Brewing Guide and FAQs

Brewing Guide

The Essentials of Coffee Brewing

The joy of crafting an excellent cup of coffee lies in its simplicity and the profound satisfaction it brings. Much like culinary arts that involve fresh ingredients, beginning with top-quality, fresh coffee beans and brewing with attention and precision can lead to a remarkably delightful beverage.

Determining the correct amount of coffee to use in your coffee maker can enhance your brewing experience.

Let’s break it down:

Common Sizes: The most prevalent coffee maker sizes are 10-cup and 12-cup machines. Smaller options, like 5-cup models, are also popular. However, the best-selling auto-drip coffee makers remain the 10-cup and 12-cup varieties.

Manufacturer Variations: Different manufacturers may have slight variations in cup measurements. For instance, a 12-cup pot from one company might hold 60 ounces, while another’s 12-cup coffee maker could accommodate 72 ounces.

Standard Coffee Cups: Most traditional coffee cups hold approximately 6 ounces. This standard size informs the design of coffee makers. They’re tailored to produce the right amount for a typical cup.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio: It is generally recommended to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust this ratio according to your taste preferences. 

Tips:

  • Use an actual measuring tablespoon - not a dinnerware tablespoon, as those vary in size.
  • Do not heap portions - keep coffee level to top of tablespoon.

Easier Approach: If you’re using a 12-cup coffee maker, start with about 1.5 tablespoons of coffee per cup. If you prefer a stronger flavor, use 2 tablespoons (and adjust as needed).

Refillable K-Cups: For refillable K-Cups, simply fill them up. If the resulting brew is too strong, use less coffee.

Temperature: Proper brewing temperature for maximum flavor extraction is between 195º to 205º Fahrenheit.  In general, most all manufactures automatic coffee makers brew in this range. 

Freshness Matters: Our coffee samples are designed for a single pot of coffee (10 to 12 cups). Because our coffee is exceptionally fresh and bold, you likely won’t need the full 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water. Older coffee loses flavor, so it requires more grounds. Unlike grocery store-bought coffee, ours is shipped to you within a day of roasting, making it possibly the freshest coffee you’ve ever had!

Common Brewing Methods

Drip Coffee

Use filtered water. Add 1.5 tablespoons of medium ground coffee for each 6oz cup. Adjust to 2 tbsp depending on your taste preferences. For best flavor cup after cup, allow brew to fill carafe before serving.

Percolator

Use filtered water. Add 1 tbsp of coarse ground coffee for each cup capacity to the basket. Adjust this ratio based on your personal taste preferences. If you prefer stronger coffee, try 1.5 to 2 tbsp per cup capacity. When using a stovetop percolator, monitor the heat and water level to prevent over-perking or boiling over. Keep the lid on during the percolating process to maintain the necessary heat and pressure for brewing. Electric percolators will automatically turn-off at end of brew.

Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker)

Use filtered water. For a 2-cup Moka Pot, add 3 tbsp (~30g) of medium or medium fine coffee to the funnel filter and lightly tamp. Place your Moka Pot on the stove over low to medium heat. The water will heat and begin to gurgle and make its way to the top chamber. When the gurgling sound stops, the brewing process is complete. Remove the Moka Pot from the stove and serve. Your particular Moka Pot will have its own brew suggestions based on its capacities.

Espresso Coffee

Use filtered water. For a single shot, add 1.25 tbsp (~9 to 10g) of finely ground coffee to portafilter and evenly tamp. Use 1 tbsp (~7g) for darker roast. For a double shot, use 2.25 to 2.5 tbsp (~16 to 18g). Your particular Espresso Machine will have its own brew suggestions based on the machine's capabilities.

Coffee Grind by Brew Method

  • Extra Coarse

    Cold Brew Coffee, Cowboy Coffee

  • Coarse

    French Press, Percolator

  • Medium-Coarse

    Chemex Coffee Maker, Clever Dripper, Cafe Solo Brewer

  • Medium

    Common Drip Coffee Maker, Cone-shaped Pour-over Brewers, Siphon Coffee

  • Medium-Fine

    Common Drip Coffee Maker (Bolder Brew) Cone-shaped Pour-over Brewers

  • Fine

    Espresso, Moka Pot (Stovetop Espresso Maker)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does coffee last?

The longevity of coffee depends on its type. Here are some guidelines to keep your coffee fresh:

Storage Conditions: Store coffee long-term in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 50°F and 70°F and humidity levels around 30% to 50%. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Roasted Coffee Beans: For roasted coffee beans, use an airtight container. Unopened roasted beans can maintain their flavor for about a year. If you want to extend their freshness, consider storing them in the freezer for up to 2 years.

Ground Coffee: Ground coffee should also be stored in an airtight container. Once opened, aim to use it within a week for the best flavor. Over time, the taste diminishes, so proper storage is crucial.

Buy Smaller Amounts: Instead of large 5 or 10-pound packages, opt for smaller quantities to ensure freshness.

Remember, coffee remains safe to consume beyond these timeframes if stored correctly, but its flavor quality diminishes over time. Enjoy your brew!

Can you ship coffee and tea together?

Coffees and teas are processed and packaged in separate facilities and are not able to be shipped together. Any shipping fees (if orders are under $30) are applied for the entire order, though the two products will ship separately.

How does the subscription work?

Your first order is processed upon sign-up: when selecting your product, you will have the option for 1-time purchase or subscription. On subscription, you will be prompted to select the frequency of your subscription cycle from weekly to every 4-weeks to ensure your orders are processed and delivered timely. You can always make changes to your upcoming orders from your account.

Can I combine coffee and tea in the same subscription?

Yes and no. Due to processing, packing, and shipping from separate locations, subscriptions for coffee and tea must be separate. You can still select the subscription option and recurring cycle for either product before moving to the cart; but know that subscription discounts will apply by product and ship separately.

When will I be charged for my suscription?

Your initial order will be charged upon sign-up. Future orders will automatically charge based on your subscription frequency from a weekly to 4-week intervals to ensure shipments process and deliver timely.

Can I cancel my subscription?

You can easily cancel your subscription from your account portal at any time.

If you are unhappy with your subscription, we would like to hear from you before you cancel. Please reach out to contact@fitchcoffeeandtea.com and let us know about your experience.

When will my order ship?

For coffee orders, we roast all coffee to order and ship within the same day of roasting after the beans have had time to cool. The time and coordination from receiving your order to roasting and bagging is about 2-3 days, and then your order is shipped.

For teas, all orders are picked and packed within 24-hours and then shipped.

Shipping time is about 3-5 days by USPS.

I received the wrong coffee!

We are sorry to hear that, and we will make it right! We work hard make sure all orders are packed and shipped properly, yet mistakes can happen.

Please reach out to us at contact@fitchcoffeeandtea.com, and we will be sure to make it right!

Do your coffee makers come with a warranty?

We carry high quality name brand accessories. All of our accessories come with their respective manufactures warranty.