Home Brewing

by Jo Snyder

It’s probably safe to say that most of us spent the majority of our last year at home. For some of us that might have meant a lot of quiet time, others might have had a more hectic household with little minds to occupy, and still others maybe found a bit of time to start a new hobby.

If you’re still looking for a new interest to delve into, you might want to give at-home coffee brewing a try!

Before getting too deep into things, it’s important to know which kinds of coffees appeal to you most. That way you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Living in the greater Appleton area, we’re lucky to have so many great cafes that can provide us with a bit of insider info (courtesy of your knowledgeable baristas) and some very user-friendly equipment. If you get your brewing gear from a coffee shop, you can get some helpful hints from the staff and support local businesses all in one!

Some of my top suggestions for places to buy brewing gear would be:

Seth’s Coffee Drive Through in Appleton. They always have filters and coffee beans on hand, and the staff is happy to order brewing methods and decanters for their customers. Not to mention the baristas have a combined 40+ years of experience in the industry!

Tempest Coffee Collective in Appleton. They also supply coffee beans and filters, and you have the added bonus of being able to watch the brewing process and ask questions while your coffee is being made. They offer pour-over options of many types, so you can get a wide range of ideas.

All Seasons Coffee House, also right in Appleton! The staff is very friendly and helpful. They’ll give you easy tips to follow and can suggest some of their favorite brew methods. You can also request to have them order bags of coffee for you. Bonus: their coffees are roasted right here in Wisconsin!

In my experience, one of the easiest brewing methods for beginners – or just for those who don’t like a lot of fuss – is a Kalita Wave 185. I recommend using the metal dripper rather than glass; it’s easier to clean and much harder to break! Kalita Waves tend to offer easy brewing and satisfying results. Their filters are easy to find and they’re often less finicky about the exact grind of your coffee bean.

If you think home brewing might be for you, stop by a local cafe and do a little digging. You might find your new favorite activity can be done right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Happy Brewing!