How to Satisfy Your $5 Starbucks Habit at Home

pour over kettle

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pour over kettle
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Above Average Joe

Maybe you're working from home and it's not as convenient to stop by the coffee shop for a latte. Maybe you're looking to save money. Whatever the reason, there are many ways to up your at-home coffee and tea game. Here are some ways to recreate your favorite coffee shop experience at home.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


Related: Perk 'Em Up with These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers

OXO BREW Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Target

A Proper Grind: OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

$100 from Target
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If you're going to make coffee at home with any frequency, it may be time to invest in a barista-quality grinder. Burr grinders are recommended by most coffee professionals because they result in a consistent grind, which will improve the quality of your brew noticeably.


Related: 10 Local Coffee Roasters That Put Starbucks to Shame

blue bottle coffee
Amazon

A Coffee Subscription: Blue Bottle Coffee

From $11 from Blue Bottle
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A coffee subscription not only makes it easy to keep coffee in your pantry, but also is a great way to try new things. Blue Bottle's subscriptions can be customized easily by amount, delivery frequency, and whether you want it pre-ground, and you can either subscribe to a blend you already know you love or try something new every time.


Looking for more options? Check out these 25 Coffee Subscriptions to Make Your Mornings Easier in 2021.

 Bialetti Express Moka Pot, 6 -Cup, Aluminum Silver
Amazon

DIY Espresso: Bialetti Express Moka Pot, Six-Cup

$35 from Amazon
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If you're an espresso fiend, you should probably know you can make your own espresso on the stovetop in only a few minutes. Blue Bottle recommends boiling water, then filling the bottom chamber of the pot with it. Finely ground coffee goes into the basket, which is screwed on and put over a medium heat until you hear a hissing, bubbling sound.


Related: 30 Kitchen Essentials That Are Built to Last

Bodum Schiuma Milk Frother
Target

DIY Latte: Bodum Schiuma Milk Frother

$9 from Target
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Once you have your espresso, it's easy to make a latte or cappuccino. Simply warm up milk on the stove or in the microwave, then let your milk frother go to work. Pour in as much milk as you'd like.

 Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker, 1 Liter, 34 Ounce, Chrome
Amazon
Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle
Amazon

A Better Kettle: Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle

$70 from Amazon
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Heating water in the microwave or on the stove is so last century. Try an electric kettle, which is quicker and doesn't heat the kitchen along with the water. This sleek kettle from Cosori includes five variable temperature presets for tea and coffee so you know your water is exactly where you want it to be.


Related: 30 Kitchen Gifts They'll Actually Use

Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker
Amazon

Easy Cold Brew: Ovalware RJ3 Cold Brew Maker

$30 from Amazon
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If you're a cold brew fiend, why not get a dedicated device to get your fix more easily? The Ovalware RJ3 makes it easy to lock in your ratio and features an air-tight seal that will keep your cold brew fresh for up to two weeks (if it lasts that long to begin with).


Related: How to Make Your Own Cold Brew Coffee and Save

 SEAL POD Reusable Nespresso Capsules - Stainless Steel
Amazon

Get Creative With Your Nespresso or Keurig

Seal Pod Reusable Nespresso Capsules
$33 from Amazon
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Reusable K Cups for Keurig
$7 from Amazon
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If you already have a Keurig or Nespresso, put it to good use. Buy some reusable pods to fill with coffee grounds for fresh and delicious cups in an earth-friendly way.


Related: 30 Things You Should Stop Buying in 2020

la colombe draft lattes
Amazon

Cans for Convenience

Elemental Single-Origin Cans, Six-Pack Sampler
$30 from Elemental Beverage
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La Colombe Draft Latte, 12-Pack
$36 from La Colombe
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Starbucks Frappuccino Variety Pack of 12
$31 from Walmart
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One of the best parts of your favorite coffee shop is that you can play it by ear. Feel like your regular latte? Great. Want to try a new single-origin option? Also great. If you miss the convenience of choice, order some premade options. You can find single-origin, flash-chilled cans, lattes, and even Frappuccinos (which you can put in the freezer to fully recreate the Frappuccino experience).


Related: From Mocha to Java: The Secret History of How Coffee Took Over the World

Pour Over Coffee Maker Set - Includes Coffee Carafe Pour Over Coffee Kettle with Thermometer
Amazon

A Good Pour: Pour-Over Coffee Maker Set

$55 from Amazon
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It's hard to beat the sophistication of a good pour-over cup of coffee. This kit from Amazon features a stainless steel kettle meant specifically for pour-overs, paper coffee filters, a ceramic coffee dripper, and a glass carafe for serving.


Related: 15 Things to Buy (And 6 To Skip) Right After Moving

 Hamilton Beach 46205 Programmable, Coffee Maker, Standard
Amazon

Coffee When You Wake Up: Hamilton Beach Programmable Coffee Maker

$70 from Amazon
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Some of us wake up on the wrong side of the bed by default, and coffee's the only cure. If that's you, consider a programmable coffee maker. Simply set it for when you plan on waking up, so hot coffee will be ready to help.


Related: The Best 10 Coffee Makers to Buy at Walmart and Target

Waka Colombian Medium Roast Instant Coffee
Cheapism

Go Instant (With an Upgrade)

Waka Instant Coffee, 35 Servings
$26 from Amazon
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Swift Cup Ethiopian Argo Instant Coffee, Six-Cup Box
$15 from Swift Cup
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No longer is instant coffee synonymous with "burnt and unpleasant." There's a new wave of instant coffee out there, including single-origin options, using higher-quality beans and an updated process. Use one for a quick cup when you're in a hurry, or make a large batch and ice it.


Related: Where to Find a Great Cheap Cup of Coffee Across The Country

Yoassi FDA Approved 18/8 Stainless Steel Tea Infuser Mesh Strainer
Amazon

Loose Leaf: Yoassi Extra Fine Stainless Steel Tea Infuser

$10 from Amazon
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Or maybe you're looking to up your at-home tea game. The quickest way to do that is buying loose leaf tea — you just need an infuser.

Tealyra - Matcha Tea Ceremony Start Up Kit - Complete Matcha Green Tea Gift Set
Amazon

At-Home Matcha: Tealyra Matcha Tea Ceremony Start-Up Kit

$55 from Amazon
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Maybe you're more a fan of matcha, the antioxidant-packed Japanese green tea powder. You may have seen it prepared using fancy gadgets, but it's rather simple (and more traditional) to do by hand. This kit comes with everything you need to get started.


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