CONSIDERATIONS
• Just brews coffee, so no espresso option
• Doesn’t make a lot, so not ideal for large
households or crowds
• There may be sediment at the bottom of
the vessel
Like pour-over coffee, the French press also allows control over taste, texture, temperature and strength of your brew. With a French press, the coffee grounds are steeped in hot water before being pressed down by the plunger—a process that produces smooth, rich coffee in a matter of minutes. Simple and effective, plus there’s no need for filters or a specialty kettle.
French Press
BEST FOR
• Brewing delicious coffee at home
• Simple, plastic-free process that’s easy
to clean and maintain
• No paper filters or electricity needed
• Small and portable setup
CONSIDERATIONS
• Not ideal for making large amounts; can only
make one or two shots of espresso at a time
• Automated design offers less control over
the process
BEST FOR
• Crafting authentic espresso with a
single touch of a button
Rich espresso at the touch of a button—now that’s something to get out of bed for. Fully automatic espresso machines handle all the fine details of the process for you—all you have to do is keep the water reservoir and bean hopper full.
Fully Automatic Espresso Machines
CONSIDERATIONS
• A completely hands-on process that requires
your full attention
• You’ll need a gooseneck kettle, coffee grinder,
filters and a brewing vessel
• Can only brew a cup or two of coffee at once,
so not ideal for large crowds
BEST FOR
• Having complete control over the strength
and taste of your brew
• Brewing rich, flavorful coffee
• Simple process and minimal cleanup
Take control of the taste, texture, temperature and strength of your brew with
this hands-on practice. Pour-over can be a true labor of love, but once you
master a precise pour and learn how to bloom the grounds, you’ll understand
why so many coffee connoisseurs prefer pour-over.
Pour-Over
CONSIDERATIONS
• Not great for large crowds since you can
only brew one cup at a time
• Will need to factor in additional cost of pods
• Some pods and capsules can be recycled,
but not all can
BEST FOR
• The solo coffee drinker or households
with diverse taste preferences
• Easy to switch between coffee blends
and flavors for a wide variety of
café-quality drinks
• Quick to brew and easy cleanup
Pop in a capsule, press a button and enjoy—single-serve capsule brewing systems are that simple and convenient to use. Whether you want a plain black coffee or something more complex like a latte, you can switch between drinks and coffee blends with ease.
Capsule Coffee Machines
CONSIDERATIONS
• Can only brew one cup at a time, so not great
for large quantities
• Requires use of the stovetop or a burner
BEST FOR
• Brewing a strong cup of coffee or espresso
• As close to espresso as you can get without
an espresso machine
• Easy to use, clean, maintain and store
• Small and portable
Simple and affordable, the stovetop method (or moka pot) only takes a few minutes to create rich and flavorful espresso. In this method, water in the bottom pot heats up and gets pushed through the grounds in the middle basket and filters into the upper pot, where the espresso collects. Pour the freshly brewed espresso into your cup and enjoy!
Stovetop
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DID YOU KNOW?
Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, accounting for approximately a third of the world’s total coffee production. This is largely due to the climate and soil conditions in Brazil, which are ideal for growing coffee.
BEST FOR
• Crafting authentic espresso at home
• Having the option for control or letting
the machine do the work for you
CONSIDERATIONS
• Not ideal for making large amounts; can only
make one or two shots of espresso at a time
• Depending on the machine, you may need
additional equipment, like a coffee grinder
Striking the perfect balance between control and convenience, semi-automatic espresso machines give you the freedom to choose between pulling your own perfect shot or going on autopilot while the machine takes control. A popular choice for home baristas who want the best of both worlds.
Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
For the purists who enjoy being intimately involved in every step of the espresso-making process. Manual espresso makers let you fine-tune every aspect from the brewing temperature to the extraction pressure to aid you in your never-ending quest to pull the perfect shot.
Manual Espresso Machines
BEST FOR
• Crafting authentic espresso at home
• Having more control over the taste,
texture and temperature of your shots
CONSIDERATIONS
• If you’re new to espresso, there’s a learning
curve to mastering the perfect shot
• Not ideal for making large amounts; can only
make one or two shots of espresso at a time
• Depending on the machine, you may need
additional equipment, like a coffee grinder
You’ve Found the
Coffee Obsessed
PERK UP
Find Your Perfect (Coffee) Match
Discover which type of coffee machine
is best for your space and tastes.
DID YOU KNOW?
While many people might think America leads the world in coffee consumption, the US isn’t even listed as one
of the top 20 countries for coffee drinkers.
PRO TIP
Whole milk (or dairy milk with some percent of fat in it) typically froths better than non-dairy milks, like oat or almond milk, which can be too watery to create a real foam.
To brew a classic pot of black coffee, an electric drip coffee maker will get the job done. They work by dripping hot water over ground coffee, which then flows into a carafe or pot. Drip coffee makers are loved for their affordability, simplicity and ability to brew multiple cups of coffee at once.
Drip Coffee
BEST FOR
• Families or anyone who needs a large
amount of coffee ready at once
• Easy to use and maintain
• Can use pre-ground coffee found at
the grocery store (though you'll get
better results if you grind your own)
CONSIDERATIONS
• Can only brew coffee, not espresso
• Paper filters are often required, but some
machines offer reusable filters
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PRO TIP
Different types of coffee beans require a different coarseness in the grind. Light roasts need a finer grind for optimal extraction results, while dark roasts usually need a slightly coarser grind.
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Which Grind Size Is Right For Your Cup?
Different brewing methods require different grinds. Use this chart to help
you determine what grind is best for your brewing needs.
Extra Coarse
Cold Brew
1.5
Rock Salt
GRIND
BEST FOR
GRIND SIZE (MM)
CONSISTENCY
Coarse
French Press, Percolator
1
Coarse Sea Salt
Medium
Pour-Over, Chemex,
Drip Coffee Maker
.75
Beach Sand
Fine
Medium Fine
Espresso
.3
Stovetop/Moka Pot
Granulated Sugar
Superfine
.5
Turkish Coffee
.1
Table Salt
Flour
Visit us in-store to test out our selection of top-rated espresso machines before you make your final decision. Our brand specialists will be happy to assist you and answer any questions.
Try Before You Buy
Get all your coffee questions answered and learn how to use and care for your coffee or espresso machine.
From electric milk frothers and bean grinders to coffee filters and more, get everything you need to brew your favorite beverages at home.
Coffee Accessories
Using a quality coffee grinder ensures a consistent grind, which is important to the coffee extraction process. Find the right grinder to enhance your brew.
Your Morning Grind
Manual Grinder
Since a manual grinder doesn’t require any electricity, it’s great for traveling, camping or maximizing your countertop space. This is the
most affordable option, but also requires more
work than electric grinders.
Burr Grinder
With a burr grinder, metal burrs crush and
grind the coffee beans into a uniform size. Burr grinders have more grind setting options, ranging from extra-coarse to extremely fine, providing
you with more control over your grind and the opportunity to utilize any brewing method.
Blade Grinder
With a blade grinder, a propeller-style blade
chops through the beans to produce coffee grounds. While these machines offer fewer
settings than burr grinders, they tend to be
more affordably priced.
Are you a coffee enthusiast looking to get the perfect brew at home? Coffee 101 is your one-stop destination to explore the world of coffee machines and equipment. Whether you're a new at-home barista or looking to upgrade your setup, we've got you covered.
Discover the different types of coffee machines available, from espresso machines to pour-over coffee makers, French presses, stovetop brewers, single-serve capsule machines, and classic drip coffee makers. You’ll learn about the differences in brewing processes, flavor profiles, and ease of use for each machine type. Then, dive into our extensive guide on coffee accessories, from grinders and frothers to the perfect cups.
Choosing the right setup for your needs can be daunting, but with our lineup of trusted brands combined with expert insights, you'll feel confident in your choice. Let Sur La Table guide you to brewing the best coffee at home, every time.