5 Fair Trade Coffee Facts And Why You Should Make The Switch
Over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the buzz around buying fair trade products. One of the largest fair trade crops, coffee beans, has seen an increase in particular. But what does it mean for coffee to be fair trade certified? What qualifications must it meet to qualify? As an … 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.
Coffee beans: 100-point scale
| What we score | Points | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Origin and sourcing transparency | 20 | Country, region, farm or cooperative, altitude, bean variety, and processing method are clearly disclosed. |
| Flavor evidence | 25 | Independent 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 freshness | 15 | Roast level stated, roast-date practices, whole-bean availability, and packaging with a one-way valve or resealable bag. |
| Brew versatility | 15 | How well the roast suits pour-over, drip, French press, cold brew, and espresso. |
| Value | 15 | Price per ounce compared with similar single-origin coffees or blends. |
| Buyer feedback | 10 | Volume and consistency of verified reviews, and recurring complaints about staleness, bitterness, or shipping. |
Coffee machines and gear: 100-point scale
| What we score | Points | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Brewing performance | 25 | Water temperature in the 195–205°F range, even extraction, and SCA certification or published test data. |
| Build quality and reliability | 20 | Materials, known failure points, and long-term owner reports. |
| Ease of use and cleaning | 15 | Setup, the daily routine, descaling, and dishwasher-safe parts. |
| Fit for your kitchen | 10 | Capacity, counter footprint, and noise. |
| Useful features | 10 | Programming, grind and temperature control, and carafe type. Features that improve the cup count more than extras that do not. |
| Value | 10 | Price compared with machines that perform similarly. |
| Warranty and support | 10 | Warranty length, parts availability, and how the brand handles repairs. |
What the grades mean
| Score | Grade | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | A | Exceptional. Our first recommendation for the feeling and setting described. |
| 80–89 | B | Strong. Excellent, with minor trade-offs we explain. |
| 70–79 | C | Good. 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.
- 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.
- 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.