You do not need an expensive espresso machine to make excellent coffee at home. A few simple changes to how you buy, store and brew your beans can make a bigger difference than any gadget.
Start with fresh beans
Coffee is at its best within a few weeks of roasting. Look for bags with a roast date rather than just a best-before date, and buy smaller amounts more often. Store beans in an airtight container away from light and heat; the fridge is not a good place for them.
Grind just before brewing
Ground coffee loses its aroma quickly. A burr grinder produces more even particles than a blade grinder, which leads to a more balanced cup. Match the grind to your method: coarse for a French press, medium for filter coffee, fine for espresso.
Get the ratio right
A good starting point for filter coffee is about 60 grams of coffee per litre of water. Use a kitchen scale for consistency. If the coffee tastes sour or weak, grind finer; if it tastes bitter or harsh, grind coarser.
Mind the water
Coffee is mostly water, so its quality matters. Use filtered water if your tap water has a strong taste, and let boiling water rest for about thirty seconds before pouring, so it is hot but not scalding the grounds.