Looking for the best home coffee maker? 

While a home espresso machine seems to be the go-to for getting your coffee fix in the morning... what are you to do if you don't have an espresso machine? Maybe you don't have the space for one. Or the budget.... The question then becomes - how do you make good coffee if you don't have a coffee machine? Do you resort to instant coffee? ...uggh no - there are much better choices available to you.

Whether it's because you're travelling, your coffee machine is in for a service or you're just on the hunt for an alternative brew coffee maker to experiment with new brew methods... stay tuned, because we've cherry picked the 5 most popular alternative coffee makers for all budgets and brewing needs, so you'll never have to go without your favourite cup of Joe. Whether you’re chasing the perfect cold brew, stove top, pour over, french press or manual espresso shot… we’ve got what you need to get those caffeine feels, without having to break the bank. 

Here at Crema we get asked all the time "What is the best alternate coffee maker for home use?" The term 'Alternate Brewing' can be confusing for those not in the coffee industry. So to break it down - alternate brewing quite literally means alternate or different methods of making coffee, other than with a pump driven espresso machine.  

 

Starting with a classic, the French Press

French Press, though appearing simple and unassuming in nature, produces a rich, full-bodied brew with a medium body mouthfeel, that never disappoints. 

Bean to cup we're looking at only 5 minutes and you can simply enjoy it black or you can add a splash of your favourite milk.

Today there are more brands than ever producing French Press models, in many different shapes and styles. At Crema we stock a high-quality range of French Press coffee makers, with plenty of price ranges to suit every budget. You can even use the French Press to help you make a barista worthy latte or cappuccino in your own home. 

The French Press coffee pot is all about minimal effort. It only takes a few steps and it only requires a few items. It's simple. Easy. Delicious. Unbeatable!

 

Next up, AeroPress 

Without a doubt one of the most popular coffee makers across the board these days is the AeroPress. It has become so popular around the world that there is now even an AeroPress

World Championship, so they've got to be doing something right! It's extremely easy to use and even quicker to clean, so you can enjoy a low acidity, rich flavored coffee, with no fuss and very little mess. 

Bean to cup we are talking only three to four minutes and its immense versatility means that you can produce a range of brews that will suit all coffee tastes. An inexpensive, lightweight hand press to brew the perfect coffee wherever you may go, how could you pass that up? 

 

Enjoy a refreshing Cold Brew 

Cold Brewing is a great option when it comes to making super smooth coffee in large batches, for very minimal effort. While it may be our longest bean to cup production, where cold brew really shines is in its versatility and longevity.

Lasting up to two weeks in the fridge, you can drink it straight. On the rocks if you prefer, or you can top it with filtered water and/or your choice of milk. The best part, you can even drink it hot. 

During the cooler months, we know a lot of coffee lovers might dismiss this brewing method as a summer only option but we tend to disagree! To drink it hot, you simply heat your cold brew for a short period of time in the microwave and then top with hot water from your kettle or add milk if you prefer. 

Our favourite Cold Brew setups include the Toddy Cold Brew System and the Mizudashi Coffee Pot. Producing coffee that is roughly 70% less acidic than espresso, it makes it taste a little bit sweeter and therefore it goes down ultra smooth. 

 

Love crema while travelling? Try a Stove Top

The Stove Top espresso coffee maker continues to fly off our shelves year after year. Separate from the previously mentioned alternate brewing methods, the stove top produces a creamy, rich quality espresso like coffee. It is for this reason that it has become one of the most popular espresso machine alternatives for a great portion of its well over a hundred year existence. 

Adapted throughout time, the stove top is available in a number of designs, to suit a great range of heating elements. Including gas, electric and even induction. 

The beauty of the stove top lies in its simplicity. With a five-minute bean to cup turnaround, it is ridiculously easy to use and you can enjoy it straight or with a splash of milk. With over 200 million units being manufactured worldwide, it's hard to argue with success! 

 

The newly engineered Flair Espresso Maker

Undoubtedly the baby of the alternate brewing group, Flair Espresso Makers have done nothing short of shake up the home brewing game in its just over three year existence. 

The only one of these five that can make a true espresso shot, it's sleek modern design was constructed for durability and reliability. Made with premium aluminium and stainless steel parts, it comes in a portable carry case and it doesn't require electricity. 

As it is a manual brewer, you can take it with you anywhere you go then. The Flair Espresso Maker goes beyond expectations by generating up to sixteen bars of pressure. Producing a full flavoured, full-bodied and a creamy crema topped espresso. 

No matter your coffee budget, there is definitely an alternative home brewer for you.

Want even more awesome coffee content? Jump onto our social channels and spread some love! Or alternatively, head over to the Education section of our website, or click below to check out our alternative brewing guides.