If you’re a coffee-lover, you’ve probably done your research on all the great appliances and equipment that are available for you to upgrade your home coffee experience. But if you’re just new on this kind of journey, you might be wondering where to start.
Luckily, we’re just as coffee-obsessed. Below is a quick guide that outlines all the basics you need to create the perfect cafe experience at home. From small luxury appliances to coffee machines, we can help you decide what is best for your specific needs and what to look out for.
The Essentials
Coffee, like any food or beverage, can be subjective. Some people prefer espresso-based drinks, French pressed coffee, Turkish coffee, or filtered coffee. The variations are endless, with each requiring its own unique accessories. However, there are a few basic things that every coffee lover needs in their arsenal, no matter how they like to enjoy their cup of joe.
The first thing you need is a bag of great quality coffee beans. If you don’t know where to start, try looking at local coffee shops in your area and see what they’re selling. There are some fantastic local roasters across Ontario like De Mello, Happy Goat Coffee, and Detour Coffee, and their beans can be found in various cafes across the province. Since everyone’s palate is different, find something that suits you best by experimenting with different regions and roasts.
The next thing you’re going to want to invest in is a scale. Whether you prefer to grind your beans at home or have them pre-ground is all up to you, but you’re going to have to measure them while making your coffee. It’s better to measure by weight instead of volume because when you use tablespoons or a scoop, each time is going to be slightly different. When you measure by weight, the beans to water ratio is going to be exact each time so you know you’re getting a consistent cup of coffee. For example, if you want to start making pour-over coffee at home, a good ratio to start with is 1:16. So, if you have 30 grams of coffee, you’ll want to multiply that by 16 and measure out 480 grams of water, which serves about two people.
A high-quality scale that can easily live on your countertop is one of the best investments you can make if you’re serious about coffee.
Brewing
When it’s time to actually brew your coffee, you have several options. You can choose to do everything yourself, or you can invest in a luxury coffee maker.
When you choose to do everything by hand, you want to consider two things: a kettle and a grinder. You can decide to just stick with your everyday electric kettle, however, some people have noticed that when they use their electric kettle to make coffee or tea, it changes the taste and quality of the water. This can be due to calcium buildup in the kettle or other minerals coating the inside of it. The plastic structure can also affect the taste of the water.
If you want to stick to electric kettles, there are higher-end kettles out there that let you control the temperature of the water and offer a cleaner taste. A stovetop kettle is a good option as well, but for easy pouring, look for one with a gooseneck. Gooseneck kettles offer more control when it comes to pouring water and also add a touch of elegance to the kitchen.
If you’re someone who prefers to grind their coffee at home, either because you enjoy multiple styles of coffee or because your pre-ground coffee goes stale, then investing in a high-quality grinder is a must. Choosing the right coffee grinder can have a huge impact on the quality of your cup of coffee as well. This means you’ll want to find something that can adjust grind size to accommodate your different brewing methods and also correctly grind the beans. Over the years, there has also been discussion around whether blade or burr grinders are better. For the most part, you’ll want to choose a burr grinder, as they grind more consistently and don’t “chop” like blade grinders.
Having a grinder that is specific to coffee is also going to ensure that there is no cross-contamination with other household ingredients. This includes whole spices or dried herbs that you might want to quickly grind for your cooking and baking needs. With a tool specifically for coffee on your counter, it makes your life easier and means you’re creating a curated coffee experience.
Everything in One
If the above sections sound a bit daunting to you, you’re in luck. There are incredible coffee machines available to you that include everything in one machine. Like this Fisher & Paykel coffee machine. You can grind your beans at home using its burr grinder, and with its water filter, you can be sure you’re getting the best tasting cup of coffee possible.
Another great option is the Fulgor Milano coffee maker, which creates high-quality espresso and has 5 different settings of coffee strength. You can also froth milk with both machines, which is something we haven’t touched on yet. If you’re someone who enjoys a cappuccino, a flat white, or a latte, then you’re also going to want to look for something that can steam milk.
Having a coffee machine that includes a grinder, the ability to boil water, a scale, a milk steamer, and a self-cleaning function will not only make your life easier but will allow you to enjoy your coffee so much more. You have the ability to choose between different types of coffee without having to source multiple different types of equipment.
Find What Suits You
Just like wine and craft beer, coffee has developed a huge following of passionate individuals over the years who want to take their coffee drinking experience to the next level. Coffee has turned into a hobby, with some people actually purchasing at-home roasters to roast their own small batches of coffee beans!
You can turn making coffee into an exact science by following expert advice on how to make the perfect cup, or you can experiment with ratios, fine-tuning your own personal preferences. Wherever you are in your coffee journey, investing in proper accessories, small luxury appliances, or a coffee machine, will only enhance the experience.
Start by taking a look at more luxury coffee makers and appliances to get you started.
