You know the feeling: you’d rather turn down a bad flat white from a pound-shop machine with a friendly “Tea day for me today” than regret every sip afterwards? Then chances are you’re already deep in the coffee game. And you’re not alone with the questions: Which beans are right for you? Portafilter, moka pot or filter? Why does your espresso taste sour, and how much barista know-how do you actually need to make seriously good coffee?
That’s exactly what we get to the bottom of in the DOWNTOWN Coffee Special. We review portafilter machines and barista gadgets, visit roasteries and coffee pros – and we’ve also started searching for the best coffee beyond the comfort of our own kitchens. To find it, we’ve pitted camping coffee makers against each other, along with instant coffee, drip bags and other quick solutions for life on the go.
Our goal: less half-knowledge, more honest answers and practical buying advice – for beginners as much as for those already deep in discussions about grind size, extraction and specialty coffee.
Always Freshly Brewed – Our Coffee Special Keeps Growing!
Last updated on 13 October 2026
Since launching our Coffee Special in October 2024, we’ve kept experimenting, reviewing and learning along the way. New espresso machines, exciting coffee gadgets and fresh insights from the world of specialty coffee are constantly being added to our collection. That’s why we regularly expand and update this special with new reviews, stories and tips. So keep checking back!
Buying Advice & Reviews
Coffee Knowledge & People
Coffee on the Go
Coffee Lifestyle & Inspiration
Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: div.
About the Author
Felicia Nastal
Communication Specialist
Felicia Nastal combines her academic rigour and eye for detail with a passion for technical lifestyle products at 41 Publishing. As a qualified Germanist with over ten years of teaching experience, she is responsible for in-depth individual and comparison tests for DOWNTOWN magazine. She translates complex features into clear value propositions – whether that’s coffee culture, car camping or high-tech gear for everyday life. Alongside her editorial work, she oversees central tasks in SEO and GEO optimisation, as well as manufacturer communication at 41 Publishing.
