How Do You Make Your Tea and Coffee in the Morning?
A morning cup is a must for many, and preparation comes in many guises. We look at coffee and tea habits across the Houzz community
I drink a lot of coffee. And I make it the same way every day: espresso machine, one coffee pod, no milk or sugar, and served in a small espresso cup at 11 a.m. It’s a reassuring routine that offers a little hiatus from my email inbox, and I swear it’s the right way to make it. But is it? Conversely, a friend of mine switches her kettle on to make a morning brew of tea at 7 a.m. on the dot, the first thing she does in the morning, and without which she is unable to function.
Our morning rituals seem to be defined not only by our personal tastes and lifestyles, but also by where we live. We asked Houzzers in 11 countries whether they used an espresso maker, a drip coffee machine, a traditional teakettle or an electric teakettle at home. A wealth of ideas, routines and rituals was revealed. Here, Houzzers weigh in on what their morning brew looks like.
Our morning rituals seem to be defined not only by our personal tastes and lifestyles, but also by where we live. We asked Houzzers in 11 countries whether they used an espresso maker, a drip coffee machine, a traditional teakettle or an electric teakettle at home. A wealth of ideas, routines and rituals was revealed. Here, Houzzers weigh in on what their morning brew looks like.
But the stovetop model doesn’t do it for Australians. On the other side of the world, absolutely no Australian Houzzers chose this as their favorite home coffee method. Not a single one. So why the divide?
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says several factors could be at play: “It might be that coffee percolators just didn’t have the same exposure over here that they had in Europe, although there has been a resurgence in their use among niche groups, such as nostalgic bohemians and foodies. It could also be that our Houzzers prefer a machine for their morning cuppa [38 percent said they used espresso machines] or that they grab one on their way to work — it’s not uncommon for Australians to buy coffee from their favorite coffee shop every day, at least during the week.”
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says several factors could be at play: “It might be that coffee percolators just didn’t have the same exposure over here that they had in Europe, although there has been a resurgence in their use among niche groups, such as nostalgic bohemians and foodies. It could also be that our Houzzers prefer a machine for their morning cuppa [38 percent said they used espresso machines] or that they grab one on their way to work — it’s not uncommon for Australians to buy coffee from their favorite coffee shop every day, at least during the week.”
2. Many Americans swear by their drip brews. Thanks to a childhood of watching American movies, I grew up longing to visit an American diner and order a cup of filter coffee (and a stack of pancakes to go with it). When I finally visited a New York diner and was offered free filter coffee refills, it made my day.
But it seems this isn’t just something you see in the movies. Americans really do prefer filter coffee made in a drip coffee machine at home. More than a third of all Americans polled said this was how they made their coffee. As U.S. Houzzer Jbsilver says, “I’ll take a drip coffee maker any day. I want to smell my coffee brewing, not just when I put the cup up to my mouth or after it’s ready. That first whiff is just as good as the first sip for me.”
But it seems this isn’t just something you see in the movies. Americans really do prefer filter coffee made in a drip coffee machine at home. More than a third of all Americans polled said this was how they made their coffee. As U.S. Houzzer Jbsilver says, “I’ll take a drip coffee maker any day. I want to smell my coffee brewing, not just when I put the cup up to my mouth or after it’s ready. That first whiff is just as good as the first sip for me.”
But it’s not a universal favorite. This is another opinion divider, with only 7 percent of British Houzzers saying they make their coffee this way. Similarly, Germany, Russia, Spain and Italy all had less than 10 percent of respondents saying they used a drip coffee machine at home.
Did you know: Despite the tiny number of German Houzzers who say they use a drip coffee machine, the drip coffee filter was actually invented in 1908 by a creative German entrepreneur and homemaker named Melitta Bentz. Tired of finding coffee grounds in her cup, she whipped up a mock filter using a sheet of blotting paper, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Did you know: Despite the tiny number of German Houzzers who say they use a drip coffee machine, the drip coffee filter was actually invented in 1908 by a creative German entrepreneur and homemaker named Melitta Bentz. Tired of finding coffee grounds in her cup, she whipped up a mock filter using a sheet of blotting paper, and the rest, as they say, is history.
3. An electric kettle is essential for many Houzzers around the world. So if British, German and Russian Houzzers don’t use drip coffee machines, what do they use to make their coffee or tea? An electric kettle, of course. About a third of those polled in those countries named it as their weapon of choice in the morning, as did about a third of Australian, French, Japanese and Swedish Houzzers. Whether it’s to make a cafetiere (French press) of fresh coffee or a pot of strong English tea, the electric kettle has pride of place in many Houzzers’ kitchens.
Why are so many tied to the trusty kettle? Britain’s JML Garden Rooms says it’s a speed thing: “[I] have tried just about all of the above, but am too lazy … [it’s the] good ole electric kettle and [French press] plunger for me.”
The electric kettle is the most popular choice for Japanese Houzzers too. As Houzzer Anne Shimamoto says, “Some people boil water with a microwave oven, but [an] electric teakettle is enough to boil water quickly.”
Why are so many tied to the trusty kettle? Britain’s JML Garden Rooms says it’s a speed thing: “[I] have tried just about all of the above, but am too lazy … [it’s the] good ole electric kettle and [French press] plunger for me.”
The electric kettle is the most popular choice for Japanese Houzzers too. As Houzzer Anne Shimamoto says, “Some people boil water with a microwave oven, but [an] electric teakettle is enough to boil water quickly.”
But it hasn’t caught on everywhere. Italy, Spain and the U.S. all have little use for the electric kettle, with less than 15 percent of Houzz respondents in each country saying they own one.
Did you know: Eighteen percent of British homeowners polled in The Big Houzz Report said their dream kitchen gadget was an instant-hot-water tap. So perhaps the electric kettle’s days are numbered? U.S. Houzzer Jas88 says, “In the future, I’d love to replace [my electric kettle] with an instant-hot-water tap, plus an espresso machine.”
Did you know: Eighteen percent of British homeowners polled in The Big Houzz Report said their dream kitchen gadget was an instant-hot-water tap. So perhaps the electric kettle’s days are numbered? U.S. Houzzer Jas88 says, “In the future, I’d love to replace [my electric kettle] with an instant-hot-water tap, plus an espresso machine.”
4. It has to be a traditional teakettle for some. There are still a few traditionalists out there who swear by a traditional teakettle, most of them in Japan (26 percent) or Russia (21 percent). Historically heated on the stove or over a fire, these kettles look beautiful and can be collector’s items as well as everyday tools.
Several Russian Houzzers asked why the poll didn’t include a turku, a small brass or copper pot for making Turkish coffee. Russian Houzzer Elena Grechman, along with several other commenters, says that’s what she turns to at home.
Several Russian Houzzers asked why the poll didn’t include a turku, a small brass or copper pot for making Turkish coffee. Russian Houzzer Elena Grechman, along with several other commenters, says that’s what she turns to at home.
But they’re not in the majority. On the other side of the fence, Houzzers in the U.K., U.S., Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden have all shunned the traditional kettle, with poll respondents voting in small numbers for it. Germany had the lowest number, at just 5 percent.
5. Australians and Spaniards get behind their espresso machines. According to Australian and Spanish Houzzers, the espresso machine is the device to have, with 38 percent of respondents in each country voting for it, closely followed by the U.K. and Germany, at 26 percent each. This option includes both the quick “pod” machines and home versions of professional-style espresso makers.
Drew, of Houzz Australia, says, “Our strong cafe culture may very well influence our consumption at home. There’s a huge emphasis on flavor, quality and social experience here.” Thus, for those homeowners who want to re-create the cafe culture at home, “espresso machines are particularly popular.”
Drew, of Houzz Australia, says, “Our strong cafe culture may very well influence our consumption at home. There’s a huge emphasis on flavor, quality and social experience here.” Thus, for those homeowners who want to re-create the cafe culture at home, “espresso machines are particularly popular.”
But espresso machines leave others cold. Swedish Houzzers are not fans of espresso machines, according to our poll, with just 7 percent of respondents saying they own one.
Did you know: Espresso means fast in Italian, and it seems speed is the key to having a pod machine at home. Australian Houzzer Pazz explains, “[I] would love a proper espresso machine, but mornings are a mad rush for me, so I will settle for one of those Nespresso machines.”
Did you know: Espresso means fast in Italian, and it seems speed is the key to having a pod machine at home. Australian Houzzer Pazz explains, “[I] would love a proper espresso machine, but mornings are a mad rush for me, so I will settle for one of those Nespresso machines.”
Weekends vs. weekdays. Several Houzzers also commented that their coffee habits changed depending on the day of the week. “We do drip on weekdays,” U.S. Houzzer rredpenn says, “but on weekends, when we have more time, we press it. It’s so much better, and hotter too.”
Spanish Houzzers Karin & Sara agree: “Weekdays [we] usually use the espresso coffee maker; it is much more convenient and faster. On weekends we have more time for breakfast and we prefer a good Italian-brewed coffee. It’s delicious!”
Spanish Houzzers Karin & Sara agree: “Weekdays [we] usually use the espresso coffee maker; it is much more convenient and faster. On weekends we have more time for breakfast and we prefer a good Italian-brewed coffee. It’s delicious!”
The ultimate coffee break. Although many countries take their coffee seriously, Sweden goes the extra mile, since it even has a word for the occasion: Fika.
As Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, says, “Fika is part of the Swedish soul, a quick break from the everyday humdrum life to indulge in a cup of coffee and perhaps a cinnamon bun. It can take place any time of day.”
Where did this ritual originate? “The word came into use in 1910 or earlier, and is a back-to-front slang version of kaffi, an early version of kaffe, which is now Swedish for coffee,” Norrman says. “A fika with a friend can be a quick 30-minute catchup, or it can extend into a session of long, searching talks fueled by caffeine. So a fika is anything, anywhere, anytime, as long as it involves human interaction and a hefty dose of prime-quality coffee.”
Tell us: How do you prepare your coffee at home? Cast your vote in our poll to let us know.
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10 Fresh-Brewed Ideas to Steal From Your Local Café
As Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, says, “Fika is part of the Swedish soul, a quick break from the everyday humdrum life to indulge in a cup of coffee and perhaps a cinnamon bun. It can take place any time of day.”
Where did this ritual originate? “The word came into use in 1910 or earlier, and is a back-to-front slang version of kaffi, an early version of kaffe, which is now Swedish for coffee,” Norrman says. “A fika with a friend can be a quick 30-minute catchup, or it can extend into a session of long, searching talks fueled by caffeine. So a fika is anything, anywhere, anytime, as long as it involves human interaction and a hefty dose of prime-quality coffee.”
Tell us: How do you prepare your coffee at home? Cast your vote in our poll to let us know.
More
Simple Pleasures: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
10 Fresh-Brewed Ideas to Steal From Your Local Café
It’s not difficult to see why. Designed by Alfonso Bialetti in the 1930s, the stovetop maker is affordable, easy to use and compact. As one of the first espresso makers available to the masses, it brought cafe-quality coffee into the home. And its striking design ensured “design classic” status.
Leonora Sartori, editor of Houzz Italy, says, “It’s a simple and great design that to every Italian immediately means home. I now live in Berlin, and it’s one of the first things that moved here with us.”