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Like most luxuries we love to enjoy (and buy), many of us eventually try to learn how to replicate them in our home. Either to save costs (of which there are many), or out of our own emerging particular preferences, or even a desire to get more involved with the process.
For many people who have come to depend upon coffee, a good home brew has become much-desired and potentially pretty elusive.
Some of us just don’t want to have to decide between paying for great coffee every morning or saving and settling for less-than-great.
Regardless of reason: If you’re looking for the same quality cup of brew at home as the one that you could get at an artisanal shop, it can be tough to know where to start with things to buy to get you there, and how affordable they might really be. And none of us really have the time or money for extensive trial and error on our own.
It would be much simpler to ask an expert and move from there, with devices that fit your individual budget.
So, we asked Jai Lott, the coffee director and genius behind the increasingly popular Bluestone Lane cafes and coffee shops to help us out. Below are his picks for things you can get to upgrade your home brew to the next level, plus exactly why these products, in particular, are worth your money.
We know everybody’s budget varies, so we included some budget-friendly substitutes you can check out as well.
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A heavy-duty home espresso machine
For the home espresso enthusiast, you can’t beat a GS3. It has the power and consistency of a commercial-grade espresso machine and the style of a Maserati. The GS3 gives the home user the ability to experiment with extraction, high-pressure milk steaming capabilities for perfect microfoam and unbeatable home brewing ability. Plus, it can be customized 100 different ways to suit your kitchen aesthetic.
Lott's pick: La Marzocco GS3, available on eBay for $5,850
A budget-friendly substitute: Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, available on Amazon, $529.99
A tool for latte art
Milk-based coffee is nothing without amazing latte art. Jibbi Jugs are the industry leader for precision latte art. They have a range of different style spouts depending on your pouring choice – thin lines, wide tulips, or razor accuracy. The color options are also incredible.
Lott's pick: JIBBIJUG Warrior 2, available on JIBBIJUG, $135
A budget-friendly substitute: Star Coffee Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher, available on Amazon, $12.99
A really good coffee grinder
Grinding coffee without an expensive electric grinder is hard. Almost all hand grinders create inconsistent grind size which leads to poor brewing in the cup. Comandante grinders are different. These grinders are workhorses and have blades that are engineered for consistency and reliability, coffee after coffee.
Lott's pick: Comandante Grinder, available on Comandante, $250
A budget-friendly substitute: JavaPresse Coffee Company Manual Coffee Grinder, available on Amazon, $23.99
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