Victoria Cece

How to Become a Coffee Barista

by

Making a cup of coffee is an art. In fact, it is a profession – a barista is a professional who prepares all sorts of coffee beverages. The best part is anyone can become a barista and it all starts with some strong love for coffee! How to become a coffee barista requires steps that … Read more

How Capitol City Coffee Rates Coffee and Coffee Machines

Every coffee and coffee machine we recommend is scored on the same 100-point scale, so a recommendation on one page means the same thing as a recommendation on any other. Each pick is also labeled with how we reached its score.

Research-ratedScored from the roaster or manufacturer’s published specifications, independent results such as Coffee Review blind cuppings and SCA brewer certification, and patterns across verified buyer reviews. Most of our current picks are research-rated.
Hands-on testedThe Capitol City Coffee team has brewed the coffee or used the machine ourselves, following the testing steps below. We only use this label when that testing actually happened, and we show the date we tested.

Coffee beans: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Origin and sourcing transparency20Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed.
Flavor evidence25Independent cupping scores, how closely the tasting notes match what the origin is known for, and our own cupping notes when hands-on tested.
Roast and freshness15Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag.
Brew versatility15How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso.
Value15Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends.
Buyer feedback10Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping.

Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Brewing performance25Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data.
Build quality and reliability20Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports.
Ease of use and cleaning15Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Fit for your kitchen10Capacity, counter footprint, and noise.
Useful features10Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not.
Value10Price compared with machines that perform similarly.
Warranty and support10Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs.

What the grades mean

ScoreGradeWhat it means
90–100AExceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described.
80–89BStrong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain.
70–79CGood. Worth it for specific needs, with clear compromises.
Below 70—Not recommended. We do not feature these as picks.

How we test hands-on

When a pick carries the Hands-on tested label, this is the method behind it, and we note the date we tested.

  1. Coffee: brewed fresh from whole beans following Specialty Coffee Association guidelines (water between 195 and 205°F, about 1 gram of coffee to every 15 to 18 grams of water) in the brew methods the roast suits best, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. We taste it black first, then with milk if that is how most people drink it, and each taster scores it on their own before we compare notes.
  2. Machines: used in our everyday routine rather than a single demo. We brew both full and small batches, check the brewing temperature and brew time, and run the cleaning or descaling steps the manual calls for.

How we choose the feeling and setting

We match each coffee to a mood and a moment based on its flavor profile and roast. Bright, citrusy light roasts suit energizing mornings. Chocolatey, full-bodied medium roasts suit slow or social moments. Richer roasts suit espresso and milk drinks. Each pick explains which facts led us to that match.

Our scores stay independent

Every score comes only from the criteria above. No brand can pay for a pick or a higher grade. We re-check ratings when a roast, listing, or model changes, and update or remove picks that no longer earn their grade.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Capitol City Coffee earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Questions about a rating? Reach the Capitol City Coffee team through our contact page.

Top Coffee Shops

by

Everyone loves a good coffee shop. It is the ultimate communal space. Whether big or small, each top coffee shop has its own sense of individuality. Most importantly, provides you your favorite cup of coffee, expertly prepared by a lovely barista. So what are the top coffee shops in America? We’ve compiled a list of … Read more

How Capitol City Coffee Rates Coffee and Coffee Machines

Every coffee and coffee machine we recommend is scored on the same 100-point scale, so a recommendation on one page means the same thing as a recommendation on any other. Each pick is also labeled with how we reached its score.

Research-ratedScored from the roaster or manufacturer’s published specifications, independent results such as Coffee Review blind cuppings and SCA brewer certification, and patterns across verified buyer reviews. Most of our current picks are research-rated.
Hands-on testedThe Capitol City Coffee team has brewed the coffee or used the machine ourselves, following the testing steps below. We only use this label when that testing actually happened, and we show the date we tested.

Coffee beans: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Origin and sourcing transparency20Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed.
Flavor evidence25Independent cupping scores, how closely the tasting notes match what the origin is known for, and our own cupping notes when hands-on tested.
Roast and freshness15Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag.
Brew versatility15How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso.
Value15Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends.
Buyer feedback10Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping.

Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Brewing performance25Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data.
Build quality and reliability20Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports.
Ease of use and cleaning15Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Fit for your kitchen10Capacity, counter footprint, and noise.
Useful features10Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not.
Value10Price compared with machines that perform similarly.
Warranty and support10Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs.

What the grades mean

ScoreGradeWhat it means
90–100AExceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described.
80–89BStrong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain.
70–79CGood. Worth it for specific needs, with clear compromises.
Below 70—Not recommended. We do not feature these as picks.

How we test hands-on

When a pick carries the Hands-on tested label, this is the method behind it, and we note the date we tested.

  1. Coffee: brewed fresh from whole beans following Specialty Coffee Association guidelines (water between 195 and 205°F, about 1 gram of coffee to every 15 to 18 grams of water) in the brew methods the roast suits best, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. We taste it black first, then with milk if that is how most people drink it, and each taster scores it on their own before we compare notes.
  2. Machines: used in our everyday routine rather than a single demo. We brew both full and small batches, check the brewing temperature and brew time, and run the cleaning or descaling steps the manual calls for.

How we choose the feeling and setting

We match each coffee to a mood and a moment based on its flavor profile and roast. Bright, citrusy light roasts suit energizing mornings. Chocolatey, full-bodied medium roasts suit slow or social moments. Richer roasts suit espresso and milk drinks. Each pick explains which facts led us to that match.

Our scores stay independent

Every score comes only from the criteria above. No brand can pay for a pick or a higher grade. We re-check ratings when a roast, listing, or model changes, and update or remove picks that no longer earn their grade.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Capitol City Coffee earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Questions about a rating? Reach the Capitol City Coffee team through our contact page.

Coffee and Aging

by

Coffee has been enjoyed for centuries. There is a good reason for it. Coffee and aging have a pretty harmonious relationship.  No matter how you use it, coffee provides anti-aging benefits and extend your life. These are definitely worth exploring if you aren’t already a coffee lover. Let’s learn how coffee can help you beat … Read more

How Capitol City Coffee Rates Coffee and Coffee Machines

Every coffee and coffee machine we recommend is scored on the same 100-point scale, so a recommendation on one page means the same thing as a recommendation on any other. Each pick is also labeled with how we reached its score.

Research-ratedScored from the roaster or manufacturer’s published specifications, independent results such as Coffee Review blind cuppings and SCA brewer certification, and patterns across verified buyer reviews. Most of our current picks are research-rated.
Hands-on testedThe Capitol City Coffee team has brewed the coffee or used the machine ourselves, following the testing steps below. We only use this label when that testing actually happened, and we show the date we tested.

Coffee beans: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Origin and sourcing transparency20Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed.
Flavor evidence25Independent cupping scores, how closely the tasting notes match what the origin is known for, and our own cupping notes when hands-on tested.
Roast and freshness15Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag.
Brew versatility15How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso.
Value15Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends.
Buyer feedback10Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping.

Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Brewing performance25Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data.
Build quality and reliability20Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports.
Ease of use and cleaning15Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Fit for your kitchen10Capacity, counter footprint, and noise.
Useful features10Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not.
Value10Price compared with machines that perform similarly.
Warranty and support10Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs.

What the grades mean

ScoreGradeWhat it means
90–100AExceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described.
80–89BStrong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain.
70–79CGood. Worth it for specific needs, with clear compromises.
Below 70—Not recommended. We do not feature these as picks.

How we test hands-on

When a pick carries the Hands-on tested label, this is the method behind it, and we note the date we tested.

  1. Coffee: brewed fresh from whole beans following Specialty Coffee Association guidelines (water between 195 and 205°F, about 1 gram of coffee to every 15 to 18 grams of water) in the brew methods the roast suits best, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. We taste it black first, then with milk if that is how most people drink it, and each taster scores it on their own before we compare notes.
  2. Machines: used in our everyday routine rather than a single demo. We brew both full and small batches, check the brewing temperature and brew time, and run the cleaning or descaling steps the manual calls for.

How we choose the feeling and setting

We match each coffee to a mood and a moment based on its flavor profile and roast. Bright, citrusy light roasts suit energizing mornings. Chocolatey, full-bodied medium roasts suit slow or social moments. Richer roasts suit espresso and milk drinks. Each pick explains which facts led us to that match.

Our scores stay independent

Every score comes only from the criteria above. No brand can pay for a pick or a higher grade. We re-check ratings when a roast, listing, or model changes, and update or remove picks that no longer earn their grade.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Capitol City Coffee earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Questions about a rating? Reach the Capitol City Coffee team through our contact page.

Coffee and Cosmetics: Can These Beans Make Me Glow?

by

Coffee benefits our lives. But, did you know it enhances our skin too? Coffee is an essential addition to any cosmetic routine. Pairing coffee and cosmetics lets us reap the most benefits of nutrient-filled coffee beans. Coffee and cosmetics go hand in hand for both the face and body. There are numerous advantages to applying … Read more

How Capitol City Coffee Rates Coffee and Coffee Machines

Every coffee and coffee machine we recommend is scored on the same 100-point scale, so a recommendation on one page means the same thing as a recommendation on any other. Each pick is also labeled with how we reached its score.

Research-ratedScored from the roaster or manufacturer’s published specifications, independent results such as Coffee Review blind cuppings and SCA brewer certification, and patterns across verified buyer reviews. Most of our current picks are research-rated.
Hands-on testedThe Capitol City Coffee team has brewed the coffee or used the machine ourselves, following the testing steps below. We only use this label when that testing actually happened, and we show the date we tested.

Coffee beans: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Origin and sourcing transparency20Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed.
Flavor evidence25Independent cupping scores, how closely the tasting notes match what the origin is known for, and our own cupping notes when hands-on tested.
Roast and freshness15Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag.
Brew versatility15How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso.
Value15Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends.
Buyer feedback10Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping.

Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale

What we scorePointsWhat we look at
Brewing performance25Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data.
Build quality and reliability20Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports.
Ease of use and cleaning15Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Fit for your kitchen10Capacity, counter footprint, and noise.
Useful features10Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not.
Value10Price compared with machines that perform similarly.
Warranty and support10Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs.

What the grades mean

ScoreGradeWhat it means
90–100AExceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described.
80–89BStrong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain.
70–79CGood. Worth it for specific needs, with clear compromises.
Below 70—Not recommended. We do not feature these as picks.

How we test hands-on

When a pick carries the Hands-on tested label, this is the method behind it, and we note the date we tested.

  1. Coffee: brewed fresh from whole beans following Specialty Coffee Association guidelines (water between 195 and 205°F, about 1 gram of coffee to every 15 to 18 grams of water) in the brew methods the roast suits best, such as pour-over, French press, or espresso. We taste it black first, then with milk if that is how most people drink it, and each taster scores it on their own before we compare notes.
  2. Machines: used in our everyday routine rather than a single demo. We brew both full and small batches, check the brewing temperature and brew time, and run the cleaning or descaling steps the manual calls for.

How we choose the feeling and setting

We match each coffee to a mood and a moment based on its flavor profile and roast. Bright, citrusy light roasts suit energizing mornings. Chocolatey, full-bodied medium roasts suit slow or social moments. Richer roasts suit espresso and milk drinks. Each pick explains which facts led us to that match.

Our scores stay independent

Every score comes only from the criteria above. No brand can pay for a pick or a higher grade. We re-check ratings when a roast, listing, or model changes, and update or remove picks that no longer earn their grade.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Capitol City Coffee earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Questions about a rating? Reach the Capitol City Coffee team through our contact page.