Where is CBC Roasters located in Chicago?

CBC Roasters is located at 541 West Golf Road in Arlington Heights, IL 60005, serving the greater Chicago area. We're open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 5pm, and we welcome visitors to tour our roasting facility.

What makes CBC Roasters different from other Chicago coffee roasters?

We roast all coffee fresh to order—never pre-roasted. We're SCA-certified, source only specialty-grade beans scoring 83.5 or higher, and maintain an open-door policy for facility visits. Our small-batch approach ensures maximum freshness and quality.

Does CBC Roasters offer tours of the roasting facility?

Yes! We have an open-door policy and welcome coffee enthusiasts to visit our Arlington Heights facility. Stop by Tuesday through Friday between 12pm and 5pm to see our roasting process, meet our SCA-certified team, and learn about specialty coffee.

What is specialty-grade coffee?

Specialty-grade coffee scores 80 or higher on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) scale. At CBC Roasters, we only source beans scoring 83.5 or higher, ensuring exceptional quality, unique flavor profiles, and ethical sourcing practices.

How fresh is the coffee from CBC Roasters?

All our coffee is roasted to order, meaning we don't roast until you place your order. Your coffee is typically roasted within days of shipping, ensuring you receive the freshest possible beans. We never keep pre-roasted inventory.

What is the ideal water temperature for brewing hot coffee?

The ideal water temperature for brewing hot coffee is between 195°F and 205°F (90°C to 96°C). Water that's too hot can over-extract and create bitter flavors, while water that's too cool will under-extract, resulting in weak, sour coffee.

What is the perfect coffee-to-water ratio?

The golden ratio is 1:16 - that's 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water, or approximately 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. For a standard 12-cup pot, use about 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of ground coffee.

How long should coffee brew?

Brewing time varies by method: Pour over takes 2-4 minutes, French press needs 4 minutes, drip coffee maker requires 5-6 minutes, and AeroPress takes 1-2 minutes. The key is consistent contact time between water and grounds for optimal extraction.

Should I use filtered water for coffee?

Yes, filtered water is highly recommended. Coffee is 98% water, so water quality dramatically affects taste. Use filtered or bottled water to avoid chlorine, minerals, and impurities that can create off-flavors in your brew.

What grind size should I use for hot coffee?

Grind size depends on brewing method: Use coarse grind for French press, medium grind for drip coffee makers, medium-fine for pour over, and fine grind for espresso. The longer the brew time, the coarser the grind should be.

How to Hot Brew Coffee

How to Brew Coffee: Complete Guide to Perfect Coffee at Home

Author: Isabel Lopez, SCA-Certified Lead Roaster at CBC Roasters
Last Updated: November 2025

Essential Brewing Fundamentals

Great coffee starts with understanding the basics. Whether you're brewing your first cup or perfecting your technique, these fundamentals will help you make consistently delicious coffee at home.

The Golden Rules:

✓ Use fresh, specialty-grade coffee beans (roasted within 2-4 weeks)
✓ Grind just before brewing for maximum flavor
✓ Use clean, filtered water at the right temperature
✓ Measure your coffee and water accurately
✓ Clean your equipment after every use

Coffee-to-Water Ratios

The "Golden Ratio" is your starting point: 1:16 to 1:18 (coffee to water).

Standard Measurements

Brew Strength	Coffee	Water	Ratio
Strong	2 tbsp (10g)	6 oz (177ml)	1:16
Medium	1.5 tbsp (8g)	6 oz (177ml)	1:18
Mild	1 tbsp (6g)	6 oz (177ml)	1:20

Pro Tip: Start with the medium ratio and adjust to your taste. More coffee = stronger, bolder flavor. Less coffee = lighter, more delicate cup.

Water Temperature Guide

Water temperature is critical for proper extraction. Too hot burns the coffee; too cold under-extracts it.

Optimal Temperature by Method

Drip Coffee Makers: 195-205°F (90-96°C)
Pour Over: 200-205°F (93-96°C)
French Press: 195-200°F (90-93°C)
Espresso: 190-196°F (88-91°C)
Cold Brew: Room temperature or cold water

How to Check: Boil water, then let it rest for 30-45 seconds before brewing. This brings it to the ideal 200°F range.

Grind Size Chart

Grind size affects extraction time and flavor. Match your grind to your brewing method.

Grind Size	Texture	Best For	Brew Time
Extra Coarse	Sea salt	Cold brew	12-24 hours
Coarse	Kosher salt	French press	4-5 minutes
Medium-Coarse	Rough sand	Chemex, clever dripper	3-4 minutes
Medium	Regular sand	Drip coffee makers	4-6 minutes
Medium-Fine	Table salt	Pour over (V60, Kalita)	2-3 minutes
Fine	Powdered sugar	Espresso, Moka pot	20-30 seconds
Extra Fine	Flour	Turkish coffee	2-3 minutes

Grinding Tips:

Burr grinders produce consistent particle size (better than blade grinders)
Grind immediately before brewing for peak freshness
If coffee tastes bitter → grind is too fine
If coffee tastes weak/sour → grind is too coarse

Brewing Methods Compared

Brewing Method	Grind Size	Water Temp	Brew Time	Coffee:Water Ratio
Drip Coffee Maker	Medium	195-205°F	5-6 minutes	1:16
Pour Over	Medium-Fine	195-205°F	2-4 minutes	1:15
French Press	Coarse	195-205°F	4 minutes	1:12
AeroPress	Fine-Medium	175-185°F	1-2 minutes	1:16
Espresso	Fine	190-196°F	25-30 seconds	1:2
Cold Brew	Extra Coarse	Room temp/cold	12-24 hours	1:8 (concentrate)

Coffee is personal - the right way to make it is how you like it best.

That being said, mastering a few fundamentals will help you perfect your technique. From here, we encourage you to experiment with different roasts, origins, or preparation methods.

Here are our tips to brew a classic cup of coffee.

1. Drip Coffee Maker (Auto Drip)

Best for: Convenience, multiple cups
Grind: Medium
Ratio: 1:17
Brew Time: 5-6 minutes

Steps:

Use fresh, filtered water
Add medium-ground coffee to filter
Brew at 195-205°F
Serve immediately for best flavor

Try with: Spirit of Brazil, Honduran Heaven, The Great Lakes Blend

2. French Press

Best for: Full-bodied, rich coffee
Grind: Coarse
Ratio: 1:15
Brew Time: 4 minutes

Steps:

Add coarse-ground coffee to French press
Pour hot water (200°F) over grounds
Stir gently, place lid on (don't press yet)
Steep for 4 minutes
Press plunger slowly and serve

Try with: Luscious Lava (Guatemala), The Birthplace (Ethiopia)

3. Pour Over (V60, Chemex, Kalita)

Best for: Clean, nuanced flavor
Grind: Medium-fine
Ratio: 1:16
Brew Time: 2.5-3.5 minutes

Steps:

Rinse paper filter with hot water
Add medium-fine ground coffee
Bloom: Pour 2x coffee weight in water, wait 30-45 seconds
Pour remaining water in slow, circular motions
Total brew time should be 2.5-3.5 minutes

Try with: Capuchin's Catch (Costa Rica), Red Bourbon, Papua New Guinea

4. Espresso

Best for: Concentrated coffee
Grind: Fine
Ratio: 1:2
Brew Time: 25-30 seconds

Steps:

Use 18-20g finely ground coffee
Tamp evenly with 30 lbs pressure
Extract for 25-30 seconds
Yield should be 36-40g (double shot)

Try with: El Diablo Blend, Java Mocca

5. Cold Brew

Best for: Smooth, low-acidity
Grind: Extra coarse
Ratio: 1:8 (concentrate)
Brew Time: 12-24 hours

Steps:

Combine coarse-ground coffee with cold water
Steep at room temperature or refrigerated for 12-18 hours
Strain through fine mesh or cheesecloth
Dilute concentrate 1:1 with water or milk

Try with: The Great Rift Valley, Spirit of Brazil

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Stale Coffee

Fix: Buy fresh-roasted coffee (within 2-4 weeks). Store in airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. At CBC Roasters, we roast to order so you always get peak freshness.

❌ Wrong Grind Size

Fix: Match grind to brewing method. Invest in a burr grinder for consistency.

❌ Tap Water with Strong Taste

Fix: Use filtered or bottled water. Coffee is 98% water—quality matters!

❌ Dirty Equipment

Fix: Rinse equipment with hot water after each use. Deep clean weekly to remove coffee oils that turn rancid.

❌ Reheating Old Coffee

Fix: Brew only what you'll drink within 30 minutes. Transfer to insulated thermos if needed.

❌ Not Measuring

Fix: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Eyeballing leads to inconsistent results.

Equipment Recommendations

Burr Grinder - Consistent grind size = better extraction. Worth the investment.
Kitchen Scale - Measure coffee and water by weight (grams) for precision.
Temperature Control Kettle - Maintain optimal brewing temperature (especially for pour over).
Quality Brewer - Choose based on your preferred method. SCA-certified brewers maintain proper temperature.
Filtered Water - Remove chlorine and impurities that affect taste.

The Perfect Brewing Checklist

✅ Start with fresh, specialty-grade coffee (roasted within 2-4 weeks)
✅ Use clean, filtered water
✅ Grind beans immediately before brewing
✅ Match grind size to brewing method
✅ Measure coffee and water accurately (use a scale)
✅ Heat water to 195-205°F
✅ Follow proper brew time for your method
✅ Serve immediately or transfer to insulated container
✅ Clean equipment after each use

Choosing the Right Coffee

The best brewing technique means nothing without great beans. At CBC Roasters, we source specialty-grade, ethically-sourced coffee and roast in small batches to order.

Coffee Selection Tips:

For Drip/Pour Over: Try bright, complex single origins like Capuchin's Catch (Costa Rica) or The Birthplace (Ethiopia)
For French Press: Choose full-bodied coffees like Luscious Lava (Guatemala) or Honduran Heaven
For Espresso: Opt for balanced blends like El Diablo or Java Mocca
For Cold Brew: Select chocolatey, low-acid origins like Spirit of Brazil or The Great Rift Valley

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Airtight container: Prevent oxygen exposure
Cool, dark place: Away from heat, light, and moisture
Don't refrigerate: Causes condensation and flavor absorption
Freezing: Only for long-term storage (1+ months) in airtight, portioned bags
Buy in small batches: 1-2 weeks' supply at a time

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much coffee should I use per cup?

A: Start with 1.5-2 tablespoons (8-10g) per 6 oz of water. Adjust to taste.

Q: Why does my coffee taste bitter?

A: Usually over-extraction from water too hot, grind too fine, or brew time too long.

Q: Why does my coffee taste sour or weak?

A: Under-extraction from water too cool, grind too coarse, or brew time too short.

Q: Can I reuse coffee grounds?

A: No—all desirable flavors are extracted in the first brew. Reused grounds taste bitter and flat.

Q: How long does brewed coffee stay fresh?

A: Best within 30 minutes. After 1 hour, flavor degrades significantly.

Q: What's the difference between specialty-grade and commercial coffee?

A: Specialty-grade scores 80+ on the SCA scale, with no defects and distinct flavor characteristics. Commercial coffee often contains defects and tastes flat.

Ready to Brew Amazing Coffee?

Now that you know the fundamentals, it's time to put them into practice! Start with fresh, specialty-grade coffee from CBC Roasters—roasted to order in small batches right here in Arlington Heights, IL.

Shop Single Origin Coffees → Explore Artisan Blends → Try K-Cup Pods →

Questions about brewing? Our SCA-certified roasters are here to help.
Contact us or visit our facility Saturdays 9 AM - 1 PM.

CBC Roasters | 541 West Golf Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 | Roasted Fresh to Order Since 2017