Invest in a Moka pot or AeroPress for espresso-style coffee

A Moka pot ($25-40) brews strong, espresso-like coffee on the stovetop. An AeroPress ($35) uses pressure and immersion to produce a smooth, concentrated cup in under 2 minutes. Both are far more affordable than an espresso machine and produce excellent results.

Why It Works

True espresso requires expensive machines, but Moka pots and AeroPress produce coffee that is concentrated and flavorful enough to serve as the base for lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos at a fraction of the cost.

Tips

• Moka pot: fill the bottom with water to the valve, fill the basket with fine-medium ground coffee (do not tamp), and heat on medium. Remove from heat when you hear sputtering
• AeroPress: use the inverted method for fuller extraction; experiment with brew time (1-3 minutes)
• Both pair perfectly with frothed milk for a home latte
• Grind fresh beans for the biggest quality improvement — a basic burr grinder ($30-50) transforms your coffee