As a team that lives and breathes coffee, we’ve tested just about every piece of coffee gear imaginable. From complex espresso machines to simple manual brewers, our desks and kitchens are a constant testing ground. We’re not interested in hypotheticals or marketing fluff; we only recommend what has earned a permanent spot in our daily routines. This list is a compilation of the tools we genuinely rely on to get our fix, morning after morning.
Our selections are based on a mix of factors: consistency, durability, ease of use, and, most importantly, the quality of the final cup. You won’t find any untested gadgets here. Every item featured is something at least one of us uses personally. We believe the best coffee gear is the kind that becomes a seamless, reliable part of your life, not a complicated showpiece. Below, you’ll find the products that make our shortlist for the best coffee gear.
The Best Coffee Gear Our Editorial Team Personally Uses
- Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
- Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle
- AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
- Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
Hario V60 Ceramic Coffee Dripper
There’s a reason the Hario V60 is a pour-over staple in coffee shops and homes worldwide. Its simple, conical design and large single hole create a clean, bright, and complex cup of coffee that we find incredibly satisfying. The spiral ribs on the inside allow for optimal air flow during extraction, which is key to avoiding a bitter or muddy brew. We appreciate the ritual of the pour-over process; it forces you to slow down and be present for a few minutes each morning, which is a nice way to start the day.
The ceramic version is our preferred model because it retains heat well, ensuring a stable brewing temperature from start to finish. It’s also durable and feels substantial in your hand. While it does require a gooseneck kettle for the best control and a decent burr grinder for consistent grounds, the investment is worth it. The V60 is incredibly affordable, and the paper filters are cheap and easy to find. For a clean, nuanced cup that highlights the unique characteristics of a good coffee bean, this is our daily driver.
Pros
- Produces a very clean and flavorful cup of coffee
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Ceramic construction provides excellent heat retention
Cons
- Requires a gooseneck kettle for proper technique
- Has a learning curve to master the pouring technique
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
If we had to pick one piece of gear that made the biggest difference in our coffee quality, it would be a good grinder. The Baratza Encore is the undisputed champion for entry-level burr grinding. It consistently produces uniform grounds, which is the single most important factor for a balanced extraction. Before we had this, we used a blade grinder, and the difference in cup clarity was like night and day. The Encore is workhorse reliable and sits on multiple kitchen counters across our team.
What we really love about Baratza is their commitment to repairability. The company sells replacement parts directly on their website, and their support is fantastic. This means the Encore is built to last for years, not end up in a landfill. It has 40 individual grind settings, which is more than enough to dial in everything from French press to a pour-over. It’s not the quietest grinder on the market, but for the price and performance, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone serious about improving their coffee.
Pros
- Consistent grind quality essential for good coffee
- Durable and very easy to repair with available parts
- Wide range of grind settings for various brew methods
Cons
- Can be quite loud during operation
- Some static buildup causes grounds to cling to the bin
Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle
Precision is everything in coffee, and temperature control is a huge part of that. The Fellow Stagg EKG kettle gives us that control in a package that also looks fantastic on the counter. Its sleek, modern design is a bonus, but the real star is the variable temperature control. We can set it exactly to 205°F for a dark roast or 195°F for a lighter one, and it holds that temperature for up to 60 minutes. This eliminates all the guesswork and ensures a perfect brew every single time.
The gooseneck spout is perfectly designed for a slow, controlled pour, which is necessary for methods like the V60. It pours smoothly without any dribbling, which makes the brewing process feel more professional and less messy. The built-in timer is also a nice touch for keeping track of your bloom and total brew time. It’s definitely an investment, but for anyone who regularly makes pour-over coffee, it’s a game-changer. It’s one of those tools that just makes the entire coffee-making experience more enjoyable.
Pros
- Precise temperature control for optimal extraction
- Excellent, drip-free pour from the gooseneck spout
- Beautiful design with a user-friendly interface
Cons
- Higher price point than basic kettles
- The base is fairly large and can take up counter space
AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
The AeroPress is the ultimate utility player in our coffee gear lineup. It’s incredibly versatile, nearly indestructible, and perfect for travel, camping, or a quick single cup at the office. We’ve used it everywhere. The brewing method is unique—part immersion, part pressure—and it results in a smooth, rich, and low-acidity cup that’s hard to get wrong. It’s also very forgiving with grind size, which is great if your grinder isn’t top-tier.
We love how fast it is. From boiling water to a finished cup, the whole process can take less than two minutes, and cleanup is a breeze—you just pop the used coffee puck into the compost. The AeroPress community is also massive, with countless recipes and techniques available online, so you can always experiment. It’s small, lightweight, and so simple to use that it’s a no-brainer for anyone, from coffee beginners to experts looking for a reliable and portable option.
Pros
- Extremely fast brewing and cleanup process
- Very portable and durable for travel
- Produces a smooth, low-acidity cup of coffee
Cons
- Only makes one cup at a time
- Requires proprietary paper filters (reusable metal options exist)
Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine
For those mornings when we need a real espresso shot or a creamy latte, the Breville Bambino Plus is our machine of choice. It’s a compact powerhouse that heats up in just three seconds, which is unheard of in this price range. No more waiting 15-20 minutes for a machine to warm up. The automatic milk frothing is surprisingly good; it textures the milk to a nice microfoam with the press of a button, which is perfect for beginners or when you’re in a hurry.
Despite its small footprint, it uses a thermocoil heating system and a pre-infusion function, which are features usually found on much more expensive machines. This helps to ensure a balanced extraction from the coffee grounds. It does require a good grinder capable of producing a fine, consistent espresso grind to really shine. For someone wanting to step up from pod-based systems into the world of real espresso without the massive learning curve or counter space of a prosumer machine, the Bambino Plus is an excellent and reliable option.
Pros
- Heats up in only 3 seconds for instant use
- Automatic milk frothing works very well
- Compact size fits easily on a kitchen counter
Cons
- Requires a capable espresso grinder for best results
- The water reservoir is on the smaller side
The Best Coffee Gear Our Editorial Team Personally Uses
We talk about coffee gear all day, but what do we actually use at home? This isn’t a theoretical list; it’s the stuff we rely on every single morning. Our team has a range of preferences, from quick-and-easy to full-on ritual, so there’s something here for every coffee drinker.
For the grinder, the consensus is clear: the Baratza Encore is a workhorse. It’s the first piece of gear we recommend to anyone getting serious about coffee. A consistent grind is the most important factor for a good cup, and the Encore delivers that reliability without breaking the bank. It’s durable, easy to repair, and just works. Some of us have moved on to more expensive models, but we all agree it’s the best starting point.
When it comes to brewing, our methods split. For speed and clarity, the Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Kettle paired with a Hario V60 is a favorite. The Stagg’s precise gooseneck spout gives you total control over your pour, which is essential for nailing a balanced, flavorful cup. It heats up fast and looks great on the counter. For those mornings when we need coffee now, the Moccamaster is the automatic drip machine we trust. It’s simple, built to last for decades, and makes a pot of coffee that’s surprisingly close to a manual pour-over.
And you can’t forget the beans. We all store our coffee in Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canisters. They have a clever vacuum seal that removes air with a twist of the lid, keeping your beans fresh for much longer than a bag with a clip. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference, especially if you buy in bulk.
Finally, for the espresso enthusiasts on the team, the Breville Bambino Plus is the go-to machine for a home barista on a budget. It heats up in three seconds, has an automatic milk frother that actually works well, and produces genuine espresso without the steep learning curve or price tag of a prosumer machine. Paired with a good grinder, it’s a fantastic entry into the world of espresso.
This collection represents the best coffee gear our editorial team personally uses. It’s the gear that has earned a permanent spot on our counters because it consistently makes a great cup and improves our daily routine.
FAQ
What is the most important piece of coffee gear to invest in first?
Hands down, a good burr grinder. Pre-ground coffee goes stale incredibly fast. Grinding your beans right before you brew is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your coffee’s flavor. A consistent grind size, which you get from a burr grinder (not a blade grinder), allows for even extraction. This means you avoid both sour (under-extracted) and bitter (over-extracted) tastes. It’s more important than your coffee maker at the start.
I’m new to pour-over coffee. Is a gooseneck kettle really necessary?
It’s highly recommended. While you can technically pour hot water from any kettle, a gooseneck spout gives you precise control over the flow rate and where the water hits the coffee grounds. This control is what the pour-over method is all about—it allows you to evenly saturate the grounds and manage the extraction time. A standard kettle will often pour too fast and too aggressively, leading to an uneven and potentially weak or bitter brew.
Is an expensive espresso machine worth it for home use?
It depends on your commitment level. High-end machines offer more control, better steam power, and greater durability. However, for most people, a quality entry-level machine like the Breville Bambino Plus is more than sufficient. The key is pairing it with a capable grinder. You can make excellent espresso and milk-based drinks without spending thousands. An expensive machine won’t fix bad technique or a poor grinder.
How should I store my coffee beans to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. The biggest enemies of coffee are oxygen and time. Avoid clear canisters on the counter. We prefer vacuum-sealed canisters that remove air, but any opaque, airtight jar will work well. Don’t store your beans in the fridge or freezer unless you’re planning to keep them for a very long time (and even then, it’s debated), as condensation can damage the beans. It’s best to buy smaller amounts more frequently.
What’s your opinion on pod-based coffee machines?
We understand the convenience, and the quality of pods has improved. However, they generally can’t match the flavor of freshly ground beans brewed with a more controlled method. The environmental impact of the single-use pods is also a significant concern for our team. If convenience is your top priority, there are reusable pods you can fill with your own coffee, which is a better compromise.
Can you really taste a difference with a scale?
Absolutely. Using a small digital scale to measure your coffee and water is a game-changer for consistency. Volume measurements (like a “scoop”) are unreliable because different beans have different densities. Using a scale ensures you use the same coffee-to-water ratio every time, which is fundamental to brewing a cup that tastes the way you want it to. It takes the guesswork out of the process and is one of the cheapest and most effective upgrades you can make.