Coffee makers these days can include a number of features we may not all be familiar with.
As a result, it can help to reach out for a little extra information on certain settings.
For those with bold, strong (or robust) and the 1-4 settings on their coffee maker, this article will be very useful.
We’ll help you to understand what these features are and how they can benefit you.
By taking a deeper look into these settings, you’ll be able to discover how you can use them for the most delicious coffee beverages.
Especially if you want more control over the coffee-making process overall!
Continue on to learn about these great coffee maker settings!
What Are These Settings?
The bold, strong and 1-4 settings are able to make changes to the resulting coffee that you may appreciate.
If you’re interesting in finding ways to brew a stronger, more flavorful cup then the bold and strong settings are of particular use.
Meanwhile, the 1-4 settings are helpful for when you want a flavorful brew in a smaller setting.
Knowing how to correctly use these settings can improve beverages that may seem watered down or don’t quite give you the boost you need.
To continue, let’s take a look at exactly how each settings work.
That way, you know which to use and when to use them for the ideal effect overall.
How Do They Work?
Bold
Many of us might be familiar with the style of coffee makers that allow you to add water and coffee, push a button and go.
However, those that offer a “bold” setting are becoming more and more popular.
This setting tells the coffee maker that it needs to adapt the brewing process to create a stronger, more flavorful brew.
Essentially, the water in the machine spends a longer time extracting the flavor and benefits from the grounds.
It is important to be careful with this feature, because it doesn’t always result in the best flavor.
In some cases, the brew can end up with a burnt taste.
As a result, it’s ideal to keep a close eye and do some experimenting with the setting.
You may find that using cooler water initially can improve the bold flavor.
Meanwhile, water that is too hot can scald the grounds.
You can also choose to play with the ratio or grounds to water that you use.
If you’re interesting in something that can brew stronger flavor, make sure to check out reviews to make sure it’s good flavor.
That way, you’ll know what to expect when you make use of this setting for yourself.
Strong
The use of this setting can depend on the specific model you have.
In some cases, it might be another word for “bold” while in other cases, it may be more like “robust”.
Essentially, the latter is an option that allows for an even stronger brew than the “bold” setting creates.
This allows for even more time spent extracting from the beans.
You will want to be extra careful with “strong” or “robust” options, as they can result in a very bitter cup.
As a result, there may be some other options you’ll want to try out if you want a very strong brew that avoids some of the extra bitterness.
1-4 Settings
Some coffee makers can also include a 1-4 setting that you can use for your brewing.
What this does, is set the expectation that the coffee maker will be brewing a smaller amount of coffee.
However, it also seeks to ensure the best possible extraction so that you can get great flavor.
As a result, the machine will drip more slowly than it might otherwise.
That way, the small amount you’re brewing will be able to get the ideal amount of flavor and extraction for a perfect brew.
How To Get The Most From These Settings
Depending on your preferences and the machine you have, you may want to explore with all the options.
Try them all out and see what you think of the resulting flavor.
Then, you might also try adding in water at different starting temperatures to see if that effect the results in some models.
In others, you may decide to select a higher or lower brewing temperature.
You may find that a combination of any of these options can result in your perfect brew.
Otherwise, you may decide to just stick with the standard brewing option available.
It’s completely up to you and your unique tastes!
Other Methods For Getting a Stronger Brew
In addition to making use of the settings on you coffee maker, there are some other things you can try out to get a stronger brew.
Take a look at these methods and feel free to try some or all out as you explore the coffee possibilities!
Trying a Different Type of Bean
Largely, there are two different type of coffee beans that we tend to see on the market.
These include arabica and robusta beans.
The difference between these two kinds of beans is that robusta beans tend to contain more caffeine, while arabica beans tend to be more pleasant-tasting.
If you want to learn more about the differences between these types, you can check them out here.
For those who are looking for a bit more strength in their brew, trying out robusta beans is an option.
However, keep in mind that they may not taste as good as the arabica beans you’re likely used to.
To some, this might not be a big deal as long as it provides results.
On the other hand, others may have trouble accepting the flavor.
Choosing a Lighter Roast
Another option you can try out is going for a lighter roast.
Basically speaking, the lighter the roast, the more caffeine available in the beans.
This can often go against the thinking of many who think darker roasts are stronger.
The good news is, if you want to try something a little more powerful, there are some gradients in strength.
You won’t have to go all the way to a light roast for a bit more of a boost!
Having a deeper knowledge of the different roasts out there can be very useful, especially if you don’t want the same amount of caffeine every time.
Using a Different Brewing Method
There are some brewing methods that can result in stronger coffee than others.
One such example is trying out a French Press, or a cold brew when you want something chilled.
Many can also find that coffee made with a percolator can be stronger and more flavorful than other options.
However, not all of these may effect the caffeine content as well as the flavor.
As a result, you’ll want to do your research to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want from a brewing method.
That way, every cup will taste right and provide the boost you need.
Grinding Your Own Beans
For those who are looking for a solution that can improve the freshness of their coffee as well as the strength, grinding your own beans is a perfect way to go.
Many people find that using fresh beans and grinding them up as needed can really improve the taste.
You will have to look into getting a grinder, if you don’t already have one.
However, there are plenty of different options out there that can easily suit your needs.
Overall, it’s a great option in a lot of ways, worth trying out!
Using More Grounds
One of the most basic options you can try out is changing the ratio of water to grounds you use.
In other words, using more grounds per cup can result in a bolder flavor.
There are also options to use finer grounds, which can work better for some brewing methods.
With all the options available, it’s hard to fail in finding the perfect cup of coffee!
It just takes a little exploration, and you’ll surely have the ideal brew in no time.
Don’t be afraid to try out a number of options, as that will give you the experience to know what flavor combinations you like best.
