16 Tools You Need For Making Cafe-Quality Coffee At Home

If you're not exactly a "morning person," you need a bit of a jolt to get your day started. Caffeine then becomes key, and eventually becomes routine. While tea can offer a bit of a pick-me-up, coffee is the strong stuff your sleepy body will crave. Beyond the benefits of coffee, there are myriad ways to prepare and enjoy it. You might prefer a shot of espresso made with light roast beans, a dark roast cold brew, a frothy cappuccino, or a milky latte accentuated with a bit of mocha, vanilla, or caramel syrup.

The thing is, once coffee becomes a regular habit, it might be tempting to head to the nearest cafe for your favorite morning beverage. But, in the long run, you'll inevitably save a lot more time and cash by not waiting in long lines and buying pricey lattes on a daily basis.

There might be some sticker shock with certain products and gadgets that can assist in making a cup of joe at home. While there is some technique that goes into the process, the learning curve to making your favorite coffee order at home might not be as steep as you think. We have some products in mind that can make the process easier and we'll provide tips on how to use them for specific coffee preparations.

As with most food and beverage products, coffee is no exception to the rule that fresher is better. You can't let those beans or grounds go stale or else you'll end up with a weakly flavored drink.

Müeller, based out of Germany, provides a stainless steel canister specifically designed for preserving coffee when it's at its peak. It not only boasts an attractive, minimalist design, but the functionality of a tight silicone seal so your beans or grinds don't oxidize as well as a measuring scoop. Also rather helpful is that it has a calendar wheel on the lid that you can adjust to set a reminder of when you purchased the coffee or expect it to expire. If you find yourself a fan of its usefulness for coffee storage, there's no reason why you can't make it a lineup on your kitchen counter and use this canister for more pantry staples like rice, sugar, or flour.

The Japanese brand Hario has been manufacturing liquid storage products for over 100 years. While the company all began with blown glass designs with the intent to service science laboratories, it evolved into designs that benefited coffee and tea aficionados.

We're particularly a fan of its stove top kettle that's made of stainless steel. The kettle has a nice aesthetic — you can leave it on your range and not feel like it's adding clutter to your kitchen. It's the right thickness to remain sturdy, but also thin enough so that your water boils quickly. While it also features a sturdy handle, another practical benefit to this item is its delicate gooseneck. This allows for a very considerate and precise pour. Compared to kettles with a larger spout, you're easily able to slowly control the amount that's coming out of a gooseneck design, and that's a major key towards making pour-over coffee and allowing the grounds to gently bloom.

If you're a fan of coffee and also like supporting female entrepreneurs, Melitta is a brand you want to rally behind. It all began in Germany over 100 years ago when Melitta Bentz used blotting paper from her son's homework to top off a brass can with a hole in the bottom, all in an effort to filter out those pesky coffee grounds and make her precious coffee a bit less bitter. From there, a brilliant idea was formed that would have all of the investors on "Shark Tank" gnashing their teeth to get in on the action — if they'd been alive back then, of course. She spun this concept into the humble paper coffee filter and the company she began continues to thrive today. We would like to say "danke" to Frau Bentz for her ingenuity.

A paper filter was not only a smart solution to an everyday problem, it comes at a reasonable cost for the consumer. Melitta offers a pack of 600 that should last a good long while for the average home coffee brewer. The clever wavy design of the cup holds the grounds in place and prevents spilling over in case you happen to overdo the pour.

Since the 1950s, Kalita has zeroed in on providing consumers with quality coffee products and utensils. The company, based in Japan, offers a full line of items that include filters, decanters, measuring cups, storage containers, as well as a few rather elaborate multi-tiered Dutch-style devices that appear better suited for a laboratory than a cafe.

We can attest to the high quality of the glass spun Wave design that they offer. It's sleek and doesn't take up much space in a kitchen drawer. And though it's made of thick glass, it's not fragile. Though it works well for pour-over coffee, we primarily use it to make batches of cold brew. We utilize a paper filter on top for extra filtration. This fits nicely on top of a 4-cup mason jar that can sit in the refrigerator overnight and be ready to go the next morning. This adds up to roughly four servings of liquid energy depending on how thirsty you are.

Ironically, despite being based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bodum, which sells a variety of coffee-making products, owes a lot of its renown to its famous French press. The company started in 1944 with its founder Peter Bodum, but its carefully crafted coffee-making device was developed by his son Jørgen Bodum who became CEO in 1974, and he dubbed the design "The BISTRO."

For those who are environmentally conscious and can't start their morning without coffee, a French press device is what you want. Bodum offers them in several sizes — 12 ounces up to 34 ounces — and a range of colors from silver, gold, and a rosy copper. Depending on what size you purchase, follow the instructions on how much ground coffee to add and have your measuring spoon at the ready. But with those fresh grounds and the appropriate amount of hot water, after a gentle stir and a slow depression from the handle on top of the lid, you can then enjoy a cup in under five minutes.

It would make sense that in hot and humid Florida, innovation would take hold for a smart design to make cold brew coffee. Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Primula has done just that.

This is a great tool to have around if you always feel rushed in the morning and really need a cup of java. Primula's cold brew coffee maker is fully equipped for brewing your coffee ahead of time, so it's one less thing to stress about when you're trying to make breakfast, get ready for work, or take your kids to school. Just prep your coffee maker the night before and wake up to a refreshing brew!

It comes with a mesh cylindrical filter that screws into the lid and holds your grounds while the beverage slowly brews in the refrigerator overnight. This product also comes in various hues — black, white, aqua, and even a rainbow version — to suit whatever color scheme you have intended for your kitchen.

If you're on a long camping excursion or a multi-day hike, you'll want to have the manual coffee grinder from VSSL on hand. This is a must-have product for the REI and Patagonia fans out there who can't get enough of the outdoor life. When you don't have access to electricity but desperately need a hot cup of quality coffee to get a boost jump on your day exploring nature, VSSL has you covered.

While it comes with a bit of a high price tag, this is a worthy purchase for its compact design and sturdy structural components. It's made of aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, weighs less than a pound, and can grind a little over a tablespoon of beans. Also conveniently added are a cleaning brush and carrying case, but it's also equipped to retract the manual spinner and serve as a way to clasp it to a pack.

If your espresso machine doesn't come with a built-in grinder, and you really want to make the most out of its output, you'll need to invest in a quality standalone grinder. Sure, you could buy a package of ground coffee from the store, or utilize one of the machines that you can often find at your local grocer to grind whole beans. But we have found that espresso's roasted flavor notes come forth the strongest when the beans have been ground in the minutes leading up to you making the brew.

BLACK+DECKER offers a slender cylindrical electrical grinder that comes in under three and a half inches wide, making it both convenient to store or keep as a permanent fixture on your counter — and it can take on two-thirds of a cup of coffee beans. Once you've set the desired grind that you'd like — from coarse to fine — its stainless steel blades are well-equipped to get the job done with the press of a button.

If you love coffee, but also love cooking and do not love having a kettle taking up valuable space on your stove range, then you should absolutely consider getting an electric kettle. We would recommend one from Danish brand Bodum, which has been a trusted brand since the 1940s and initially gained popularity with its interpretation of the French press.

The Bodum electric kettle we would tout is a matte black model that maxes out at 27 ounces which equates to just under 3 and a half liquid cups. It's perfect for home brewers who aren't looking to serve a lot all at once. In a matter of a few minutes, you'll have some hot water ready to pour over your grounds. And, no need to worry that you'll burn your hands with this kettle — the amply thick cork handle and lid topper give you plenty of guidance on what's safe to the touch with this device. And the gooseneck spout is ideally designed for those who want to pour the perfect amount.

People take their coffee all kinds of ways. Some prefer it to be black with no added ingredients. Others have an inclination towards adding a touch of cream to help balance out some of the acrid, bitter qualities that coffee can contain. Another option is to just go with milk, which you likely already have in your refrigerator.

A piping hot coffee drink that's incorporating dairy is even better when the milk is frothed — especially if you enjoy cappuccinos — and Italian brand Bialetti has a solution for you. This pot is safely heated on the stove — but keep the lid off — and, it has a thick handle that doesn't require a mitt once the liquid is heated up. Once the milk is warm enough, add the lid and hand pump. With minimal effort, you'll end up with a very delicate foam to top off your morning joe. For cleanup, you could hand wash it, but it's also dishwasher safe.

If you're serious about making your own pour-over coffee at home, a kitchen scale is a must-have device. Greater Goods, a St. Louis-based company, has a chic and durably designed model to consider. The company also offers a wide range of kitchen, health, and fitness products and is devoted to giving back to charities — notably to the Global Orphan Project.

What we like about their coffee scale is that it's small in its dimensions making it convenient to store or keep on your counter — it's slim at only 1.34 inches thick. It also features a color display screen to make the readouts easily visible. Beyond that, the surface itself is made of sturdy heat-resistant silicone and it's also removable and dishwasher safe.

This is a practical item to have when it comes to pour-over and French press coffee. Much like in baking, it's ideal to have exact measurements to achieve the best results. Weighing your beans before they're ground — and being sure to tare the scale after you've added the bowl but before you've added the beans — will ensure you get the exact amount you want.

When you spend a pretty penny on a home espresso machine, you want to get the most bang for your buck. Cleaning it and maintaining its good working condition will give you many added years of usage. Because roasted coffee beans do contain oil, they'll leave behind residue within the machine that can affect its performance. Since you can't reach in and remove all that gunk with your hands, Cino Cleano offers cleaning tablets that can do the job for you, especially if you're working with a Breville espresso machine, which will set off a warning when it's time to be cleaned.

Simply add a silicone disc that comes with the machine to your portafilter and group head and top it off with one of these tablets. Then run the machine for several minutes, and be sure to have a large container below the group head to collect the water. The tablets dissolve and send cleansing steam throughout the machine.

You could eyeball the amount of beans you put in your coffee grinder, or how many grounds to put in your French press, but wouldn't it be the safer play to have a measuring device? Tablecraft offers a convenient stainless steel utensil that's easy to clean, and also has the benefit of having two sides that are clearly labeled. On the smaller end, you'll find a 1-tablespoon scoop that's equivalent to 15 milliliters. On the bigger end of the spectrum, the measurements are doubled to 30 milliliters and 2 tablespoons.

This tool comes in at just under 8 inches long, and fits perfectly into a large airtight container — that exceeds that height –along with all of your beans. It's beneficial when you're adding beans to your grinder so that you don't end up too short, and have to repeat the process again with additional beans — or worse, you ground too many, and those fresh grinds will have to get tossed or they will go stale.

If cold brew or iced coffee isn't really your personal preference, and especially if you plan to have multiple cups throughout the morning or if you're serving up hot java to a crowd, you should definitely think about investing in a quality carafe. Among a selection of carafes that the company offers, the Hastings Collective sells one they've dubbed "Lagom" and it's more of a mid-sized model. It holds 1 and a half liters, or 50 ounces. And even if you prefer your coffee to be cold, it's functional in that sense as well. It's designed with a top that makes it spill-free, and thus it's a great item to have when you're on the road.

It comes in a sleek design and you have your pick of three different neutral matte shades — white, gray, or black. You can also opt for a shiny silver exterior, and don't worry about scorching your hands because it's well insulated.

While it's recommended to every so often use a vinegar-based solution to descale your at-home espresso maker, a few manual tools can come in handy as well when it comes to proper upkeep to preserve the long life of your pricey machine. There's a quartet of cleaning utensils sold by North Carolina-based Ergonflow that are ready and willing to help you.

In the Ergonflow Coffee Machine Cleaning Brush Set, each of the four brushes comes with a specific usage and purpose. The shorter brush with the wooden handle has softer bristles and is best for more frequent cleaning and dusting, whereas the longer wooden handled brush has firmer bristles to better tackle the nitty gritty. To clean your group head, use the shorter nylon brush. The narrower nylon brush can help get all the gunk out of your steaming wand, which can definitely accumulate a grimy milky residue over the course of time. With all these tools at your disposal, you'll enjoy better coffee and an espresso machine that stands the test of time.

For fans of pour-over coffee, you might want to consider getting a metal filter for making it yourself at home. We like a well-reviewed model from LHS. Its fine mesh is designed to not require an extra layer of paper filters — even for finely ground coffee — which makes this a one-stop shop for your pour-over needs. 

As opposed to glass filters, the metal from this filter makes it pretty much unbreakable — and it has a leg up on paper filters as well because you don't need to keep replenishing your supply. It also comes with a brush to help keep the filter clean, but that brings us to the downside of this product. You should be sure to clean it after every use to ensure that the next brew tastes as good as the last. But, in better news, it's dishwasher safe, comes with a cleaning brush, has a non-slip base, and its stainless steel is available in either a shimmering silver or a shiny gold.