If you've embraced the rising trend of home brewing to save on coffee-related expenses, especially with the recent surge in coffee prices, we acknowledge you. Spending smartly on the right coffee tools initially can result in substantial cost savings in the long run. However, creating that near-perfect café-like coffee at home can be challenging without formal barista training. Hence, to help, we've gathered invaluable tips from veteran baristas and coffee connoisseurs.

The most common mistake people make while brewing coffee is incorrect measurement, points out Laila Ghambari, a 20-year specialty coffee practitioner. According to her, using a recipe is crucial for achieving the desired quantity and flavor strength. She suggests a 1:15-17 coffee to water ratio, with measurements done by weight using food scales for precision. Favoring the Escali Arti for its accurate performance and user-friendly controls, Heather Perry, twice U.S. Barista Champion and CEO of Klatch Coffee, confirms its worthiness.

Another brewing pitfall Dave Lanning, owner of Dave’s Coffee, calls out is using pre-ground coffee. When coffee is ground, it begins to lose its flavor due to oxidation, impacting the quality of your brew. For better control over grind size and resulting flavor, Lanning advises investing in a burr grinder, akin to the Baratza Encore, recommended by coffee professionals. A lesser investment option, he suggests, is getting coffee ground at a local café, thereafter storing in an airtight container.

The location and method of coffee storage are pivotal, as improper storage can degrade coffee quality over time. Using an airtight, vacuum-sealed coffee canister like the Fellow Atmos helps maintain freshness and flavor consistency for longer, states Lanning.

Achieving perfectly frothed milk at home can be difficult without practice and suitable equipment. The trick lies in operating the steam wand correctly and maintaining milk temperature between 140°F and 160°F, shares Professional Barista Kat McCarthy. Avoid exceeding this range as it can negatively affect the taste. She recommends using quality milk thermometers, such as the KT Thermo, for accurate temperature checks.

Never reheat your coffee in the microwave, as it can ruin the brew's taste profile, warns Lanning, recommending using a temperature-controlling mug such as the Ember for maintaining the optimal drinking temperature instead.

Mastering pour-over coffee, a popular home-brewing method, is easier with the right tools to regulate pouring and temperature. McCarthy suggests investing in an electric gooseneck kettle or its stovetop alternative, both facilitating smoother pouring compared to traditional kettles.

Producing frothy milk without elaborate equipment or manual techniques can be challenging. By investing in an automated milk frother like the Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother, beginners can easily create ideal froth at home, suggests Shonali Paul, founder of Paul John Indian Caffeine Company.

Perry stresses the importance of properly treating and filtering water for brewing, as coffee is primarily water. She recommends using carbon filters and treating water with products like Third Wave Water for superior coffee.

Regular cleaning or descaling your coffee machines and accessories is vital to preserving optimal taste and aroma, Perry advises. She recommends using Cafiza powder or a 50:50 vinegar and water solution for cleaning and always flushing the machine with plain water post descaling before brewing.

For those who already boast a professional espresso-making setup at home, investing in an automated espresso tamper like the Likarva is a valuable addition. These devices ensure consistent pressure when tamping for perfect espresso, and they help to prevent long-term, repetitive usage damage without the need for manual work, Perry explains.