Every buying guide on Coffee Home Brewing is meant to help you choose, not just to list products. This page explains how we judge coffee gear, what our ratings mean, and where a recommendation rests on research rather than our own use.
Who does the testing
Coffee Home Brewing is run by a self-taught home barista. At home that means a Sage Bambino Plus for espresso and milk drinks, a Flair Pro 2 manual lever, and pour over and AeroPress for slower brews. That setup is the baseline new gear is compared against. More about us.
Tested in real brewing, not on a spec sheet
Where we test hands-on, we use the kit the way you will: in the recipes you actually brew, not with a quick press of a button. Two examples from our guides:
- Coffee scales are run through three scenarios: V60 pour over (300ml, the four-pour James Hoffmann method), AeroPress (inverted, 200ml) and espresso shots of 20 to 40g under a home machine. We check response time, accuracy at light and heavy weights, and whether the scale fits under a drip tray. See the scales guide.
- Pour over kettles are judged on flow at a low 30-degree tilt, spout precision onto a dry coffee bed, temperature accuracy against a calibrated probe thermometer, how long they hold temperature, and boil speed. See the kettle guide.
Tested or researched: we say which
Not every product in every guide has been through our kitchen. Some picks are included on the strength of research: manufacturer specifications, retailer information and the wider home-coffee community. Our guides are written for real users, and we would rather tell you where a recommendation comes from than overstate it.
What the ratings mean
Ratings are out of 5 and are our editorial judgement against the criteria set out in each guide, such as taste and consistency, ease of use, build and value for money. Every pick also says who it is best for, because the best machine for a beginner is rarely the best one for an enthusiast.
Prices and retailers
Prices are in pounds and are taken from UK retailers when a guide is written or updated. They change often, so treat them as a guide and check the retailer for the current price. Each guide shows the date it was last updated.
Affiliate links
Coffee Home Brewing is reader-supported. Some links to retailers are affiliate links: if you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Brands do not pay for coverage or placement, and affiliate relationships do not decide what we rank. Read the full disclosure.
Corrections and updates
Guides are revisited as products, prices and our own experience change. If something looks out of date or wrong, tell us and we will check it.