Guides

Guides that pull together knowledge from across the site and walk you through it step by step - from your first good cup to a considered choice of gear, origin and method.

A closed notebook tied with string next to a terracotta dripper brewing coffee into a glass server and a green cup

Each guide is a self-contained whole: specific gear with ballpark prices, ratios and temperatures to try right away, and answers to the questions every beginner asks. Instead of theory - a plan you can act on this weekend.

If you're just starting out, read in order: first how to start with specialty, then choosing a grinder and brewing methods. Prefer a shortcut? The method-matching quiz points to 1-2 methods that fit you in five questions. Once the gear is on your counter, the guides to varieties and African coffees help you choose beans with intention, and water for coffee closes the last percent of quality.

All guides