
10 Purchases That Won't Improve Your Coffee (much)
In this video, Lance Hedrick explains which coffee products are not worth your money because they barely improve the taste of your coffee. He emphasizes that it's okay to enjoy these items, but they are not smart investments for better coffee.
1. Distribution Tools (e.g., Moon Raker, Auto Comb)
- They don’t distribute coffee grounds in the portafilter better than simple tapping or a shaker.
- Levelers actually worsen extraction.
- Horizontal tapping or a shaker is sufficient.
2. Buying Every New Dripper
- Differences between drippers are minimal; filter paper has a greater impact.
- Three drippers (e.g., V60, Orea 01, OXO Rapid Brew) cover all needs.
3. Refractometers
- Expensive devices (VST, ATAGO, DiFluid) provide numbers that can discourage you from tasty coffee.
- Your tongue is the best refractometer – trust your taste.
4. Overpriced Scales
- Cheap scales (e.g., jewelry scales for $8) are as accurate as expensive models.
- Bluetooth features are unnecessary; invest the money in better coffee beans.
5. Fancy Tampers
- Expensive tampers (e.g., Weber, Force Tamper) can damage or suction the puck.
- A cheap self-leveling tamper (e.g., Normcore) is equally effective.
6. Expensive Portafilter Baskets
- High-end CNC baskets offer no advantage over IMS or VST baskets with a bottom paper filter.
- Cheaper step-down baskets (€40–50) are sufficient.
7. Special Milk Pitchers for Latte Art
- Expensive pitchers don’t improve latte art; practice and technique are key.
- A cheap pitcher (e.g., Rattleware) works fine.
8. Expensive Filter Papers
- High-end papers (e.g., Sibarist, Hario Météor) are unnecessary for daily use.
- They lock you into an expensive subscription model; optimize water, grinder, or beans instead.
9. Special Decanters and Glasses
- Fancy glasses with aeration promises offer barely noticeable differences.
- Choose a decanter or cup that feels comfortable in your hand.
10. Overhyped Espresso Machines
- Expensive machines (e.g., La Marzocco Linea Mini, Sanremo You) don’t necessarily improve coffee.
- Cheaper machines (e.g., Gaggia Classic Pro) with a good grinder deliver similar results.
- Temperature stability and pressure are sufficient in moderate machines.
These 10 points are not prohibitions but food for thought. If a product brings you joy, that’s perfectly fine – but for truly better coffee, simple tools and good technique are enough.






