September 01, 2025

3 Methods of How to Make Decaf Coffee at Home

Do you love a cup of coffee but can’t stand the jitters? You’re not alone. Decaf coffee can be a delicious compromise for anyone who wants to reduce their caffeine intake for health reasons, improve sleep, or simply out of curiosity.

But how do you make decaf coffee at home without industrial equipment or lab coats? While it’s true that commercial decaffeination is more effective, there are still a few DIY methods you can try in your kitchen.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy ways to reduce caffeine in your coffee, plus share my top tips to make your decaf taste as good as the real thing.

How Do They Make Decaf Coffee?

So, how do you make decaf coffee? Commercially, decaf coffee is made by removing most of the caffeine from green (unroasted) coffee beans before roasting. There are four main decaffeination methods:

The Swiss Water Process, which uses water and carbon filtration
The CO2 decaffeination process, which relies on pressurised carbon dioxide
The direct solvent method, using substances like methylene chloride
The indirect solvent method, which involves soaking and filtering

Each approach has pros and cons, especially when trying to preserve the flavour. If you’re shopping for coffee beans treated with these methods, check out our decaf coffee beans collection for high-quality options. However, for anyone curious about the DIY approach, let’s examine how to make regular coffee into decaf at home.

Can I Make My Own Decaf Coffee?

Is it possible to decaffeinate regular coffee beans at home? Sort of, but not entirely. You won’t be able to remove all the caffeine like commercial methods do, but you can significantly reduce it. By soaking, boiling, or pre-brewing your beans or grounds, you can create a lower-caffeine cup using what you already have in your kitchen. It takes a bit of time and patience, and the flavour may shift slightly, but if you’re curious or cutting back, these methods can be a good DIY start.

How to Make Decaf Coffee at Home Without a Machine

If you’re determined to make decaf coffee at home without any fancy gear, you have a few DIY tricks up your sleeve. The three most accessible methods are the boiling method, using a French press, or trying a homemade version of the Swiss Water Process. Each method helps reduce caffeine levels in your brew, though none will eliminate it entirely.

Here’s how to make homemade coffee without caffeine. Well, as close as you can get to it.

1. How to Extract Caffeine From Coffee: The Boiling Method

One of the simplest ways to reduce caffeine is to boil green coffee beans before roasting. It’s quick and doesn’t require any special tools.

Steps:

Add your green coffee beans to a large pot of boiling water.
Boil the beans for 5-10 minutes.
Drain the beans and rinse them with cold water.
Repeat the boiling and rinsing process 2-3 more times.
Dry the beans thoroughly with a towel.
Once dry, roast the beans to your preferred level.

This method is low-effort but only moderately effective. It typically removes 30%- 50% of the caffeine. On the downside, it can also remove flavour compounds, resulting in a flatter-tasting brew. Still, it’s a decent option if you want to experiment.

2. How Do You Make Decaf Coffee With a French Press

Got a French press? You can use it to create a lower-caffeine cup by doing a “pre-brew” to flush out some of the caffeine before your main extraction.

Steps:

Grind your regular coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
Add the grounds to the French press and pour just enough hot water to cover them.
Let it steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then plunge and discard the water.
Add fresh hot water and brew as usual, but steep for 2-3 minutes instead of 4-5.
Plunge and enjoy your lightly decaffeinated coffee.

I found this technique super easy and requires no extra tools. However, it’s the least effective, typically reducing caffeine by less than 20%. That said, it’s a useful trick if you’re looking to soften the buzz without significantly altering your coffee habits.

3. The Water Process: How Do I Remove Caffeine From Coffee?

If you’re up for a challenge, you can try mimicking the Swiss Water Process at home. It’s the most effective DIY method, but I found it the most time-consuming.

Steps:

Soak green coffee beans in water for 8-12 hours.
Bring a pot of water to a low simmer (around 160°F/70°C).
Wrap the soaked beans in cheesecloth or a mesh bag and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Discard the water and repeat steps 2-3 times with fresh water.
Spread the beans out to dry completely.
Roast as usual once dry.

This method can reduce caffeine by up to 70% while preserving flavour better than boiling. However, it requires a lot of patience, and your results may vary depending on the type of beans and the process.

Not feeling like a home chemist? If you’d rather skip the experiments and enjoy a delicious cup of decaf, try our Milk Chocolate & Caramel Decaf Honduras. It’s decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, so you get all the smooth, nutty flavour, with almost no caffeine. It’s way easier than boiling beans on your stove for hours.

Brew Methods of Decaf Coffee

So, you’ve got your decaf beans ready. Now what? Should decaf coffee be brewed differently from regular coffee? The short answer: not really, but it does benefit from a bit of extra care. Because decaf coffee beans have already undergone an additional process (decaffeination), they can sometimes be slightly drier or less oily than regular beans. This can slightly affect extraction, so experimenting with grind size, brew time, or water temperature can help you get the most out of your decaf.

Here are some popular brewing methods that work well with decaffeinated coffee:

Drip coffee: A reliable and consistent option that works well with most decaf grinds.
Espresso: Great for bold flavour, especially when using high-quality decaf espresso beans.
Pour-over: A slower method that highlights subtle flavours in small-batch decaf coffee.
French press: Produces a rich, full-bodied brew, ideal for coarsely ground decaf beans.
Cold brew: Steeping decaf grounds in cold water for 12-16 hours creates a smooth, low-acid drink.

Whatever method you choose, start with freshly ground, high-quality decaf coffee beans and adjust as needed for the best results.

How to Make Decaf Coffee Taste Better

Let’s be honest, decaf coffee doesn’t always get the best rep when it comes to flavour. But, in my opinion, it doesn’t have to be that way. The key to a satisfying cup lies in knowing how to brew the best flavour out of the decaf. From bean selection to brewing tweaks, small changes can make a big difference.

Tips for Better Tasting Decaf

Here are some quick tips I believe will help your decaf coffee taste its absolute best:

Use fresh beans: Like regular coffee, stale decaf quickly loses its aroma and depth.
Choose high-quality beans: Speciality-grade coffee beans tend to retain more flavour post-decaffeination.
Opt for medium or dark roasts: These roasts often have richer, fuller flavours that balance any loss during decaffeination.
Check the decaf method: Swiss Water Process or CO2 decaffeination usually preserves flavour better than solvent-based methods.
Match the brew method to the bean: Try pour-over or French press to suit the flavour profile of your decaf.
Adjust the grind size: A finer or coarser grind can improve extraction and taste depending on your brewing method.
Add complementary flavours: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla can boost enjoyment without masking the coffee.

How to Make Decaf Coffee? Kev’s FAQs

What Is the Best Method of Brewing Decaf Coffee?

It depends on your taste, but pour-over and French press tend to bring out the most flavour in good-quality decaf coffee. Espresso also works brilliantly if you’re using a speciality decaf roast with a bold profile and a quality espresso coffee machine. The key is to start with freshly ground beans and adjust your method to suit the roast.

What Can I Add to Decaf Coffee to Improve Its Taste?

A pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a bit of frothed milk can enhance the flavour without overpowering it. For a cosy twist, try experimenting with nutmeg, cocoa powder, or a drop of maple syrup.

Why Does Decaf Coffee Still Taste Like Coffee?

Because it is coffee, decaffeination removes caffeine, not the oils, sugars, and acids responsible for flavor. That’s why a well-processed decaf can still taste like real coffee, rich, smooth, and complex.

Is Decaf Coffee Healthy?

Yes, decaf coffee still contains antioxidants and many of the same health benefits as regular coffee, without the stimulant effects of caffeine. It’s often a great choice for people managing anxiety, pregnancy, or high blood pressure.

Is Decaf Coffee Acidic?

Decaf coffee is slightly less acidic than regular coffee, especially when using low-acid beans or cold brew methods. Still, depending on the origin and roast level, some acidity remains. If you’re sensitive, I recommend a medium-dark roast or cold brew for a smoother sip.

Final Thoughts

Decaf coffee doesn’t have to be dull or difficult. While commercial decaffeination is more effective, you can still reduce caffeine at home using simple methods, such as boiling, the French press trick, or mimicking the Swiss Water Process. Pair these with the right brewing techniques and fresh, high-quality beans, and you’ll be sipping homemade, satisfying decaf in no time. Whether you’re cutting back or just curious, now you know how to make decaf. Of course, if you find the DIY decaf methods too complex and time-consuming, why not try our delicious and smooth Caramel Fudge Decaf Colombia or the Milk Chocolate & Coconut Brazil Decaf with subtle notes of the tropics?