Putting An End To $8 Lattes

3 Easy Options For Better Than Cafe Quality

Thomas here.

Lattes have officially gone off the rails. At $8 a cup (and climbing), the simple daily ritual of grabbing coffee has evolved into a surprisingly extravagant indulgence. But what exactly are we paying for?

Certainly, there’s the appeal of alternative milks—almond, oat, coconut, macadamia—but should cafes really be charging extra when the actual cost difference at scale is minimal? Or have we simply grown accustomed to premium prices without questioning their value?

When we visit a cafe, what are we truly seeking? Perhaps it’s more than just coffee—maybe it's a temporary workspace, a casual meeting spot, or a momentary escape from routine. Admittedly, in some exceptional cafes, the barista talent is remarkable, and the ambiance alone justifies a visit, turning an ordinary coffee run into an inspiring experience. Yet, realistically, only about 1% of cafes worldwide might fit that description.

Beyond the steep price tag, there's the waiting game, both in line and after you order. Precious morning minutes lost, just to sip an overpriced latte. Is it genuinely worth the daily time—and financial—commitment?

Let’s consider the economics: A premium craft bean latte with high-quality dairy or alternative milk made at home costs around $3 per 12oz cup. Compare this to $8 at a cafe (plus tip) and you're saving at least $5 per latte. If you're buying coffee everyday, that amounts to almost $2,000 saved annually per coffee drinker in your household. Investing in a quality home coffee setup isn't just smart, it's financially compelling.

Here are three excellent options to achieve cafe quality lattes at home, all of which don't require much skill, ranked from easiest to most involved:

1. Cometeer Coffee
Honestly, when I first got an espresso machine, I spent hours on YouTube tutorials, aiming for perfection. Then I discovered Cometeer, and it was almost demoralizing how good it was, given my efforts. Simply drop a frozen coffee pod into hot water and froth your milk with an Aeroccino—it couldn't be simpler. Break-even point: After around 20 lattes.

2. Terrakafe TK-02
A super-automatic espresso maker featuring a built-in grinder and intuitive touch screen. In addition to automatic espresso drinks, the TK-02 notably includes a true drip coffee setting, adjusting grind settings and brewing methods for drip coffee, unlike most other machines in the class which just push more water through the espresso fines. Break-even point: Approximately 300 lattes.

3. Breville Espresso Machines
Renowned for ease of use and professional results, Breville's Oracle Jet even provides step-by-step guidance, making latte creation accessible even for beginners. It doses, grinds, tamps, brews and auto froths your milk. Break-even point: Roughly 400 lattes.

Beyond savings, there's genuine pleasure in mastering coffee at home. You're reclaiming time, refining skills, ensuring each latte matches your exact preferences and you get to use your favorite mug.

So, will you stay in line for that $8 latte, or join me in brewing smarter and better at home?