Appliances · Coffee
Coffee Makers & Brewing.
A curated selection of coffee and brewing tools worth considering for a serious home breakfast — from grinders to kettles to espresso machines.
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
The best compact home espresso machine under $600. 3-second heat-up, real steam wand for microfoam, precise temperature control. Makes the flat white you'd pay £4 for at a café.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
Variable temperature, hold setting, precision pour spout. Holds temperature for up to 60 minutes. Essential for pour-over and any recipe requiring exact water temperature.
Bodum Chambord French Press (8-cup)
The classic French press. Dense, rich coffee with none of the paper-filter absorption. 8-cup is the right size for two people. Has been made the same way since 1974.
Chemex 8-Cup Pour-Over Coffee Maker
Hand-blown borosilicate glass, one-piece design. The Chemex produces a remarkably clean, bright cup. Slow, meditative, and genuinely enjoyable to use on a quiet morning.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
The best entry-level burr grinder. 40 grind settings from espresso to French press. Consistent grind, durable motor, made to last. The single best upgrade for better coffee at home.
AeroPress Coffee & Espresso Maker
Compact, forgiving, and capable of excellent espresso-style coffee and smooth cold brew. Beloved by specialty coffee people for its versatility and near-indestructibility. Good for travel too.
Frequently asked questions
- Which brewing method should I start with?
- A French press is the easiest entry point. No special technique, no paper filters, and it produces a rich, full-bodied cup. The Bodum Chambord is a reliable choice that has barely changed in decades.
- Do I really need a burr grinder?
- Yes, if you want consistently better coffee. A burr grinder like the Baratza Encore produces an even grind, which matters for extraction. Pre-ground coffee goes stale quickly and brews unevenly.
- Is the Breville Bambino Plus hard to use at home?
- Not especially. It heats up in 3 seconds and has a real steam wand for microfoam. There is a learning curve with espresso, but it is one of the more forgiving machines at this price point.
- Can the AeroPress replace an espresso machine?
- It makes a strong, espresso-style concentrate, not true espresso. For most people it is close enough, especially for travel or small kitchens. It is also nearly indestructible and easy to clean.
Your opinion matters
How was your experience?
Rate this page and leave a note. Club members earn +5 yolk for each rating.