Preparation
There’s something supremely satisfying about starting your morning with a delicious cup of coffee, and if you make it at home, you don’t even need to change out of your pajamas. If your homemade cup of joe doesn’t taste as good as the stuff brewed by your local barista, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best coffee makers and espresso machines for home use.
When it comes to shopping for an espresso machine or coffee maker, knowing what you like to drink is key. “This should always guide where you look and what you are looking for,” says Andrea Allen, co-founder of Onyx Coffee Lab and 2020 US Barista Champion. If you drink coffee, but not espresso drinks, there is no reason to invest in a machine that makes also lattes. She also recommends starting at a mid-priced option from a trusted brand. “People feel like they need to buy the nicest one out there for it to be any good, but in reality, the coffee itself is the item that makes the most impact on your experience,” she says.
In addition to choosing a quality machine, keep these basic tips in mind to make great coffee at home.
First, use fresh (never pre-ground) beans says Miles Butler, co-owner and founder of Many Hands Coffee Co.Second, how you grind your coffee beans is vital to the quality of your cup. “Conical burr or flat burr grinders will give you the most consistent grind time and time again, and they last a long time,” Butler says.Lastly, if you’re using a coffee maker like a French press where you heat the water, don’t “cook” your coffee by pouring boiling water over the grinds.
Instead, Butler recommends letting boiled water chill for a minute (ideally, it should reach a temperature between 195ºF and 205ºF) before submerging the grounds. Boiling water will over-extract the grounds and result in a more bitter coffee; using slightly cooler water will lead to a smoother taste and a more enjoyable and approachable cup overall, says Butler. He advises being patient—and be sure to practice to get your coffee just how you like it.
Best for On-the-Go: AeroPress Original Coffee MakerBest Pour-Over: 6 Cup Classic ChemexBest French Press: ESPRO P5 French PressBest Design: Joy Resolve Barisieur Alarm Clock Coffee MakerBest Espresso Machine: Breville Barista Touch Espresso MachineBest Splurge: Breville Oracle Touch Espresso MachineBest Retro Design: Smeg 10-Cup Drip Coffee MakerBest 2-in-1: De’Longhi All in One Combination Coffee Maker
