Hi, I’m Owen. I run Coffee Home Brewing on my own, from Reading. I’m a self-taught home barista who works in IT, and this site is where I write up what I’ve learned about making good coffee at home, so you can skip some of the trial and error.
How I got into coffee
My first coffee memory is making a cup of instant with Coffee-Mate for my dad when I was eight, after he got home from a long day at work. I couldn’t see the appeal of something so bitter, but I remember how much he enjoyed it.
For years after that, coffee was fuel for long working days, and most of it was instant. That changed during the 2020 lockdowns in the Philippines. With more time at home I started trying different beans and brew methods, then reading about extraction and why small changes in grind, dose and water make such a difference in the cup.
The same year I started Pacaffeine Coffee, a small cold brew business. I started this site in 2023.
What I brew with
- Sage Bambino Plus for espresso and milk drinks, including latte art.
- Flair Pro 2, a manual lever espresso maker I use at weekends.
- Pour over and AeroPress when I want something slower and lighter.
The coffee I drink most is 200 Degrees Brazilian Love Affair. From Origin, Resolute and Stronghold are my favourites.
How I put my guides together
I don’t own everything I write about, and I’d rather be clear about that than pretend otherwise.
Things I’ve used. The kit above, plus the coffee scales and pour over kettles I tested at home for the coffee scales guide and the pour over kettle guide.
Things I’ve researched. For most machines and grinders I compare manufacturer specifications, current UK prices and what owners report in reviews on Amazon UK, Reddit and elsewhere. Those guides say so, and they include a “What owners say” section so you can see where the verdict comes from.
The details are on the How We Test page. Prices are checked when a guide is written or updated, and the date is shown on each guide.
How the site makes money
Coffee Home Brewing is reader-supported. Some links go to retailers such as Amazon UK, Origin Coffee and 200 Degrees through affiliate programmes, so if you buy something through them I may earn a commission. It doesn’t change the price you pay, and no brand pays to be included or ranked. Full details are in the affiliate disclosure.
Get in touch
If something in a guide looks wrong or out of date, or you have a question about your own setup, send me a message through the contact page.
Owen S.