How to Make Coffee with Whole Beans: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Whole bean coffee isn't just for coffee connoisseurs or baristas. It's for anyone who wants to experience a richer, more flavorful cup every morning. Brewing coffee with whole beans gives you more control over strength and flavor than pre-ground options. If you've never brewed with whole beans before, don't worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making coffee with whole beans, plus a few pro tips from San Francisco Bay Coffee experts.

What is Whole Bean Coffee?

Whole-bean coffee refers to roasted coffee beans that have yet to be ground. Unlike pre-ground coffee, whole beans maintain their natural character and oils better over time. With whole beans, you have more control over your brewing process and can customize your cup to match your taste preferences.

Why Consider Whole Bean Coffee?

Using whole bean coffee has several advantages, especially if you want quality, taste, and control over your brewing experience.

Better flavor potential in every cup.
Whole beans allow you to grind right before brewing, which can help preserve the flavors and aromas you're looking for in your coffee.

More control over grind size and strength.
Different brewing methods require different grind sizes. Whole bean coffee allows you to grind for espresso, drip, French press, or pour-over coffee, all from the same bag of beans.

Enhanced brewing experience.
When ground and brewed properly, whole bean coffee offers the potential for a richer and more complex flavor profile. Coffee brewed from whole beans lets you taste the beans' origin, roast, and quality. 

Room for customization and experimentation.
Grinding your own coffee allows you to adjust strength, brew time, and grind size to discover what best suits your taste preferences.

Perfect for specialty brewing methods
If you're using a French press, pour-over coffee setup, or espresso machine, whole beans let you tailor the grind to get the most out of your equipment and technique. 

Brewing Coffee with Whole Beans

Brewing with whole beans is easier than you might think. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with quality whole beans.
Always begin with beans you enjoy. We recommend exploring the selection of whole bean coffee from San Francisco Bay Coffee to find your perfect match. 

2. Choose your brewing method.
Select your preferred brewing method: drip coffee maker, French press, pour-over coffee, espresso machine, or even a cold brew setup. Each method brings out different flavors in the coffee.

3. Measure your beans.
The Golden Ratio is 1:17 by weight. Use a digital scale to measure your beans for the most accurate amount. 1 gram of coffee per 17 milliliters of water, or about two tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water. Even though the Golden Ratio is the perfect starting place, you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

4. Grind your beans just before brewing.
Use a burr grinder for consistency. Match the grind size to your brewing method:

   • Coarse grind: French press, cold brew
   • Medium grind: Drip coffee maker
   • Fine grind: Espresso or AeroPress

Grinding just before brewing helps you get the most out of your beans.

5. Use fresh, filtered water
Coffee is 98% water, so using clean, filtered water makes a noticeable difference in taste.

6. Brew at the right temperature. 
The Ideal water temperature is between 195°F and 205°F. Most automatic coffee makers handle this, but a thermometer helps for manual methods.

7. Enjoy immediately
Once brewed, coffee tastes best when enjoyed fresh. Avoid reheating, which can alter the taste.

Bonus Tips for Brewing Coffee with Whole Beans

Want to take your coffee game up a notch? Here are a few additional tips to get the most out of your whole bean experience.

Keep your beans happy.
Store your beans in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. An airtight container helps maintain quality. If you’re sure you will be storing your coffee beans for an extended period, place your airtight container in the freezer. 

Buy what you'll use.
Consider buying amounts that match your consumption habits to ensure you're always brewing with beans at their best.

Clean your equipment regularly.
Old oils and residue can affect flavor. Clean your grinder and brewing tools regularly to keep your coffee tasting its best.

Experiment with blends and origins.
Different beans offer unique tasting notes. Try beans from Ethiopia for fruity flavors or Colombian beans for smooth, chocolatey notes. Don't be afraid to explore and find what you enjoy most.

Adjust grind and brew time to your taste.
Try adjusting the grind size or brew time if your coffee is too bitter or weak. Whole beans really shine in this situation, giving you the flexibility to fine-tune your cup.

Discover Gourmet Whole Bean Coffee from San Francisco Bay Coffee

At San Francisco Bay Coffee, great coffee starts with great beans. That's why we offer a wide variety of whole bean options, from bold dark roasts to smooth and balanced medium roasts. Whether you prefer a single-origin cup or a signature blend, our sustainably sourced whole beans bring you a delicious and responsible coffee experience. Explore our full collection of coffee varieties and find your next favorite roast.

Switching to whole-bean coffee doesn't just change how you brew; it transforms how you experience your morning cup. Explore with San Francisco Bay Coffee and discover what whole-bean brewing can do for your daily coffee ritual.