The Complete Guide to Home Brewing (Expert Recommendations You Need to Try)

Table of Contents

• Quality Coffee Beans
• Coffee Makers & Espresso Machines
• A Quality Scale
• A Burr Grinder
• Manual Brewing Equipment
• Kettle
• Coffee Storage Solutions
• Milk Frothing and Steaming
• Filters and Filter Holders
• Additional Tools & Accessories

One of the questions we always hear is: What gear do you need to make great coffee at home?

While there's no answer, some thoughtful tools elevate your routine from that first-morning cup to your late-afternoon pick-me-up.

We've tested a lot of equipment over the years, even before launching Heyday Coffee Co. These are the reliable, well-made tools we find ourselves reaching for again and again!

When we talk about "making great coffee," we mean balancing water quality, bean freshness, brewing technique, and the tools that make the process simpler, consistent, and fun.

1. Quality Coffee Beans

Heyday Coffee—We’ve always believed that great coffee starts with great beans, ethically sourced and roasted, to bring out the best of their origin. When you pick up a bag, it’s worth checking the roast date instead of the expiration date. Freshly roasted beans usually hit their stride in the first few weeks, when the flavors are most expressive.

Stored well, our beans hold onto that vibrancy and depth—something you won’t get from pre-ground coffee sitting around too long.

"Learning which coffees I loved helped me brew with more intention. Every origin has something new to teach you." — Sam, Heyday Coffee Co. Staff.

2. Coffee Makers & Espresso Machines

Your coffee maker lays the foundation for each brew, dictating how flavor is extracted from your beans. Some options are geared toward convenience—perfect for rushed mornings—while others emphasize precise temperature and brewing control. There’s also a world of difference between traditional drip coffee and the intense extraction of espresso. The choice depends on how hands-on you want to be. Either way, the right machine can elevate your daily coffee from a quick fix to a true delight.

Drip Coffee: Technivorm Moccamaster 10-cup

If you’re after consistently excellent drip coffee, the Moccamaster is hard to beat. It keeps the water right in that sweet spot—between 195°F and 205°F—for optimal flavor extraction. Thanks to its copper boiling element, every cup comes out balanced and full-bodied. Plus, this machine is built like a tank.

Single Serve: Keurig K-Elite

Say what you will about pods, but there’s no denying how convenient they are. The K-Elite is exceptionally versatile, with an option for a more potent brew and customizable temperature settings. We recommend this for busy mornings or a quick cup without the fuss.

Espresso: Breville Barista Express Impress

Familiar? This is a barista’s best friend at home! It is built with a grinder and assisted tamping to simplify things without eliminating the fun of dialing in your perfect shot. It strikes an outstanding balance between user-friendly design and the right amount of control.

3. A Quality Scale

Brewing coffee is part art, part science—and a scale tips the balance firmly toward consistency. Measuring by weight (instead of volume) helps you maintain the perfect ratio of water to ground, so you don’t have to guess if you got it right this time. Many coffee scales also include handy timers, eliminating the need to juggle multiple devices while you pour. If you’re serious about leveling up your coffee routine, a good scale is one of the most straightforward investments with the biggest payoff.

Time more Black Mirror Basic Plus

Sleek design, quick response, built-in timer. It's ideal for pour-over fans who want precision.

CJ4000 Digital Scale

Is this digital scale reliable and versatile? It easily weighs coffee grounds, water, and other kitchen essentials. Get it!

Hario V60 Drip Scale

Streamlined for manual brewing, with a timer and compact design that pairs well with V60 drippers.

4. A Burr Grinder

If beans are the heart of good coffee, a quality grinder is the pulse that brings it all together. The difference between a basic blade grinder and a burr grinder is night and day—burrs produce uniform particles, leading to more even extraction and a better-tasting cup. Yes, it’s an investment, but you’ll immediately notice the flavor boost. Once you’ve tasted what freshly ground beans can do, you’ll never want to go back.

Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

This grinder is a solid upgrade from basic blade models. It gives consistent, even grounds that lead to a more balanced cup. Its slower grinding speed also keeps heat to a minimum, helping preserve delicate aromas that can get lost with cheaper grinders.

Baratza Encore

This is a worldwide favorite for consistent grind quality across drip, pour-over, and French press. Its straightforward design and quickly replaceable parts make it built to last. Plus, keeping in good shape for the long haul is easy.

Eureka Mignon Specialita

For espresso lovers who demand precision. Its stepless adjustment and quiet operation help craft consistent, creamy shots.

5. Manual Brewing Equipment

For those of us who enjoy being hands-on, manual brewing gear offers a more personalized ritual. You’ll control the pouring, timing, and even the bloom of the grounds, turning an ordinary morning routine into a calm, methodical process. Whether it’s the classic French press or a meticulous pour-over, these methods teach you to appreciate the nuances of coffee. The payoff? A cup that genuinely reflects your technique and timing.

Hario V60

This is our go-to pour-over dripper. Its conical shape and spiral ridges encourage an even extraction. Combine it with a gooseneck kettle for maximum control.

Bodum Chambord

It is a classic French press for a rich, full-bodied cup. A coarse grind preserves oils, yielding a rounder mouthfeel.

Aeropress Go

It is travel-friendly, lightweight, and versatile. You can tweak immersion time and water temperature to produce anything from bright filter coffee to a concentrated espresso-like brew.

6. Kettle

The humble kettle can be a game-changer if you seek precision and control, especially for pour-over methods. Stovetop or electric, a gooseneck spout allows you to regulate the water flow so that you hit all the grounds evenly. More advanced electric kettles even let you dial in exact temperatures, which is helpful because different coffees shine at different heat levels. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your final cup.

Fellow Stagg EKG

Electric gooseneck kettle offering precise temperature control. Excellent for pour-over methods, thanks to its steady spout.

Bonavita 1.0L Electric Kettle

A budget-friendly temperature control option. While plain in appearance, it's reliable.

Hario V60 Buono

Stovetop gooseneck kettle that many coffee enthusiasts appreciate for its stable pour and lightweight design.

7. Coffee Storage Solutions

Preserving freshness is key to maintaining your beans’ delicate flavors and aromas. Light, oxygen, heat, and moisture all work against you once a bag is opened. The correct storage container helps ward off these flavor-dulling forces by sealing in those precious aromatic compounds. If you’ve invested in quality beans, a proper canister or container keeps them at their best from the first scoop to the last.

Airscape Stainless Steel Canister

Features an internal lid that pushes out excess air, minimizing oxygen exposure and preserving freshness.

OXO Good Grips Coffee POP Container

It creates an airtight seal with a single press. For best results, store it in a cool, dark spot.

Planetary Design Airscape Ceramic

It offers the same vacuum-sealing benefits in a stylish ceramic form that helps regulate temperature changes.

8. Milk Frothing and Steaming

Adding frothed or steamed milk is a tasty way to soften coffee’s natural intensity. Each tool offers a different foam style, from a quick handheld frother to a dedicated steam wand. If you love lattes, cappuccinos, or experimenting with latte art, it’s worth exploring a frothing method that matches your enthusiasm. The right milk texture can round out flavors and create a luxurious mouthfeel that’s café-quality at home.

Handheld Frother (Zulay Original)

An inexpensive tool that quickly froths milk for cappuccino-like foam. While less refined than a steam wand, it's convenient for small batches.

Automatic Frother (Nespresso Aeroccino3)

You can whip up hot or cold foam with just a button. This is perfect for cozy lattes or refreshing iced coffee creations.

Steam Wand (Built-In)

Machines like the Breville Barista Express Impress include a wand for café-style texture. Though it requires practice, steaming your milk is rewarding, especially if you aspire to pour latte art.

9. Filters and Filter Holders

Filters are more significant in your coffee’s flavor than you might think. Paper filters typically yield a cleaner, more nuanced cup by trapping fine particles and some oils. On the other hand, metal filters let more oils through for a richer, fuller body. Keeping your filters organized and close at hand might seem minor, but it keeps your brewing routine efficient and clutter-free. After all, great coffee is about balancing all the little details.

Paper Filters

Hario, Chemex, or Kalita produce filters specifically for their brewers. A quick rinse with hot water reduces any papery taste.

Metal Filters

Brands like Able Brewing's Kone let more oils through for a bolder, fuller cup. They're also reusable, reducing waste.

Filter Holders

It helps keep your brewing station tidy while ensuring you always have filters on hand.

Like any other equipment, coffee gear needs regular upkeep to perform at its best. Oils, mineral deposits, and residue can accumulate over time, dulling your coffee’s flavor and harming your machine’s mechanics. A simple maintenance routine can keep your brewer in peak condition, ensuring every cup tastes the way it’s meant to. Think of it as giving your gear a fresh start so you can enjoy consistently flavorful coffee.

Descaler: Urnex Dezcal

Mineral deposits can impede water flow and alter flavor. Regular descaling ensures consistent performance.

Espresso Cleaner: Urnex Cafiza

Designed for espresso machines, it removes built-up oils and residues from portafilters and group heads.

Grinder Brush

Clears out leftover grounds. Some grinders also benefit from specialized cleaning tablets that dissolve rancid oils.

Wiping and Polishing

A soft microfiber cloth keeps the exterior of your machines looking sharp.

10. Additional Tools & Accessories

Tampers

Necessary for espresso. A level, well-distributed puck promotes even extraction.

Knock Box

Toss used grounds quickly and keep your counter clean.

Reusable Pods

If you have a Keurig, these let you experiment with fresh coffee and reduce plastic waste.

Mugs and Cups

A well-chosen vessel can maintain temperature and enhance the overall experience.

Milk Alternatives & Latte Art

Are you thinking about trying plant-based milk? Oat milk is a favorite for a reason. It steams quickly and brings a natural sweetness that pairs nicely with espresso. 

Almond milk can be a bit finicky but adds a gentle, nutty flavor when it works. Barista-style versions of both are designed to hold foam better, which helps when you're going for that smooth texture.

If you're getting into latte art, start with microfoam. That's milk gently steamed until it's silky and just the right temperature (around 140 to 155°F). Once you've got that, pour slowly at an angle. With some practice, you'll see hearts, leaves, or something close enough to make you smile.

Building a Coffee Ritual

At Heyday Coffee Co., coffee is more than just a caffeine fix. It's a way to slow down and enjoy the moment. Grinding your beans, heating the water, and watching your coffee bloom in a pour-over can turn an ordinary morning into something more thoughtful.

Try changing your brew time on a quiet afternoon or adjusting the temperature to see what happens. Noticing a new flavor or nailing the perfect pour is part of what keeps coffee so interesting. It's about the small wins and the little discoveries that make each cup feel personal.

Exploring More

Once you feel good about your daily cup, there's always more to try. Cold brew is excellent when the weather's warm. Smooth, low in acidity, and super refreshing! Making syrups like vanilla or cinnamon adds a fun twist to your drinks. And if you like hosting, coffee cocktails are a great way to mix things up with friends.

You can even set up a little tasting at home. Try different beans, grind sizes, or brew styles and compare notes. It's a fun way to learn and enjoy coffee together.

Your Coffee, Your Way

Whether you have a simple French press or an espresso machine, fresh beans, sound equipment, and a method that makes sense for your schedule are essential.

Thank you for sharing your coffee journey with us! We love great flavor and are builders doing things with love, and every batch of Heyday beans demonstrates this.

You don't need every tool to create a home coffee bar. It's about discovering what it does for you that excites you for your next cup! The more you hone your craft and experiment, the more the entire experience becomes something to enjoy, not just a checkout line in the day.

We hope our gear and these recommendations will help you create a setup that feels like home. We're grateful to have a part in that. Here's to every cup being something special.

Cheers from all of us at Heyday Coffee Co. Happy brewing!