Third Wave Coffee: How to Brew It (and What Equipment You Actually Need) (Part II of Third Wave Coffee Series)

Every coffee drinker has their own story: the busy parent who just needs their cup ready by 6 a.m., the curious home barista dialing in espresso on Saturday mornings, or the iced coffee devotee with a pitcher of cold brew always waiting in the fridge. Wherever you fall, brewing at home can be both easy and deeply rewarding.

In our previous post, we explored the history of coffee’s “waves”—from its beginnings as a convenient household product, to the café boom, and finally to the world of specialty, or third wave, coffee. If you haven’t checked that out yet, give it a read first—it’ll set the stage for today’s topic.

Now, that you know what makes Third Wave coffee different, and how the evolution of the Fourth Wave is upon us, let’s talk about how to actually brew good coffee at home. This is one of the most common questions we hear at Tradition:

• What’s the best way to brew?
• Is there a best roast?
• Do I need fancy equipment?
  

The short answer: it depends!
When I’m helping customers choose a home setup, I always start with three simple questions:

• How do you like to drink your coffee? (Black? With cream and sugar? As a latte?)
• How much time do you want to spend making it each morning?
• What’s your budget?

Your answers to these will guide you toward the right method for you. There’s no single “perfect” brew—just the one that fits your taste, lifestyle, and budget.

Choosing Your Brewing Method

Here are a few examples to show how different preferences match with different gear:
For latte lovers: If you love milk-based drinks and don’t mind investing in your setup, an espresso machine is worth considering. (And if you want to master it, check out our Home Barista Class!)

• For black coffee fans who like simplicity: A drip coffee maker with a programmable timer is your best friend—ready when you are. 
• For coffee-as-meditation types: If you enjoy the ritual of brewing, try a pour-over. The process is calming, and the results are exceptional. We teach a Perfect Pour-Over class to learn all about the science behind making your perfect cup!
• For iced coffee drinkers on the go: A batch of cold brew in the fridge will save you both time and money. Just pour, add ice, and head out the door. Our recipe for it is here.

Whole Bean vs. Pre-Ground

Another big question: should you buy whole bean or ground coffee?

• For convenience: Pre-ground coffee is totally fine, especially if you don’t have a quality grinder at home. Just use it within a month for best freshness.
• For best flavor: Grinding whole beans right before brewing makes a huge difference—but it does mean investing in a good burr grinder for consistency.

Our Recommendations

Here are some tried-and-true setups based on coffee style, effort, and budget:

Black Coffee Drinkers (or just a splash of milk/cream)

• Low effort, low cost: Any standard drip machine will do.
• Low effort, higher budget: The Fellow Aiden brews pour-over quality coffee with customizable settings and a timer. 
• More effort, low cost: Try a Hario V60 or AeroPress for hands-on brewing. For multiple cups, go with a Chemex.
• More effort, higher budget: A precision kettle from Fellow paired with a pour-over or Chemex setup will give you café-level results.
  

Milk-Based Coffee Drinkers

• Low cost: A Moka Pot or AeroPress creates a strong, espresso-like coffee that pairs beautifully with milk.
• Low effort, higher budget: Sometimes the best option is visiting us at Tradition, and you know you miss your favorite baristas anyways! Order ahead through our app [iOS/Android], and your drink will be waiting.
• High effort, higher budget: A quality espresso machine (like the new model Fellow is releasing this year!) gives you endless control. Pair it with the barista skills you learned during our Home Barista Class, and you can steam and pour just like the pros.
  

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, brewing great coffee at home isn’t about buying the “best” gear, and there’s no single “right” way to make coffee—just the one that fits your daily tradition. Whether you keep it simple with a drip machine or geek out over espresso extraction, the most important thing is that your daily cup brings you joy. If you ever want to swap tips, taste something new, or learn a new skill, you’ll always have a seat at our table here at Tradition.

Need recommendations for the perfect roast for you? We created a quiz for that!