Craft Coffee: A Manual

The best alternative if you want to focus specifically on manual brewing methods rather than the full landscape of coffee knowledge. Jessica Easto, a journalist and home brewer, wrote this with the help of Andreas Willhoff, a professional roaster, to bridge the gap between coffee professionals and everyday drinkers.

Why This One

What sets “Craft Coffee” apart is its tight focus on non-espresso brewing. The book covers ten different manual brewing devices, from the Chemex and Hario V60 to the AeroPress and French press, with detailed instructions for each. Easto does not just tell you how to use these devices. She explains the variables that affect extraction, like grind size, water temperature, and brew time, so you understand why certain adjustments change the flavor.

The book’s structure is particularly useful for beginners. Easto starts by helping you figure out what you actually like in a cup of coffee. Do you prefer bright and acidic, or smooth and chocolatey? Once you know your preferences, she guides you toward the brewing methods and beans that will deliver those flavors. This personalized approach is rare in coffee books, which tend to be prescriptive about what “good” coffee should taste like.

Easto writes as someone who came to specialty coffee as an outsider, not a professional. That perspective makes the book welcoming rather than intimidating. She was named a top food and drink author of 2017 by The Food Network, Wired, Sprudge, and Booklist.

What to Expect

A well-organized manual that you can read cover to cover or use as a reference when trying a new brewing method. At 272 pages, it covers a lot of ground but remains accessible throughout. The focus on manual brewing means you will not find much about espresso here, which is a deliberate choice that keeps the book focused and practical for most home coffee setups.