The Journal
Field notes from the home coffee bar.
Recipes, reviews, and behind-the-scenes writing from years of home brewing.
Best Pour Over Coffee Makers in 2026 – Beginner Friendly Guide
We brewed with twelve popular drippers side-by-side. Here are the five best pour over coffee makers of 2026 — plus how to pick the right one for your kitchen.
April 2, 2026 · 12 min read
Best Coffee Grinders for Home Use 2026 – Burr vs Blade Comparison
The grinder is the single biggest upgrade in any home coffee setup. Here are the best burr grinders of 2026 — plus why a blade grinder is holding your coffee back.
March 28, 2026 · 10 min read
Best Budget Coffee Maker Under $100 – Top Picks and Reviews
Great coffee doesn't require a $500 machine. Here are the best budget coffee makers under $100 for 2026 — from drip machines to manual brewers.
March 22, 2026 · 9 min read
Hario V60 vs Kalita Wave – Which Pour Over Brewer is Better?
The two most popular pour-over coffee makers, tested head-to-head. Which one is right for your kitchen — the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave?
March 18, 2026 · 8 min read
How to Make Perfect Pour Over Coffee at Home – Step by Step Guide
The complete beginner's guide to brewing café-quality pour over coffee at home. Ratios, grind size, pour technique — everything you need in one place.
March 15, 2026 · 11 min read
Best Espresso Machines for Beginners 2026
The best home espresso machines for beginners in 2026 — from $400 semi-automatics to $1,200 dual-boilers. Reviewed, ranked, and compared.
March 8, 2026 · 11 min read
Coffee Scale Buying Guide – Why You Need One and Top Recommendations
A coffee scale is the cheapest upgrade with the biggest quality gain in any home coffee setup. Here's why — and the best coffee scales of 2026.
February 28, 2026 · 7 min read
Best Single Serve Coffee Makers for Small Households
The best single serve coffee makers of 2026 for solo drinkers, small kitchens, and offices. Pods, capsules, and manual brewers reviewed and compared.
February 20, 2026 · 9 min read