To learn how to make medium roast coffee, use a 1:16 ratio of 60 grams of coffee per liter of water for a balanced cup. This precise method ensures the natural sweetness and acidity of the beans are fully extracted.
What you need
This process takes about 5 minutes of active time and costs very little per serving, assuming you already own the equipment. It’s an easy task for anyone, though you must have a digital scale to weigh your coffee and water; check your scale’s manual to ensure it’s accurate to the gram.
What you need
| Item | How much | Why it’s needed | A substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee beans | 20 grams | Proper strength | none — don’t swap this |
| Water | 320 milliliters | Correct ratio | none — don’t swap this |
| Burr grinder | Medium setting | Even extraction | Blade grinder with care |
| Coffee dripper | Standard size | Holds the filter | Press or brewer |
| Paper filter | One unit | Removes sediment | Metal mesh filter |
| Digital scale | 1-gram accuracy | Precise measurements | Measuring cup if desperate |
Before you start
- Ensure your water is fresh and filtered to remove chlorine, as water quality standards dictate the base flavor of your brew.
- Clean your dripper and carafe to remove old oils.
- Check your grinder setting; if it’s too fine, the coffee will taste bitter.
- Warm your mug with hot water first.
How to make medium roast coffee: Step by step
- Weigh exactly 20 grams of medium roast coffee beans on your digital scale to ensure consistency.
- Grind your beans to a medium consistency, which should look like sea salt, using your burr grinder.
- Place a paper filter in your dripper and rinse it with hot water to remove any paper taste.
- Discard the rinse water from your carafe so your coffee doesn’t get watered down or cold.
- Add the ground coffee to the filter and tap it gently to create a flat, even bed.
- Heat 320 milliliters of water to between 195°F and 205°F; if you lack a thermometer, let the kettle sit for 2 to 3 minutes after boiling.
- Pour 40 grams of water over the grounds to let them bloom for 30 seconds, allowing gases to escape.
- Pour the remaining water in slow, circular motions until you reach the 320-gram total weight on your scale.
- Wait for the coffee to finish dripping through the grounds entirely, which should take about 3 minutes total.
- Remove the dripper and stir the brewed coffee in the carafe once before serving to balance the flavor.
How to know it worked
A successful brew will have a vibrant, clear appearance with a balanced flavor profile that’s neither too sour nor too bitter. If the coffee tastes sour, your grind was likely too coarse or the water too cool. If it tastes dry or overly bitter, you likely used a grind that was too fine or the brew time took longer than 4 minutes. The final liquid should be smooth, and the used grounds in the filter should look flat and even.
If something goes wrong
| What happened | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee is sour | Under-extracted | Use a finer grind |
| Coffee is bitter | Over-extracted | Use a coarser grind |
| Water overflows | Filter clogged | Pour more slowly |
| Weak flavor | Low ratio | Use more coffee |
| Cold coffee | Equipment cold | Preheat your mug |
How often to do this
You should prepare your coffee fresh for every serving to maintain the best flavor profile. Medium roast beans contain oils that begin to oxidize and lose their brightness once ground, so always grind just before you brew. If you’re brewing for a group, adjust the total water and coffee while keeping the 1:16 ratio consistent. This assumes you’re using a standard drip method; for a French press, allow about 4 minutes of steeping time instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use tap water?
Yes, but only if your tap water is filtered and free of strong odors or chlorine. If your water tastes like chemicals, your coffee will also taste like chemicals, which ruins the delicate notes of a medium roast.
Why does my coffee taste thin?
It’s likely that your ratio of coffee to water is too low, or your grind is too coarse for the brewing method. Try increasing the amount of coffee by 2 grams next time.
How long does the coffee stay fresh?
Coffee is best consumed within 15 minutes of brewing, as the flavor profile changes as it cools. If you must keep it, use a thermal carafe to hold the temperature for up to 1 hour.
Is it safe to reheat coffee in the microwave?
Yes, it’s safe, but it will change the flavor significantly by breaking down the remaining aromatic compounds. If you must reheat, use a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second bursts until warm.
Does the roast level matter for the grind?
Yes, medium roast beans are denser than dark roasts and often require a slightly finer grind to extract properly. Always adjust your grinder setting based on the specific bean origin and roast date.
What happens if I use boiling water?
Using boiling water can lead to over-extraction and a harsh, bitter flavor. Always let your kettle sit for 30 seconds after boiling to reach the ideal temperature range.
Final Thoughts
Once you have enjoyed your first cup, try adjusting the grind size slightly to see how it changes the flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different origins, as each bean offers a unique personality. You’ll soon find the perfect balance that makes your morning ritual truly special.
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