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Brew better at home

The Underground Boston: Coffee Gear Guides for Better Cups at Home

Espresso machines, coffee makers, grinders and brewing tools compared from the details each maker publishes, so you can pick gear that fits your counter and your routine.

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Espresso machine and coffee beans
Listing-checked factsEvery spec we cite comes from the maker's own Amazon listing.
One scoring methodEach guide scores picks on four published criteria.
Fit and skip notesEvery pick says who it suits and who should pass.
An editor per categoryEspresso, brewers, grinders and accessories each have their own editor.
Our shortlist

Top Espresso Machine Picks

Four standouts from our espresso machine guide, each with a label for the one thing it does that the others do not.

Start here

Which espresso machine style fits your routine?

Decide how much of the work you want to do yourself, then compare grinders, steam wands and counter space.

ManualYou grind, dose, tamp and steamMost hands-on control for learning espressoSemi-automaticThe machine runs the pump, you prep the shotBalance of control and convenienceGuidedAssisted dosing, tamping and frothingFewer steps with less trial and errorBean-to-cupGrinds, brews and froths at a touchOne-touch espresso and milk drinks

See every espresso machine guide →

Brew your way

Find Gear for Every Brew Method

Jump to guides for the brewer, grinder or tool you are shopping for.

French PressMoka PotPour OverCold BrewDrip Coffee MakerBurr GrinderMilk FrotherCoffee ScaleGooseneck KettleEspresso Tamper
Fresh guides

Latest from The Underground Boston

New coffee gear guides and product comparisons.

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Browse by Category

Jump straight to the coffee gear you care about.

Espresso Machines

Espresso machines, cappuccino makers and machines with built-in grinders.

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Coffee Makers

Drip, single serve, pod, pour over, cold brew, French press and moka pot brewers.

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Coffee Grinders

Burr, blade and manual coffee grinders for every brew method.

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Coffee Accessories

Scales, kettles, frothers, tampers, canisters, warmers and mugs.

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Deep dives

Explore Coffee Gear Topics

Focused hubs to compare models and learn what each spec on the listing means.

Espresso MachinesManual, semi-automatic and bean-to-cup machines compared by brewing control and milk frothing.Read moreSingle Serve and Pod BrewersPod machines and single serve coffee makers for one cup at a time.Read moreDrip Coffee MakersCarafe brewers for households and offices, compared by capacity and programming.Read moreCoffee GrindersBurr, blade and manual grinders and the brew methods each one lists.Read moreManual BrewingFrench press, moka pot, pour over and percolator guides.Read moreCoffee AccessoriesScales, kettles, frothers, tampers, canisters and mugs.Read more
Coffee gear FAQ

Common Coffee Gear Questions

What is the difference between semi-automatic and bean-to-cup espresso machines?

A semi-automatic machine runs the pump while you grind, dose and tamp the coffee yourself. A bean-to-cup machine grinds, doses and brews inside the machine, and many also froth milk at the touch of a button.

Do I need a burr grinder for espresso?

Espresso needs a fine, even grind, which is why most espresso guides pair a machine with a burr grinder. If your machine has no built-in grinder, check that a separate grinder lists an espresso setting.

What does the bar rating on an espresso machine mean?

The bar number is the pump pressure the maker lists for the machine. It is one spec among many, so compare it alongside temperature control, pre-infusion and the portafilter size.

How do you pick the right coffee maker for your kitchen?

Start with how many cups you brew at once, then measure the counter and cabinet height. After that, compare the brew style, programming and the cleaning steps the maker lists.