What Does Bold Mean on a Coffee Maker?

Modern coffee makers have a lot of features and settings. This can be confusing for coffee drinkers who are used to the old-fashioned way of making coffee. One setting that is often misunderstood is the “bold” setting. So, what does bold mean for a coffee maker?

What Does Bold Mean on a Coffee Maker?

The “bold” setting on a coffee maker simply means that the machine will use a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water than it would for a regular brew. This results in a stronger, more flavorful cup of coffee.

However, the term bold is not specific to the coffee maker. It may also refer to the type of beans used, the grind size, or even the brewing method. For example, some coffee makers have a “bold” setting that will brew the coffee at a higher temperature, resulting in a more robust flavor.

close-up image on buttons in a coffee maker

What Is Bold Coffee?

Bold coffee is simply coffee that has a strong, full-bodied flavor. It is usually made with a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water and often has a darker roast than regular coffee.

In a nutshell, bold coffee may refer to coffee that:

  • Is brewed with a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water
  • Has a darker roast
  • Is brewed at a higher temperature
  • Has high caffeine content

How Does Bold Coffee Taste?

Bold coffee has a strong, full-bodied flavor that is often described as rich and robust. It generally has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee, so it may be more likely to give you a boost of energy.

Contrary to popular belief, bold coffee is not necessarily bitter. The bitterness in coffee is usually caused by over-extraction or using very hot water. However, the taste may vary depending on the beans used, the grind size, and the brewing method.

How to Use the Bold Setting On Your Coffee Maker

The bold setting on your coffee maker is pretty straightforward to use. You will need:

  • A coffee maker than has the bold setting
  • Coffee beans or already ground coffee
  • Coffee measuring equipment 
  • Water 

Step 1: Choose Your Coffee Beans

For bold coffee, you want to choose a dark roast bean. This will give the coffee a fuller flavor. Light roasts might not result in bold coffee even when a small amount of water is used.

Step 2: Grind the Beans

If you are using whole beans, you will need to grind them before brewing. For bold coffee, you want to use a medium-fine grind size.

Step 3: Measure the Grounds

To make bold coffee, you will need to use a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water. A good starting point is 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of grounds for every 6 ounces (roughly 180 ml) of water.

Step 4: Add the Grounds to the Coffee Maker

Add the coffee grounds to the filter basket of your coffee maker. Add water if it’s not already there. Remember that bold coffee uses less water and more coffee.

Step 5:Brew the Coffee

Turn on your coffee maker and press the bold button on your coffee maker. When you do this, the water passes slowly through the coffee. This will allow it to extract more flavor from the beans to make the coffee bold. If you are using the bold setting on your coffee maker for the first time, you might have some trouble achieving a well-balanced flavor. So, be patient and play around with the setting and the grounds to water ratio.

A close-up image of a coffee maker

Is Bold Coffee Healthy?

There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone’s definition of “healthy” is different. However, bold coffee generally has the same health benefits as regular coffee. Coffee, in general, is a good source of antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits, such as a reduced risk of stroke and diabetes.

A cup of bold coffee also has more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can improve mental alertness and physical performance. While there are some potential health benefits associated with drinking bold coffee, it is important to remember that you should consume it in moderation. Too much caffeine can lead to side effects such as anxiety and insomnia.

Related Questions

What’s the Difference Between Regular Coffee and Bold Coffee?

The main difference between regular coffee and bold coffee is the strength of the flavor. Bold coffee is made with a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water, resulting in a stronger, more full-bodied flavor.

Is It Bad to Always Brew Coffee in the Strongest Setting?

No, there is no evidence to suggest that brewing coffee in the strongest setting is bad for you. However, it is important to remember that coffee is a concentrated source of caffeine. Therefore, you should consume it in moderation.

Conclusion

The ‘bold’ button on your coffee maker will help you brew coffee that is generally stronger than regular coffee. When you use the bold setting, your coffee maker will pass water through the grounds at a slower rate. This will ensure that enough flavor is extracted to make your coffee bold and fuller.