Build your home coffee bar
Independent, research-based buying guides for home coffee and espresso. We rank the machines, grinders, and gear that make cafe-quality coffee at home, so you can build your setup with confidence.
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Starting ratios
- Pour-over about 1:15 to 1:17
- French press about 1:12 to 1:15
- Espresso about 1:2 (18 g in, 36 g out)
- Cold brew concentrate about 1:4 to 1:8
Starting points by weight; adjust to taste and to your beans.
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Start Here: Your First Home Coffee Setup
8 short steps in the order a beginner needs them, with the guides and tools for each one.
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Espresso Machines & Tools
Espresso machines, tampers, WDT tools, and portafilters for pulling great shots at home.
Browse 16 guides →Coffee Grinders
Burr, electric, manual, and single-dose grinders for fresh, consistent grounds.
Browse 6 guides →Coffee Brewers
Pour over, French press, drip, cold brew, moka, and more ways to brew at home.
Browse 11 guides →Milk & Barista Tools
Milk frothers, pitchers, kettles, scales, and tools that level up your coffee bar.
Browse 9 guides →Beans, Storage & Care
Canisters, filters, descalers, and cleaning gear to keep coffee fresh and machines clean.
Browse 10 guides →Coffee Bar Setup
Bar carts, mug racks, organizers, cups, and mugs to build a tidy coffee station.
Browse 11 guides →Best buying guides
Best Espresso Filter Baskets
Espresso filter baskets compared by diameter, dose in grams, depth, ridged or ridgeless walls and single or dual wall, for 58mm E61 and 54mm Breville portafilters.
Best Coffee Grinders Under $100
The best coffee grinders under $100 for home baristas: affordable burr grinders that beat blade models for fresher, more consistent coffee at home.
Best Coffee Mug Organizers
Tame the mug clutter. Compare the best coffee mug organizers for counters and cabinets to store cups neatly and free up space on your coffee bar.
Best Under-Cabinet Coffee Mug Racks
Reclaim counter space at home. Compare the best under-cabinet coffee mug racks to hang cups, free up shelves, and keep mugs within easy reach.
Best Espresso Machine Drip Trays
Espresso machine drip trays compared: 4 inch and 8 x 5 inch countertop catchers, silicone mats, and replacement trays for machines like the Nespresso Vertuo Plus.
Best Coffee Bar Carts
Build a dedicated coffee station. Compare the best coffee bar carts for organizing your machine, beans, and gear with style and easy access.
Packing tips
All tips →How to Use a Coffee Machine: A First Brew Walkthrough
How to use a coffee machine for the first time: rinse it, measure water and grounds, load the filter, brew and clean up. Includes ratios and common mistakes.
How to Decalcify a Keurig Coffee Maker, Step by Step
Decalcify a Keurig with descaling solution or vinegar: how often to do it, the exact steps, how to rinse the taste out and what to do if it still brews slowly.
Portafilter Size Chart: Which Size Your Espresso Machine Uses
Portafilter sizes by machine: 51mm De'Longhi, 54mm Breville, 58mm Gaggia, Rancilio and E61. How to measure and which tamper, funnel and screen size to buy.
Blind Shaker vs WDT Tool: Which Puck Prep Method Should You Use?
Blind shaker or WDT needles? How each one breaks up clumps, which grinders and baskets they suit, what they cost, and when it makes sense to use both.