’ll ever have comes from deceptively simple and inexpensive tools.

1. Grinder

A burr grinder is non-negotiable if you want fresh, flavourful coffee. Unlike blade grinders, burr grinders crush the beans uniformly, allowing for even extraction. Consistency is key.

We recommend: - Wilfa Svart Grinder (great all-rounder) - Timemore Chestnut C2 (portable, beautiful, reliable)

2. Kettle

A gooseneck kettle allows you to control the flow rate of your pour – especially useful for pour-over and Chemex. - Hario Buono is a classic. - If you’re serious about temperature control, try the Fellow Stagg EKG.

3. Scales

Brew ratios matter. 1g of coffee to 15-17g of water is a standard range. A set of digital coffee scales with a timer makes life a lot easier.

4. Filters and Brewers

We’ll go into more detail below, but here are a few essentials: - AeroPress + Filters - Hario V60 + Filters - French Press - Chemex - St Martins Core Blends (of course)

Water: The Silent Ingredient

It’s easy to forget that your cup of coffee is over 98% water. So yes, water quality matters. And so does temperature.

• Use filtered water if possible, especially if your tap water is hard.

• Ideal temperature for brewing: 92-96°C. Too hot and you’ll scald the coffee; too cool and it won’t extract properly.

• If you don’t have a temperature-controlled kettle, boil the water and wait 30-45 seconds before pouring.

Brewing Methods: Choose Your Weapon

AeroPress

Perfect for: People on the go, a quick - high quality brew

• Grind: Medium-fine (similar to table salt)

• Coffee to water ratio: 15g coffee to 250g water

• Water temp: 93°C

• Brew time: ~2 minutes

Steps: 1. Insert filter, rinse it. 2. Add ground coffee. 3. Pour water up to the top. 4. Stir for 10 seconds. 5. Insert plunger and press gently for 30 seconds.

Hario V60 Pour Over

Perfect for: Those who like to add a ritual to their coffee

• Grind: Medium-fine

• Ratio: 16g coffee to 250g water

• Water temp: 94°C

• Brew time: 2:30 - 3 minutes

Steps: 1. Rinse filter to remove papery taste. 2. Add coffee and bloom with 40g water for 30 seconds. 3. Slowly pour in circles in stages. 4. Let it drip through. Total contact time: ~2.5 minutes.

French Press

Perfect for: The traditionalist coffee drinker, 

• Grind: Coarse

• Ratio: 30g coffee to 500g water

• Water temp: 94°C

• Brew time: 4 minutes

Steps: 1. Add coffee, pour water. 2. Stir and place lid on top. 3. Wait 4 minutes. 4. Press plunger slowly.

Brew Ratios: Dialling It In

Every coffee has a sweet spot, and finding yours might take a couple of tries. But here’s a good reference:

Try starting here, then tweak to taste.

Enjoying the Ritual

Making coffee isn’t just about consumption. It’s about creation. The ritual. The aroma. The warmth of the cup in your hand. The first sip.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the process: - Brew slowly with music or silence in the background. - Keep a small coffee journal. Track your ratios, brew times, and how each cup tasted. - Try a new blend or origin every couple of weeks.

Our St Martins Core Blends are designed to shine in any brew method. Whether you love something fruity, nutty, or rich and chocolatey, we’ve got a roast that’ll feel made just for you.

Final Tips for Pro-Level Home Brewing

• Always grind fresh. Use your grinder just before brewing.

• Pre-wet filters to remove paper taste.

• Rinse your brewer between uses – even small residues can impact flavour.

• Use a timer for brewing – don’t guess.

• Store your beans in a cool, airtight container (not the fridge!)

Product Tie-Ins (What to Get from St Martins)

• St Martins Core Blends – start with our signature house espresso or a single-origin gem.

• Hario V60 Kits – perfect for pour-over beginners.

• AeroPress – travel-friendly and efficient.

Brew Better. Sip Slower. Stay Grounded.

You don’t need a barista badge to make exceptional coffee. You just need the right knowledge, some simple tools, and beans roasted proper. At St Martins, we’re proud to supply you with all three.

From bean to brew, we’re with you. Let us know how your home coffee journey is going – tag us on socials @stmartinscoffee and share your brew station.