For most Americans, coffee is a constant, a beverage we drink, in some form or another, several times a day. A common misconception is that the taste of home-brewed coffee can’t match that from the cafe, where the cost of a single cup continues to rise: In 2015, the average cost of a cup of coffee in the US had reached an all-time high of $3.28, Zagat reported in its annual National Coffee Survey. But it’s never been easier, or more affordable, to craft up cafe-quality coffee at home. And it starts here, with the right tools.
Pour-Over Dripper
Kalita Wave Glass Dripper: A darling of Japanese coffee culture, the Kalita Wave is more user-friendly than other pour-over drippers, such as the Hario V60 or a Chemex, with a flat bottom and smaller holes. Pair with Kalita Wave filters ($7).
Budget Option: Hario V60 Plastic Dripper ($7)
Automated Machine
Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 10-Cup: Handmade in the Netherlands, Technivorm’s Moccamaster doesn’t just look good — it’s also highly efficient, pumping out 10 delicious cups in just six minutes. Its thermal carafe then keeps the brew hot for up to six hours.
Budget Option: Cuisinart DTC-975BKN 12-Cup ($83)
Espresso Machine
La Marzocco Linea Mini: Modeled after La Marzocco’s storied Linea Classic machine, found in cafes around the world, the Mini plays host to all the familiar bells and whistles: a pre-infusion brew paddle, a hefty steam boiler, a swift temperature wheel adjustment and LED lights above the drip tray.
Budget Option: Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine ($39)
K-Pod Machine
Bunn Single Cup Coffee Brewer: Bunn’s single-cup brewer has a robust industrial feel that prioritizes usability at home. It’s compatible with ground coffee, Keurig K-Cup pods and even tea leaves, while a pulse button allows users to manually control the strength of each cup.
Budget Option: Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffeemaker ($42)
French Press
Frieling Polished Stainless Steel French Press: This double-walled stainless steel immersion press can stand up to decades of abuse and retains heat up to four times longer than glass alternatives. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which makes for easy maintenance.
Budget Option: Bodum Brazil 8-Cup French Press Coffee Maker ($18)
Syphon
Hario Technica 5-Cup Coffee Syphon: For those who crave a bit more ritual in their morning routine, this syphon from trusted Japanese brand Hario is durable, made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and won’t break the bank.
Budget Option: Yama Glass 8-Cup Stovetop Coffee Siphon ($55)
Cold Brew Maker
OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker: OXO’s cold brew coffee maker is as user-friendly as they come. A perforated dripper makes sure grounds are evenly saturated, no matter how fastidious the pour, while an auto-stop feature prevents spills when the carafe is removed.
Budget Option: Takeya Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker ($24)
Backup Brewer
AeroPress Coffee Maker: Cheap and compact, Aeropress is the perfect backup brewer when your go-to fails. It also makes a damn fine cup of coffee.
Budget Option: Bialetti Moka Express 3-Cup Stovetop Espresso Maker ($23)
Grinder
Baratza Virtuoso Burr Coffee Grinder: The closest home alternative to an industrial grinder, Baratza’s Virtuoso provides consistent grinds from cup to cup, all while keeping beans cool to prevent loss of flavor.
Budget Option: Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill ($45)
Scale
Bonavita Electronic Scale: Measure out your grinds for a consistent pour over. This scale measures to the closest 0.1 grams, and also features a timer.
Budget Option: Smart Weigh Digital Pro Pocket Scale ($19)
Water Filter
Soma Sustainable Pitcher: A good cup of coffee starts at the source. Make sure your water is clean with Soma’s plant-based filters and this 10-cup, shatter-proof plastic carafe.
Budget Option: Brita Everyday Water Filter Pitcher ($21)
Kettle
Bonavita Variable Temperature Electric Kettle: Bonavita’s digital electric kettle will hold water at a desired temperature for up to one hour, and a gooseneck spout allows for precise control when pouring.
Budget Option: Hario V60 Buono Coffee Drip Kettle ($40)
Tamper
Clive Coffee Tamper: Manufactured in small batches in Portland, and available in four different wood options, including bubinga and mahogany, the Clive Tamper comes in three base sizes: 53mm, 58mm and 58.3mm.
Budget Option: RSVP Terry’s Tamper ($6)
