How much money do I have to spend on good equipment?
For a good filter coffee setup, 150 to 300 euros are sufficient, while an entry-level espresso scenario with a grinder and portafilter starts at around 700 to 1,500 euros.
Costs for filter coffee lovers
The costs for an excellent filter coffee setup are between 150 and 300 euros. You only need a manual hand grinder, a pour-over filter (like the Hario V60), an accurate precision scale, and a gooseneck kettle. With this comparatively small budget, you can achieve results that can keep up with many specialty cafes.
Costs for home baristas
Getting started in the world of espresso requires a budget of 700 to 1,500 euros. You should plan on around 300 to 500 euros for a capable electric espresso grinder. A solid entry-level portafilter machine (single boiler or small thermoblock) costs another 400 to 800 euros. Even though this is a large upfront investment, these costs amortize very quickly through daily enjoyment at home.
Green Wall Coffee in Lichtenberg
At Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, guests often ask me where to start on a small budget. My answer: the grinder first, then everything else.
Feel free to drop by for a coffee — Green Wall Coffee, Sophienstraße 27 in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm and Sat 10am–5pm.
Further reading
Related questions:
- Is an espresso machine worth it at home?
- Why does coffee taste better in the cafe than at home?
- What equipment do I need for good coffee at home?
Also relevant:
- Why choose a manual grinder vs. electric grinder? — Grinding & Grind Size
- Is an expensive coffee grinder really worth it? — Grinding & Grind Size
All questions in this topic: Coffee at Home vs. at a Cafe