How Much Money Can You Save by Making Coffee at Home?
There’s something about that enticing aroma, the rich flavor, and the cherished ritual of taking a few moments for yourself that makes coffee an essential part of daily life. However, the cost of buying coffee every day can quickly add up, putting a strain on your wallet. The good news is that you don’t have to give up coffee entirely to save money—you just need to start making it at home.
Let’s explore whether brewing your own coffee is truly a cost-saving solution and how long it takes to recoup the investment in home brewing equipment.
The Cost of Buying Coffee
If you enjoy getting coffee from your favorite café but need to cut back on expenses, you might consider making coffee at home most days while treating yourself to a shop-bought cup once or twice a week. To put things into perspective, let’s look at the average cost of a cup of coffee from different cafés.
- Standard café: $2.85 per cup
- Local coffee shop: $2.19 per cup
- Artisan bakery café: $2.69 per cup
- Fast-food chain: $1.55 per cup
As you can see, the cost of coffee varies depending on where you buy it.
Buying Your Own Coffee Maker
Investing in a coffee setup at home might seem overwhelming at first, but there are several options to fit different budgets. Depending on how you like your coffee brewed, here are some affordable choices for home coffee makers.
Manual Coffee Press
One of the most budget-friendly and effective ways to brew coffee at home is with a manual coffee press. This simple yet efficient method is easy to use and maintain, making it a great option for those looking to cut costs quickly.
A manual coffee press setup is compact, portable, and perfect for brewing a fresh cup at home, at work, or even while traveling. It delivers high-quality coffee with consistent results at a fraction of the cost of café-bought drinks.
Pour-Over Coffee Setup
Pour-over coffee is often seen as a specialty option that costs more at cafés, but the good news is that you can make it at home and save money while enjoying a high-quality brew.
A pour-over coffee setup consists of a dripper and a carafe, which work together to produce a smooth and flavorful cup of coffee. For those who want to take their pour-over brewing to the next level, investing in a specialty kettle with a precision spout can help control the flow of water, ensuring an even extraction.
A complete pour-over setup, including a precision kettle, typically costs around $57.88.
Espresso Machine Setup
For those who crave the rich and bold taste of espresso but don’t want to visit a café every day, an at-home espresso machine is the best option. A complete home espresso setup includes a machine along with essential accessories such as an electric grinder, espresso cups, a tamper, measuring scoops, and a milk frothing pitcher.
While this option requires a larger upfront investment, it is also the most convenient, allowing you to brew a high-quality espresso in under a minute.
How Long Will It Take to Pay Off Your Coffee Maker?
The time it takes to recoup the cost of your coffee maker depends on how often you drink coffee. Here’s a breakdown of how quickly you can start saving money based on different coffee-drinking habits.
Drinking Coffee Three Times a Week
If we assume an average cost of $2 per cup, how long will it take to pay off a home setup? A manual coffee press would pay for itself in about six weeks, a pour-over setup in about 9.5 weeks, and an espresso machine in approximately 39.5 weeks (just over nine months).
Drinking Coffee Five Times a Week
For those who drink coffee five times a week, the cost of a $2 cup adds up quickly. A manual coffee press would pay for itself in about 3.5 weeks, a pour-over setup in just over 5.5 weeks, and an espresso machine in about 24 weeks (six months).
Drinking Coffee Daily
If you drink coffee every day, you’ll see the savings even faster. At an average cost of $2 per cup, a manual coffee press would be paid off in 2.5 weeks, a pour-over setup in four weeks, and an espresso machine in about 17 weeks (just over four months).
It’s Easy to Save Money on Coffee!
Making coffee at home is the simplest way to enjoy your daily cup while keeping more money in your pocket. With options to fit every budget, you could recover your investment in as little as 2.5 weeks. While there are additional costs for coffee beans, sweeteners, or other add-ins, these expenses are minimal compared to daily café purchases. If you’re looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, investing in a home coffee setup is a smart and rewarding decision.
