Which coffee maker should you buy? Choosing a method for how you drink coffee
In this guide
This guide is about the method — the brewer, not the coffee. If you're looking for how to choose beans, origin or roast, we have a dedicated guide for that: how to choose specialty coffee. Here we answer the other question: V60, French press, moka pot, espresso or AeroPress — which one suits you?
Your brewer changes the result more than you think
The same coffee, just as fresh, can taste clean and floral in a V60, chocolatey with dense body in a moka pot, or silky and rounded in a French press. There's no "best" brewer in the abstract — there's the best one for your routine, your palate and the time you want to spend on it.
Quick comparison
| Method | Body | Time | Difficulty | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V60 (filter) | Light, clean | 3-4 min | Medium (takes practice) | Floral/fruity notes, a slow after-lunch cup |
| Moka pot | Dense, intense | 5-8 min | Low | Full-bodied, espresso-style coffee, daily routine |
| French press | Very dense, full-bodied | 4-5 min | Very low | Relaxed coffee, silky texture, never thin or watery |
| Espresso (machine) | Concentrated, with crema | 1-2 min | High (learning curve) | Real espresso, cortados, milk drinks |
| AeroPress | Versatile (adjustable) | 2-3 min | Low | Travel, the office, a clean and quick result |
V60: if you enjoy the ritual and a clean cup
Drip extraction through a paper filter: it highlights acidity and fruity/floral notes, with a light body. You need a dripper (we use the Hario Ceramic V60 Kit) and paper filters. Full guide: how to brew coffee with a V60.
Moka pot: if you want body and intensity without the fuss
The most common option in Spanish homes: dense body, chocolate/roasty notes and practically no learning curve. We have the Bialetti 3-cup Moka Pot available. Full guide: how to brew coffee with a moka pot.
French press: if you're after silky body and zero complication
No paper filter, so it keeps more of the coffee's oils: a dense, rounded texture. It's the method with the fewest steps of all. Full guide: how to brew coffee in a French press.
Espresso: if you already have a machine (or are thinking of buying one)
The method with the steepest learning curve and the most versatility (straight, cortado, with milk). If you don't have a machine, the moka pot is the closest realistic alternative at home. Full guide: how to make espresso at home.
AeroPress: if you travel or are short on space
Light, versatile and quick to clean — a great second brewer to take travelling or to the office. Full guide: how to make coffee with an AeroPress.
Which one should you choose for your situation?
- You live alone and have little time in the morning: moka pot or AeroPress.
- You like to take your time over coffee: V60 or French press.
- You want something close to coffee-shop espresso without an expensive machine: moka pot.
- You travel or have a small office: AeroPress.
- You already have the budget for an espresso machine: espresso — and take the chance to try café con leche too: café con leche guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does the brewer matter more than the coffee?
Both matter, but for beginners the right brewer and grind usually make a bigger immediate difference than the coffee's origin. Once you've mastered the method, origin and roast are next in line to make a difference — that's where our guide to choosing specialty coffee comes in.
Do I need a precision scale?
It's not essential but it helps a lot, especially with a V60. If you're starting out with a moka pot or French press, measured spoonfuls are enough at first.
Which brewer is best for beginners?
Moka pot or French press: they leave the least room for error and give good results almost from the very first time.
Can I use the same coffee in every brewer?
Yes, but with a different grind for each method (coarser for French press, medium for V60/moka pot, very fine for espresso). Choose your grind when you buy: our coffees such as Inga or Brasil Cataguá come with a grind specific to each method.
