Coffee Gear We Actually Use
Brewing Guides
Better Coffee Doesn't Require a Counter Full of Expensive Gear
I roast coffee for a living, but I'm a firm believer that making great coffee at home doesn't have to be complicated—or expensive.
Over the years, I've used a lot of different coffee makers, grinders, brewers, and gadgets. Some are worth the money. Some aren't. This page is where I'll share the gear I actually use, along with a few products I'd recommend when there's a better option for a particular type of coffee drinker.
No need to turn your kitchen into a coffee laboratory. The goal is simple: better coffee at home.
Coffee Makers
We'll start with the equipment I use every morning and add more recommendations over time.
Breville Precision Brewer Glass
The drip coffee maker I actually use every morning.
Yes, I'm a coffee roaster—and most mornings I still make my coffee with a drip machine.
I've used the Breville Precision Brewer for years because it makes consistently good coffee without turning my morning into a science experiment. It gives you plenty of control if you want to experiment, but it's just as happy brewing a straightforward pot of coffee while you're getting ready for the day.
That's really why I like it: great coffee doesn't have to be complicated.
VIEW THE BREVILLE PRECISION BREWER ON AMAZON →
Want to know why a coffee roaster still uses a drip machine every morning?
Read: Yes, I'm a Coffee Roaster. And I Still Use a Drip Coffee Maker Every Morning →
Breville Barista Express
What we use when the morning pot is gone-or when we're in the mood for espresso.
Our drip maker does most of the heavy lifting in the morning, but once that pot is gone, the Barista Express usually takes over.
What I like about this machine is that everything is right there. It has a built-in burr grinder, lets you control the grind and extraction, and gives you enough control to make a genuinely good espresso without needing a counter full of separate equipment.
We use ours for straight espresso, Americanos, and the occasional milk drink. It's a little more hands-on than pushing a button—and that's part of what I like about it.
Like everything on this page, it's here for a simple reason: we actually own it, use it, and would buy it again.
VIEW THE BREVILLE BARISTA EXPRESS ON AMAZON →
Grinders
A good burr grinder is one of the easiest ways to improve the coffee you're already brewing. Consistent grind size helps you get more consistent extraction—and better coffee—from one pot to the next.
The Grinder We Actually Use
You don't need an expensive commercial grinder to make great coffee. What matters most is getting a consistent grind and being able to adjust it for the way you're brewing.
This is the grinder we use at home for our everyday coffee. It gives us a consistent grind and enough flexibility to adjust for the different brewing methods we use.
Brewing Gear
French press, pour-over, AeroPress, Chemex, scales, kettles and the other tools that can make brewing easier—or just more enjoyable.
The Little Things
Filters, storage, mugs and those inexpensive items that can sometimes make a bigger difference than the expensive gadgets.
A quick note about the links on this page: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of them, Hidden River may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use, have experience with, or genuinely believe are worth considering.