Coffee Setups - From Budget to Bougie

Buying coffee equipment can feel overwhelming - there’s so much out there, and it’s hard to know where to start. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to spend a fortune to make delicious coffee at home. At Ground Effect, we’ve tried lots of equipment throughout our own coffee journeys, and we’ve put together our top recommendations for every budget - from simple brews to full-on espresso bars.

Budget: V60 or Cafetiere + Pre-Ground Coffee

If you’re new to brewing at home, the V60 or cafetiere (French press) are unbeatable for value. Both start at around £10, with plenty of options if you want to splurge on nicer materials or colours.

While freshly ground coffee is ideal, buying pre-ground from your roaster keeps things simple and cost-friendly. Roasters use professional grinders that produce far better results than most cheap at-home grinders, so your brews will still shine.

V60

• Our pick: Size 02 plastic brewer
  
  

• Perfect for: 1-2 cups in the morning
  
  

• Taste profile: Clean, well-rounded
  
  

• Pros: Affordable; easy cleanup; consistent results
  
  

• Cons: Requires paper filters (don’t forget to stock up!)
  
  
  

Cafetiere

• Our pick: Bodum Java 8 Cup Cafetière 
  
  

• Perfect for: Brewing multiple cups at once
  
  

• Taste profile: Rich, full-bodied; emphasises chocolatey, nutty notes
  
  

• Pros: No filters; simple process
  
  

• Cons: Messier cleanup; needs full dismantling to avoid stale coffee oils
  
  

Mid-Range: Add a Grinder & Explore New Methods

Once you’ve got the basics down, the next game-changer is a home grinder. Grinding just before brewing massively improves aroma, flavour, and consistency. Pair that with the same brewers you already love — or try new ones like the Aeropress or Kalita Wave — and you’ll be making café-quality coffee at home.

Manual Grinder

• Our pick: Timemore Chestnut C3S Pro
  
  

• Price: £89
  
  

• Perfect for: On-the-go grinding + filter brews at home
  
  

• Pros: Affordable; grind quality rivals electrics double the price
  
  

• Cons: Slower to use; small grind capacity
  
  

Electric Grinder

• Our pick: Wilfa Svart Aroma
  
  

• Price: £135
  
  

• Perfect for: Fast, consistent filter brewing at home
  
  

• Pros: Quick; larger capacity; excellent value
  
  

• Cons: Loud; not espresso-capable
  
  

New Brew Methods

• Our picks: Aeropress & Kalita Wave 185
  
  

• Price: £30–35
  
  

• Perfect for: Coffee drinkers who want to explore new flavours and brewing styles
  
  

• Pros: Opens up a variety of flavour profiles; a great way to deepen your coffee knowledge and interest
  
  

• Cons: A little pricier; can complicate the learning curve with grind sizes and recipes; you might still prefer your trusty V60/cafitiere!
  
  

Bougie: Espresso at Home

If you’ve mastered filter coffee and want to take things to the next level, it’s time to dive into espresso. This is where coffee gear gets serious (and pricey), but also where you can start making café-quality drinks in your kitchen. Whether it’s a flat white in the morning or a latte after dinner, espresso gear lets you play barista at home.

Espresso Machine

• Our pick: Sage Barista Express
  
  

• Price: Around £600
  
  

• Perfect for: Home espresso lovers who want convenience without sacrificing quality
  
  

• Pros: Built-in grinder; reliable steam wand for milk drinks; great all-in-one entry to espresso
  
  

• Cons: Bulkier than filter setups; requires practice to dial in shots and milk
  
  

Grinder (Optional Upgrade)
While the Barista Express comes with a built-in grinder, upgrading to a dedicated espresso grinder can unlock even more consistency and flavour. Options such as the Eureka Mignon or Niche Zero are popular, but they do push the budget further.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Cleaning & Maintenance: Espresso machines need regular cleaning to perform their best.
  
  

• Learning Curve: Espresso is less forgiving than filter brewing, but can be fun to learn - practice makes perfect!
  
  

• Cost: Although an espresso machine is a big investment, you may well end up spending less overall than a daily cafe coffee!
  
  

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re starting with a £10 V60, levelling up with a Wilfa grinder and Aeropress, or going all-in with a Sage Barista Express, there’s a setup to suit every budget and lifestyle. The most important thing? Brew with coffee you enjoy, take your time experimenting, and make your daily cup something to look forward to.