{ "generated": "2026-11-02", "method": "HN comments from the Algolia HN Search API, filtered locally, recommendations extracted by Claude, quotes verified verbatim, ranked by unique recommenders with a small recency boost.", "stats": { "comments_scanned": 149806, "candidate_comments": 15147, "recommendations": 6403, "recommenders": 2969, "distinct_items": 1441, "first_year": 2007, "last_year": 2026 }, "items": [ { "rank": 1, "name": "AeroPress", "cat": "brewer", "score": 456.71, "recommenders": 394, "comments": 490, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Get yourself a moka pot, aeropress or French press. Fantastic coffee for very cheap.", "author": "nchmy", "id": 47889620, "year": 2026, "story": "Habitual coffee intake shapes the microbiome, modifies physiology and cognition" }, { "text": "Id recommend you get yourself an aeropress. It uses a paper filter, and the coffee tastes magnificent, similar to french press for the dark roasts I love.", "author": "ImprovedSilence", "id": 26575676, "year": 2021, "story": "The world is facing a coffee deficit" } ] }, { "rank": 2, "name": "French press", "cat": "brewer", "score": 296.29, "recommenders": 255, "comments": 300, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "French press and v60. Coffee became a ritual I look forward to, not something I drink to achieve a goal.", "author": "nicbou", "id": 46644642, "year": 2026, "story": "Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?" }, { "text": "The coffee was much better, with a creamy taste and mouthfeel that I'd never experienced before in the beverage, so I didn't bother replacing the drip machine.", "author": "throwanem", "id": 26574751, "year": 2021, "story": "The world is facing a coffee deficit" } ] }, { "rank": 3, "name": "Moka pot", "cat": "brewer", "score": 203.93, "recommenders": 172, "comments": 208, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "If you want to save money get a Moka pot instead of that Keurig garbage.", "author": "jimbokun", "id": 45904636, "year": 2025, "story": "The last-ever penny will be minted today in Philadelphia" }, { "text": "I use a regular mokka pot, on an induction stove it literally takes <60s to boil, the whole thing is made out of stainless steel so takes 5 seconds to rinse and use again.", "author": "gambiting", "id": 22764370, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 4, "name": "Pour over", "cat": "method", "score": 185.84, "recommenders": 158, "comments": 188, "first": 2011, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "A pourover is quick and easy if you wing it on the measurements, timing, etc. As long as the beans are decent and freshly ground, the result is still miles better than the cheap stuff even when I flub the temperature or timing.", "author": "ThrowawayR2", "id": 46772050, "year": 2026, "story": "Why I Love Cheap Coffee" }, { "text": "If you havent tried the classic pour overs with freshly ground specialty coffee, I would really recommend it. I used to be an espresso guy, but now I only drink filters.", "author": "freefrag", "id": 27370131, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 5, "name": "Cold brew", "cat": "method", "score": 184.41, "recommenders": 158, "comments": 191, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "The thing that's also nice about cold brew is that it's one of the most approachable ways to make a really good coffee.", "author": "SOLAR_FIELDS", "id": 43978827, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee for people who don't like coffee" }, { "text": "I've been trying cold brewing my coffee lately, and I'm liking it a lot. No warm cup in the morning, but it tastes good and I can make it in large batches over the weekend.", "author": "munchbunny", "id": 22762733, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 6, "name": "Freshly roasted beans", "cat": "method", "score": 179.34, "recommenders": 155, "comments": 176, "first": 2007, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Good beans will last more than 2 weeks, but yes-just as you wouldn't judge all sushi based on gas station sushi, we shouldn't judge coffee based on months-old pre-ground grocery store roasts.", "author": "bensyverson", "id": 47719410, "year": 2026, "story": "The effects of caffeine consumption do not decay with a ~5 hour half-life" }, { "text": "People have mentioned the grind and the strategy for brewing, but the freshness of the beans is a big deal. Look for brands with a \"roast date\" instead of a \"best by\" date.", "author": "nnlsoccer", "id": 26988939, "year": 2021, "story": "Coffee drinkers display a distinct pattern of brain functional connectivity" } ] }, { "rank": 7, "name": "Grinding fresh", "cat": "method", "score": 139.28, "recommenders": 120, "comments": 129, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I'm not a coffee nerd at all, but getting a whole bean that you like from a reputable (local if possible) roaster and grinding it yourself is pretty easy and you get coffee that's considerably better than grocery store ground coffee.", "author": "ok_dad", "id": 43562853, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffea stenophylla: A forgotten bean that could save coffee from extinction" }, { "text": "Whole bean coffee, properly stored, can keep in the pantry for months. Once the coffee is ground, it starts losing its aromatic qualities within hours (even if you are storing it in an airtight, opaque container).", "author": "AdmiralAsshat", "id": 22258273, "year": 2020, "story": "Ask HN: What are some example of low tech improving your life?" } ] }, { "rank": 8, "name": "Espresso machine", "cat": "brewer", "score": 133.47, "recommenders": 114, "comments": 127, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "It works great. I had always assumed I would regret not buying a super expensive one, but it turns out you can have great espresso for not much money.", "author": "idontwantthis", "id": 46638455, "year": 2026, "story": "Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?" }, { "text": "$600 espresso maker. Used it every day during quarantine. It has already paid for itself and more, and now the average coffee shop latte tastes terrible to me.", "author": "paxys", "id": 27226349, "year": 2021, "story": "Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?" } ] }, { "rank": 9, "name": "Decaf", "cat": "beans", "score": 126.95, "recommenders": 106, "comments": 131, "first": 2011, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "If you're going to drink decaf, be sure to drink decaf prepared via the Swiss water method. It has the least additives, healthiest option and tastes pretty good.", "author": "debt", "id": 39430476, "year": 2024, "story": "The case against caffeine" }, { "text": "If you love coffee, the best alternative to coffee is decaf. If you buy directly from a great roaster, you'll hardly be able to tell the difference.", "author": "morley", "id": 15017050, "year": 2017, "story": "Quitting Caffeine" } ] }, { "rank": 10, "name": "Nespresso", "cat": "brewer", "score": 126.04, "recommenders": 109, "comments": 140, "first": 2007, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "A $.70 Nespresso pod may not match a freshly ground light roast pour over, but to the dreary eyed wage slave just rising to seize the day, the taste consistency and convenience are distinct features.", "author": "koolba", "id": 44624291, "year": 2025, "story": "The bewildering phenomenon of declining quality" }, { "text": "As much as I want to believe a $10k La Marzocco is absolutely essential to good espresso, a $100 Nespresso machine and Kazaar roast is the best espresso I've ever had.", "author": "boris", "id": 22969537, "year": 2020, "story": "How to make pizza like a Neapolitan master" } ] }, { "rank": 11, "name": "Burr grinder", "cat": "grinder", "score": 121.28, "recommenders": 105, "comments": 113, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Buy a reasonably priced burr grinder, an Aeropress or decent pour-over, and some nice quality coffee, and you will be drinking better coffee than 95% of people.", "author": "encom", "id": 47949047, "year": 2026, "story": "Coffee with a splash of physics: how to make the most out of your brew" }, { "text": "The first recommendation I give to people that want to get into brewing better tasting coffee is to get a burr grinder, even a handheld one will do just fine.", "author": "ArchOversight", "id": 27371853, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 12, "name": "Hand grinder", "cat": "grinder", "score": 104.51, "recommenders": 88, "comments": 98, "first": 2010, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "The pourover funnel, filters, and a decent hand grinder are relatively inexpensive and, with only a little practice, the output is as good as any americano produced by the average barista at 1/5 the price per cup.", "author": "ThrowawayR2", "id": 47886010, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" }, { "text": "I also use a hand grinder because, uh, I sorta like the meditative aspect of it. And I do think you can get a higher quality grind for cheaper with manual grinders.", "author": "kitotik", "id": 22763181, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 13, "name": "Hario V60", "cat": "brewer", "score": 90.51, "recommenders": 76, "comments": 82, "first": 2012, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Or a pour over filter (like Kalita Wave or Hario V60) plus a grinder. That's a cheaper setup to start, and an easy way to get a big mug of great coffee.", "author": "distances", "id": 46999876, "year": 2026, "story": "Skip the Tips: A game to select \"No Tip\" but dark patterns try to stop you" }, { "text": "After a decade of drinking turkish (I live in the Balkans) I recently switched to a v60 filter pour-over and I'm not coming back.", "author": "emptyfile", "id": 26578394, "year": 2021, "story": "The world is facing a coffee deficit" } ] }, { "rank": 14, "name": "Chemex", "cat": "brewer", "score": 88.33, "recommenders": 76, "comments": 84, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Try better coffee. Seriously. Get LIGHT-roast beans, grind them yourself, and get a Chemex.", "author": "DidYaWipe", "id": 43298373, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee reduces risk of Type 2 Diabetes; okay to add cream, but not sweetener" }, { "text": "I have a Chemex three cup and I can make one or two cups with it without any timer or scale. It tastes great to me and is really consistent.", "author": "mistahenry", "id": 22764504, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 15, "name": "Home roasting", "cat": "method", "score": 88.29, "recommenders": 76, "comments": 128, "first": 2007, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Instead I have a $600 roaster, a $100 burr grinder, and a $10 Turkish coffee pot that have produced many thousands of good cups of coffee over more than a decade.", "author": "throwup238", "id": 46727051, "year": 2026, "story": "Your app subscription is now my weekend project" }, { "text": "However, as long as you have an oven (and don't live in the immediate vicinity of a local roaster), you'll find that the DIY roasting route gives you 90-110% of the benefit that you get from buying online boutique roasts for store bought prices.", "author": "zhdc1", "id": 27370480, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 16, "name": "James Hoffmann", "cat": "method", "score": 81.93, "recommenders": 68, "comments": 78, "first": 2019, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "James Hoffmanns decaf project proved this for me, and his video about decaf sold me on the idea: decaf drinkers are the OG coffee drinker, drinking it purely for the taste, even without the drug-induced high that caffeine gives you.", "author": "erikrothoff", "id": 46176478, "year": 2025, "story": "Adenosine on the common path of rapid antidepressant action: The coffee paradox" }, { "text": "This YouTube channel is excellent, I don't even brew my own coffee yet the craftsmanship, detail and thought that goes into every video makes them all a delight to watch.", "author": "crispyporkbites", "id": 25117286, "year": 2020, "story": "Why Italians don't drink a cappuccino after 11am [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 17, "name": "Starbucks", "cat": "beans", "score": 76.55, "recommenders": 66, "comments": 69, "first": 2008, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Starbucks solves this problem for me by giving me an experience where I have perhaps a 95% probability of getting a pretty decent cup of coffee.", "author": "dboreham", "id": 37163036, "year": 2023, "story": "DIY Espresso (2020)" }, { "text": "Actually, the tragedy of it is that Starbucks uses pretty good beans. If you buy their brand of beans and make the coffee yourself, you can make a damned good cup of coffee.", "author": "mistercow", "id": 4394242, "year": 2012, "story": "Stop Using The Cup of Coffee vs. $0.99 Cent App Analogy" } ] }, { "rank": 18, "name": "Instant coffee", "cat": "beans", "score": 70.2, "recommenders": 59, "comments": 61, "first": 2007, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "But having been in the military, I'm also perfectly happy drinking instant coffee with some sort of creamer: It's hot, it's caffeinated, it tastes better than water from the canteen.", "author": "gwd", "id": 32133106, "year": 2022, "story": "The case for bad coffee (2015)" }, { "text": "I already prefer instant coffee (sublimated) to the usual coffee machine-grinded bean coffee (it always tastes off for some reason). Instant with milk always tastes perfect.", "author": "Grue3", "id": 13935776, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" } ] }, { "rank": 19, "name": "Keurig", "cat": "brewer", "score": 64.24, "recommenders": 57, "comments": 64, "first": 2009, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "For the price of roughly 2.25 lattes, I can get 10 pods that last me an entire week. It's easier, cheaper, cleaner, and quicker than going to Starbucks or where ever else.", "author": "speedylight", "id": 40218384, "year": 2024, "story": "Starbucks shares sink 8% as same-store sales fall, quarterly results miss" }, { "text": "But I can't tell you how many times popping a pod in the Kuerig as I rushed out the door saved me - and gave me the time to smell other-than-coffee roses.", "author": "brandonmenc", "id": 8241264, "year": 2014, "story": "Keurig competitors crack company's DRM code" } ] }, { "rank": 20, "name": "Drip coffee maker", "cat": "brewer", "score": 62.66, "recommenders": 53, "comments": 56, "first": 2013, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Drip coffee is amazing: A consistent grinder; fresh, light or medium roasted beans protected from oxidation; and a machine that heats the water to the correct brew temperature (190-195 F)is all you need.", "author": "nobodyandproud", "id": 46173612, "year": 2025, "story": "Adenosine on the common path of rapid antidepressant action: The coffee paradox" }, { "text": "People often forget how good a drip brew can be with good-enough coffee and a good-enough grinder. As a bonus it's a very lazy method for brewing as well.", "author": "skrause", "id": 12378351, "year": 2016, "story": "How Your Brain Becomes Addicted to Caffeine" } ] }, { "rank": 21, "name": "Technivorm Moccamaster", "cat": "brewer", "score": 60.36, "recommenders": 50, "comments": 59, "first": 2017, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "If you are keen for a machine and you like it diluted, I recommend the Moccamaster. It's a good-looking classic machine that you could definitely sell.", "author": "michaelhoney", "id": 47896985, "year": 2026, "story": "Habitual coffee intake shapes the microbiome, modifies physiology and cognition" }, { "text": "My no-effort method is to get a technivorm (not cheap, but not super expensive) and run that first thing in the morning with fresh grinds -> Super fast for 3+ people and good quality coffee.", "author": "boringg", "id": 27371955, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 22, "name": "Bialetti Moka Express", "cat": "brewer", "score": 53.29, "recommenders": 45, "comments": 46, "first": 2014, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I have a little bialetti stovetop coffee maker. It's not quite espresso but it's thick and strong, just how I like my legal addictive stimulants.", "author": "na85", "id": 30797854, "year": 2022, "story": "Daily coffee may benefit the heart" }, { "text": "I mainly use two different sized old school Mokka Express aluminum cans from Bialetti. Super cheap (got both for less than 20$) and very small/easy to handle and clean.", "author": "ce4", "id": 14193517, "year": 2017, "story": "Why Juicero’s Press Is So Expensive" } ] }, { "rank": 23, "name": "Rancilio Silvia", "cat": "brewer", "score": 40.37, "recommenders": 35, "comments": 44, "first": 2010, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "My mignon grinder and rancilio silvia set me back 1000$, but I have been using them daily for 4 years to make lattes for my partner and I.", "author": "belval", "id": 41457744, "year": 2024, "story": "Pour over Coffee Got Good" }, { "text": "The best espresso gear ages well, is repairable and is readily available second hand. The machines Rancillio Silva, La Cimbali Junior and the grinders by Mazzer are all readily available and affordable if you are patient.", "author": "lostlogin", "id": 19329924, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 24, "name": "Sweet Maria's", "cat": "beans", "score": 35.79, "recommenders": 31, "comments": 38, "first": 2007, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "SweetMarias.com among many others has an outstanding selection, low cost shipping and good prices. A better selection of beans than any specialty roaster.", "author": "talkingtab", "id": 45617661, "year": 2025, "story": "How America got hooked on ultraprocessed foods" }, { "text": "Sweet Maria's is a great shop and resource for green coffee and roasting.", "author": "evan-arm", "id": 17126830, "year": 2018, "story": "Prices for dried coffee husks are outstripping those for beans" } ] }, { "rank": 25, "name": "Inverted AeroPress", "cat": "method", "score": 35.25, "recommenders": 31, "comments": 35, "first": 2009, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I've never understood the resistance to inverted brewing - with 200g of water, it's trivial to make it work with minimal-to-no risk of an accident upon inversion.", "author": "mft_", "id": 34936891, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "The nicest thing about the inverted method is the consistency of results, because nothing's leaking out during steeping.", "author": "wampus", "id": 9384264, "year": 2015, "story": "How AeroPress Fans Are Hacking Their Way to a Better Cup of Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 26, "name": "Electric kettle", "cat": "accessory", "score": 35.12, "recommenders": 30, "comments": 31, "first": 2012, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "consider investing in a cheap white plastic kettle for $5. Fast and energy efficient way to turn electrical energy into boiling water.", "author": "shoo", "id": 46650705, "year": 2026, "story": "Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?" }, { "text": "Aeropress + an electric kettle == pretty good coffee with roughly the hassle factor of instant.", "author": "geoelectric", "id": 18925435, "year": 2019, "story": "WeWork’s CEO Makes Millions as Landlord to WeWork" } ] }, { "rank": 27, "name": "Flair Espresso", "cat": "brewer", "score": 34.83, "recommenders": 29, "comments": 41, "first": 2018, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Then I put it through a ~$200 Flair espresso machine. It is a manual press, so it has become a fun project/ritual.", "author": "bee_rider", "id": 45742026, "year": 2025, "story": "Tinkering is a way to acquire good taste" }, { "text": "It makes professional grade shots, has no unnecessary waste, and has nothing to really break.", "author": "alpineidyll3", "id": 23885233, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" } ] }, { "rank": 28, "name": "Clever Dripper", "cat": "brewer", "score": 32.39, "recommenders": 27, "comments": 34, "first": 2015, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "If you like a large mug of coffee have a try of the Clever Dripper. Had Aeropress at home and CD at work and eventually bought a CD for home because it's so good.", "author": "jahnu", "id": 46638989, "year": 2026, "story": "Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?" }, { "text": "The Clever Dripper is basically a french press with a #4 filter, so you still get a filtered cup - no sludge (you do miss out on the oils though). It's a foolproof method to a great cup of coffee.", "author": "zipperhead", "id": 22765037, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 29, "name": "Gaggia Classic", "cat": "brewer", "score": 31.87, "recommenders": 27, "comments": 33, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I recently bought the Gaggia Classic Pro coffee machine for this very reason. You can get into and fix anything in this machine in under 5 minutes.", "author": "jaimex2", "id": 39450004, "year": 2024, "story": "The lifespan of large appliances is shrinking" }, { "text": "I think my whole setup was less than $600 and I have never regretted it. It takes some time to dial in your grind but you'll be beating your local barista's shots within a few months (and at a significant discount).", "author": "hanklazard", "id": 19393703, "year": 2019, "story": "A $33K robot barista serves 120 cups of coffee an hour" } ] }, { "rank": 30, "name": "Super-automatic espresso machine", "cat": "brewer", "score": 31.86, "recommenders": 27, "comments": 31, "first": 2013, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "But full-auto coffee machine is easy peasy and I'd say it's 99% of the result (especially with quality grains).", "author": "TacticalCoder", "id": 49508012, "year": 2026, "story": "Damn fine tiny cafe" }, { "text": "If you're really into coffee get a superautomatic machine. Best coffee I've ever had, instant and with zero effort.", "author": "kaoD", "id": 22218841, "year": 2020, "story": "The cup-of-coffee pricing fallacy" } ] }, { "rank": 31, "name": "Ethiopian coffee", "cat": "beans", "score": 29.05, "recommenders": 25, "comments": 29, "first": 2011, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "That coffee was Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. This particular one had its own distinct, subtle sweetness that hit the spot for me and was part of a basically-daily feel-good routine for years until their roaster stopped selling it.", "author": "ssl-3", "id": 46178122, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee linked to slower biological ageing among those with severe mental illness" }, { "text": "In the meantime, I will have to content myself with our home-roasted Ethiopian coffee. I love those fruity dry process beans. Yum!", "author": "Stratoscope", "id": 22852200, "year": 2020, "story": "“Mamma Desta” and Ethiopian food in the U.S" } ] }, { "rank": 32, "name": "Light roast", "cat": "beans", "score": 28.88, "recommenders": 24, "comments": 24, "first": 2017, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "For real though, light roasts and a couple different beans and you'll really be able to taste the differences. I'm not talking subtle either.", "author": "iamthepieman", "id": 34930686, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "As a general rule in coffee, light roasts have a variety of tastes and dark ones are just bitter.", "author": "lostlogin", "id": 18264118, "year": 2018, "story": "So You Want to Open a Small Press Bookstore/Artist-Run Space? A Cautionary Tale" } ] }, { "rank": 33, "name": "Breville Barista Express", "cat": "brewer", "score": 28.36, "recommenders": 24, "comments": 25, "first": 2016, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I've had a Breville Barista Express model for years and it's been perfect. Daily use (4-8 doubles), easy to clean, very consistent shots.", "author": "agarren", "id": 41525105, "year": 2024, "story": "DiyPresso: DIY Espresso Machine" }, { "text": "I've got a Breville espresso maker (one of their \"Barista Express\" models) and the boilers warm up in about 20-30 seconds (i.e. by the time you grind and tamp, it's ready to go).", "author": "ceejayoz", "id": 18719708, "year": 2018, "story": "K-Cup creator John Sylvan regrets inventing Keurig coffee pod system" } ] }, { "rank": 34, "name": "McDonald's", "cat": "beans", "score": 27.82, "recommenders": 24, "comments": 24, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "McDonalds in my country, Australia, has superb coffee. They have fresh-from-whole bean espresso machines in every store -- Often as part of a McCafe with a dedicated barista.", "author": "satori99", "id": 21910987, "year": 2019, "story": "McDonald's holds communities together (2016)" }, { "text": "My favorite vendor is McDonalds; although I can appreciate a pour over at the local hipster joint.", "author": "budman1", "id": 49145748, "year": 2026, "story": "The Case for Bad Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 35, "name": "Your local roaster", "cat": "beans", "score": 27.33, "recommenders": 23, "comments": 24, "first": 2011, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "OK but really if you want good coffee dont go to national corporate chains go to your local roaster is is passionate about good coffee. Always better.", "author": "MeImCounting", "id": 38955037, "year": 2024, "story": "Meta unlawfully ignores the users' right to easily withdraw consent: complaint" }, { "text": "I have a few good sources of coffee I use, but I prefer the local roaster. I do so because we can engage and he'll recommend a new coffee because he knows it's a match to my preferences.", "author": "hvidgaard", "id": 14438077, "year": 2017, "story": "Coffee from California" } ] }, { "rank": 36, "name": "Turkish coffee", "cat": "method", "score": 26.38, "recommenders": 23, "comments": 26, "first": 2010, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I just prefer the taste and it reminds me more of Turkish coffee, which is my favorite way of preparation.", "author": "keiferski", "id": 45743442, "year": 2025, "story": "Tinkering is a way to acquire good taste" }, { "text": "I actually enjoy the bits of coffee bean in french press coffee. Same as with turkish coffee which I also enjoy.", "author": "freetime2", "id": 22763196, "year": 2020, "story": "The Invention of the AeroPress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 37, "name": "Paper filters", "cat": "accessory", "score": 25.75, "recommenders": 22, "comments": 25, "first": 2009, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "A year's supply of paper aeropress filters weighs about 1.4 oz. This is significantly less paper than a single Monday New York Times, so if you've ever read a paper newspaper, you've eco-sinned more than drinking a year of aeropress.", "author": "SamBam", "id": 37346506, "year": 2023, "story": "CT scans of coffee-making equipment" }, { "text": "I use paper filters because it makes cleanup a breeze. Interesting to know there is a health benefit.", "author": "stephengillie", "id": 17593166, "year": 2018, "story": "Coffee drinking inversely associated with mortality" } ] }, { "rank": 38, "name": "Blue Bottle", "cat": "beans", "score": 25.62, "recommenders": 23, "comments": 23, "first": 2010, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "In terms of beans, I usually go for Blue Bottle (Three Africas is always a solid option, also their holiday Oakland Lights blend is really good right now).", "author": "s_m", "id": 15898711, "year": 2017, "story": "Ask HN: How do you brew your coffee?" }, { "text": "I'm also lucky here in downtown SF to be close to a number of Blue Bottle outlets and other fine local coffee establishments.", "author": "dotBen", "id": 1518700, "year": 2010, "story": "Coders guide to good coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 39, "name": "Cafelat Robot", "cat": "brewer", "score": 24.37, "recommenders": 20, "comments": 23, "first": 2020, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I've pulled a few thousand cups of long espresso from this guy since we bought it two years ago. Much, much nicer and lower maintenance than a boiler machine.", "author": "moab", "id": 46569157, "year": 2026, "story": "Alien: Braun Aromaster KF 20 Coffee Makers (2012)" }, { "text": "It makes awesome shots, it's super easy to clean, and it's just really fun to feel the tactile feedback you can get when you're brewing a shot manually, because you can re-adjust your pressure on the fly to make the shot come out how you want it.", "author": "sudosteph", "id": 27222298, "year": 2021, "story": "Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?" } ] }, { "rank": 40, "name": "Breville", "cat": "brewer", "score": 23.68, "recommenders": 20, "comments": 21, "first": 2012, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I have a breville burr grinder that i've used every day for the last 15 years and i've only cleaned it maybe 3 times?", "author": "natebc", "id": 46569248, "year": 2026, "story": "Alien: Braun Aromaster KF 20 Coffee Makers (2012)" }, { "text": "I spent $700 on the breville machine and it makes far better coffee than the $2000 fully automatic machine at work that has to be disassembled almost daily to avoid mould build up which no one does.", "author": "foxpurple", "id": 27639006, "year": 2021, "story": "Just 2% of workers at VMware showed up for the first day of in-person work" } ] }, { "rank": 41, "name": "Filtered water", "cat": "accessory", "score": 23.58, "recommenders": 20, "comments": 20, "first": 2009, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "The most important thing I found was not to use municipal water. Bean quality is far less important than water quality. Great beans and city water is undrinkable.", "author": "droithomme", "id": 22220838, "year": 2020, "story": "The cup-of-coffee pricing fallacy" }, { "text": "Actually, I'm surprised that nobody else has mentioned the importance of water. My cheap carafe filter makes a huge difference even to my relatively insensitive palate.", "author": "dkarl", "id": 620949, "year": 2009, "story": "A Coder's Guide to Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 42, "name": "Kitchen scale", "cat": "accessory", "score": 23.55, "recommenders": 20, "comments": 22, "first": 2013, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Weighs tenths of a gram (something you definitely want for coffee) and is quite rugged - have dropped it on the floor more than once", "author": "Stratoscope", "id": 9589644, "year": 2015, "story": "An Analysis of Nespresso" }, { "text": "Truly you could be making great coffee at home with <$75 of equipment. Gram scale, eBay secondhand conical hand grinder, department store kettle, pourover funnel, filters.", "author": "0_____0", "id": 45909370, "year": 2025, "story": "The last-ever penny will be minted today in Philadelphia" } ] }, { "rank": 43, "name": "Jura", "cat": "brewer", "score": 23.32, "recommenders": 20, "comments": 25, "first": 2010, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "It's an incredible piece of Swiss engineering and such a stark contrast to the world of disposable personal electronics I'm used to. Best $800 I ever spent on a machine.", "author": "solardev", "id": 43681110, "year": 2025, "story": "Ask HN: What is the oldest thing you own that you still use?" }, { "text": "Jura is the Apple of coffee, in my opinion. Swiss engineering, superb minimalist design, and fantastic coffee.", "author": "atombender", "id": 24645374, "year": 2020, "story": "OB–4 – Portable high fidelity loudspeaker" } ] }, { "rank": 44, "name": "Baratza", "cat": "grinder", "score": 22.64, "recommenders": 19, "comments": 22, "first": 2017, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "The machines are good for what they are, but their service (what they pride themselves on) is exceptional in my experience.", "author": "bch", "id": 41533999, "year": 2024, "story": "DiyPresso: DIY Espresso Machine" }, { "text": "But instead I found the small plastic part on Baratza's website and successfully repaired my grinder. It cost me $8 and 20 minutes of my time.", "author": "artursapek", "id": 20234120, "year": 2019, "story": "Support for right-to-repair laws slowly grows" } ] }, { "rank": 45, "name": "Popcorn popper roasting", "cat": "accessory", "score": 22.07, "recommenders": 19, "comments": 23, "first": 2010, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I started with a popcorn roaster I bought second-hand for €10. Those work already surprisingly well, but will spread chaff (the thin membrane around the bean) around the house.", "author": "hanslub42", "id": 34934992, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "Get a hot-air popcorn popper. A $3 one from Goodwill (thrift shop / flea market) will do, so long as the heating chamber is metal.", "author": "ctdonath", "id": 8145239, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 46, "name": "Mr. Coffee", "cat": "brewer", "score": 21.08, "recommenders": 18, "comments": 18, "first": 2010, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I've been using my $20 Mr. Coffee for like 5 years now without an issue, still makes coffee and more than likely will for a long time.", "author": "somehnguy", "id": 49135032, "year": 2026, "story": "Increasing the lifespan of a bulb makes it worse in every other way" }, { "text": "With the same Mr. Coffee drip coffee maker I've used for the past 15 years or so.", "author": "mindcrime", "id": 26531338, "year": 2021, "story": "Ask HN: How do you make/get your coffee whilst WFH?" } ] }, { "rank": 47, "name": "Philz Coffee", "cat": "beans", "score": 20.08, "recommenders": 18, "comments": 19, "first": 2008, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "Philz was the first place where I could actually taste the difference in flavors between the different beans. I think it's because they don't burn their beans like Starbucks does.", "author": "aeontech", "id": 16402288, "year": 2018, "story": "California-Grown Coffee Is Becoming the State's Next Gold Mine" }, { "text": "I'm a big fan of Philz, and pourover in general, but there aren't really pour over coffee shops in my area and I'd rather keep it that way than import more Californians.", "author": "fallowkevin", "id": 34559663, "year": 2023, "story": "There's no whiskey in mini bottles of Fireball, so customers are suing for fraud" } ] }, { "rank": 48, "name": "Weighing coffee", "cat": "method", "score": 19.78, "recommenders": 17, "comments": 19, "first": 2012, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "For espresso it's vitally important. One extra gram of coffee takes it from smooth, sweet and acidic to being extremely bitter and unpleasant.", "author": "Gigachad", "id": 30476083, "year": 2022, "story": "The chemistry of cold-brew coffee is so hot (2020)" }, { "text": "1. Get a pair of digital scales (learn to use the tare button) and spend half an hour making coffee of different strengths. Decide which you prefer and then always use that coffee to water ratio when you make it.", "author": "kaolinite", "id": 9588826, "year": 2015, "story": "An Analysis of Nespresso" } ] }, { "rank": 49, "name": "Reusable K-Cup filter", "cat": "accessory", "score": 19.46, "recommenders": 17, "comments": 19, "first": 2014, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "Bought $7 reusable pods on Amazon which make it slightly less convenient but environmental friendly and cheaper", "author": "id00", "id": 38550357, "year": 2023, "story": "K-Cup creator John Sylvan regrets inventing Keurig coffee pod system (2015)" }, { "text": "I used to have a Keurig but instead had a refillable filter - instead of pods I just filled the filter with whatever coffee I wanted. Still super convenient, easy for just one cup of coffee, no waste.", "author": "canadianwriter", "id": 18718289, "year": 2018, "story": "K-Cup creator John Sylvan regrets inventing Keurig coffee pod system" } ] }, { "rank": 50, "name": "Robusta", "cat": "beans", "score": 19.13, "recommenders": 16, "comments": 17, "first": 2017, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "I typically use a 30/70 blend (30% arabica, 70% robusta) from an artisanal roaster in Helsinki for my espresso. It's the cheapest one they have, but for espresso (and derived drinks), it's by far the best, imo.", "author": "tincholio", "id": 34720675, "year": 2023, "story": "The Underdog Coffee Bean That Java Snobs Hate Is Finally Getting Some Respect" }, { "text": "I also think arabica varieties are overrated in general, and a good blend that includes a robusta, with its excellent crema-producing properties, is almost always a better cup.", "author": "Baeocystin", "id": 14437833, "year": 2017, "story": "Coffee from California" } ] }, { "rank": 51, "name": "Baratza Encore", "cat": "grinder", "score": 19.09, "recommenders": 16, "comments": 17, "first": 2014, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "Baratza Encore burr grinder! I might upgrade soon, but it's served me incredibly well for a year.", "author": "brailsafe", "id": 34282251, "year": 2023, "story": "Ask HN: What sub $200 product improved your 2022" }, { "text": "Anecdotal, but if anyone is looking for a good coffee grinder that doesn't break the bank, can't say enough good things about my Baratza Encore. 10+ years of near daily use.", "author": "dcchambers", "id": 38790275, "year": 2023, "story": "Generation Junk" } ] }, { "rank": 52, "name": "1Zpresso", "cat": "grinder", "score": 18.13, "recommenders": 15, "comments": 17, "first": 2020, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Excellent build quality and grind for the money. A joy to use every morning and I expect it will last a long time.", "author": "atchoo", "id": 34279673, "year": 2023, "story": "Ask HN: What sub $200 product improved your 2022" }, { "text": "1zpresso grinders are fantastic and (as you said earlier) a buy-it-for-life thing.", "author": "SECProto", "id": 34942553, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 53, "name": "La Marzocco", "cat": "brewer", "score": 16.75, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 16, "first": 2014, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "My reply is always that it was the best money I've ever spent and the worst investment I've ever made. It's a lifestyle choice, and a questionable one at that. But one I'd make again every time given the opportunity.", "author": "seemaze", "id": 47885805, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" }, { "text": "Recently bought this piece of hardware, you can but a lot of good coffee instead, but it is an amazing machine that produce really great coffee:", "author": "zaat", "id": 27370555, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 54, "name": "Dark roast", "cat": "beans", "score": 16.64, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 15, "first": 2011, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Dark roast coffee is less acidic, and when made into an espresso + texturised milk drink it becomes very sweet and smooth tasting.", "author": "iamthemonster", "id": 43980440, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee for people who don't like coffee" }, { "text": "I admittedly tend to use darker roasts when I make coffee at home as well.", "author": "ghaff", "id": 18263942, "year": 2018, "story": "So You Want to Open a Small Press Bookstore/Artist-Run Space? A Cautionary Tale" } ] }, { "rank": 55, "name": "Metal filter", "cat": "accessory", "score": 16.57, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 15, "first": 2018, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "Having tried many different methods, I've settled on using a stainless filter and brew into a measuring cup and let it settle out for a minute or 2. It's easy, and not worried about putting so much pressure on the rim of a mug with boiling liquid.", "author": "ledgerdev", "id": 36536124, "year": 2023, "story": "Microwaved plastic containers release microplastics into food" }, { "text": "I bought the metal screen filters off of amazon for cheap. Far better than the paper filters.", "author": "latchkey", "id": 18479678, "year": 2018, "story": "The Invention of the Aeropress (2014)" } ] }, { "rank": 56, "name": "De'Longhi", "cat": "brewer", "score": 16.55, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 14, "first": 2015, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I'm just a rookie at making espresso but I would argue my <$100 DeLonghi espresso maker paired with either fresh ground coffee from a local store or illy Coffee from online is at least on par with most chain coffee shops.", "author": "mattferderer", "id": 19330465, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" }, { "text": "Our espresso machine (De'Longhi) makes cold brew in like a minute or two. Brilliant.", "author": "petre", "id": 48574998, "year": 2026, "story": "Making espresso with ultrasound" } ] }, { "rank": 57, "name": "Intelligentsia", "cat": "beans", "score": 16.45, "recommenders": 15, "comments": 17, "first": 2010, "last": 2022, "quotes": [ { "text": "For brighter, more citrus-y coffee (Intelligentsia brand excels at these lighter ones), I favor the pourover or Aeropress method to really highlight the fruity notes.", "author": "AdmiralAsshat", "id": 19328148, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" }, { "text": "If you get the chance, try the Honey Badger from Intelligentsia coffee, it has an amazing inherent sweetness, like a faint aroma of freshly made molasses.", "author": "shiven", "id": 8145993, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 58, "name": "Blade grinder", "cat": "grinder", "score": 15.99, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 15, "first": 2008, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "A $10 (or cheaper!) blade grinder makes a noticeable improvement over pre-ground for nearly everyone, and you can absolutely just stop there and enjoy the step up and that grinder will probably last as long as your drip machine.", "author": "Groxx", "id": 31951941, "year": 2022, "story": "In defence of garlic in a jar" }, { "text": "The $15 blender-like grinders? Just fine for most. As long as your beans are fresh you'll have a vastly better cup of coffee.", "author": "astrocat", "id": 13936773, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" } ] }, { "rank": 59, "name": "Hario hand grinder", "cat": "grinder", "score": 15.97, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 14, "first": 2013, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I use the Hario hand grinder and it is by far the best grinder for anyone that is price conscious. It is significantly less expensive that other ceramic burr grinders.", "author": "gaoshan", "id": 8145161, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" }, { "text": "I have a Hario mini-mill that I love while traveling, it has ceramic burrs though, never used one with metal burs for traveling.", "author": "ArchOversight", "id": 27384684, "year": 2021, "story": "The 4:6 method for coffee-brewing (2017) [video]" } ] }, { "rank": 60, "name": "Stumptown", "cat": "beans", "score": 15.83, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 14, "first": 2009, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "I drink Stumptown which I grind at home for my espresso machine -- their caffeinated Hair Bender blend in the morning, and then in the afternoon I'll often have their decaf Trapper Creek (Swiss water process) on the days I don't need an extra jolt.", "author": "crazygringo", "id": 41069763, "year": 2024, "story": "A chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee" }, { "text": "I would suggest Intelligentsia coffee, Blue Bottle, Stumptown, or Counter Culture.", "author": "JasonCEC", "id": 8144846, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 61, "name": "Peet's Coffee", "cat": "beans", "score": 15.59, "recommenders": 14, "comments": 14, "first": 2008, "last": 2022, "quotes": [ { "text": "When a Peet's opened in the town where I went to grad school, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.", "author": "rpmuller", "id": 32952315, "year": 2022, "story": "Good Coffee Is Now Bad" }, { "text": "Peet's has never failed me latte wise or even coffee wise.", "author": "sjg007", "id": 14162448, "year": 2017, "story": "McDonald's Real Estate: How They Really Make Their Money (2015)" } ] }, { "rank": 62, "name": "La Pavoni", "cat": "brewer", "score": 15.34, "recommenders": 13, "comments": 14, "first": 2013, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I have a Pavoni Europiccola, and it's made approximately ~11,000 espresso shots (about half of those ended up as milk-based beverages). It makes excellent coffee, and I live in a place where there are a _lot_ of good coffee places around to compare to.", "author": "jperras", "id": 47884883, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" }, { "text": "After getting over the initial learning curve, this machine has consistently given me some amazing espresso shots, all while on a tight budget.", "author": "ereyes01", "id": 20268653, "year": 2019, "story": "Refurbishing the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine" } ] }, { "rank": 63, "name": "Lavazza", "cat": "beans", "score": 15.33, "recommenders": 13, "comments": 14, "first": 2015, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Lavazza seems to get a lot of hate on coffee snob forums, but they make consistently decent coffee that's not burnt to ashes or weirdly acidic.", "author": "terribleperson", "id": 42301465, "year": 2024, "story": "Kenya and \"the decline of the greatest coffee\" (2021)" }, { "text": "Nespresso isn't bad at all (we have one here at work), but even better is a Lavazza machine, which takes cartridges like the Nespresso, but the resulting espresso is an order of magnitude better, in my opinion.", "author": "IAmGraydon", "id": 14204781, "year": 2017, "story": "Why Juicero’s Press Is So Expensive" } ] }, { "rank": 64, "name": "Hario", "cat": "brewer", "score": 15.11, "recommenders": 13, "comments": 13, "first": 2013, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Hario makes pretty good hand-crank burr grinders in the $35-$40USD range; I bought mine in 2012 and it's still going strong with occasional cleaning", "author": "ascagnel_", "id": 25649841, "year": 2021, "story": "I almost quit caffeine in one year" }, { "text": "I much prefer the coffee that comes out of the pour over for the same reason; it definitely makes a more tasteful coffee.", "author": "deefour", "id": 9384274, "year": 2015, "story": "How AeroPress Fans Are Hacking Their Way to a Better Cup of Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 65, "name": "Bottomless", "cat": "beans", "score": 15.05, "recommenders": 13, "comments": 13, "first": 2019, "last": 2019, "quotes": [ { "text": "I've been using Bottomless since January. I love how it doesn't make me think at all - there's just coffee. Always.", "author": "arnihermann", "id": 19404434, "year": 2019, "story": "Launch HN: Bottomless (YC W19) – Coffee Restocked with a Smart Scale" }, { "text": "Love this product. Very warm feeling getting the \"coffee is on the way!\" Email every few weeks :)", "author": "pkoullick92", "id": 19403812, "year": 2019, "story": "Launch HN: Bottomless (YC W19) – Coffee Restocked with a Smart Scale" } ] }, { "rank": 66, "name": "Lever espresso machine", "cat": "brewer", "score": 14.62, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 13, "first": 2021, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "There's a bit of art to pulling a shot on a lever but once you get used to it, it's a really fun way to make your coffee every day.", "author": "jnovek", "id": 37159860, "year": 2023, "story": "DIY Espresso (2020)" }, { "text": "Before you spend many thousands of dollars on a machine better suited to a coffee shop, consider getting a minimalist lever machine.", "author": "tmoertel", "id": 47879302, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" } ] }, { "rank": 67, "name": "Ross Droplet Technique", "cat": "method", "score": 14.53, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 12, "first": 2021, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Eventually I learned that this only happens with very dry beans. Adding a few tiny drops of water before grinding is enough to get rid of it pretty much completely.", "author": "tobr", "id": 44862688, "year": 2025, "story": "The enduring puzzle of static electricity" }, { "text": "A little atomizer (\"spritz\" bottle) of plain water serves well here. NB: this is for single-dose grinding - e.g. measuring a small amount of beans loaded into a grinder to grind immediately.", "author": "bch", "id": 38474237, "year": 2023, "story": "Ripgrep is faster than grep, ag, Git grep, ucg, pt, sift (2016)" } ] }, { "rank": 68, "name": "Filter coffee", "cat": "method", "score": 14.28, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 12, "first": 2016, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Filtered coffee from the 'right' (for me) ground coffees seem to hit right balance between ease of use, speed, and taste.", "author": "rixrax", "id": 34313196, "year": 2023, "story": "My coffee maker just makes coffee" }, { "text": "For a long time, I used to believe the old adagio that American coffee is just too weak, but then I started to appreciate it for what it is, and I enjoy it a lot.", "author": "ihaveajob", "id": 12493975, "year": 2016, "story": "Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam" } ] }, { "rank": 69, "name": "Toddy", "cat": "brewer", "score": 13.95, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 12, "first": 2010, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "Then again, my favorite preparation of cold brew is a shot of concentrate straight from the toddy.", "author": "klyrs", "id": 40288965, "year": 2024, "story": "Cold brew coffee in 3 minutes using acoustic cavitation" }, { "text": "You can make 15-20 cups of cold brew at once (which has a decent shelf life) and if you use the optional filter bags, cleanup is super easy.", "author": "showerst", "id": 15898613, "year": 2017, "story": "Ask HN: How do you brew your coffee?" } ] }, { "rank": 70, "name": "AeroPress metal filter", "cat": "accessory", "score": 13.88, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 12, "first": 2013, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I bought a metal filter years ago and it's still going strong - probably the best upgrade possible.", "author": "nvarsj", "id": 34935965, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "I have a very fine stainless steel mesh strainer for my aeropress (replacing the little paper discs). Using it, I'm able to let the coffee steep for 45+ seconds, gaining the benefit of the inverted method without needing to mess around with inversion.", "author": "pfooti", "id": 9384923, "year": 2015, "story": "How AeroPress Fans Are Hacking Their Way to a Better Cup of Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 71, "name": "Starbucks VIA", "cat": "beans", "score": 13.8, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 13, "first": 2013, "last": 2022, "quotes": [ { "text": "Big coffee guy, not really a fan of sbucks, but their \"via\" blonde roast is the best instant coffee I've had, ideal for camping coffee.", "author": "tomjakubowski", "id": 32132088, "year": 2022, "story": "The case for bad coffee (2015)" }, { "text": "I make Starbucks VIA instant coffee at home and it's quite good. If I make it at work it's horrible so I'd say water quality is a big factor.", "author": "dghughes", "id": 13939412, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" } ] }, { "rank": 72, "name": "Illy", "cat": "beans", "score": 13.57, "recommenders": 12, "comments": 13, "first": 2010, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "And I'm pretty affluent, and all the sudden, I can make my own Illy espresso at home, or Kerig on the go, and spend way less than a buck.", "author": "zippyman55", "id": 45237686, "year": 2025, "story": "The Starbucks Turnaround That Has Baristas and Customers Steamed" }, { "text": "My favourite coffee brand is Illy and that comes in an easily recyclable aluminium can, so you can avoid the little plastic coffee bags too if you're careful.", "author": "Lio", "id": 23896127, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" } ] }, { "rank": 73, "name": "Hario Switch", "cat": "brewer", "score": 13.46, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 15, "first": 2022, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Try something like a Hario switch, it's an interesting blend of immersion and percolation brewing and you can even make different recipes that are unique to the combination of both, say 15 seconds immersion then flip the switch and 30 seconds of percolation.", "author": "satvikpendem", "id": 47886044, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" }, { "text": "I use a Hario Switch to make coffee. It takes 3:30 to brew, so I pour the water and then brush my teeth and prep while waiting. Async coffee!", "author": "el_benhameen", "id": 50014791, "year": 2026, "story": "Man discovers his parents' coffee machine used 1TB of data in 10 days" } ] }, { "rank": 74, "name": "Timemore C2", "cat": "grinder", "score": 13.43, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 12, "first": 2021, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "A cheap proper coffee hand grinder like a Timemore C2 would go so much further than a blade grinder that would shred the coffee beans up inconsistently.", "author": "ValentineC", "id": 47896556, "year": 2026, "story": "Habitual coffee intake shapes the microbiome, modifies physiology and cognition" }, { "text": "If you don't need espresso fine grounds buy a timemore c2, normcore or 1zpresso jx.", "author": "BlackLotus89", "id": 28342845, "year": 2021, "story": "I'm a Coffee Roaster: Here's What You're Doing Wrong That's Ruining Your Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 75, "name": "Niche Zero", "cat": "grinder", "score": 13.33, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 13, "first": 2019, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Niche Zero coffee grinder. It has a mechanical switch! This thing won't charge me a subscription or sell my data.", "author": "nejsjsjsbsb", "id": 42803039, "year": 2025, "story": "Ask HN: What's an example of a product you're happy to be a customer of?" }, { "text": "Tangental: I have a 3 yr old Niche Zero, they are excellent - but they are not first conical.", "author": "covofeee", "id": 42407269, "year": 2024, "story": "Show HN: I designed an espresso machine and coffee grinder" } ] }, { "rank": 76, "name": "Breville Dual Boiler", "cat": "brewer", "score": 13.13, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 14, "first": 2019, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "Sage/Breville Dual Boiler and do the slayer mod + drip tray mod, you can then pull espresso that rivals any machine out there for a fraction of the cost.", "author": "karolist", "id": 41532458, "year": 2024, "story": "DiyPresso: DIY Espresso Machine" }, { "text": "Makes excellent espresso with almost no fuss, very forgiving. You still need a good grinder with stepless control, but other than that it's super easy to dial in.", "author": "davidgould", "id": 20270266, "year": 2019, "story": "Refurbishing the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine" } ] }, { "rank": 77, "name": "Coffee subscription", "cat": "beans", "score": 13.05, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 11, "first": 2017, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "and I have a coffee subscription because the owner lives down the street from me and it's fresher than I'd get in the grocery store.", "author": "michaelrpeskin", "id": 46465377, "year": 2026, "story": "One Number I Trust: Plain-Text Accounting for a Multi-Currency Household" }, { "text": "It's similar to coffee subscription services that give you a different bag each month. Those services helped me define what I enjoyed and now I just buy coffee directly because I know what I want.", "author": "eeeeeeeeeeeee", "id": 14706936, "year": 2017, "story": "Blue Apron falls 9% on fourth day as a public company" } ] }, { "rank": 78, "name": "Folgers", "cat": "beans", "score": 13.04, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 11, "first": 2013, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I think Folgers classic roast is pretty dang good.", "author": "baguettefurnace", "id": 34932370, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "I guess I'm a philistine, but I am happy with my $12/lb local roast & my $8/can Folgers, and I really don't feel an emotional connection to the far-flung places my food is grown... nor am I pursuing one.", "author": "pnathan", "id": 6214255, "year": 2013, "story": "A new perspective on Coffee and Tea: “Building” Coffee Match" } ] }, { "rank": 79, "name": "Dunkin'", "cat": "beans", "score": 12.88, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 11, "first": 2014, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I know, I know. I'm doomed to Coffee Hell for my blasphemy, but it really is the best coffee I've had.", "author": "ChrisMarshallNY", "id": 44429799, "year": 2025, "story": "Show HN: We're two coffee nerds who built an AI app to track beans and recipes" }, { "text": "Dunkin Donuts is better (particularly the dark roast) and I also enjoy the new McDonald's coffee (although it seems to depend on location, some McDonald's seem to be better than others).", "author": "mcdougle", "id": 9942481, "year": 2015, "story": "YC Backs Portable Coffee Stand Called Wheelys (YC S15) to Take on Starbucks" } ] }, { "rank": 80, "name": "Clover", "cat": "brewer", "score": 12.38, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 11, "first": 2008, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Those are Clover machines from a company they acquired like 15 years ago. They're very good and in my opinion a big improvement over their traditional batch brew-and-store coffee.", "author": "hahajk", "id": 46369319, "year": 2025, "story": "The Coffee Warehouse" }, { "text": "I really love coffee and the Starbucks Ethiopian Yirgacheffe made on the clover is one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had.", "author": "ripberge", "id": 10691721, "year": 2015, "story": "Starbucks Prospers by Keeping Pace with the Coffee Snobs" } ] }, { "rank": 81, "name": "Vietnamese coffee", "cat": "brewer", "score": 12.04, "recommenders": 10, "comments": 11, "first": 2018, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Went to specialist local coffee shop and the brew was fantastic. Had the kick of an angry mule and a really rich flavour.", "author": "zoom6628", "id": 34719193, "year": 2023, "story": "The Underdog Coffee Bean That Java Snobs Hate Is Finally Getting Some Respect" }, { "text": "Hard disagree, a phin filter is superior to a french press in all ways, and I exclusively used french presses for about a decade.", "author": "klyrs", "id": 27089708, "year": 2021, "story": "Inefficient Efficiency (2019)" } ] }, { "rank": 82, "name": "Ritual Coffee Roasters", "cat": "beans", "score": 11.87, "recommenders": 11, "comments": 14, "first": 2009, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "There's good instant coffee these days. Both Sightglass and Ritual Roasters instant coffees are excellent.", "author": "EPWN3D", "id": 41642874, "year": 2024, "story": "Drinking 3 cups of coffee linked to preventing multiple diseases" }, { "text": "Their single origin Sweet Tooth espresso was pretty amazing when I had it last year, you could really taste the cantaloupe in that particular version.", "author": "HoppedUpMenace", "id": 12491467, "year": 2016, "story": "Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam" } ] }, { "rank": 83, "name": "Café Bustelo", "cat": "beans", "score": 11.74, "recommenders": 10, "comments": 14, "first": 2010, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "You can buy a $4 bag of Cafe Bustelo (pre-ground) and get both better tasting and cheaper espresso.", "author": "talldayo", "id": 41525187, "year": 2024, "story": "DiyPresso: DIY Espresso Machine" }, { "text": "I'm super lazy. I skip all the beans and grinding and just use Cafe Bustelo. It's great coffee and works really well in an Aeropress.", "author": "joezydeco", "id": 19332005, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 84, "name": "Sudden Coffee", "cat": "beans", "score": 11.32, "recommenders": 10, "comments": 12, "first": 2017, "last": 2017, "quotes": [ { "text": "Sudden Coffee totally blew Starbucks Via away. It's about as much better than Via as Via is compared to the horrible Nestle stuff.", "author": "ctb9", "id": 13935528, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" }, { "text": "I had a batch of this and can confirm - not only did it taste like pour-over, it tasted like one of the best pour-overs I'd ever had. I was shocked.", "author": "ed", "id": 13936376, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" } ] }, { "rank": 85, "name": "Espresso Vivace", "cat": "beans", "score": 11.13, "recommenders": 10, "comments": 10, "first": 2009, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "The exception to that rule is Espresso Vivace in Seattle, with (at Capitol Hill location) a couple 3-group La Marzoccos at the bar and a collection of modded Niche Zeros on grinding duty.", "author": "bch", "id": 47885703, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" }, { "text": "Vivace is certainly one of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle.", "author": "netghost", "id": 12493931, "year": 2016, "story": "Neglected Food Bubbles: The Espresso Coffee Foam" } ] }, { "rank": 86, "name": "Gaggiuino", "cat": "accessory", "score": 11.05, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 10, "first": 2023, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Check out Gaggiuino. Sadly not really open source (Gen3) but you can get a cheap $500 Gaggia Classic and add fine grained control with an Arduino and display", "author": "carlmr", "id": 46573500, "year": 2026, "story": "Alien: Braun Aromaster KF 20 Coffee Makers (2012)" }, { "text": "Gagguino is a great example of this approach, licensing scandal aside†.", "author": "throwaway219450", "id": 48758388, "year": 2026, "story": "Oomwoo, an open-source robot vacuum you build yourself" } ] }, { "rank": 87, "name": "Fellow Prismo", "cat": "accessory", "score": 10.83, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 10, "first": 2019, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "I recently bought the Fellow Prismo AeroPress Attachment [1] which is a metal filter and a new valve head which makes any inverted brewing method simpler and, to my taste, gives a more espresso-like result.", "author": "hobr", "id": 34936758, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" }, { "text": "After having an inverted AeroPress explode on me in a hotel one time, I bought a Prismo for it and never looked back.", "author": "nunez", "id": 34945603, "year": 2023, "story": "The beginner's guide to over­complicating coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 88, "name": "Bunn", "cat": "brewer", "score": 10.71, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 11, "first": 2018, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "It brews faster than a Keurig since the reservoir is always on. It's also about as good of a pour over as you can make given the constant stream of perfect temp water.", "author": "r3trohack3r", "id": 34313511, "year": 2023, "story": "My coffee maker just makes coffee" }, { "text": "Things like this make me wonder about our Keurig, which could have been replaced years ago with a Bunn dual burner for less money and probably better coffee.", "author": "megaman22", "id": 17057511, "year": 2018, "story": "My company signed up for a $1000/year subscription-based water cooler" } ] }, { "rank": 89, "name": "Espresso", "cat": "method", "score": 10.7, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 9, "first": 2016, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "Properly made espresso brings out flavors and smells which are not extractable with the Aeropress.", "author": "orangepurple", "id": 37161019, "year": 2023, "story": "DIY Espresso (2020)" }, { "text": "Although a great cup can be had with aeropress, drip, pour-over or even a percolator, Espresso is the ultimate form of the beverage.", "author": "crispyambulance", "id": 12498136, "year": 2016, "story": "The Complexity of Coffee (2002) [pdf]" } ] }, { "rank": 90, "name": "Mount Hagen", "cat": "beans", "score": 10.68, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 9, "first": 2017, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "I even found some instant decaf which I took on a camping trip shortly after stopping caffeine, which tastes pretty good. Mount Hagen, for reference.", "author": "linsomniac", "id": 29879702, "year": 2022, "story": "I quit caffeine" }, { "text": "I've switched almost exclusively to drinking Mount Hagen organic Fair Trade instant coffee. It's very, very good at a decent price.", "author": "tamal", "id": 13937145, "year": 2017, "story": "Launch HN: Sudden Coffee (YC W17) – Instant coffee that doesn't suck" } ] }, { "rank": 91, "name": "Comandante C40", "cat": "grinder", "score": 10.68, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 9, "first": 2018, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "I'm not sure what the parent uses but I really enjoy using my Comandante Mark IV (which solves some issues with Mark III had, namely around body design). It's high quality, reliable, and consistent, and also easy to maintain since there's only a few parts that need cleaning.", "author": "yladiz", "id": 32469774, "year": 2022, "story": "Declining quality of consumer-grade products – 2009 fridge compressor autopsy" }, { "text": "On the other hand: if you drink 1-2 cups of coffee a day, and don't mind putting in some elbow grease - a manual grinder like a Comandante or Kinu often produces much better grinds for the same price, since money can be allocated towards a better burr set instead of a motor.", "author": "ValentineC", "id": 27335659, "year": 2021, "story": "Overkill objects for everyday life" } ] }, { "rank": 92, "name": "Baratza Virtuoso", "cat": "grinder", "score": 10.66, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 9, "first": 2014, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Baratza Virtuoso (bought used). Our Encore was starting to be inconsistent after a few years, and the Virtuoso was a noticeable upgrade.", "author": "dabernathy89", "id": 34278642, "year": 2023, "story": "Ask HN: What sub $200 product improved your 2022" }, { "text": "I've been using a Baratza Virtuoso grinder for 2 years now. I'm really happy with it, and it probably suffices for everything up to super fine espresso grinds.", "author": "x0x0", "id": 8145143, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" } ] }, { "rank": 93, "name": "Half-caf", "cat": "method", "score": 10.53, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 10, "first": 2010, "last": 2024, "quotes": [ { "text": "Mixing half decaf with regular beans is a great idea, I've been doing that for years.", "author": "jb1991", "id": 41071537, "year": 2024, "story": "A chemist explains the chemistry behind decaf coffee" }, { "text": "No need to quit if you don't want to. Just drink less. Mix your coffee with decaf.", "author": "bitJericho", "id": 15012921, "year": 2017, "story": "Quitting Caffeine" } ] }, { "rank": 94, "name": "Kalita Wave", "cat": "brewer", "score": 10.39, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 10, "first": 2014, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "Again, it's beautifully designed - almost impossible to damage, very simple to use, comparatively quick (about a minute longer than an Aeropress for one or two large mugs of coffee), arguably even easier to clean than the Aeropress (invert over bin. Done.).", "author": "thenomad", "id": 13694958, "year": 2017, "story": "Ask HN: What're the best-designed things you've ever used?" }, { "text": "Or a pour over filter (like Kalita Wave or Hario V60) plus a grinder. That's a cheaper setup to start, and an easy way to get a big mug of great coffee.", "author": "distances", "id": 46999876, "year": 2026, "story": "Skip the Tips: A game to select \"No Tip\" but dark patterns try to stop you" } ] }, { "rank": 95, "name": "De'Longhi Magnifica", "cat": "brewer", "score": 10.25, "recommenders": 9, "comments": 9, "first": 2010, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "So far I love my Delonghi magnifica, no display or programming so it also doesn't do much and it was around $230 a few years ago.", "author": "tiborsaas", "id": 34314018, "year": 2023, "story": "My coffee maker just makes coffee" }, { "text": "I have a de longhi machine. It's our favourite appliance. Pays for itself easily.", "author": "rossjudson", "id": 7339431, "year": 2014, "story": "Keurig Will Use DRM In New Coffee Maker" } ] }, { "rank": 96, "name": "Medium roast", "cat": "beans", "score": 9.58, "recommenders": 8, "comments": 8, "first": 2020, "last": 2025, "quotes": [ { "text": "Ask for medium roast, not light. You might like dark roasts, especially if you drink with milk or fakemilk.", "author": "peterlada", "id": 43981300, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee for people who don't like coffee" }, { "text": "If bitterness is a concern, people should also look for beans that are medium roast (which tend to be more balanced) or lighter (more acidic/sour).", "author": "ValentineC", "id": 24943935, "year": 2020, "story": "Intermittent fasting from dawn to sunset induces anticancer response" } ] }, { "rank": 97, "name": "Milk frother", "cat": "accessory", "score": 9.55, "recommenders": 8, "comments": 8, "first": 2020, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I was missing them, so did a bit of research into home espresso and bought a nespresso and semi-automatic milk frother. My homemade cappuccino is excellent.", "author": "dougmwne", "id": 23188465, "year": 2020, "story": "GM self-driving tech unit Cruise laying off about 8% of staff" }, { "text": "You can get simple, cheap, milk frothing devices, however, which work pretty well.", "author": "mtts", "id": 47887340, "year": 2026, "story": "Used La Marzocco machines are coveted by cafe owners and collectors" } ] }, { "rank": 98, "name": "Porlex", "cat": "grinder", "score": 9.45, "recommenders": 8, "comments": 8, "first": 2015, "last": 2026, "quotes": [ { "text": "I have owned both Hario's generic handgrinders and I swear by Porlex. It's higher quality construction and easier to hold and use.", "author": "jorde", "id": 9385842, "year": 2015, "story": "How AeroPress Fans Are Hacking Their Way to a Better Cup of Coffee" }, { "text": "I have a $50 Cezve bought from a local store, and a $100 porlex grinder that actually does a grind fine enough.", "author": "anothernewdude", "id": 32133218, "year": 2022, "story": "The case for bad coffee (2015)" } ] }, { "rank": 99, "name": "Percolator", "cat": "brewer", "score": 9.41, "recommenders": 8, "comments": 10, "first": 2017, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "I have a little percolator, which I love when camping or something.", "author": "ddingus", "id": 29777666, "year": 2022, "story": "Google no longer producing high quality search results in significant categories" }, { "text": "A much better device for that use case is a percolator though. They sell them at IKEA for like $10.", "author": "Doxin", "id": 14192105, "year": 2017, "story": "Why Juicero’s Press Is So Expensive" } ] }, { "rank": 100, "name": "Home-Barista.com", "cat": "method", "score": 9.41, "recommenders": 8, "comments": 8, "first": 2014, "last": 2023, "quotes": [ { "text": "That's basically Mecca for us coffee geeks :-) so consider adding it.", "author": "sidmitra", "id": 34540683, "year": 2023, "story": "Ask HN: What have you created that deserves a second chance on HN?" }, { "text": "Love how interactive the community is. Everybody is pretty much obsessed with coffee and you learn so much.", "author": "westoque", "id": 17692823, "year": 2018, "story": "Ask HN: What are some niche communities you enjoy?" } ] } ], "wars": [ { "id": "aeropress_v60", "title": "AeroPress vs. V60", "blurb": "The plastic tube that forgives everything, or the cone that rewards a steady hand.", "sides": [ { "key": "aeropress", "label": "Team AeroPress", "commenters": 31, "quotes": [ { "text": "The aeropress makes it very easy to get a consistently good cup of coffee and I definitely prefer it over a V60.", "author": "jstx1", "id": 34453700, "year": 2023, "story": "Poll: How do you make your coffee at home?" }, { "text": "But an Aeropress will be almost just as good and be much more consistent and have a much flatter learning curve. I always recommend an Aeropress to people getting into nice coffee.", "author": "bradly", "id": 8145148, "year": 2014, "story": "How to Make the Best Pourover Coffee" }, { "text": "I recommend AeroPress. Easy to setup, easy to use and easy to clean. Makes a great brew.", "author": "arjn", "id": 11061687, "year": 2016, "story": "A non-hipster’s guide to brewing amazing filter coffee" } ] }, { "key": "v60", "label": "Team V60 / pour over", "commenters": 14, "quotes": [ { "text": "I like Aeropress better than everything you listed, but I think a pourover with my glass V60 has to beat even Aeropress.", "author": "firloop", "id": 8727463, "year": 2014, "story": "Keurig 2.0 DRM Bypass" }, { "text": "I much prefer v60 to what i can produce with my aeropress, and one benefit is no plastic. Worth a try if you get the itch.", "author": "cyberpunk", "id": 47985792, "year": 2026, "story": "Direct electrochemical black coffee quality appraisal using cyclic voltammetry" }, { "text": "I still prefer a good pour over but sometimes a quick plunge with the aeropress hits the spot.", "author": "mths", "id": 43981605, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee for people who don't like coffee" } ] } ] }, { "id": "burr_grinder", "title": "Burr grinder evangelism", "blurb": "Every HN coffee thread eventually reaches the comment that says: buy a grinder first.", "sides": [ { "key": "burr", "label": "The grinder matters most", "commenters": 130, "quotes": [ { "text": "Note the grinder is the most important bit and should set you back at least 10x as much as the brewer.", "author": "globular-toast", "id": 43298652, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee reduces risk of Type 2 Diabetes; okay to add cream, but not sweetener" }, { "text": "I got a cheap manual burr grinder (JavaPresse) to replace my cheap blade grinder, and it has made an enormous difference in the quality of my daily coffee.", "author": "scott_s", "id": 23900312, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" }, { "text": "I always tell people get a cheaper machine and a better grinder and you'll be better of for it.", "author": "ntsplnkv2", "id": 23910904, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" } ] }, { "key": "skeptic", "label": "Pre-ground is fine, actually", "commenters": 50, "quotes": [ { "text": "And I decided not to go down the rabbit hole because I really doubt whether spending more and obsessing more would actually increase my enjoyment of coffee.", "author": "freetime2", "id": 45111645, "year": 2025, "story": "Take something you don’t like and try to like it" }, { "text": "I've gotten criticism for claiming that a cheap blade grinder is fine, but it's true.", "author": "tmoertel", "id": 6263389, "year": 2013, "story": "How to Make Perfect Coffee" }, { "text": "You don't need a fancy-schmancy grinder. You get a huge bang for the buck just by using beans roasted in the past 2 weeks.", "author": "stcredzero", "id": 939864, "year": 2009, "story": "Things Worth Knowing About Coffee" } ] } ] }, { "id": "drink_it_black", "title": "\"Just drink it black\"", "blurb": "Caffeine delivery system, or a hobby worth getting nerdy about?", "sides": [ { "key": "black", "label": "Stop overthinking it", "commenters": 178, "quotes": [ { "text": "It was so easy for me to go back to a cheap drip coffee maker and pre-ground coffee. I realized that I'll never appreciate the flavors and process as much as the investment would call for.", "author": "LeafItAlone", "id": 46642382, "year": 2026, "story": "Ask HN: What are your best purchases under $100?" }, { "text": "It took a long time, any many expensive espresso related products, but come to the realization that I can be happy with the kind of coffee I can make with a minimum of fuss, and that feels good.", "author": "pivo", "id": 27225461, "year": 2021, "story": "Ask HN: Favorite purchases of last two years?" }, { "text": "I've studiously avoided gaining the ability to discriminate good from bad coffee. I don't see any upsides, and the coffee snobs are insufferable.", "author": "canjobear", "id": 28341866, "year": 2021, "story": "I'm a Coffee Roaster: Here's What You're Doing Wrong That's Ruining Your Coffee" } ] }, { "key": "craft", "label": "Good coffee is worth it", "commenters": 191, "quotes": [ { "text": "Coffee is a commodity only out of ignorance. It should be treated as fresh produce of numerous varietals.", "author": "eudamoniac", "id": 46735710, "year": 2026, "story": "Talking to LLMs has improved my thinking" }, { "text": "Coffee doesn't have to be bitter or taste burnt, it can be fruity and sweet. There are more tastes to be found in coffee than in wine.", "author": "burundi_coffee", "id": 26127377, "year": 2021, "story": "50 Years Ago, Sugar Industry Quietly Paid Scientists to Blame Fat (2016)" }, { "text": "I still enjoy bad coffee but the pleasure I've gotten from making better coffee over the years has been worth it IMO.", "author": "dandelany", "id": 28341939, "year": 2021, "story": "I'm a Coffee Roaster: Here's What You're Doing Wrong That's Ruining Your Coffee" } ] } ] }, { "id": "roast_level", "title": "Light roast vs. dark roast", "blurb": "Bright and fruity or burnt? Sour or bold? Both sides are certain.", "sides": [ { "key": "light", "label": "Team light", "commenters": 102, "quotes": [ { "text": "The worldwide obsession with dark roast coffee baffles me. I guess if you're adding sugar then it doesn't matter that the coffee is burnt to a crisp.", "author": "dgunay", "id": 43978690, "year": 2025, "story": "Coffee for people who don't like coffee" }, { "text": "Dark roast is a little like well-done steak; you're mostly tasting the effects of the heat, not the quality of the ingredient.", "author": "Obi_Juan_Kenobi", "id": 19330894, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" }, { "text": "Personally, I don't like most coffee shop espresso - beans are roasted so much they taste burnt and chemical, and any character from the terroir has been lost.", "author": "barrkel", "id": 15153780, "year": 2017, "story": "Juicero Is Shutting Down" } ] }, { "key": "dark", "label": "Team dark", "commenters": 60, "quotes": [ { "text": "There's something about the bitterness and presentation that reminds me of coffee's history, the variety of people drinking it, etc. and thus it is more appealing to me than the \"high quality\" light roasts with subtle flavors available in the expensive cafes.", "author": "keiferski", "id": 45743081, "year": 2025, "story": "Tinkering is a way to acquire good taste" }, { "text": "I feel like I am the only one but I find that \"uniqueness\" - sour/fruity taste disgusting and can't stand the lighter roasts.", "author": "nightski", "id": 19330239, "year": 2019, "story": "Handbrewing Coffee" }, { "text": "Also, properly roasted dark roasts are much better (where better means richer and more complex) than light roasts, as the maillard reaction has been allowed to do it's magic more fully than under-roasted (or light roast) coffee.", "author": "Godel_unicode", "id": 21561834, "year": 2019, "story": "Coffee may have hastened the Ottoman Empire’s demise" } ] } ] }, { "id": "pods", "title": "Pods: convenience or crime?", "blurb": "Nespresso and Keurig: good enough at 7am, or printer-ink economics in your kitchen?", "sides": [ { "key": "pods", "label": "Pods are fine", "commenters": 153, "quotes": [ { "text": "The primary advantage here is reproducibility and ease of use: insert the capsule, check the water level, push the button, and here you go.", "author": "SergeAx", "id": 37163117, "year": 2023, "story": "DIY Espresso (2020)" }, { "text": "For an office kitchen, pod systems have better coffee than instant coffee; a lower upfront cost than a bean-to-cup machine; lower upfront and ongoing costs than a full-time barista; and less mess than an employee-operated ground coffee espresso machine.", "author": "michaelt", "id": 18718572, "year": 2018, "story": "K-Cup creator John Sylvan regrets inventing Keurig coffee pod system" }, { "text": "The convenience of having a serviceable cup of espresso in less than 30 seconds (no warm up time!) all for under a dollar makes it worth it.", "author": "dvcc", "id": 13083461, "year": 2016, "story": "Nestle says it will cut sugar in chocolate by 40%" } ] }, { "key": "anti", "label": "Pods are a scam", "commenters": 261, "quotes": [ { "text": "The quality is so much higher than anything you can get from a pod that's been sitting around with pre ground coffee, and it only takes a couple minutes while you're waiting for Claude to rewrite your codebase in Rust or whatever it is \"Hackers\" do these days", "author": "0_____0", "id": 45904448, "year": 2025, "story": "The last-ever penny will be minted today in Philadelphia" }, { "text": "The reason why coffee pods are awful and need to die is the sheer, disgusting amount of pointless waste they create.", "author": "esperent", "id": 23895524, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" }, { "text": "Separate to all the waste issues, the coffee is weak and tasteless and to be honest, I'd prefer a high end instant coffee vs. Nespresso any day, as I can at least make it stronger.", "author": "wooger", "id": 23897644, "year": 2020, "story": "How Nespresso's coffee revolution got ground down" } ] } ] } ] }