Brew Great Coffee Without a Chemistry Degree

National Drinks | Ashley Mason

Is that a chemistry lab or a coffee shop?

Space age brew labs like Intelligentsia's NYC outpost in the High Line Hotel make it hard to tell.

We covet their fancy glass drippers and siphons, and we don't think fancy-pants coffee joints should have all the fun. To bring the coffee-geek experience home, we rounded up the best (and coolest-looking) gear for making the most of your home brew.

1. Hario Cold Water Coffee Dripper ($265): The slow-brew method, which preserves the beans' natural sugars, is ideal for making iced coffee.

2. Hario Double-Walled Glass Coffee Press ($80): Thick glass walls and olivewood collar protect your hands from heat.

3. Yama Coffee Vacpot Siphon ($65): Hot water moves between its two chambers to filter coffee.

4. Kalita Wave Dripper ($30): Its flat-bottom design allows for even extraction, "which is best for beginners," says Liam Kenna of Portland's Stumptown. "It's much easier to get the water and the coffee to spend time together."

5. ROK Manual Espresso Maker ($200): Its simple design pulls a smooth shot without the bells and whistles of larger machines.

6. Walkure Bayreuth Porcelain Pour Over Brewer ($105): This two-tiered German system filters coffee through a porcelain filter.

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