What’s the Most Cost-Effective Way to Brew Fresh Coffee?
☕ What’s the Most Cost-Effective Way to Brew Fresh Coffee?
At Finest Coffee and Tea, we believe every cup should be both delicious and rewarding. But did you know that the way you brew your coffee can make a big difference to how much coffee you actually use — and how much each cup costs?
Let’s break down the most popular fresh coffee brewing methods and see which one gives you the best balance of flavour and value.
⚖️ How Much Coffee Do You Really Need?
For a standard 200 ml mug, here’s how many grams of coffee each method typically requires:
Espresso (Americano) → ~7–10 g
Pour-over / Drip → ~12 g
French Press → ~14–16 g
Moka Pot → ~15–20 g
AeroPress → ~11–13 g
📊 Coffee-to-Water Ratios
| Brew Method | Cup Size | Water Amount | Ground Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Single | 30 ml | 7–10 g |
| Espresso | Double | 60 ml | 14–18 g |
| Pour-over / Filter | Small cup | 200 ml | 12–15 g |
| Large mug | 300 ml | 18–22 g | |
| French Press | Small cup | 200 ml | 14–16 g |
| Large mug | 300 ml | 20–24 g | |
| Drip Machine | 1 cup (200 ml) | 12 g | |
| 4 cups (800 ml) | 48 g | ||
| 1 liter pot | 60 g |
🏆 The Winner: Espresso (Americano Style)
Surprisingly, the most cost-effective method is also one of the most flavourful — espresso.
Here’s why:
Efficient extraction – Espresso machines use pressure to pull out more flavour and body from fewer grams of coffee.
Stretch it further – A single espresso shot (~30 ml) uses just 7 g of coffee. Add hot water, and you’ve got a smooth 200 ml Americano-style mug without needing extra grounds.
Big savings – Compared to a French Press, you’re using up to 50% less coffee per cup.
💰 What Does That Mean for Your Wallet?
Let’s assume you’re brewing with coffee beans priced at £20 per kilo:
Espresso Americano (7 g) → ~£0.14 per mug
Pour-over (12 g) → ~£0.24 per mug
French Press (15 g) → ~£0.30 per mug
That’s more than double the cost per cup if you switch from espresso to French Press — without any change in bean quality.
🌿 Quality Still Matters
Of course, the method is only part of the story. Freshly roasted beans, ground to suit your brew, make all the difference. That’s why we roast our coffees in small batches and grind them only after you place your order. Whether you’re an espresso fan or a French Press devotee, the taste will always shine through.