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You Mean It

Step-by-step interactive coffee brewing guides with real-time timers for espresso, pour over, and French press. Open your phone, set your gear, and brew with confidence.

Espresso Guide

Master pressure, grind size, and extraction time for the perfect espresso shot at home.

9 Steps ~30 sec pull 9 bar 1:2 ratio
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Pour Over Guide

Achieve clarity and nuance in every cup with a precise, meditative pour over technique.

7 Steps 3–4 min total 93°C 1:16 ratio
Start Brewing

French Press Guide

Full-bodied, rich immersion brewing with coarse grind, 4-minute steep, and slow plunge for maximum flavour.

6 Steps 4 min steep 94°C 1:15 ratio
Start Brewing

Every Tool You Need to Brew Better

From grind ratio calculators to flavour diagnostics — Sho Brew puts pro-barista knowledge in your pocket.

Ratio Calculator

Enter your coffee weight and get exact water volumes for any brewing method.

Flavour Compass

Navigate tasting notes from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey.

Brew Doctor

Diagnose bitter, sour, or weak coffee and fix your brew with targeted advice.

Brew Blog

Deep dives into coffee science, roast profiles, origins, and barista techniques.

Coffee Brewing FAQ

Answers to the most common questions about brewing coffee at home.

What is the best coffee brewing method for beginners?
French press is ideal for beginners — coarse grind, 4-minute steep, slow plunge. Pour over is the next step up with nuanced flavour. Espresso requires the most equipment and precision but delivers the most intense experience.
What is the correct coffee to water ratio?
The standard ratio is 1:15 to 1:17 by weight (e.g. 15g coffee per 250ml water). Espresso uses 1:2 (18g yields ~36g espresso). French press uses 1:15, pour over 1:16. Use our ratio calculator to dial in any brew size.
What water temperature should I use for coffee?
Optimal water temperature is 90–96°C (195–205°F). Pour over: 92–93°C. French press: 93–96°C. Espresso: 90–96°C. Never use boiling water (100°C) as it over-extracts and scorches the grounds.
How do I fix bitter or sour espresso?
Sour espresso = under-extraction (too fast, too coarse, too cool). Fix: grind finer, increase dose, or raise temperature. Bitter espresso = over-extraction (too slow, too fine, too hot). Fix: grind coarser, reduce dose, or lower temperature. Use our Brew Doctor for a full diagnosis.
How long should I steep French press coffee?
Steep for exactly 4 minutes with a coarse grind. After plunging, pour immediately — leaving coffee in the press after plunging continues extraction and turns bitter. See our full French Press guide with built-in timer.