8 Essential Coffee Tools for Home Baristas

Listen up. If you’re serious about making better coffee at home—and I mean actually serious—then it’s time to level up your gear game.

But don’t worry, we’re not going to throw a bunch of fancy equipment at you that will only end up collecting dust and taking up precious kitchen cabinet space. These essential tools will actually make a difference between “meh” and “holy hell, this is good.”

1. A Burr Grinder: The Gateway to Great Coffee

Step away from the blade grinder. We’ve all been there, hacking away at coffee beans with one of those tiny spinning blades like we’re making salsa.

Burr grinders crush the beans evenly, ensuring consistent grind size. And as we’ve mentioned before, the grind size is everything. It’s the difference between a balanced cup of coffee and something that tastes like hot dishwater.

With a burr grinder, you can dial in the exact grind for whatever brew method you’re using. From espresso to French press, you’re in control.

2. Pour-Over Brewer: For the Hipster in You

Drip coffee makers–sure they’re convenient, but if you want a coffee experience that’s mindful, rewarding, and absolutely delicious, pour-over is where it’s at. You control the pour, the temperature, and how long the water mingles with the grounds.

Pour-over coffee highlights the subtle flavors of your beans, especially if you’re working with single-origin coffees like our Berry Kiss. (Shameless plug.) It’s great for the morning ritualists and those who enjoy pretending they’re in a coffee shop even when they’re just standing in their kitchen.

3. A Gooseneck Kettle: Precision Pour, Baby

Don’t laugh. If you’re still using your grandma’s whistling kettle, you’re not going to get that perfect pour-over. The gooseneck kettle offers the precision of a surgeon, allowing for temperature control and perfect extraction.

4. Scale: Because Eyeballing Is for Amateurs

Look, I get it. We all think we can just “feel” when we’ve added enough coffee. But that’s how you end up with either a watery disappointment or a brew that punches you in the face with bitterness. If you want consistency, invest in a scale. It ensures you’re using the right amount of coffee to water, which is essential for getting that perfect cup every time.

5. French Press: The Low-Maintenance Powerhouse

Some days, you don’t have time to waste, and that’s where the French press shines. It’s bold, it’s easy, and it’s foolproof. Coarse grounds, hot water, steep for four minutes, and boom, you’ve got a full-bodied cup that packs a punch. The French press extracts all the oils and richness from the coffee, making it perfect for those days when you just need something strong and satisfying without much effort.

6. AeroPress: The Underdog You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you haven’t experienced the AeroPress yet, buckle up. It’s the Swiss Army knife of coffee makers—small, portable, and capable of brewing everything from espresso-like shots to full cups of coffee. The AeroPress is perfect for those who like to experiment or who need something reliable on the go (yes, it travels well). It’s also super easy to clean, which is a win in my book.

Oh, and if you’re into trying different brewing techniques, the AeroPress has a cult following, with coffee nerds coming up with new recipes all the time. Welcome to the weirdest, most fun rabbit hole you’ll ever go down.

7. Reusable Coffee Filter: Because the Earth Matters, Too

Reusable filters not only save trees, but they also let more of those delicious oils through, giving your coffee an extra boost in richness. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you’re doing your part to reduce waste, one cup at a time.

8. Milk Frother: Because You Deserve That Fancy Foam

If you’re serious about your coffee setup, it’s time to stop pretending that swirling milk in the microwave counts as frothing. A milk frother is your gateway to café-level lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos without leaving the house (or paying $6 a cup).

There you have it—your essential coffee gear. Whether you’re a pour-over purist or just looking to brew something better than the gas station coffee you’ve been suffering through, the right gear makes all the difference.

Because life’s too short for bad coffee, and you deserve the good stuff.