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Tom's Guide
30-05-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
I'm an ex-barista and these are the best pour-over coffee makers I've tested
I'm going to be 100% honest with you right out of the gate: there is no such thing as the best pour-over coffee maker. If someone tells you that one brewing method is 'the best', they're lying. That's like me saying that cats are better than dogs, pineapple is the best pizza topping, or snow is better than sunshine. So while I can't tell you exactly what pour-over coffee is the definitive best, I can help you figure out which pour-over coffee maker will suit you best. I know it can be overwhelming to choose the pour-over for you, so I'll go through the most important pour-over features here. I take everything from ease of use, cost, design, and clean up into account. Personally, I love my Hario V60, Chemex, and Kalita Wave equally. The V60 is best for finesse, the Chemex is best for big batches, and the Kalita Wave is best for beginners. While I think all pour-overs are adept at crafting delicious coffee, I find myself gravitating to my Kalita Wave the most as it can brew more consistently than others and has super simple cleanup. But coffee is as much a science as it is an art — and your formula won't be the same as mine. Best for beginners Thanks to its flat bottom, the Kalita Wave is the best for beginners. This easy-to-use dripper is less prone to funnelling than other pour-over coffee makers, and its single serving size means experimenting with ratios won't waste much coffee. Best for finesse Why is the Hario V60 best for finesse, I hear you ask? Well, it relies on a touch more pouring expertise than the Kalita Wave. But the effort is so worth it — V60 brews a soft, delicate coffee, with a broad flavor profile and no nasty bitterness. Best for big batches Although the Chemex starts with a 3-cup size, where it excels is the 6-cup (or larger). It's almost mesmerizing watching the hourglass fill up with coffee, and it's pretty easy to use too. Like the V60, it requires a little pouring precision, but it's easy to learn. Best for traveling The Yeti Pour-Over is basically a V60 with reinforcements. It's constructed of hardy 18/8 stainless steel, so I wouldn't bat an eye at chucking it into my backpack. And the best part? It's designed for use with Yeti's insulated tumblers — it fits right on top. I'm Erin, and I've spent three-and-a-half years of my life behind the counter as a supervisor and barista in artisan and chain coffee stores. I've made thousands of cups of coffee both professionally and at home. While coffee used to be my profession, it's now my hobby. I love tinkering with unique brewing methods, whether that's figuring out the perfect ratio with my V60, comparing bloom lengths on my Kalita Wave, or experimenting with different Chemex pouring methods. Even the most seasoned coffee lovers might struggle to keep up with the ever-evolving world of coffee lingo. (Me included.) To help us out, I've compiled a list of my most commonly-used coffee terms in this guide. Bloom Blooming coffee is when you pour a little water over the dry grounds. The coffee grounds then expand slightly and bubble, releasing their gases. When this deflates, you can pour more water. Funnelling Funnelling is when you pour water into the center of the coffee grounds/dripper and the grounds shoot up around the side of the dripper. Correcting this relies on pouring with purpose and proficiency. Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. Our expert review: I use my Kalita Wave every single day. If an evil wizard cast a spell on me and said I could only choose one pour-over coffee maker, I would choose my Kalita Wave. So why do I reach for the Kalita Wave more than my V60 or Chemex? Well, because it's so darn easy to use. I don't need to steady my hand (the last thing I want to do at 7am when I'm still yawning and bleary-eyed) to control my pouring method, like I need to with my V60. I can bloom the coffee, pour twice more, and I've got a perfect steaming cup o' Joe. The Kalita Wave is a flat bottomed dripper, which means the coffee mixes with the water more evenly and for longer than other pour-overs. This makes it less reliant on pouring technique, unlike the Hario V60, hence best for beginners. Let's get into the specifics... Performance As the Kalita Wave is a flat-bottomed dripper, it makes the coffee spend more time submerged in the water. This is the perfect dripper for those who prefer a stronger coffee or those who want to pour and leave the coffee alone. While not unique to the Kalita Wave, it's very easy to experiment with. Given that there are no outside factors interfering with your coffee routine, you can dose 5g of coffee with 10oz water should you so desire. I'm not sure why you'd want to do that, but hey, you could. The only thing you should be aware of is over-dosing. Kalita Wave can be quite prone to getting clogged, so it's imperative that your grind isn't too fine and your pour isn't too slow. Even so, it's easier to achieve a more balanced flavor than something like the V60, which is best for finesse. Filters & cleanup There are two sizes of Kalita Wave. One, the 155, and two, the 185. The 185 is more common (and can brew up to four cups in one) so I'd recommend getting that to ensure you can always find filters. The 155 size filters are $9.97 for 100 on Amazon and the 185 size filters are $16.99 for 100 on Amazon. As with every other coffee maker on this list, the Kalita Wave filters are compostable. Cleanup could be as simple as throwing the filter and coffee into the compost. I have a food waste bin in my apartment and that's what I do when I'm done. If you have the metal Kalita Wave like me, I'd recommend washing and drying up instantly to prevent a nasty metallic tang infecting your drink. If you leave the dripper wet for too long it might be prone to inflicting unsavory flavors in the coffee. Other than that, cleanup is very easy, and that's why it's the best dripper for beginners. Our expert review: Although I find myself reaching for my Kalita Wave more than my V60, that's not to say the V60 is bad, or that I dislike my V60. Because both of those would be untrue: the V60 is wonderful, and I adore it. Straight up, the V60 is so famous for a reason: it's really just very good. The Hario V60 brews a delicious coffee, with rich, nuanced flavors, and is incredibly easy to clean up. While it's just as easy to use as the Kalita Wave, I acknowledge that the Hario V60 does require a little more finesse than the Kalita. Because it's a conical dripper, it's more prone to funnelling than the Kalita. (Where the coffee grounds go up around the sides of the dripper and don't spend much time submerged in the water.) Due to this funneling, perfecting your pour is a must with the V60. Well, if you're not overly fussed about brewing the technically perfect coffee, less so. However, if you're looking for a nuanced, pure, and layered coffee flavor, then pouring properly is a requirement. Let's get into the specifics... Performance I can't lie — I do think the Hario V60 brews a more sophisticated coffee than the Kalita Wave. That could just be the placebo effect, or my brain saying, 'You put more effort into this, so it should taste better!' Whichever is true is besides the point: the Hario V60 tastes better than the Kalita Wave, and that's enough for me. You may disagree with me, and that's fine. This is just my personal recommendation after many years of coffee making. I recommended the Hario V60 for finesse because it's a little more prone to funnelling than a flat-bottomed dripper. I'd recommend getting a gooseneck kettle (like the Fellow EKG Stagg, which I'll discuss in full below). With a gooseneck spout, it's easier to control the pour and ensure the water flows between the filter and the coffee, not just on top of the coffee. I try to angle the water so it lands between the filter wall and the coffee, creating a kind of wave in the dripper that falls evenly to the bottom. Then, I pour in slow circular motions from the outside in, and then back to the outside again. I've found this technique is the best way to prevent funnelling, and it works really well for me. The V60, due to its unique grooves, forces water down to the base quicker than other branded drippers. This is both a pro and a con: you just need the pouring technique to master it. If you're willing to put the time in, there's no reason why the Hario V60 won't make delicious, sophisticated coffee that really shows off the beans' flavor. I make some of my fanciest coffees with the V60. The V60 is also prime for experimentation — it is a pour-over dripper, after all. There's nothing stopping you from mixing beans or roasts (though not sure why you would, ew) or playing around with every changeable factor in the coffee recipe. Filters & cleanup As with Kalita and Chemex filters, Hario filters are compostable. That means you can throw the filter and coffee straight into the food waste trash after using, or even throw it in your veggie patch for fertilizing crops. The V60s come in various sizes: the 02 is the most common. The 02 filters are $11 for 100 on Amazon. Cleanup is just as easy as the Kalita Wave: simply rinse and dry the dripper and you're done. That's part of why I'm way more into pour-over than espresso at the moment — no descaling machines, cleaning finicky water tanks, or drip trays. Oh boy, I love my Chemex. I've got the 6-cup version, but Chemexes go all the way up to 10-cup. Yes, you can get a 3-cup version, but I personally haven't used it so I can't speak on it. When I talk about Chemex, I'm talking about the classic glass 6-cup coffee maker. What I love about the Chemex is just how straightforward it is. Sure, there's a pouring requirement like the V60 and you need to make sure your ratios are suitable, but it's beyond easy to get set up with. The magic's in the Chemex filters, really, so they're a must-buy in my opinion. The Chemex filters are very thick, so they don't let acidity through, resulting in a softer, fruitier sweeter flavor. The Chemex is best for big batches because it has the largest capacity. The clue's in the name: it can brew 6 cups (and the 10-cup can brew 10!). In actual terms, this is 30 ounces/850ml. Let's get into the specifics... Performance As with the Hario V60, you need to be quite wary of funnelling when brewing Chemex. Due to the open conical shape, coffee can bunch up around the side of the hourglass-shaped coffee maker. I mentioned this in the Hario section, but I'll chat about it here, too. To solve this funnelling issue, I pour with a gooseneck kettle and I try to 'tuck' the water in between the coffee and the filter. This way, the water tumbles around the coffee and pulls it down into the middle of the dripper. Once you've got the pouring technique down pat, there's seriously nothing like a Chemex brew. Thanks to the thick Chemex filters, the coffee tends to be smoother, juicier, and more floral than alternative brewing methods. Obviously this will change with your beans, but it's a general rule of thumb that the thicker filter results in a less oily, lighter flavor. Pouring from the Chemex is so satisfying thanks to the handy groove on the top half of the hourglass. It's practically impossible to spill, perfect when you're making big batches in the office and need to hurry back to your desk (I exclusively brew with Chemex at the office for this reason). As with all pour-overs, the Chemex is very easy to experiment with. As long as you don't clog the filter with too-find grounds, it'll be a breeze to play with ratios, pouring techniques, and coffee types. Filters & cleanup As with every other pour-over I've used, the filters are compostable so cleanup is as easy as throwing the filter into the food waste or compost. If you have a vegetable patch you can even use the filter to fertilize the crops. A pack of 100 filters is $8.99 on Amazon U.S., but it can be as pricey as $33.95 for 200 on Amazon. Chemex filters are really second-to-none — I can't describe how delicious Chemex-filter-brewed coffee is. Well, I can, and I certainly tried in the Performance section above. Chemex filters are around 30% thicker than standard filters, which results in a smoother, lighter flavor and a more controlled pour. Personally, I think Chemex makes the best coffee filters out there, and I would never buy off-brand Chemex filters. Our expert review: I know what you're thinking: isn't Yeti that outdoor gear brand? It doesn't make coffee stuff, right? Well, yes, and no. Yes, it's an outdoor brand, and yes, it's now making coffee gear! In terms of flavor, the Yeti Pour-Over is just as experimentable as any other pour-over. It's just a vessel: I can make the coffee as strong, weak, fruity, or bitter as I want depending on my ratios, grinds, and beans. Although the Hario V60 could technically be taken on vacation or outdoor excursions, the Yeti Rambler Pour-Over makes so much more sense. The Yeti Pour-Over fits perfectly onto Yeti's fantastic Rambler range of drinkware, which makes it much more stable on uneven ground and means it holds temperatures for hours. Where the Yeti Pour-Over really sticks out, though, is that aforementioned design. It's made of pure metal, so it's very hardy and I wouldn't be fearful throwing this into my backpack in a pinch. Let's get into the specifics... Performance The Yeti Rambler Pour-Over is kind of just a V60, but make it rugged. It's as if Yeti's hardy outdoor gear and Hario's sublime specialty coffee products had an indestructible, delicious baby. Thanks to the conical dripper shape, the Yeti Rambler Pour-over works almost identically to the V60. There's a large hole at the base of the dripper and grooves around the inside of the dripper body to promote coffee movement. All this is visible on the Hario V60, too. Where the Yeti Pour-Over differs is its purpose. It's not made of the semi-delicate plastic of the V60 (I know there are ceramic and metal options, too, but I have the plastic V60), so I'd be happy just throwing it into my camping backpack. It also fits perfectly onto any of Yeti's Rambler drinkware range, meaning I was able to brew directly into the steel-insulated travel mugs and tumblers that keep the coffee hot for hours. While the Yeti Pour-over relies on pouring technique to a similar degree that the V60 does, it's so easy to transport the brewing gear around outdoors. I've actually taken to using the Yeti Pour-over in the morning, and then taking the mug out and about with me. If you need something that can easily be chucked into a bag or taken out of the house, then the Yeti Rambler Pour-Over is the dripper for you. Filters & cleanup As the Yeti Pour-over uses Hario #2 filters, it's super easy to find the filters online and at coffee shops. I'd hate it if every single coffee maker used its own unique filters, as that would make my life harder (and much more expensive). Again, as it uses Hario filters, these filters can easily be composted straight from the mug. I always throw mine in my food waste trash. Thankfully, the Yeti Pour-over is dishwasher-safe, but as it's metal I'd be a bit leery of leaving it overnight or leaving it wet. Stainless steel can still rust after prolonged abuse. Best kettle for pour-over The best kettle for pour-over is the Fellow EKG Stagg. I've found this is the easiest kettle to achieve pouring perfection with. Yes, it's expensive, at $169 for the exact model I have (it's recently gone up from $165, ouch), but if you're serious about coffee, it's worth it. Read my full review here Best grinder for pour-over Of course there are electric grinders you can use for pour-over, but I think the Comandante C40 MK4 grinder is just perfect. It's a hand grinder, but don't let that put you off. If you're just brewing for a couple of servings, it'll take seconds to grind. Read my full review here Best coffee scale for pour-over Although I love other coffee scales more (like the Acaia Pearl S), the Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 is my overall recommendation for pour-over scales because it's cheap and works well. Most coffee scales are grossly overpriced — not the Black Mirror Basic 2. Read my full review here Kalita Wave Hario V60 Chemex Classic Yeti Rambler Pour-Over Price range ~$24–$42 depending on size and material ~$10+ depending on material and size ~$47 (6-cup classic); ~$44–$53 for others; up to ~$153 for handblown 13-cup $30 Weight 7 ounces 6.4 ounces 1.3 pounds (6-cup model) 9.6 ounces Dimensions 4.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches 4.3 x 4.8 x 4.9 inches 8.5 x 5.1 inches (6-cup model) 4.8 x 4.7 x 3.6 inches Capacity Sizes: 155 (1–2 cups), 185 (2–4 cups) Sizes: 01, 02, 03 (1–4 cups) Sizes: 3-cup, 6-cup, 8-cup, 10-cup One size, 1-4 cups Materials Stainless steel, glass, or ceramic Plastic, ceramic, glass, copper, or metal Borosilicate glass, wood collar, rawhide (leather) 18/8 stainless steel Color options Varies by material (e.g., silver for stainless, white for ceramic) Varies by material (clear plastic, white ceramic, copper, etc.) Clear glass; wood collar available in various wood types and rawhide colors Navy, ultramarine violet, red, white Dishwasher safe Yes (stainless model is top-rack safe) Yes Yes (remove wood collar before washing) Yes Accessories None included Coffee scoop included None included None included, optional purchase of Rambler drinkware Filters Kalita Wave filters (flat-bottom, proprietary design) Hario cone #2 filters Chemex bonded filters (pre-folded, square) Hario cone #2 filters Brewing Capacity 1-4 cups 1-4 cups 3-13 cups 1-4 cups As I'm always testing coffee gear, or drinking coffee, or thinking about coffee, I've got my testing process nailed down. Every single one of these coffee makers I have either at home or at the office. At home, I have: Kalita Wave, Hario V60, Yeti Pour-Over. At the office, I have Chemex. Didn't I say it was best for big batches? If it's at the office, I can always make my coworkers and I a big batch of coffee to help us through the morning. If you check out the individual reviews of all these coffeemakers, you'll see that I first published the reviews between October-April. The V60 was first, in October, and the Chemex shortly after, also in October. I reviewed the Kalita Wave in November and the Yeti Pour-over in April. My testing doesn't stop after the review is published. I still use all four of these pour-overs to this day, so my testing has effectively been going on for months and months now. I think I've got an intimate understanding of these four coffee makers, so I can present my findings with confidence. In terms of a baseline test, I just do what any coffee lover would do: try and brew the best cup possible. I always follow the coffee maker's recipe or guide first, just to see what the manufacturer thinks is the best way to brew. Then, I go through my usual technique: I usually stick with a nice 1:16 ratio as I like a juicy, fruity, floral coffee more than a super-intense dark brew. For Kalita Wave, I've realised that a 1:18 is best. If you like an intense coffee, you might want to stick with a 1:15 or even 1:14 ratio. I use 200°F water brewed in either my Ninja Precision Temperature kettle (if I'm at home) or my Fellow Stagg EKG gooseneck kettle (if I'm at the office). Then I'll use one of the best coffee scales (Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 at home, Fellow Tally Pro at the office) and brew up. I will experiment with different pouring methods, grind size, coffee bean, and ratio until I find the best result for me. But what I like might not be what you like. It's up to you to figure out the best pour-over method. In terms of evaluating pour-over coffee makers, I take loads of things into consideration. In my reviews, I'll analyze all of the above criteria and then give it an overall score based on the results. But in all honesty, pour-over coffee is what you make of it. What I like may not be what you like. And that's why I love pour-over coffee so much: it's completely unique and totally versatile, meaning you can always find the optimum flavor and brewing style for you. There is no one size fits all here. In my opinion, versatility is what makes pour-over markedly better than other more common brewing methods. French press is easy and cheap, but doesn't result in the most sophisticated flavor. Nespresso pods tend to use sup-par coffee, so if you actively enjoy sniffing out various notes in coffee bean varietals, then Nespresso won't be for you, regardless of how easy it is. Espresso, although very versatile, relies on having a lot of space and/or $$$ to go with it, and is too much of a commitment for some people if you're in a smaller apartment or don't want to spend megabucks on hot bean juice. So I think pour-over is the perfect in between: it's fancy, sophisticated, and majorly affordable. Learning how to choose the best pour-over coffee maker for you is going to be a pretty lengthy process. There are some questions you'll need to ask yourself: What coffee flavors do I like? How much time do I have? How much am I willing to spend on filters? How many people am I making coffee for? Do I want just one pour-over, or multiple? How much space do I have? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start researching pour-overs in earnest. I went through all the specifics in the descriptions above — but obviously I can't tell you what your answers are. The main difference is the bottom. A V60 has a conical shape whereas the Kalita is a flat-bottomed dripper. This basically means that the V60 has a wider space for water to fall through and will brew faster, but is more prone to funnelling. The Kalita's flat bottom means coffee grounds will sit on the base and it's more prone to getting blocked (if grind size is too small) but it doesn't funnel as easily. This depends on what you want. Do you want to perfect your pouring motion, or do you like a lighter brew? Then you'd probably be better off with a conical dripper. If you want a more intense brew and you aren't so fussed about learning pouring technique, a flat bottom is better. The actual beans depend on your taste. I like fruity coffee so I often gravitate towards African light-roasted beans, but sometimes I'm in the mood for a more chocolatey, richer flavor so I might pick up some South American beans. Grind size is usually around medium, but this again will depend on your personal tastes. I tend to grind medium (leaning more towards coarse than fine) for most pour-over. It depends what you like! Pour-over coffee, I think, can be much more sophisticated than espresso. That's not to say espresso is unsophisticated — not at all. I'm just saying that, done right, pour-over can be very fancy. If you don't have space for an espresso machine or don't like milky coffee, I think pour-over coffee is more your vibe. However, if you love milky coffee and playing around with syrups and doing latte art, then you might want to check out one of the best espresso machines instead. Oooh, I think I know why. Your coffee might be stale. You should be buying wholebeans, freshly roasted (with a 'roasted on' date on the bag), and grinding at home. Or, your grind is too fine. The texture should be like brown sugar, not white sugar or flour. Maybe even coarse salt, or even as coarse as cookie crumbs. If your coffee looks like flour, table salt, or white sugar, it's likely too fine. If we want to get scientific, your coffee should be no finer than 600um and no coarser than 1400um, depending on your bean roast. Finally, maybe you just don't like the beans you're using. Give them away and get another pack.
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The iconic Ratio Eight coffee maker just got a major upgrade
Ratio's iconic Series 8 coffee maker just got a major upgrade. With its timeless combination of Chemex and pour-over, the OG has ben around since 2014, and while it's still a classic choice, Ratio has announced the new Series 2: "a new chapter for a modern classic". Shipping from September, the Series 2 is sure to be a hit. It takes the much-loved features of its predecessor to create something standout. Price-wise, it's $799, though at time of writing it was discounted to $639 for pre-orders. Plus, an extra $100 for a thermal carafe. The Ratio Eight Series 2 is an upgrade on the original, boasting dual recipe brew programs, a stainless steel and handblown glass pairing with a solid walnut trim, a flat bottom filter basket and added heat shield. This stylish update takes from the previous Eight Series and makes it, well, better. If you'd like the thermal carafe, it's an additional $100 on top of this price. The Ratio Eight coffee maker is a unique mix of pour-over and Chemex brewing. A complicated process if you're tackling it alone, but with Ratio's intricately designed smart technology, it's a whole lot simpler. And while the technique it emulates is complex, the design of this coffee maker is simplicity at its finest. A mixture of premium materials, it's eye-catching and chic – blending matte and glass with a wood trim. With all this in mind, it's a huge hit with coffee pros for both what it offers to simplifying the pour-over process and the beauty of its design. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. As the original Ratio Eight has been on the market for a decade now, there's a lot that's been learnt, and the Series 2 incorporates these tweaks into a new coffee maker that is sure to impress. So, with the Ratio Eight Series 2 model, the team has made some awesome upgrades. These include a flat brewer basket for a more even extraction, a heat shield for hotter coffee (though you can add the thermal carafe for $100, too), a better glass carafe for easier pouring, and the inclusion of a half batch and full batch button activated by long touch. These days, a coffee maker will typically lean towards a more modern design, like the Fellow Aiden for example. It's incredibly sleek, but the Ratio Eight series is focused on a different design – creating a midcentury look. With a combination of glass, matte premium materials and a sophisticated wood trim, it's a stylish and nostalgic option when compared to the best coffee makers currently on the market. Crafted in Portland, a city that you'll often hear married with the words "hip" and "trendy", it should come as no surprise that the Ratio Eight is made in Oregon. Plus, it's backed by a 5-year warranty, meaning Ratio is pretty confident you'll be getting wonderfully brewed pour-over coffee for years to come with little hassle. But while it won't be available for a couple of months yet, we'll be first in line to get our hands on this impressive Series 2 upgrade, and we'll follow it up with a review of our own.
Buzz Feed
18-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
20 Amazon Things That Make Perfect Father's Day Gifts
A pour-over coffee maker if your dad needs a seriously good cup of joe in the a.m. Pour-over coffee takes time to create, so if your dad is into slow, meditative mornings, this'll offer the one-two punch of doing something calming first thing in the morning and having the result be a drink to perk them up for the day. Promising review: "I am a coffee snob. I grind my beans every morning, but wasn't happy with my brand-name coffee maker. It was rated the second best, but I knew I was missing something. The first coffee I made in my Chemex made a grateful believer out of me. So delicious! Well-rounded notes, less bitterness. I wish I had had one of these all my coffee-drinking life." —M. T. BrownPrice: $48.93 A portable ping-pong set so your competitive, game-loving dad can take it with them everywhere they go. This set includes a ping-pong net that stretches over any flat tabletop (like a dining room table, office desk, or even a patio table) — basically, it instantly turns any table into a ping-pong tournament! This set includes two bats, three balls, and one retractable net in a carrying review: "What a great buy! Put it on a picnic table at the park and had the best time with my 10-year-old! We are excited to try other table surfaces. Easy set up, easy breakdown, and all goes right back in its carrying case!" —Amazon CustomerPrice: $39.99+ (available in sets for two or four players) A whiskey infusion kit to let your dad's inner mixologist shine! This kit has various spices and wood to add a special touch to any whiskey, and your dad will surely love showing off their creations whenever they have friends over. Promising review: "Recipient loved the gift. He loves whiskey and bourbon and has been experimenting with adding flavors and this was the absolute perfect gift." —RosePrice: $59.90 Plus, a whiskey smoking kit so your dad can live out their dream of becoming a mixologist with their newly-infused whiskey! This set comes with various wood chips to add a cool smoky taste to whiskey, cocktails, or mocktails. This kit includes an oak wood smoke top, a torch lighter without butane, six different natural wood chip flavors, ice molds, a metal filter, two glasses, and a a gift review: "Truly amazing value for whiskey smoker kit. Glasses, molds, torch, wood chips, and barrel. Only thing missing is a quality whiskey to pair with the kit. Does the job and looks cool. Also the seller is hilarious. Recommend this buy for your collection." —JoshPrice: $42.99 A portable Bluetooth speaker that your dad can use to listen to their favorite albums, podcasts, and audiobooks anywhere they go. Though this smol boi only weighs 10 ounces, it packs a punch in terms of sound quality and volume. It's also water resistant, making it your dad's go-to accessory whether they listen to tunes in the shower or at the beach. Promising review: "Bought this initially for myself. I love how it worked and how loud it was that I ended up buying three more for my older children. The charge lasts for a long while and the connectivity is great. The use of this is very ease and simple. At first I was nervous because I have used other ones and they sounded so cheap but this has bass!!!!" —EricaPrice: $28.99+ (available in six colors, as a two-pack, and in a clip version) A tool storage rack for helping your father say goodbye to all that garage clutter, once and for all. This storage rack installs easily onto any wall and holds everything from rakes and brooms to power tools and shovels — up to 250 pounds worth of stuff! Promising review: "I'm so happy with this thing. It's solid metal, sturdy, and I love that the mounting holes are 16 inches apart! Perfect for studs. 🙌 Comes with great instructions and installation hardware. Looked around a while before I picked this rack for our random yard tools and I'm thrilled with it. Thanks for a great product." —CoryPrice: $54.99+ (available in six colors and two-packs) A frozen beer pint that is lightyears ahead of most drinkware technology. This looks like your average pint glass, but it has a double-walled design to insulate your dad's brew. What's more, there's a gel IN BETWEEN the two walls that FREEZES (!!!) to ensure an ice-cold drink for hours on end. Promising reviews: "These are awesome!!! I love a cold beer. Key word being, 'cold.' I washed, froze them, and tried one out, and it had my beer slushy and cold to the last drink. Very pleased. 👍" —Tara"I got this for my dad and he loved it!! It is so much more than I expected!! There are two different temperatures at which the cup can hold the drink!! (Maybe I missed it while ordering, but finding out was a nice bonus!) And now I'll be getting this for my fiancé. Lol. Also, it's not warm cause the cup keeps the beer cold. 👍🏽" —Tori MaePrice: $15.99+ (also available in two-packs, four-packs, and seven colors) A dad joke button for those moments when your father finds themselves too tired to lie down...a so-corny-it's-good pun. They can press this button to do the work for them! Promising review: "My step-dad loves to laugh, and smile, and tell stories. 😄 He loves this joke Covid, he is 80 years young...I said we will keep laughing and smiling and have as much of a good time as possible! This gift definitely is a fun part of that plan! Now he's sharing it with his buddies! Good for all ages!!" —CCPrice: $14.99+ (also available in a two-pack) A 20-piece grilling set, which comes in a super cool aluminum case that'll make your dad feel like the James Bond of grilling. This set is pretty sleek, so it's perfect for your dad who loves to travel and grill. (Hi, tailgate season.) This set includes a spatula, fork, tongs, a basting brush, a grill brush, salt and pepper shakers, eight corn holders, four skewers, and an aluminum review: "I got this to use in our RV. It is perfect for that. Easy to store, pull out, and transport to the grill. Makes it so much easier to grill at the lake, no more carrying one item at a time and running in and out getting everything we need. It is all together and super handy. Love it!" —WerthwhilePrice: $23.99+ (available in three colors) A hovering pen so your dad can show off how cool you think they are to all their work buddies. This pen "floats" (it actually just attaches to the pen base by the pen's tip) to add an out-of-this-world look to your papa's work desk. Promising review: "This is so cool. It looks really good on my desk. I get a lot of compliments. The pen writes great. Use it every day." —PebblesPrice: $99+ (available in three versions and four colors) A beard bib, aka a perfect gift for any dad who wants their mustache and counters to look pristine at all times. This picks up stray hairs that would've fallen into the sink making post-shave cleanup a breeze! Promising review: "This is so easy to use. I gave this to the man in my life. He has dark hair and a beard. This catches all the clippings, and clean up is a breeze. He loves it!" —3GIRLSMOMPrice: $6.99+ (available in two colors) A pocket-size fill-in-the-blank journal, because although your padre may seem like they're all about fun and games, you know that they're a softie at heart. All you have to do is fill in the things you love about your dad and they'll have a gift that they'll treasure forever. Promising review: "This book is very small, but holds a great impact. It is small enough to fit on your hand. I wrote it all up and gave it to my dad for Christmas. It totally melted his heart, I could tell. ❤️ Get it! Worth every penny." —AlyssaPrice: $9.95 A Flair lever espresso machine that can make espresso shots for all your dad's cappuccino, latte, or affogato needs! This is fully human-powered with just as much pressure as a standard espresso machine, and it's a fave amongst niche coffee lovers for its ability to pull a smooth, creamy shot of espresso in a flash. Plus, it's a total conversation starter, which is great if your dad hosts a ton! Promising reviews: "I've owned handpresso and minipresso, tried staresso and many of those actually produced real espresso. Strong coffee, that's what they put out and it's better than weak coffee if that's the alternative — but no more! Flair makes espresso as good or better than most home machines available, and for far less money! More impressively, it delivers the most reliable and consistent results you'll ever find with an espresso machine." —Consumer Joe"I bought this as a gift for my husband, an avid coffee lover. He loves it. It makes wonderful espresso. You have to tinker with the grind, water levels, and pressure just a bit to get things the way you want them. But it's well worth it." —BrigidPrice: $229 A recovery bath soak to help with muscle recovery. This'll help soothe your padre's aching muscles whether they're coming in after a long day at work, recovering from an intense workout, or are trying to minimize the aches from the hike they went on. Promising review: "I am a heavy lifter and am often sore, and this stuff comes to the rescue! I mix in warm water and apply it with a washcloth to the sore area, and the next morning it feels 100% better. 10/10 recommend." —Samantha SandsPrice: $25.95+ (available in six sizes, six scents, and unscented) A Hexclad nonstick pan that your foodie father will thank you for time and time again. This'll create a juicy steak, chicken thighs, or lamb chops — and since it's nonstick, it can also work for soft scrambled eggs! Promising review: "As a career chef, I know pans and am particular about the ones I have at home. After trying one at the kids' house, I started with a fry pan. Nothing I've used, including the best cast iron, combines all the qualities you need in cookware. Matched in heaven with clarified butter, these pans brown faster, more evenly, and with a lower heat setting than all others. I quickly bought the whole set. They even simmer water at a lower temp than fancy brands. Very little sticks, they clean quickly and easily, and seem to dry themselves if rinsed with hot water. Highly recommended." —RoyPrice: $109+ (available in five sizes and with or without a lid) A pack of waterproof playing cards, because what's better than poker night with friends? Poker night by a pool. If your dad loves anything that keeps their cards safe while playing in the yard or at the beach — or just wants something that survives water rings from their drinks — then this gift will basically be like winning the jackpot. Promising review: "Great set of cards for summer nights and outdoor play. The waterproof feature is great…condensation from drinks leave tables wet from time to time. No worries these cards will get ruined." —MelissaPrice: $6.97 A quick-dry swim tee if papadukes can't go a day without some fun sports! This shirt is equipped with UPF 50 to further prevent any burning on their back and shoulders while they ride their Jet Ski around the lake or go deep-sea fishing. If your dad is more about being on the land than in the water, many hikers also love using this shirt to prevent sunburn! Promising review: "Cool and comfortable, using this to protect myself from the sun and allergens while doing yard work. The shirt is extremely lightweight and comfortable, dries fast, and protects from the elements. Highly recommend for the price. : )" —VinetimePrice: $19.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL, in two-packs, and 22 colors) A pair of meat shredder claws that will become a talking piece whenever your dad makes a roast for their pals. They can use this to shred anything from smoked meats during BBQs or simple chicken breasts on a week night. A fun mug if you grew up with your dad telling you "...I am your father." This'll be a hoot for any dad whose two favorite things are Star Wars and their kids. Promising review: "This Yoda 'Best Dad Ever' mug is a fantastic gift for any dad, whether they're a Star Wars fan or not! It was packaged well, arrived in perfect condition, and shipped quickly. The design looks amazing, and the quality is excellent. A great choice for any birthday, holiday, or special occasion!" —MarcoPrice: $11.99 A ceramic folding griddle so your dad can enjoy a freshly-made smash burger without having to go through the process of firing up the Blackstone in the backyard. This griddle has two temperature zones (perfect for cooking food or simply keeping food warm), a dishwasher-safe drip tray, and a non-stick surface! And! Once they're done griddling up the perfect brekkie, they can easily store this in their kitchen cabinets.
Time Business News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Coffee Machine for Your Needs
Coffee is more than a beverage—it's a daily ritual, a productivity booster, and a comfort drink. Whether you're a casual sipper or a true aficionado, having the right coffee machine at home or work can elevate your coffee experience. But with the wide variety of options available, choosing the right coffee machine can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the different types of coffee machines, what to look for when buying one, and how to choose the best fit based on your lifestyle and preferences. Before diving into features and functions, it's essential to understand the different types of coffee machines available on the market. Drip coffee makers are one of the most common types of machines, especially in homes and offices. They work by dripping hot water over ground coffee placed in a filter, letting gravity do the work. They're ideal for brewing multiple cups of coffee in one go. Best for: People who need several cups at once or want a no-fuss, classic coffee experience. These machines use pre-packaged coffee pods or capsules. You insert a pod, press a button, and the machine takes care of the rest. Brands like Keurig and Nespresso have popularized this category. Best for: Convenience lovers, busy mornings, and households with different taste preferences. Espresso machines come in various forms—from manual to semi-automatic and fully automatic. They force pressurized hot water through finely-ground coffee to produce a concentrated shot of espresso. Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy espresso, cappuccinos, or lattes. While technically not a machine, the French press deserves mention. It's a manual brewing method that uses immersion and a plunger system. Best for: Coffee purists who like bold, rich coffee with more oils and sediment. Pour-over setups like the Chemex or Hario V60 require you to manually pour hot water over coffee grounds in a filter. It's a more involved brewing method that gives you control over every variable. Best for: Those who enjoy a meditative coffee-making process and want more control over flavor. When shopping for a coffee machine, your choice shouldn't just be based on price or brand. Think about your lifestyle, preferences, and the following key features. Consider how much coffee you drink in one sitting. A single-serve machine is great for solo drinkers, while a drip coffee maker with a 12-cup carafe is ideal for families or office settings. Do you want to press a button and go, or are you okay with manually grinding beans and timing pours? Automated machines are ideal for convenience, while manual ones give you a hands-on experience. Some machines let you customize everything from water temperature to brew strength and even milk frothing. If you're particular about flavor, this feature will be important. Coffee machines come in all shapes and sizes. Make sure to check dimensions and match them with your available counter space before buying. Machines with removable parts and built-in cleaning cycles make life easier. Consider how often you're willing to clean your machine and how easy it is to find replacement parts or pods. There's a wide price range for coffee machines—from under $30 for a French press to over $1,000 for high-end espresso machines. Consider both the initial investment and ongoing costs (pods, filters, beans, etc.). It's one thing to like how a coffee machine looks or how many features it offers, but it's even more important that it fits your actual routine. Time is of the essence, and convenience is key. A single-serve pod machine or a programmable drip coffee maker with a timer will ensure you wake up to fresh coffee with minimal effort. A simple French press or pour-over setup is budget-friendly and doesn't sacrifice flavor. It also saves space in dorms or small apartments. If you appreciate craft and quality, an espresso machine with a built-in grinder or a manual lever espresso setup can offer the ultimate experience. Consider machines that allow temperature control, pre-infusion settings, and milk frothing. Also, if you are interested to know more about coffee machine NZ, you can checkout this site. Opt for a drip coffee maker with a large carafe or a dual-brew machine that offers both single-serve and full-pot options. It'll keep everyone happy without multiple brewing rounds. If you love hosting guests, a machine that can brew multiple cups quickly or offers a variety of beverages (espresso, cappuccino, regular coffee) will make entertaining effortless and enjoyable. Regardless of the machine you choose, your coffee's quality starts with the beans. Invest in freshly roasted, high-quality beans suited to your brewing method. Espresso machines do best with dark roasts and fine grinds. do best with dark roasts and fine grinds. Drip coffee makers thrive on medium grinds and medium roasts. thrive on medium grinds and medium roasts. French press and pour-over methods benefit from coarser grinds and light to medium roasts. A burr grinder is highly recommended for consistent results, especially if you want to control grind size based on the method used. When choosing a machine, going with a reputable brand can make a difference in durability, support, and quality. Some well-known and trusted names include: Breville : Known for high-end espresso machines with excellent features. : Known for high-end espresso machines with excellent features. Keurig : A leader in single-serve pod systems. : A leader in single-serve pod systems. Nespresso : Offers high-quality espresso with premium pods. : Offers high-quality espresso with premium pods. Cuisinart : Reliable for drip coffee makers with customizable features. : Reliable for drip coffee makers with customizable features. De'Longhi : Great for affordable espresso machines and cappuccino makers. : Great for affordable espresso machines and cappuccino makers. Technivorm Moccamaster: A favorite among coffee snobs for perfect drip brews. A coffee machine is more than just an appliance—it's a daily companion. Finding the right one involves understanding your habits, space, budget, and taste preferences. Whether you're after convenience, control, or café-style drinks at home, there's a coffee machine out there for you. To Learn more about delonghi coffee machine nz, visit the page. Invest time in research, read reviews, and don't hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect brewing partner. Great coffee begins with the right equipment—and once you find yours, your mornings will never be the same. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
NDTV
14-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Easy Methods of Brewing Coffee You Can Try at Home
For many, coffee is more than just a beverage - it's a daily ritual, a comfort, and sometimes, a small but essential joy. While cafes offer expertly crafted brews, there's something deeply satisfying about making your own coffee at home. Fortunately, you don't need expensive equipment or barista training to enjoy a good cup. Here are some easy and accessible methods of brewing coffee at home, each offering a unique flavour profile and experience. Here Are 5 Ways To Brew Coffee At Home 1. Pour Over The pour-over method is a favourite among coffee purists. It involves pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee in a cone-shaped dripper lined with a paper filter. Gravity does the work, drawing the water through the grounds and filtering into your cup or carafe. Why try it? It allows for precise control over water temperature and brewing time, which helps highlight the subtle flavours in single-origin beans. All you need is a dripper (like a V60 or Chemex), filters, and a kettle. Tip: Use medium-coarse coffee grounds and pour slowly in a circular motion for an even extraction. 2. French Press The French press, or cafetiere, is a timeless, fuss-free method perfect for those who enjoy bold, full-bodied coffee. Ground coffee is steeped in hot water for several minutes before being pressed down with a plunger to separate the grounds. Why try it? This method retains more of the coffee's natural oils, resulting in a richer, more robust flavour. It's also easy to use and clean. Tip: Use coarsely ground coffee to avoid sediment in your cup and let it brew for about 4 minutes before plunging. 3. AeroPress Compact and versatile, the AeroPress is a modern favourite that's great for travellers and home brewers alike. It uses air pressure to push water through coffee grounds, producing a strong and smooth cup in under two minutes. Why try it? It's incredibly quick and allows for experimentation. You can make espresso-style coffee, Americanos, or even cold brews with the right tweaks. Tip: Try the "inverted method" for a stronger brew and use medium-fine grounds. 4. Cold Brew Ideal for warmer days, cold brew is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-18 hours. The result is a smooth, mellow drink that's low in acidity and can be served over ice or with milk. Why try it? It's incredibly refreshing and stays good in the fridge for up to a week. Best of all, it's almost impossible to mess up. Tip: Use a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio for a concentrate you can dilute later, depending on your taste. Here's how to make the perfect cold brew. 5. Moka Pot Also known as a stovetop espresso maker, the Moka pot brews strong, espresso-like coffee by passing boiling water pressurised by steam through coffee grounds. Why try it? It's affordable, produces a bold cup, and gives you a cafe-style experience right from your hob. Tip: Use fine grounds (but not too fine) and keep an eye on the heat - too high and you risk burning the coffee. Brewing coffee at home doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you prefer the clarity of pour-over, the strength of a Moka pot, or the smoothness of cold brew, there's a method to suit every taste and schedule. So, grab your favourite beans and start experimenting.
