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If you want to buy coffee beans, you will soon come across dozens of varieties described with terms such as intense, barista, espresso and crema. These words do not always tell you enough about the coffee that ultimately ends up in your cup. A dark roast, for example, can have a powerful flavour, but is not automatically suitable for every brewing method. Nor is a large pack always better value if you use the beans slowly.
This practical buying guide compares coffee beans, ground coffee, instant coffee and coffee grinders based on verifiable product details. That way, you can avoid making the wrong purchase for home, the office or when you are on the go.
A number such as 6, 8 or 11 usually refers to the intensity that the brand associates with its coffee. It is not a universal measurement method. So also check the roast, the composition and the recommended preparation method.
If you are looking for strong coffee beans, it is better to consider a dark roast and possibly a blend containing Robusta. If you prefer a milder espresso, Arabica coffee beans are often a better match.
Arabica coffee beans are often associated with a more refined aroma, while Robusta can provide more body and a robust finish. That does not mean one variety is right for everyone. A blend of Arabica and Robusta can be particularly well suited to espresso, cappuccino or latte.
Check the ingredients list. For example, Lavazza Espresso Barista Intenso is listed as a blend of Arabica and Robusta. Lavazza Espresso Italiano and Barista Perfetto are listed as 100% Arabica. This information is more useful than general words on the front of the packaging.
500 grams of coffee beans is practical for everyday use, but a 1,000-gram pack may be less suitable for a one-person household. Once opened, beans should be sealed properly and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not buy a large pack solely because the price per gram appears lower.
For an espresso machine, beans with an espresso or dark roast are often a sensible starting point. For filter coffee or a French press, a medium roast may be more enjoyable. Also check whether the manufacturer specifically states that the coffee is suitable for bean-to-cup machines, filter coffee or multiple brewing methods.
Do you use ground coffee? Then the grind must be suitable for your machine. Espresso requires a fine grind, while filter coffee needs a coarser grind. A bag of pre-ground coffee is convenient, but gives you less flexibility to adjust the grind.
Check the best-before information on the packaging and see whether the bag can be resealed. Do not store beans in the fridge: moisture and temperature fluctuations can affect the quality. An airtight storage container in a dark place is more practical.
For the coffee products in this selection, the product descriptions state that the packaging should be closed properly and kept away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Always check the label on the packaging for the latest information.
A coffee grinder with several settings is useful if you switch between espresso, filter coffee and pour-over. According to the product specifications, the HiBREW G3 has 34 grind settings, a bean hopper with a capacity of 210 grams and a grounds container with a capacity of 100 grams. The appliance operates at 220-240 V, 50 Hz, which is compatible with the Dutch electricity supply.
An automatic coffee grinder is convenient for everyday use, but consider its dimensions and noise level if it will be placed in a small kitchen or office. A manual grinder is more portable, but requires more effort for each cup.
Why it suits this profile: The pack contains 500 grams, and the product description states that it contains 100% coffee beans, has a medium roast and is suitable for espresso, filter and bean-to-cup machines.
The medium roast and multiple preparation options make it less necessary to buy a highly specific bean for a single appliance straight away.
500 grams, 100% coffee beans and, according to the product description, resealable packaging.
Why it suits this profile: The product information states 100% Arabica, an intensity of 6/10 and a profile with floral and chocolate notes for espresso or lungo.
The stated composition and intensity provide more guidance than a general description such as ‘strong’ alone.
100% Arabica, 500 grams and clearly stated suitability for espresso and lungo.
Why it suits this profile: If you regularly switch between espresso, Turkish coffee and pour-over, its 34 grind settings give you more control than a grinder with just a few settings.
The grind size is adjustable, so you do not need a separate grinder for every brewing method.
34 settings, 210-gram bean storage and a stated power rating of 220 watts.
Why it suits this profile: This fully automatic espresso machine grinds beans, can also use ground coffee according to the product description and has a steam wand for frothing milk.
The machine offers adjustable coffee strength and grind size, making you less dependent on a single type of bean.
1.8-litre water tank, 0.25-litre bean hopper and a removable brewing unit according to the product specifications.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
For when you are on the go, a manual set such as the STARESSO Portable Espresso Maker may be worth considering. The product description mentions a manual grinder with 12 grind settings and use with hot or cold water. However, check that the size and preparation required suit your journey.
Choose beans whose product information lists espresso as a preparation method. A dark or medium-dark roast is often used for espresso, but the right choice depends on your taste. A blend with Arabica and Robusta can provide more body, while 100% Arabica may offer a different aroma.
Unopened coffee beans remain in date until the date shown on the packaging. Once opened, you can help preserve their quality by sealing the bag properly and storing the beans somewhere cool, dry and dark. It is better to buy an amount you will use within a few weeks or months than a supply that remains open for a long time.
That depends on how you use it. For one fixed brewing method, a simpler grinder may be sufficient. An automatic coffee grinder with multiple grind settings is particularly useful if you switch between espresso, filter coffee and pour-over, or prepare several cups every day. As well as the price, consider capacity, dimensions, adjustment options and ease of cleaning.
