What do I need to start making coffee at home?

You can start without any equipment at all. Our Pourtables and Specialty Coffee Concentrate are perfect (quick and convenient) to start enjoying coffee at home. I should qualify...I value any brew method that saves me some time. I’m Martin, a busy dad to a young family and one of P&R’s Business Specialists. I also help cafe owners produce consistently delicious coffees.

Ready to begin your coffee journey?

We understand, it’s time to take your coffee experience to the next level.

The first question is: what kind of coffee do you enjoy?

Your coffee preferences

If you enjoy black coffee like espresso, long black or filter coffee, you should consider Single Origin coffee from a specialty coffee roaster (and ideally, a sustainable one). Make sure to look for coffee bags with a ‘roasted on’ date.

If you prefer lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos or other classic espresso based dairy or alt-dairy beverages, then start with a specialty coffee blend. Blends are better suited for beverages enjoyed with milk or alt-dairy (plant-based) alternatives. 

If you prefer decaf (either full-time or in the afternoon), always seek out delicious decaf from someone who takes decaf seriously, such as our amazing selection .

What you put in, you get out.

Buying delicious, specialty coffee that is sustainable and ethical is a must. It’s hard to make great coffee without sourcing the best. This is true for freshly roasted coffee beans as well as specialty Pourtables, Coffee Concentrates and Pods.

Consider a grinder

A grinder is the essential starting point if you want to brew coffee from coffee beans. Freshly roasted and ground coffee is the best way to enhance your coffee experience.

You can start with a simple hand grinder or go for something more advanced like the Breville Smart Grinder.

Equipment

A fantastic way to enjoy great coffee is by using filter coffee brewed with an Aeropress or another manual brewer. 

If you're ready to become a home barista, an espresso machine is what you need. There's one for every budget.

A machine like the Breville Dual Boiler is a solid option. The Barista Express or other integrated machines (with a built-in grinder) are great for those looking for a smaller footprint.

To read more about equipment, please go to our article What do I need to start making good coffee at home?

Water quality

One often overlooked aspect is water quality. Water makes up the majority of your coffee, regardless of the brewing method. The quality of tap water can vary greatly depending on your location. Sometimes it can be heavy with minerals that not only compromise the taste but also damage your coffee machine. We recommend investing in a water jug to ensure you are using quality water for your favourite brew.

In conclusion

This is a brief introduction to making coffee at home. The possibilities are endless. You can start anywhere you like and hopefully, you will have a delicious time. Richard, our Wholesale Manager, has also put together a short video explaining a little more about what you need to start making coffee at home.