Ten Best Coffee Tools I Bought After 10 Years of Home Brewing

Coffee is a daily ritual for many of us. Whether it’s the rich aroma wafting through the kitchen or the first warm sip of the morning, coffee has a special place in our lives. After years as home brewers, we’ve learned that having the right tools can make a big difference in the brewing experience. The right equipment not only enhances the flavor but also brings joy to the process of making coffee.

Several factors are important when choosing coffee tools. Consider the material, as it impacts the taste and durability. For example, stainless steel is often preferred because it doesn’t retain flavors the way plastic can. Also, size can matter; smaller tools may be easier to store but could limit the quantity you can brew at once. Weight might also play a role, especially if you want portable options. Paying attention to these details ensures you pick tools that fit your style and needs.

After testing and using various coffee tools over the years, we’ve compiled a list of our ten favorites. These items have changed our brewing game and made each cup feel special. Let’s dive into our top picks!

Our Best Coffee Tools

1. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
2. Breville Smart Pro Grinder
3. Fellow Stagg EKG Kettle
4. Bodum Brazil French Press
5. Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper
6. Chemex Pour-Over
7. Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
8. Toddy® Cold Brew System
9. Planetary Design Airscape Kilo Canister
10. Normcore V4 Coffee Tamper

10 Best Coffee Tools I Bought After 10 Years of Home Brewing

We’ve spent over ten years brewing coffee at home and have discovered some amazing tools that make the process easier and tastier. From grinders to brewers, each item on our list has significantly impacted our daily coffee routine. Let’s dive into the ten best coffee tools that we absolutely love!

We really appreciate the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder for its ease of use. The compact design fits perfectly in our kitchen without taking up too much space. It has a simple ON/OFF switch and a convenient pulse button, which makes grinding fresh coffee a breeze.

The grind settings are a game changer. Whether we want a fine grind for espresso or a coarser grind for French press, this grinder has us covered. The 40mm commercial-grade conical burrs ensure a consistent grind, which is important for brewing quality coffee.

While we love this grinder, we did find some downsides. Cleaning it can be a bit of a hassle since disassembling and reassembling can take time. The noise level when grinding is higher than we anticipated, which could be an issue early in the morning. Lastly, its smaller bowl means it may not be the best option for brewing larger quantities all at once.

Overall, this grinder has been a great investment for our coffee routine.

The Breville Smart Pro Grinder has truly enhanced our coffee routine. With its 60 unique grind settings, we can easily switch between a fine espresso and a coarser French press grind. We appreciate how it grinds directly into a portafilter or an airtight container, keeping everything tidy.

Using this grinder feels intuitive. The precision timer lets us set the grind time in tiny 0.2-second increments, which means we can get just the right amount every time. We no longer have to worry about uneven grinds ruining our favorite brews.

While it costs a bit more than basic grinders, the investment shows in the quality of the coffee. The stainless steel conical burrs prevent overheating, ensuring that those important oils in the beans stay intact. That’s an important factor for us, as we want our coffee to taste as good as possible.

For anyone looking to level up their coffee game, this grinder is a solid choice.

After using the Fellow Stagg EKG kettle, we noticed its modern design instantly upgraded our kitchen. The gooseneck spout gives us control over our pour, allowing us to achieve that perfect extraction with our pour-over coffee. The way it pours feels almost like an art form, and it’s always satisfying to watch the water flow just right.

In practical terms, the kettle heats water quickly, which is great when we’re in a rush. The temperature control feature is a game changer. We love being able to select the precise temp we need, whether for coffee or tea. The LCD screen showing real-time temperature and brew time is a nice touch, making brewing feel more professional.

However, it does come with a higher price tag, which might not sit well with everyone. We’ve also found that it can get mineral buildup, which is something to keep in mind. Regular cleaning helps, but it’s an extra step compared to other kettles. Overall, if you care about the quality of your drinks, this kettle is definitely worth considering.

Using the Bodum Brazil French Press has really changed the way we enjoy coffee. The process is simple but satisfying. Just pour hot water over coarsely ground coffee, let it steep, and press down the stainless steel plunger. We love how it delivers coffee that is full of flavors and aromas because the fine mesh filter keeps all those essential oils intact.

Cleaning up is a breeze since all the parts are dishwasher-safe. We appreciate the durable borosilicate glass that doesn’t stain or affect the flavor. The lightweight plastic handle is comfortable to use, so we never worry about burning our hands while pouring. However, we needed to be careful with the glass carafe, as it can break if dropped.

The Bodum Brazil also stands out for being eco-friendly. We’ve cut out the need for paper filters, making our coffee routine more sustainable. While it may not be the fanciest-looking coffee maker, its performance outweighs that. Given its affordable price and effectiveness, we recommend it for anyone serious about making great coffee at home.

We have been using the Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper for a while now, and it truly delivers on its promise of excellent coffee. Its cone shape and spiral ridges help create a rich flavor by allowing the water to flow evenly through the coffee grounds.

Cleaning the V60 is a breeze. The ceramic material doesn’t absorb any bitter flavors, which keeps your coffee tasting fresh. We love how it looks on our countertop too—simple and elegant.

While this dripper does take some practice to master, the results are worth it. Getting the right grind size and pouring technique can take time. Yet, when done right, it turns an ordinary cup of coffee into something special. Just be sure to handle it gently because the ceramic can chip if dropped.

In short, if you want to enhance your home brewing experience, the Hario V60 is a great choice. Enjoy experimenting with different coffee types and brewing methods!

Using the Chemex Pour-Over is truly an experience. The elegant design not only adds charm to our kitchen but also makes coffee brewing feel like a ritual. We appreciate how the non-porous borosilicate glass doesn’t absorb any odors, ensuring that every cup tastes fresh and flavorful.

The coffee it produces is remarkable. Each cup is clean and flavorful, thanks to the thick filter papers. After trying multiple brewing methods, this one stands out; it captures the rich flavors without any sediment. It’s a joy to watch the brewing process unfold, as the grounds bloom and the coffee flows.

Despite its advantages, we acknowledge that the Chemex can be a bit intimidating at first. The manual brewing process requires patience and practice. Some might find the filters expensive or hard to find, but for us, the quality of coffee makes it worth the effort. If you appreciate good coffee, the Chemex might just be your next best friend.

Using the Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother has transformed our coffee routine. The simplicity of one-touch operation makes it user-friendly. Just a second press for hot milk and a two-second press for cold froth means we can whip up our favorite drinks in no time.

The design of the frother is also impressive. It fits neatly on the counter with a slim base that takes up little space. Overall, the quality of the froth is excellent. We’ve managed to get the perfect creamy texture every time, adding a nice touch to our lattes and cappuccinos.

On the downside, the frother has a smaller capacity compared to some other models. It’s great for one or two servings but may not be enough if we’re making coffee for a group. Additionally, it requires a gentle touch while cleaning, as it isn’t dishwasher-safe.

In a world where speed and simplicity matter, this frother earns its place in our kitchen. It offers a nice balance of performance and design. If you’re looking for a reliable frother, we think this one is worth considering.

We’ve been using the Toddy Cold Brew System for several months now, and it’s become a favorite in our coffee routine. The taste of the cold brew is smooth and less acidic, which is a big win for those of us who want to enjoy our coffee without the bitterness. Many users agree that it’s one of the best systems out there for making cold brew.

Setting it up is straightforward. The package comes with everything you need, including a brewing container, glass decanter, and reusable filters. We appreciate the clear instructions provided, which help prevent common pitfalls like clogging the filter. It’s almost foolproof, allowing anyone to make great coffee.

While the brewing time can seem long, we think the wait is worth it. You can prepare a batch the night before and wake up to a smooth, refreshing cold brew. Just keep in mind it does take up some space on the counter. If you have room to spare, this system might be the best addition to your coffee-making arsenal.

Using the Planetary Design Airscape Kilo Canister has truly changed how we store our coffee. The moment we received it, we appreciated its robust construction and sleek matte black finish. It fits nicely on our countertop, and the size is perfect for our monthly coffee supply. With the ability to store up to 2.2 pounds, we never run out of beans.

What amazed us the most was how the air removal mechanism works. When we press down on the plunger lid, we hear that satisfying “swoosh” sound, letting us know it’s doing its job. This feature gives us peace of mind that our coffee is safe from exposure to air and humidity. We noticed that our beans stay fresher for much longer compared to our previous storage methods.

Despite its benefits, we found some minor drawbacks. The canister isn’t dishwasher safe, which means hand washing is necessary. For some, the price might feel a bit steep, but considering its quality, we think it’s worth it. If you’re looking for a reliable way to keep your coffee fresh, this canister might be just what you need.

We started using the Normcore V4 Coffee Tamper recently, and it has quickly become a favorite in our brewing setup. The spring-loaded feature eliminates the guesswork in applying pressure, which was a challenge we faced with our old tamper. Now, each shot of espresso is more consistent, which is essential for getting that rich flavor we love.

The design is impressive as well. The stainless-steel base feels solid while the anodized aluminum handle is lightweight yet robust. The ergonomic grip makes it easy to use, smoothing out the tamping process. We can switch between the springs based on how much pressure we want to apply. This flexibility has definitely improved our espresso game.

That said, it’s worth noting that this tamper only fits certain Breville portafilters. If you’re using other brands, it might not work as well. Also, while it’s more of an investment compared to basic options, the quality really shows. We wouldn’t go back to our old tamper, so it’s worth considering if you’re serious about home brewing.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, using the right tools can make a big difference in how you brew coffee at home. With the right equipment, your coffee can taste better, and the process becomes easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s a grinder, kettle, or French press, these tools help you make a delicious cup every time. By investing in quality coffee gear, you’ll enhance both the flavor and the experience, making your daily coffee routine even more satisfying. Happy brewing!