Ask any coffee lover, and they’ll tell you that there’s something truly special about the ritual of brewing coffee at home – a moment of calm in the midst of a hectic week, focusing all attention on perfecting your brew. Whether you’ve decided to get into brewing coffee at home to save some pennies on those daily trips to the coffee shop, or if you’re looking to dive into the scientific side of coffee and really expand your brewing know-how, this checklist will guide you through the essential equipment and accessories needed to build a well-equipped home coffee bar.
1. Coffee beans: The start of it all
As you may have guessed, you are going to need to have your favourite KOTA coffee to hand. In our blog post here, we can guide you through how to choose the right origin for your taste, so don’t worry if the task of selecting a coffee is a little bit daunting – we know that there’s a lot of options out there and we’re here to help you navigate them.
Head here to shop all our current single origins and blends. There are so many fantastic other coffee roasters out there with incredible origins available – just make sure wherever you shop for your coffee beans, you’re buying from an ethical roaster who works sustainably to support the coffee farmers they source from.
2. Coffee Grinder: The Foundation of Flavour
Whilst we’re talking about coffee beans, lets discuss coffee grinders. There is no denying that they are an investment, so if you are totally new to brewing coffee then we recommend shopping for freshly pre-ground coffee instead. This is a great way to start brewing whilst learning about the importance of adjusting the grind-size of coffee for different brew methods. If you are buying pre-ground coffee, just make sure that you are keeping it in an air-tight container to ensure that the beans don’t oxidise as this would limit the taste you can get from all your hard work brewing.
Here at KOTA we only grind our coffee when your order is placed so that it isn’t left pre-ground for too long. Why is this important? Because once coffee beans are ground, they begin to oxidise and lose their flavour. It therefore isn’t surprising that for those who more experienced, or those ready to take the next step, we recommend investing in a coffee grinder and grinding small doses of coffee just before brewing. Invest in a high-quality burr grinder (either a manual hand-held or electric) and you'll be set for long-term, precise brewing.
3. Coffee Scales: Precision in Every Cup
Brewing coffee is all about precision - at every single step. That is why it’s incredibly important that your scales weigh to the 0.1 gram. This is far more accurate than regular kitchen scales, allowing you to ensure that you are following brew recipes as precisely as possible. Even a small difference in the amount of coffee you’re using can completely change the extraction of your brew, leading to a completely different tasting cup of coffee.
4. The Kettle: Precision Pouring
You're going to need access to boiling water for all coffee filtering methods. There are many kettles designed specifically for brewing filter coffee (known as gooseneck kettles) which allow for a precise, even pour, and have full temperature control. If you're a beginner, we appreciate you may not want to jump straight to buying every piece of equipment available, so know that you are fine to use your regular kettle. We do advise getting some form of thermometer though to ensure that you are allowing your freshly boiled water to drop to the advised temperature for each coffee (between 88 – 96 degrees usually) to avoid a burnt taste.
If you do own a gooseneck kettle, then you can really work on perfecting an even pour when brewing. You’re going to want to research the ideal motions that the pour should have, and the impact that the flow-rate of water can have in your brewing.
5. Brewer of Choice: Drip, French Press, or Pour-Over
Select a brewing method that suits your taste. Popular options include the V60 cone, an origami dripper, an AeroPress, a bean-to-cup espresso machine, French presses, or Moka pot. Each method offers a unique brewing experience, so choose the one that you think you’d like to learn about and use the most – all of them will bring a fantastic cup of coffee to the table so it’s more about personal preference here.
6. Filter Papers
Check that you have the appropriate filters for your chosen brewing method. Whether it's paper filters for pour-over, a metal filter for French press, or reusable filters for your drip machine, having the right filter is essential for brewing. There are often many choices available, so go for something you can re-order easily because we don't doubt you'll be brewing time after time once you get going.
7. Milk Frother: Helping the espresso
If you’ve opted to invest in an at-home espresso machine and enjoy lattes and cappuccinos, a milk frother is a valuable addition. Some espresso machines will have a steam wand attached, but there are many compact espresso machines currently in the market which do not. Choose between handheld frothers or automatic electric frothers depending on your preferences and budget.
8. Coffee Accessories: Elevate Your Experience
Enhance your coffee bar with accessories like a water filtering jug - many don't realise what a difference your water will make to the taste of your coffee. Water with high-mineral content may extract less caffeine from your brew, whilst low-mineral content water can make your coffee bitter. Therefore, using a simple at-home water filter jug can ensure that you are always brewing with consistency.
9. Cleaning Supplies: Keep It Pristine
Don't forget cleaning supplies, such as a brush for your grinder, cleaning tablets for your espresso machine (if you have one), and dish soap for general cleaning. A clean coffee bar ensures the best-tasting coffee.
10. Coffee Books and Resources: Expand Your Knowledge
Invest in coffee books and resources to deepen your understanding of coffee. Learning about different brewing methods, coffee origins, and flavour profiles can enhance your appreciation of this beloved beverage. There is a seemingly endless pool of informative videos on YouTube to also further your knowledge, so next time you have some down time, scroll through the latest coffee news online.
In Conclusion
Building a home coffee bar allows you to craft the perfect cup of coffee to suit your tastes. Start with the essentials and gradually add to your setup as you explore and refine your brewing skills. With the right equipment, accessories, and a touch of passion, your home coffee bar will become a haven for coffee enthusiasts, creating memorable moments one cup at a time.
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