Buying Guides

Independent guides to choosing home coffee equipment: what matters, what doesn't, and the trade-offs.

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  Espresso Tools

  Espresso Accessories Worth Buying: WDT Tool, Tamper, Puck Screen and More

  Which espresso tools actually improve your shots, which just look good, and the one sizing mistake to avoid before you buy any of them.

  3 min read

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  Coffee Scales

  Do You Need a Coffee Scale? Why Weighing Makes Better Coffee

  Weighing your coffee and water is the easiest way to make good coffee every day. Here is why, what features matter, and the scale we recommend.

  2 min read

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  Coffee Makers

  Is the Moccamaster Worth It? A Practical Look at the KBGV Select

  The Moccamaster costs more than most drip coffee makers. Here is what you get for the money, who it suits, who should skip it, and what to pair it with.

  2 min read

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  Coffee Grinders

  Best Coffee Grinders for Home: Filter, Espresso and Hand Grinders

  A burr grinder is the biggest upgrade for any home brewer. How to choose one for filter coffee, espresso or both, and our three picks.

  3 min read

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  Espresso Machines

  Best Espresso Machines for Beginners: Our Two Breville Picks

  The two easiest first espresso machines, and how to choose between them by the drinks you make, your counter space and whether you want a grinder built in.

  4 min read

Learn the Basics

All articles

• How to Dial In Espresso: A Simple Method for Beginners

  Keep the recipe fixed and change only the grind. A simple, repeatable way to dial in espresso, with a taste-and-adjust table for sour or bitter shots.

• 54 mm vs 58 mm Portafilter: Which Accessories Fit Your Machine?

  Breville's Bambino Plus and Barista Express use a 54 mm portafilter, so most espresso accessories won't fit. Which tools fit which machine, and how to check.

• How to Use a French Press: Step-by-Step Guide

  The French press is the simplest way to make full-bodied coffee at home. The ratio, grind and timing to use, step by step, and how to avoid a muddy cup.

• How to Make Pour-Over Coffee: A Simple V60 Recipe

  A simple pour-over recipe (15 g coffee to 250 g water), the gear you need, and how to fix a sour or bitter cup by adjusting the grind.