Coffee Blog
How To Brew The Perfect Stovetop Coffee
No espresso machine? No problem. Great coffee doesn’t have to be complicated, and our blends are crafted for a range of home brewing methods, including the classic stovetop/moka pot. This step-by-step guide will help you get the best out of your beans. Why Stovetop? The stovetop or moka pot is loved for its rich, espresso-like flavour, simple design, and timeless appeal. It produces a strong, aromatic cup that’s perfect for milk-based coffee or can be enjoyed black for a bold hit. Because it brews under pressure, it highlights the chocolate and caramel depth in our Rich Strong Blend, while highlighting the balance of our Smooth Medium Blend. Smooth Medium Blend Our recommended brewing ratio using our Smooth Medium Blend is 1:8 – this means, for every 10 grams of coffee, use around 80ml of water. A 3-cup moka pot typically uses 15g of coffee and 130ml of water. If you're using a larger 6-cup pot, use 30g of coffee and 260ml of water. Rich Strong Blend For our Rich Strong Blend, our recommended ratio for stovetop is 1:10 – this means, for every 10 grams of coffee, use around 100ml of water. For a 3-cup moka pot, this will be 15 grams of coffee coffee and 150ml of water. For a larger 6-cup pot, double the amounts to 30 grams of coffee and 300ml of water. What You’ll Need: A stovetop moka pot (3 or 6 cup is perfect for most homes) Coffee beans (we recommend Rich Strong for a bolder cup or Smooth Medium for balance) A grinder (or pre-ground coffee) Filtered water Step-by-step: 1. Fill the baseFill the bottom chamber of your moka pot with hot water up to the safety valve. Using pre-heated water helps reduce bitterness by keeping the coffee from overheating. 2. Add your coffeeFill the filter basket with ground coffee. Use a medium-fine grind – finer than filter coffee, but not as fine as espresso. Level it off with your finger, but don’t tamp it down. 3. Assemble and heatPop the filter basket into the base then screw the top and bottom chambers together carefully (watch for steam). Place the moka pot over medium heat with the lid open. 4. Watch and listenYou’ll hear a gentle gurgle as the coffee brews and fills the top chamber. When the stream turns golden and starts to sputter, remove from the heat. 5. Serve and enjoyPour straight into your cup. Drink it black for a bold, espresso-style cup, or add hot milk for a rich coffee at home. Pro Tips for Better Stovetop Coffee: Use beans that are roasted for home use Avoid overpacking: a flat fill is best Don’t walk away: stovetop brewing only takes a few minutes – timing matters Clean gently: rinse with warm water and dry well and skip soap to protect the flavour The Espresso Club™ Difference Many beans are roasted for commercial cafe machines. At The Espresso Club™, our blends are designed to extract beautifully in home setups, from espresso machines to moka pots. That means smoother flavour, less bitterness, and cafe-quality results at home.Shop at your local Woolworths, or shop online for delivery direct to your door.
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How to Brew Smooth Medium Blend
At The Espresso Club™, we created our Smooth Medium Blend for coffee lovers who value flavour, ritual, and a little bit of control over their brew. This blend gives you everything you need to make barista-quality coffee at home – your way. Here’s how to brew Smooth Medium to bring out its best, with tips for every setup. What is Smooth Medium? Smooth Medium is our most versatile blend, roasted specifically for pump espresso machines and home baristas who enjoy the hands-on process. Expect balanced body and sweetness, smooth chocolate and soft fruit notes, and a gentle acidity with a clean finish. It has excellent clarity in milk or on its own. Smooth Medium is ideal if you love experimenting with your espresso but want reliable, premium flavour in every cup. How to Brew Smooth Medium at Home 1. With a Manual (Pump) Espresso Machine This is where Smooth Medium shines, with hands-on control over your shot. Tips: Dose: 18g in, 36g out Brew time: 25 - 30 seconds Grind: Start with a medium-fine and adjust to taste Tamp with even pressure to extract balanced flavour Try it as a flat white, piccolo, or espresso – it’s a beautiful all-rounder 2. With a Moka Pot (Stovetop) Smooth Medium works wonderfully in stovetop brewing – delivering a rich, smooth cup with a subtle chocolate finish. Tips: Use a medium-fine grind Don't tamp the grounds Heat on medium and remove when you hear the sputter Enjoy black or with milk – it's balanced either way Brew it Your Way Whether you’re dialling in the perfect shot or just want a better morning coffee, our Smooth Medium Blend is designed to be flexible, forgiving, and full of flavour. It’s the blend for people who enjoy the process as much as the result. No pods. No guesswork. Just great coffee made for home.After something a bit bolder? Learn how to brew our Rich Strong Blend here. Find your nearest Woolworths Shop Online
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How to Brew Rich Strong Blend
When it comes to cafe-quality coffee at home, your beans matter – and so does how you brew them. At The Espresso Club™, we created Rich Strong for those who love bold flavour and a thick crema, no matter your brewing method. Whether you’re an early-riser espresso fan or a silky latte lover, here’s how to get the most out of our boldest blend – your way. What is Rich Strong? Rich Strong is our darkest blend, roasted specifically for automatic espresso machines, but it also performs beautifully across a range of brewing styles. Expect full-bodied flavour, chocolate and caramel notes and a smooth intensity, not bitterness, with a thick golden crema (especially in press-button home espresso machines). This is the blend that delivers a cafe-style hit without needing to dial in every detail. It’s designed for flavour that holds up in milk, shines on its own, and keeps you coming back for another cup. How to Brew Rich Strong at Home 1. With an Automatic Espresso Machine This is where our Rich Strong Blend shines. Automatic espresso machines do everything – grind, dose, tamp, extract – at the touch of a button. Tips: Adjust your strength setting to medium-strong Use around 18g of coffee per shot (standard double shot) Keep the grind medium-fine, depending on your machine's default Try it as a short black or top it with steamed milk for a rich flat white Bonus: Add dairy or oat milk – our Rich Strong Blend holds it own in milk beautifully. 2. With a Manual Espresso Machine Our Rich Strong Blend works great in manual setups too – especially if you like a fuller flavour. Tips: Dial in using a 1:2 ratio (18g in, 36g out) Pull your shot in 25-30 seconds Tightly pack/tamp the puck Great for flat whites, cappuccinos or iced long blacks 3. With a Moka Pot No espresso machine? No problem. Our Rich Strong Blend brews beautifully in a stovetop. Tips: Use a medium-fine grind Fill the basket evenly, no tamping Heat slowly to avoid bitterness Expect a bold, espresso-like result – excellent with a dash of milk 4. With an Aeropress (Espresso-Style) A great travel option that can still give you that espresso kick. Tips: Use 18g of coffee with 50-60ml hot water Use the inverted method and a 1-minute steep for a strong, syrupy shot Press slowly for best flavour Enjoy straight or top with frothed milk 5. With a French Press A classic method that’s easy to master and perfect for a smooth, rich cup at home. Read our full French Press brewing guide here. Tips: Use 30g of coffee with 500ml of hot water (just off the boil) Go for a coarse grind (similar to sea salt) Stir gently after pouring water, then place the lid on Steep for 4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly and evenly Pour and enjoy right away (don't leave it sitting – it keeps brewing!) Brew it Your Way The beauty of our Rich Strong Blend is in its versatility. However you take your coffee – strong and black, smooth and milky, on ice, or travel-ready – this blend delivers the same quality, body, and flavour you expect from a great espresso, no matter the machine. Find your nearest Woolworths Shop Online
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Do I Need An Espresso Machine For These Beans?
At The Espresso Club™, we craft our specialty coffee blends with home brewing in mind, aiming to bring quality espresso experiences to your kitchen. While our beans are perfect for espresso machines, we understand that not everyone has one – so, let's explore how you can enjoy our coffee, regardless of your equipment. Designed for home espresso machines Our Smooth Medium Blend and Rich Strong Blend are roasted specifically for home espresso machines. This means: Optimal extraction:The roast profile is tailored to extract rich flavours under the high pressure of home espresso machines Flavour balance: Expect notes of chocolate and caramel, delivering a well-rounded cup Crema formation:Our beans are ideal for producing that desirable crema on top of your espresso shot Don't have an espresso machine? No problem. Our beans are versatile and can be brewed using various methods. Stovetop Flavour: Produces a strong, espresso-like coffee Grind size: Medium-fine Tip:Fill the filter basket without tamping and brew over medium heat Aeropress Flavour: Offers a concentrated, smooth cup Grind size: Fine Tip: Use the inverted method for better control over steeping time French Press Flavour: Yields a full-bodied, rich coffee Grind size: Coarse Tip: Steep for 4 minutes before pressing the plunger slowly Each method brings out different aspects of The Espresso Club beans' flavour profile, allowing you to tailor your coffee experience to your taste preferences. Finding your perfect brew: Your choice of brewing method depends on your desired coffee strength and flavour:Espresso machine: For a concentrated, crema-rich shot. Moka Pot: For a robust, espresso-like brew without the machine.Aeropress: For versatility and portability.French Press: For a hearty, full-bodied cup.Pour-Over: For clarity and subtle flavour notes. No matter your equipment, our beans are crafted to deliver a satisfying cup. Where to Buy You can find The Espresso Club blends at your local Woolworths or order directly from our website, straight to your door.
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