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The best coffee gear balances quality, usability, and price while delivering the most delicious cup of coffee. Easier said than done, right? Well, Home Brews Coffee’ editorial team tests hundreds of coffee products yearly – with plenty of duds among them – and below are the pieces of gear we’d happily add to our brewing setup. From espresso machines to grinders to fun accessories, we have picks and tips on everything you need to complete your ultimate home coffee bar – at any budget.
Espresso Machines
Choosing the best coffee gear usually starts with an espresso maker. Thousands of espresso machines are available for sale, so choosing the right one is challenging. And they’re not cheap, so you definitely want to know what you’re getting into before buying.
Here you can find buying guides and reviews for all things espresso, from the top latte machine to the perfect espresso maker for your next camping trip. We prioritize the best gear for home use, including lust-worthy prosumer models, but you’ll also find helpful buying guides for commercial machines.
If you’re ready to try your hand at home espresso but unsure where to start, start right here!
Coffee Grinders
Do not underestimate the power of a good-quality coffee grinder. It’s nearly impossible to make great coffee without one. Pairing your high-end espresso machine or coffee maker with a sub-par grinder is like buying a premium bottle of scotch and mixing it with Kool-Aid – just a waste of money.
To make barista-level coffee, you need the right grinder in your arsenal, and the right grinder is different for different brewing methods. Below, you’ll find links to some of our best articles on coffee grinders. We only review burr grinders (never use a blade grinder) and consider electric and manual options.
Coffee Makers
A list of the best coffee gear would be incomplete without the coffee maker. As an aspiring home barista or a hobbyist, you are probably searching for a good coffee maker to be the flagship of your coffee bar, and we are right here to help. Choosing the best coffee maker for you depends on a number of factors, including size, price, and style of coffee. One man’s drip machine is another’s French press, or so the saying goes.
This comprehensive section guides you through a vast range of coffee makers, from drip machines to Moka pots. Which ones will meet your needs and are good value for your money? Click through to the articles below to find out.
Coffee Brewing Accessories
Once you’ve acquired the coffee gear basics – a good brewer, grinder, and beans – it’s time to accessorize. Coffee accessories help take your coffee brewing skills from great to amazing.
Sometimes accessories are mandatory. If you want to make a latte, you’ll need a tamper and a frothing pitcher. In other cases, accessories simply make the coffee experience more enjoyable, like a great mug or a quality gooseneck kettle.
We’ve rounded up the best coffee-making accessories and reviewed them to help you decide which ones to get and which to ditch.
A Bonus List Of 15 Best Coffee Gear Picks
| image | products | details | |
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Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select |
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| No products found. | Breville BES840XL Infuser |
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| No products found. | Kalita Wave |
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| No products found. | Freiling Stainless Steel French Press |
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| No products found. | Bialetti Moka Express |
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| No products found. | Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System |
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| No products found. | OXO Good Grips Cold Brewer |
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| No products found. | Keurig K-Elite |
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| No products found. | Nespresso CitiZ |
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La Marzocco Strada AV |
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| No products found. | Baratza Virtuoso Plus |
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Orphan Espresso Fixie |
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| No products found. | Fellow Stagg EKG |
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| No products found. | Hario Drip Scale |
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| No products found. | Breville The Milk Cafe |
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Now, if you’re in a hurry, or just too lazy to browse each article in detail, we’ve also piled up our top picks from each gear category. You can thank us later. Until then, enjoy this list of best coffee gear in 2026.
1. Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select
Capacity: 10 cups
- Filter style: Cone
- Carafe: Glass
The Technivorm Moccamaster doesn’t come cheap, but it’s the coffee maker to buy if you’re serious about specialty coffee. These brewers are handmade in the Netherlands to exacting standards and come with a 5-year warranty, taking some of the sting out of the sticker price.
The KBGV is certified by the Specialty Coffee Association for its ability to brew the perfect cup. It earned the coveted designation thanks to a showerhead water outlet, pulsed brewing style, and optimal 195 – 205 °F brew temperature – all of which work in concert to optimize extraction. If you buy expensive coffee beans, this brewer will treat them right.
Pros:
- High-quality and attractive build
- SCA certified
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Limited control over brewing variables
2. Breville BES840XL Infuser
Machine type: Semi-automatic
- Milk system: Manual steam wand
- Water tank: 61 ounces
The Breville Infuser won us over with its perfect balance of espresso quality, useful features, and reasonable price. It’s an accessible option for beginners and those on a budget while delivering exceptional espresso that even coffee nerds will appreciate.
It’s a semi-automatic espresso machine that requires a little practice to master. But features like adjustable PID temperature control, a pressure gauge, automatic pre-infusion, and a manual steam wand mean you can achieve cafe-quality drinks in the comfort of your home.
Pros:
- Automatic pre-infusion
- PID temperature control
- Fits coffee dose up to 22 g
Cons:
- Takes practice to master
- No built-in grinder
3. Kalita Wave
Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic, glass, copper
- Size: 2 or 4 cups
- Filters: Kalita filters
Pour-over brewers are typically super affordable (setting aside the Chemex), so having a few at your disposal makes sense if you love pour-over coffee. But the Kalita Wave is the way to go if you’re buying your first one or only dabble in manual brewing occasionally.
This flat-bottomed dripper is more forgiving than most. It’s perfect if you’re new to the art of pour overs or just don’t feel like getting too involved first thing in the morning. You’ll be treated to a beautifully clean and flavorful brew even if you don’t pull out the coffee scale or the gooseneck kettle.
Pros:
- Consistent and easy to use
- Available in a variety of materials and sizes
- Robust coffee flavor
Cons:
- Kalita filters are pricey
- Not as much control as a V60
4. Freiling Stainless Steel French Press
Material: Stainless steel
- Capacity: 36 ounces
- Insulated: Yes
The Freiling French Press is beautiful, durable, and brews great coffee. It would be hard to ask for much more from a French press. It brews the classic French press coffee we all know and love – deeply flavorful with a rich mouthfeel.
The Freiling uses a two-stage filter to keep your brew sediment-free. Its stainless steel construction isn’t just bombproof; it’s also vacuum-insulated to keep your brew hot for hours. Plus, it’s available in five sizes, from a single cup to a whopping 44 ounces.
Pros:
- Insulated design keeps coffee hot
- Two-stage filter blocks silt from the cup
- Very durable
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can’t see inside when measuring or brewing
5. Bialetti Moka Express
Material: Aluminum
- Capacity: 1, 3, 6, and 9 cups
- Compatible with: Electric, gas, and propane camp stoves
The Bialetti Moka Express is the iconic original stovetop espresso maker, and we still think it’s the best in the game. Those years of experience aren’t for nothing!
It’s immediately identifiable by its octagonal design, which isn’t just for show. The shape allows for optimal heat distribution so it takes just 5 minutes to prepare flavorful coffee that never tastes burnt.
The Moka Express is available in 5 sizes and a rainbow of colors. It has long been popular with campers thanks to its durable-yet-lightweight aluminum build. It works just as well over a campfire or propane burner as it does on your electric stove.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and durable
- Brews a boldly flavored cup
Cons:
- Doesn’t work on induction stovetops
- Tricky to clean
6. Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System
Capacity: 50 ounces
- Materials: Glass, plastic
- Brew Options: Hot coffee, iced coffee
Our editorial team easily chose the Ninja Hot & Cold Brewed System as the best iced coffee maker. It brews smooth and flavorful shots of concentrated coffee, perfect for pouring over ice. It’s a refreshing treat that never tastes weak or dilute.
But this Ninja coffee maker is so much more than that! It also makes cold brew, hot coffee, and hot or iced tea. It can brew from a single cup to a full carafe. It even includes a built-in frother if you want to add a trendy cold foam topping to your icy drink. It’s like having a full cafe right in your kitchen.
Pros:
- Iced coffee never tastes watery
- Built-in milk frother
- Multipurpose brewer for hot coffee, cold coffee, and tea
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can’t use coffee pods
7. OXO Good Grips Cold Brewer
Brewing style: Immersion
- Capacity: 32 ounces
- Brew time: 12 – 24 hours
Cold brewing is an inherently straightforward brewing method. You can do it with something as simple as a mason jar. But the OXO Good Grips cold brewer has a few stand-out features that make it worth the extra splurge – and our favourite cold brew coffee maker of the year!
Cold brewing is an inherently straightforward brewing method. You can do it with something as simple as a mason jar. But the OXO Good Grips cold brewer has a few stand-out features that make it worth the extra splurge – and our favourite cold brew coffee maker of the year!
Then the “brew release switch” provides a user-friendly way to dispense the prepared cold brew concentrate. So go ahead and upgrade from the mason jar; you won’t regret it.
Pros:
- Even water distribution
- User-friendly brew release switch
- High-quality stainless steel filter
Cons:
- Slow set-up with many pieces
- Small capacity
8. Keurig K-Elite
Type of machine: Automatic
- Capacity: 75 ounces
- Brews with: K-cup, My K-Cup
Keurig makes the most popular single-serve coffee makers in North America, and it’s hard to argue with their convenience. The K-Elite falls at the top of our list thanks to its versatility. You can tweak the brew temperature, cup size, and brew strength; there’s even an option for iced coffee.
We would be remiss not to mention the negative environmental impact of plastic K-Cups. Using a refillable, My K-Cup is the best option for your Keurig brewer. It limits waste, and you’ll enjoy a fresher, more flavorful cup. Still want the convenience of a single-use pod? Look for recyclable or compostable options.
Pros:
- Can control brew temperature
- Quiet brew technology
- Large 75-ounce water tank
Cons:
- Plastic exterior
- K-Cup coffee is weak and environmentally unfriendly
9. Nespresso CitiZ
Reservoir size: 30.4 ounces
- Capsules: Original
- Types of drinks: Espresso, lungo
Nespresso Original machines all make the same espresso and lungo, so choosing the best comes down to your needs. Our editorial team was enamoured with the affordably priced CitiZ. Its award-winning design is incredibly compact and offers a good-sized water reservoir and waste bin. And the moveable stand for accommodating different mug sizes is a clever touch.
The CitiZ heats in 25 seconds and automatically shuts off after 9 minutes. It doesn’t froth milk, but latte and cappuccino lovers can bundle it with the Aeroccino frother for a tidy discount.
Pros:
- Ultra-compact design
- Fast heat-up
- Large 30-ounce water tank
Cons:
- No milk frothing
- Plastic exterior
10. La Marzocco Strada AV
Brew boiler size: 1.3 L per group
- Groups: 2 or 3
- Operation: Auto Volumetric
The La Marzocco Strada AV is the cream of the crop for commercial espresso machines. Putting one of these beauties front and center in your cafe immediately signals to customers that you take espresso seriously.
It’s equipped with saturated groups for perfect temperature stability, and each group has its brew boiler and PID temperature controller. Features like Performance Touch steam wands, excellent ergonomics, and auto volumetric controls mean the baristas will be as happy as the customers.
Pros:
- Impeccable Italian craftsmanship
- Individual brew boiler at each group
- Comfortable ergonomics for baristas
Cons:
- Expensive brand
- Very large
11. Baratza Virtuoso Plus
Hopper capacity: 8 ounces
- Grind settings: 40
- Burrs: 40 mm stainless steel conical burrs
Baratza is one of few brands making premium coffee grinders targeted at the home market. You can’t go wrong with any of their grinders, from the budget-priced Encore to the commercial-quality Forte. But the middle-of-the-road Virtuoso Plus charmed our editorial team with its balance of price and versatility.
The Virtuoso Plus pairs 40-mm conical steel burrs with a high-torque DC motor to produce uniform coffee grounds while minimizing heat and noise. A digital display makes it more consistent and user-friendly than cheaper alternatives.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use digital display
- Uniform grind size
- Excellent build quality and customer service
Cons:
- Not suitable for espresso
- Can be a hassle to clean
12. Orphan Espresso Fixie
Hopper capacity: 30 grams
- Burrs: Hardened steel
- Grinding adjustment: 3 macro and 19 micro settings
A manual grinder can be a lifesaver for the budget-conscious coffee lover. Without the need to pay for a motor, you can get an incredible burr set at an affordable price – provided you’re willing to contribute a little elbow grease. A case in point is our favorite hand grinder of 2023, the Orphan Espresso Fixie.
The Fixie is cleverly explicitly designed for travel, with “fixie” discs that allow you to lock in your grind setting. And a unique side-loading hopper ensures your setting stays put when you refill the beans. It’s made from a mix of aircraft aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel to minimize weight, resulting in an ultra-portable 11.5 ounces.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight
- High-quality 47-mm conical steel burrs
- Uniquely designed for travel
Cons:
- Not practical if you frequently change brew methods
- Can be hard to dial in espresso
13. Fellow Stagg EKG
Electric or stovetop: Electric
- Capacity: 30 ounces
- Temperature control: Yes
The Fellow Stagg EKG electric gooseneck kettle has quickly become one of the most coveted pieces of coffee gear – and not just among coffee lovers. Its stunning good looks, featuring sleek matte colors and wooden accents, give it wide appeal.
Coffee nerds will appreciate the well-designed pouring spout and variable temperature control, which can be set from 135° F and 212° F and monitored in real-time on the digital display. The Stagg will hold water at a set temperature for up to an hour.
Pro tip: Fellow snuck a fun version of the retro Snake video game into their display. A quick Google search will teach you how to turn your kettle base into a gaming console.
Pros:
- Gorgeous minimalist design
- Variable temperature control
- Digital display for ease of use
Cons:
- Expensive
- Joint between the handle and body gets hot
14. Hario Drip Scale
Weight range: up to 2 kg
- Increments: 0.1 grams
- Power: AAA batteries
A good coffee scale is a must for any coffee lover. Serious baristas know that scooping coffee just won’t cut it; coffee needs to be measured by weight. The Hario Drip Scale is perfect for meeting all your brewing needs without totally blowing your budget.
It has a sleek minimalist appeal with a low profile and matte finish. But its spare design packs some impressive features, including a built-in timer, touch-sensitive buttons, and an auto-off. It’s accurate to 1/10th of a gram and has a fast enough response time for pour-over brewing.
Pros:
- Built-in timer
- Simple, attractive design
- Accurate and responsive
Cons:
- Doesn’t use a rechargeable battery
- Not a “smart” scale
15. Breville The Milk Cafe
Capacity: 17 ounces
- Style: Automatic
- Temperature control: Yes
Question: What’s a latte lover to do without a steam wand?
Answer: Buy Breville’s The Milk Cafe milk frother.
This frother is the best in the business. Sure, it’s large and pricey. But it’s one of few frothers that can approach the same fine milk control as a real steam wand. And unlike a steam wand, it can also make cold foam.
The Milk Cafe lives up to its name, bringing the cafe to your kitchen. It has an adjustable temperature range from 100 ℉ to 180 ℉ and includes two frothing discs to choose between airy cappuccino foam or creamy latte milk. You can prepare all your favorite specialty drinks at the touch of a button.
Pros:
- Adjustable temperature
- Two options for milk texture
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Large
- Expensive
How To Choose The Right Coffee Gear
It would be wonderful just to visit the local coffee specialty store and buy the most expensive one of everything. That’s certainly one way to get the best. But it’s not exactly a realistic option for most of us. Instead, think about what you need to brew your favorite coffee drinks at home, measure your space, and establish your budget.
Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself before deciding on anything.
How Do You Make Coffee?
How you take your coffee will dictate what gear you need. Do you prefer drip coffee or espresso? Do you like it black or topped with frothed milk? Some coffee gear, like a good scale, is useful no matter how you take your coffee. On the other hand, something like a gooseneck kettle is only useful for pour-over fans.
Look for gear that can do double duty if you prefer variety.
For example, many coffee grinders are specific for drip coffee or espresso while others do both. The multitaskers cost a bit more upfront but are well worth it if you like to switch up your morning brew.
How Much Space Do You Have?
The best product is only the best if it fits on your countertop. Otherwise, it’s going to be an inconvenient addition you eventually replace. Measure your space before you start shopping and know what dimensions work.
There are many space-saving options for anyone with limited counter space. A small kitchen shouldn’t stand between you and incredible coffee.
For example, some espresso machines and coffee makers have built-in grinders. Or opt for a manual coffee grinder. Brewers that don’t require electricity, like a Moka pot, French press, or pour over cone, are far more compact than large drip machines.
What Is Your Budget?
The best coffee gear also tends to be the most expensive, so it’s important to establish a budget. You don’t want to bankrupt yourself in the quest for a morning brew, but buying low-quality gear that doesn’t last won’t do you any favors in the long run.
All our review round-ups include an expert-chosen Budget Pick. These lower-cost alternatives might not have all the bells and whistles of our top picks, but they are good-quality products that get the job done.
FAQs
The most important piece of coffee equipment is a good burr grinder. That might surprise you, but brewing good coffee without one is virtually impossible. This piece of advice is even more important when it comes to espresso. Pulling a perfect shot requires uniform coffee grounds of just the right size.
The most popular type of coffee maker in the U.S. is an automatic drip coffee machine. As of 2020, they were used by 41% of coffee drinkers. However, this represents a sharp decline over the past ten years. More people are turning to single-serve brewers and espresso machines, and millennials are increasingly embracing cold coffee.
Yes, expensive coffee makers are worth it when buying an automatic drip coffee maker. Spending more usually means better water distribution and brew temperature control, which leads to improved coffee flavor. More expensive coffee makers also have better build quality, so they’ll last longer, cause fewer headaches while you own them, and may even cost you less in the long run. Use a manual method like a pour-over dripper if you want a budget coffee maker.