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How To Make The Best Coffee At Home
World-leading coffee expert and best-selling author of The World Atlas of Coffee shows you how to make barista-level coffee at home
We all expect to be able to buy an excellent cup of coffee from the many brilliant coffee shops available. But what about the coffee we make at home? Shouldn't that be just as good?
James Hoffmann is anentrepreneur and the international name in coffee, combining expert-level knowledge with a wonderful ability to communicate it. James runs Square Mile Coffee, as well as creating extremely informative, and popular, coffee and equipment reviews for his YouTube and Instagram channels. In his latest book he demonstrates everything you need to know to make consistently excellent coffee at home, including: what equipment is worth buying, and what isn't; how to grind coffee; the basics of brewing for all major equipment (cafetiere, aeropress, stovetop etc); understanding coffee drinks, from the cortado to latte andthe perfect espresso.
We all expect to be able to buy an excellent cup of coffee from the many brilliant coffee shops available. But what about the coffee we make at home? Shouldn't that be just as good?
James Hoffmann is anentrepreneur and the international name in coffee, combining expert-level knowledge with a wonderful ability to communicate it. James runs Square Mile Coffee, as well as creating extremely informative, and popular, coffee and equipment reviews for his YouTube and Instagram channels. In his latest book he demonstrates everything you need to know to make consistently excellent coffee at home, including: what equipment is worth buying, and what isn't; how to grind coffee; the basics of brewing for all major equipment (cafetiere, aeropress, stovetop etc); understanding coffee drinks, from the cortado to latte andthe perfect espresso.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
1,019 people are currently reading
3,969 people want to read
About the author
James Hoffmann
17books227followersJames Alexander Hoffmann is an English businessman, author, barista, online influencer and coffee consultant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
October 15, 2022
The genius of this book is that all the information in it has probably been covered on James' Youtube channel at some point but I still wanted to buy it.
I do not regret that decision. It's a well-structured, condensed and considering the length surprisingly detailed guide to making great coffee with none of the pretentiousness you would expect from such a thing. I really appreciate James' attitude, especially towards milk drinks and sugary stuff like the Pumpkin Spice Latte (which is not covered in this book). When he says that he just wants me to enjoy my coffee more I really believe him, especially because he doesn't push espresso as much as other coffee people.
It also doesn't hurt that the book is beautiful.
I do not regret that decision. It's a well-structured, condensed and considering the length surprisingly detailed guide to making great coffee with none of the pretentiousness you would expect from such a thing. I really appreciate James' attitude, especially towards milk drinks and sugary stuff like the Pumpkin Spice Latte (which is not covered in this book). When he says that he just wants me to enjoy my coffee more I really believe him, especially because he doesn't push espresso as much as other coffee people.
It also doesn't hurt that the book is beautiful.
December 28, 2022
Ladies and gentlemen,
this is: Coffee at home, a *helpful* James Hoffmann summary
I hope you have a great day!
this is: Coffee at home, a *helpful* James Hoffmann summary
I hope you have a great day!
May 27, 2024
Coming out of the pandemic, I've gathered a trio of life-altering wisdom and takeaways that have reshaped my being: Mental Health, Reading, and Specialty Coffee. #JamesHoffman.
This man has indisputably become the guru of my coffee obsession and led me to splurge hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars and countless hours on an array of coffee brewers, exotic beans, and an assortment of quirky gear. It's a deliciously deep rabbit hole I've plunged myself into with no end in sight...HA! I wouldn't have it any other way...There's always a new blend to try or a fresh technique to master. ☕️
Any book by this bro will always be a treasure in my heart and my bookshelf. His works go beyond being informative. They're also a gateway to thebasic art of coffee making. Hoffman never comes off as pretentious. His genuine passion and propensity formaking coffee accessible are contagious and heartwarming.It's all there on his YouTube channel,sure, but I love owning the physical copy of this book.📖
What a damn caffeinated journey so far! It began in Church, where Mom handed 12-year-old me my first-ever cup. My consumption then skyrocketed during my time in the military. However, it was James Hoffman who exposed me to the true potential of this amazing beverage. It wasn't just bitter brews for me anymore. It transformed into something more exquisite and fun. Today, I've at least ten different brewers, lmao. So many recipes from other coffee influencers mixed with my own concoctions are all archived in a dedicated spreadsheet. I even craft my own special brewing water...Yikes lol! 😬 I'm completely buried in this rabbit hole and loving every minute of it! 🥴
Cheers to you, James Hoffman. You rock! This is definitely a biased review, and I will always give this man his flowers! 💐
This man has indisputably become the guru of my coffee obsession and led me to splurge hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars and countless hours on an array of coffee brewers, exotic beans, and an assortment of quirky gear. It's a deliciously deep rabbit hole I've plunged myself into with no end in sight...HA! I wouldn't have it any other way...There's always a new blend to try or a fresh technique to master. ☕️
Any book by this bro will always be a treasure in my heart and my bookshelf. His works go beyond being informative. They're also a gateway to thebasic art of coffee making. Hoffman never comes off as pretentious. His genuine passion and propensity formaking coffee accessible are contagious and heartwarming.It's all there on his YouTube channel,sure, but I love owning the physical copy of this book.📖
What a damn caffeinated journey so far! It began in Church, where Mom handed 12-year-old me my first-ever cup. My consumption then skyrocketed during my time in the military. However, it was James Hoffman who exposed me to the true potential of this amazing beverage. It wasn't just bitter brews for me anymore. It transformed into something more exquisite and fun. Today, I've at least ten different brewers, lmao. So many recipes from other coffee influencers mixed with my own concoctions are all archived in a dedicated spreadsheet. I even craft my own special brewing water...Yikes lol! 😬 I'm completely buried in this rabbit hole and loving every minute of it! 🥴
Cheers to you, James Hoffman. You rock! This is definitely a biased review, and I will always give this man his flowers! 💐
January 22, 2024
I always viewed James Hoffman as the best resource and most approachable 'authority' out there right now on the topic of coffee. I thoroughly enjoy his YouTube content and the same applies to this book. He has the ability of talking about pretty technical stuff and make it engaging and quite easy to understand. What I like best about him is that he doesn't preach about what coffee is best and how one should enjoy it, but simply offer you the information and tools on how to have best coffee that you can (within your means and willingness to invest time and effort) at home.
August 28, 2023
James Hoffmann YouTube-csatornáját a párom révén ismertem meg, pedig kettőnk közül ő az, aki évek óta nem iszik kávét. Én meg mondjuk nem vagyok kávésznob, de szerencsére Hoffmann is inkább arra törekszik, hogy mindenki felfedezze az ízlését, és ennek megfelelően tudjon magának választani. Szóval aki az egy igaz utat keresi az otthoni artisan kávéfőzéshez, az csalódni fog a könyvben, aki viszont felfedezni akar, annak ajánlom. Érthető, tömör, és nem képzeli magát az atyaúristennek.
October 11, 2022
Alleen maar lof voor James. Het boek is leuk als je al veel weet over koffie en je kennis uit wil breiden, maar het is ook een goed welkom-in-de-koffiewereld-boek. Leuk voor iedereen die ook maar een beetje interesse heeft in koffie. Ga lezen.
(o en kijk James Hoffmann filmpjes op YouTube voor ultiem entertainment)
(o en kijk James Hoffmann filmpjes op YouTube voor ultiem entertainment)
March 19, 2024
Step #1: Have money
Step #2: Spend it on coffee
Step #2: Spend it on coffee
November 5, 2023
I follow James Hoffmann’s social media and when I saw How to make the best coffee at home I was excited to learn � well how to make myself a decent cup of joe :)
Unfortunately the book is thin (as in watered down coffee, not necessarily in pages� mmm� that too thinking about it).
It does touch every brewing method and their “recipes� (except regular cold brew, which I would have liked as I do make cold brew at home during summer).
I can’t really explain, it does its job: it says how to brew at home using every gadget, but it still seems a very “light� book. Not much else. Yes water hardness and temperature. Again with a but, nothing to talk home about.
Yea, as an other reader has said: everything is on his You Tube channel. Think of it as a way to thank him for its time :)
It’s definitely one of those cases of “it’s not you it’s me�. Probably because as a tea drinker I’m used to much heftier books on tea, where the subject matter is often well developed.
Unfortunately the book is thin (as in watered down coffee, not necessarily in pages� mmm� that too thinking about it).
It does touch every brewing method and their “recipes� (except regular cold brew, which I would have liked as I do make cold brew at home during summer).
I can’t really explain, it does its job: it says how to brew at home using every gadget, but it still seems a very “light� book. Not much else. Yes water hardness and temperature. Again with a but, nothing to talk home about.
Yea, as an other reader has said: everything is on his You Tube channel. Think of it as a way to thank him for its time :)
It’s definitely one of those cases of “it’s not you it’s me�. Probably because as a tea drinker I’m used to much heftier books on tea, where the subject matter is often well developed.
December 30, 2022
technically i read this. (and it’s great, incredibly concise and informational) would i normally put this kinda book on goodreads? probably not. but i haven’t read anything in so long i figured i’d give myself the credit.
my reading really taken a dive the last 6 months. i started 2022 having read 9 books in january alone. and i won’t even crack 20 total. but life’s busy and that’s not a bad thing! i think this year i will set a more ‘realistic� goal. i could hit 40 books in a year but sometimes you gotta not read and watch Attack on Titan instead.
my reading really taken a dive the last 6 months. i started 2022 having read 9 books in january alone. and i won’t even crack 20 total. but life’s busy and that’s not a bad thing! i think this year i will set a more ‘realistic� goal. i could hit 40 books in a year but sometimes you gotta not read and watch Attack on Titan instead.
February 18, 2023
As a passionate Hoffmannite I was always going to enjoy this book but after reading it I just think it’s the perfect thing to have close-hand for the coffee-lover. There are so many of his videos you can watch and it’s so easy to forget what was said, whereas now I have this to refer to on a regular basis every time I want to experiment with a new brewer or diagnose problems with my filter coffees. Other than that it is also just a fantastic exploration of the whats, whys and basic principles of filter and espresso coffee, dashed with great bits of coffee history throughout.
July 24, 2024
Het is officieel: Ik ben vanaf heden officieel een koffiesnob. En dat terwijl ik niet eens een espresso kan drinken zonder zuur te kijken.
Al met al een leuk boekkie om te lezen, al is het meer ingericht als een boek om te raadplegen als je specifiek moet weten hoe je een bepaald type koffie moet maken. Veel van de dingen die erin staan ben je ook meermaals tegengekomen als je het YouTube-kanaal van James Hoffmann volgt, maar voor het 'even snel iets opzoeken' aspect is dit natuurlijk praktischer dan steeds door filmpjes van 10-15 minuten heenspitten.
Het boek is heel diepgaand en gaat alle aspecten van elk - voor mij bekend - type koffie af. Soms viel me wel op dat bepaalde claims heel grondig werden uitgewerkt, terwijl andere claims gewoon gemaakt werden zonder verdere uitleg, ook als je dit wel zou verwachten. Ook werden sommige begrippen eerder in het boek gebruikt en pas later uitgelegd, wat - ondanks de meer informatieve dan verhalende aard van het boek - eigenlijk niet hoort mijns inziens.
Al met al een leuk boek om te lezen, vooral als je je meer wilt verdiepen in voornamelijk het hoe en wat van koffie. Voor een geschiedenis van koffie heeft Hoffmann een ander boek geschreven, dat binnenkort ook op mijn 'Reading' lijst gaat verschijnen.
Ajeto!
Al met al een leuk boekkie om te lezen, al is het meer ingericht als een boek om te raadplegen als je specifiek moet weten hoe je een bepaald type koffie moet maken. Veel van de dingen die erin staan ben je ook meermaals tegengekomen als je het YouTube-kanaal van James Hoffmann volgt, maar voor het 'even snel iets opzoeken' aspect is dit natuurlijk praktischer dan steeds door filmpjes van 10-15 minuten heenspitten.
Het boek is heel diepgaand en gaat alle aspecten van elk - voor mij bekend - type koffie af. Soms viel me wel op dat bepaalde claims heel grondig werden uitgewerkt, terwijl andere claims gewoon gemaakt werden zonder verdere uitleg, ook als je dit wel zou verwachten. Ook werden sommige begrippen eerder in het boek gebruikt en pas later uitgelegd, wat - ondanks de meer informatieve dan verhalende aard van het boek - eigenlijk niet hoort mijns inziens.
Al met al een leuk boek om te lezen, vooral als je je meer wilt verdiepen in voornamelijk het hoe en wat van koffie. Voor een geschiedenis van koffie heeft Hoffmann een ander boek geschreven, dat binnenkort ook op mijn 'Reading' lijst gaat verschijnen.
Ajeto!
June 5, 2023
A beautifully designed book with detailed, helpful advice on how to make a better cup of coffee.
January 27, 2025
Ik zou bijna een carrière in koffie overwegen na het lezen van deze klassieker. Aan iedereen aan te raden! James Hoffman is een levende legende.
February 17, 2023
James Hoffman is an icon in the specialty coffee universe. With his newest book, James does a great job of breaking down the basics of coffee and communicating it in a way that anyone can step into the world of coffee. As an avid home-barista, I too learned a lot from this book and I recommend that anyone who loves coffee busy this book. Everyone will learn something by reading.
February 25, 2023
I like how it explained the science behind the process and the practical tips presented.
December 22, 2024
I would have appreciated a discussion on whether certain brew methods yield better flavours or not. Very soothing and informative read otherwise
December 28, 2022
It's fine. If you've watched his Youtube videos there is very little here that isn't in them. Nothing revolutionary, no new ideas really just steady advice. The important thing to remember (and he says this himself) is what he tells you is the method he prefers and how he likes to make coffee. If you have a different process, that works for you stick with it. We all like our coffee differently.
I use a French Press, and don't use the same amount of cofee as James, I don't stick to his intense cleaning regime, I don't weigh either. From the book though I get another idea, and another approach to try.
I'll admit I was a little disappointed that a good third of the book is about how to make an espresso. I suppose if you have a machine, then a google espresso or double espresso for that is the start to most drinks like lattes, americanos etc so it's important to know for that.
It's a book for the shelf for now, so if I get a new device I'll have an idea on how to make coffee with it to James' specification. A reference book.
I use a French Press, and don't use the same amount of cofee as James, I don't stick to his intense cleaning regime, I don't weigh either. From the book though I get another idea, and another approach to try.
I'll admit I was a little disappointed that a good third of the book is about how to make an espresso. I suppose if you have a machine, then a google espresso or double espresso for that is the start to most drinks like lattes, americanos etc so it's important to know for that.
It's a book for the shelf for now, so if I get a new device I'll have an idea on how to make coffee with it to James' specification. A reference book.
May 2, 2023
My Aeropress results are now much tastier. Thanks, James.
April 8, 2024
I am now making the best coffee at home
July 30, 2023
I’ll be rereading the espresso part now that we finally handed over a chunk of change for the real deal. It’s terrifying. Nobody mentions how many different parts there are to using a true espresso machine - or how many ways to mess up. I’ve been reading just trying to work up the courage the past few days as the machine mocks me from the kitchen counter.
The book. If you love coffee, this is a book you need. A book you’ll love. A book you’ll use.
The book. If you love coffee, this is a book you need. A book you’ll love. A book you’ll use.
February 26, 2023
The book wasn't nearly as good as Craft Coffee: A Manual for non-espresso recipes, but the espresso section was very strong and I learned quite a bit from it.
I'm never going to buy an espresso machine, but I'm feeling motivated to try some new drinks at the coffee shops.
I'm never going to buy an espresso machine, but I'm feeling motivated to try some new drinks at the coffee shops.
November 4, 2022
4*
Very nice book. It's more like a guide book than an actual book. Will definitely come back to this many times while making coffee. Could be a little bit longer though. Half of the book is about different coffee making techniques.
Very nice book. It's more like a guide book than an actual book. Will definitely come back to this many times while making coffee. Could be a little bit longer though. Half of the book is about different coffee making techniques.
January 1, 2025
This is a book designed for people that have zero knowledge about brewing coffee. I would probably recommend more to read The world Atlas of Coffee.
The book is not bad per se, I just found it disappointing because it didn't add much knowledge to myself. It does emphasise on the importance of water, which sometimes is not properly addressed as a serious element to help in making a good cup of coffee.
If you are a serious about coffee, then The Physics of Filter Coffee is a way better option.
The book is not bad per se, I just found it disappointing because it didn't add much knowledge to myself. It does emphasise on the importance of water, which sometimes is not properly addressed as a serious element to help in making a good cup of coffee.
If you are a serious about coffee, then The Physics of Filter Coffee is a way better option.
February 22, 2023
Way too much detail for me
February 14, 2024
it's very rare that an obsession gets to have as good a role model as Mister James Hoffmann. He is undeniably a world authority on the coffee industry being a successful business owner and former world barista champion. Therefore, the information provided is well founded and thorough. However, the most appealing part of this book is the acknowledgement that our obsessions which once brought us joy, can become something of a burden when they stop us from appreciating the good that we have.
"The point of brewing coffee is to drink it, not to have it pass a technical exam."
"If it brings you delight, if you are a little bit sad that the cup has finished, then it is OK to just enjoy it and shoot for the same thing the next time you brew, without having to pick it apart to try and endlessly iterate it to somehow make it better." This thinking can be challenging but also a thief of joy, and no one wants that from their morning brew.
The theme for the book is this back to basics approach to making coffee that is free from pretention and cautious against chasing perfection. It's reminiscent of Marie Kondo, but for coffee:
"The cup you like the look of, the heft of, that brings you a little pleasure is the correct cup for you."
Outstanding book, a great starter to get into coffee or reference for intermediates.
"The point of brewing coffee is to drink it, not to have it pass a technical exam."
"If it brings you delight, if you are a little bit sad that the cup has finished, then it is OK to just enjoy it and shoot for the same thing the next time you brew, without having to pick it apart to try and endlessly iterate it to somehow make it better." This thinking can be challenging but also a thief of joy, and no one wants that from their morning brew.
The theme for the book is this back to basics approach to making coffee that is free from pretention and cautious against chasing perfection. It's reminiscent of Marie Kondo, but for coffee:
"The cup you like the look of, the heft of, that brings you a little pleasure is the correct cup for you."
Outstanding book, a great starter to get into coffee or reference for intermediates.
April 26, 2023
A must read for any coffee enthusiast out there. It starts with the basics, from a concise origin story to how to buy, store, and taste coffee.
At times I felt like the author was trying to sell me on buying all this expensive equipment, so don’t feel obligated to buy shit lol, but if you do, I guess this would be a good starting point as to how to make different types of espressos, and maintain your equipment.
Also, the second half of the book is mostly about how to make espressos with your own equipment. Again, if you don’t own the equipment, then this might be skimmed over. Second half repeats a lot of the same ideas of what is important about brewing a coffee, so it’s nice to review it.
The book definitely gave me a better understanding of the science of coffee, and how to improve it based on the nuances of the process, water, temperature, freshness, over or under extraction troubleshooting techniques, and many more!
At times I felt like the author was trying to sell me on buying all this expensive equipment, so don’t feel obligated to buy shit lol, but if you do, I guess this would be a good starting point as to how to make different types of espressos, and maintain your equipment.
Also, the second half of the book is mostly about how to make espressos with your own equipment. Again, if you don’t own the equipment, then this might be skimmed over. Second half repeats a lot of the same ideas of what is important about brewing a coffee, so it’s nice to review it.
The book definitely gave me a better understanding of the science of coffee, and how to improve it based on the nuances of the process, water, temperature, freshness, over or under extraction troubleshooting techniques, and many more!
December 22, 2023
Great resource for anyone who loves coffee. Hoffmann is British so it can take some adjustment as an American to get used to his sentence structure and spelling. This book does a good job of providing instructions for various types of coffee makers as well as a deep dive into each aspect of the coffee making process. Some of the information can be very in depth and only the most pretentious coffee snobs will care about it.
If you have just discovered the author, James Hoffmann has a YouTube channel that provides great, up to date, coffee content that is very informative and entertaining.
If you have just discovered the author, James Hoffmann has a YouTube channel that provides great, up to date, coffee content that is very informative and entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
Overall, this is a very helpful and informative book. It leans a bit too heavily towards espresso for my needs but that is of course a more complex topic than the other preparation methods and so this was probably inevitable. I would have liked some of the opening chapters to have been expanded with more details, eg describing the various bean processes. If this came at the expense of losing some full-page photos of the author contemplating a cup of coffee, it would be no great loss.
March 21, 2025
I really liked it. This book will give you all the required knowledge to have a decent coffee setup for your home.
James Hoffman is someone who I already enjoy his YouTube videos. I like his way of putting things out realistically. He doesn’t point out the fancies way of making things. He provides options with an enough knowledge around the parameters you need to consider. This book is no difference.
I’ll keep it in my library gladly by knowing that I have a nice reference book that I can rely on.
James Hoffman is someone who I already enjoy his YouTube videos. I like his way of putting things out realistically. He doesn’t point out the fancies way of making things. He provides options with an enough knowledge around the parameters you need to consider. This book is no difference.
I’ll keep it in my library gladly by knowing that I have a nice reference book that I can rely on.
April 10, 2025
This is a visually beautiful book and is packed with information that's straight to the point and teaches you How To Make The Best Coffee At Home. Hoffmann is concerned with giving you the tools to brew coffee you like and not to impose his opinions on you. There are plenty of recipes and tips and tricks for different methods of brewing coffee and espresso drinks.
I, for one, did not know that the French Press we know today is Italian, or that the cappuccino originated in Austria...
I, for one, did not know that the French Press we know today is Italian, or that the cappuccino originated in Austria...
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