Fun Houzz: How Do You Take Your Tea or Coffee in the Morning?
A morning cuppa is a must for many Houzzers, but in many different guises. We look at coffee and tea habits across the Houzz community
I drink a lot of coffee. And I make it the same way every day: espresso machine, one coffee pod, no milk or sugar, and served in a small espresso cup at 11am. It’s a reassuring routine that offers a little hiatus from my email inbox and I swear it’s the right way to make it. But is it? Conversely, a friend of mine switches her kettle on to make a morning brew of tea at 7am on the dot, the first thing she does in the morning, and without which she is unable to function.
Our morning ritual seems to be defined by our personal tastes, our lifestyle and, interestingly, our country. We asked Houzzers in 11 countries whether they used an espresso maker, an Italian coffee-maker, a drip coffee machine, a traditional tea kettle or an electric tea kettle at home. A wealth of different ideas, routines and rituals were revealed. Here, Houzzers weigh in on what their morning brew looks like.
Our morning ritual seems to be defined by our personal tastes, our lifestyle and, interestingly, our country. We asked Houzzers in 11 countries whether they used an espresso maker, an Italian coffee-maker, a drip coffee machine, a traditional tea kettle or an electric tea kettle at home. A wealth of different ideas, routines and rituals were revealed. Here, Houzzers weigh in on what their morning brew looks like.
But the stovetop model doesn’t do it for Australians
On the other side of the world, absolutely no Australian Houzzers chose this as their favourite home coffee method. Not a single one. So why the divide?
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says that many factors may have influenced this result: “It might be that coffee percolators just didn’t have the same exposure over here that they had in Europe, although there has been a resurgence in their use among niche groups, such as nostalgic bohemians and foodies. It could also be that our Houzzers prefer a machine for their morning cuppa [38% voted that they used espresso machines] or that they grab one on their way to work – it’s not uncommon for Australians to buy coffee from their favourite coffee shop every day, at least during the week.”
Check out 12 kitchen breakfast bars with coffee shop appeal
On the other side of the world, absolutely no Australian Houzzers chose this as their favourite home coffee method. Not a single one. So why the divide?
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says that many factors may have influenced this result: “It might be that coffee percolators just didn’t have the same exposure over here that they had in Europe, although there has been a resurgence in their use among niche groups, such as nostalgic bohemians and foodies. It could also be that our Houzzers prefer a machine for their morning cuppa [38% voted that they used espresso machines] or that they grab one on their way to work – it’s not uncommon for Australians to buy coffee from their favourite coffee shop every day, at least during the week.”
Check out 12 kitchen breakfast bars with coffee shop appeal
2. Many Americans swear by their drip brews
Thanks to a childhood of watching American movies, I grew up longing to visit an American diner and order a cup of filter coffee (and a stack of pancakes to go with it). When I finally visited a New York diner and was offered free filter coffee refills, it made my day.
But it seems this isn’t just something you see in the movies. Americans really do prefer filter coffee made in a drip coffee machine at home. Over a third of all Americans polled said this was how they made their coffee. As US Houzzer Jbsilver says, “I’ll take a drip coffee-maker any day. I want to smell my coffee brewing, not just when I put the cup up to my mouth or after it’s ready. That first whiff is just as good as the first sip for me.”
Thanks to a childhood of watching American movies, I grew up longing to visit an American diner and order a cup of filter coffee (and a stack of pancakes to go with it). When I finally visited a New York diner and was offered free filter coffee refills, it made my day.
But it seems this isn’t just something you see in the movies. Americans really do prefer filter coffee made in a drip coffee machine at home. Over a third of all Americans polled said this was how they made their coffee. As US Houzzer Jbsilver says, “I’ll take a drip coffee-maker any day. I want to smell my coffee brewing, not just when I put the cup up to my mouth or after it’s ready. That first whiff is just as good as the first sip for me.”
But it’s not a universal favourite
This is another opinion divider, with only 7% of UK Houzzers saying they make their coffee this way at home. Similarly, Germany, Russia, Spain and Italy all had less than 10% of respondents saying they use a drip coffee machine at home.
Did you know…
Despite the tiny number of German Houzzers who say they use a drip coffee machine, the drip coffee filter was actually invented in 1908 by a creative German entrepreneur and housewife called Melitta Bentz. Tired of finding coffee grounds in her cup, she whipped up a mock filter using a sheet of blotting paper and the rest, as they say, is history.
This is another opinion divider, with only 7% of UK Houzzers saying they make their coffee this way at home. Similarly, Germany, Russia, Spain and Italy all had less than 10% of respondents saying they use a drip coffee machine at home.
Did you know…
Despite the tiny number of German Houzzers who say they use a drip coffee machine, the drip coffee filter was actually invented in 1908 by a creative German entrepreneur and housewife called Melitta Bentz. Tired of finding coffee grounds in her cup, she whipped up a mock filter using a sheet of blotting paper and the rest, as they say, is history.
3. An electric kettle is essential for many Houzzers around the world
So if British, German and Russian Houzzers don’t use drip coffee machines, what do they use to make their coffee or tea? An electric kettle, of course. About a third of those polled in the three countries named it as their weapon of choice in the morning, as did about a third of Australian, French, Japanese and Swedish Houzzers. Whether it’s to make a cafetiere (French press) of fresh coffee or a pot of strong English tea, the electric kettle has pride of place in many Houzzers’ kitchens.
Why are so many tied to the trusty kettle? UK professional JML Garden Rooms says it’s a speed thing: “[I] have tried just about all of the above, but am too lazy… [it’s the] good ole electric kettle and [cafetiere] plunger for me…”
The electric kettle is the most popular choice for Japanese Houzzers, too. As Houzzer Anne Shimamoto says, “Some people boil water with a microwave oven, but [an] electric tea kettle is enough to boil water quickly.”
So if British, German and Russian Houzzers don’t use drip coffee machines, what do they use to make their coffee or tea? An electric kettle, of course. About a third of those polled in the three countries named it as their weapon of choice in the morning, as did about a third of Australian, French, Japanese and Swedish Houzzers. Whether it’s to make a cafetiere (French press) of fresh coffee or a pot of strong English tea, the electric kettle has pride of place in many Houzzers’ kitchens.
Why are so many tied to the trusty kettle? UK professional JML Garden Rooms says it’s a speed thing: “[I] have tried just about all of the above, but am too lazy… [it’s the] good ole electric kettle and [cafetiere] plunger for me…”
The electric kettle is the most popular choice for Japanese Houzzers, too. As Houzzer Anne Shimamoto says, “Some people boil water with a microwave oven, but [an] electric tea kettle is enough to boil water quickly.”
But it hasn’t caught on everywhere
Italy, Spain and the US all have little use for the electric kettle, with less than 15% of Houzz respondents in each country saying they have one.
Did you know…
18% of UK homeowners polled in The Big Houzz Report said their dream kitchen gadget was a boiling-water tap. So perhaps the electric kettle’s days are numbered? US Houzzer Jas88 says, “In the future, I’d love to replace [my electric kettle] with an instant hot-water tap, plus an espresso machine. One day…”
Italy, Spain and the US all have little use for the electric kettle, with less than 15% of Houzz respondents in each country saying they have one.
Did you know…
18% of UK homeowners polled in The Big Houzz Report said their dream kitchen gadget was a boiling-water tap. So perhaps the electric kettle’s days are numbered? US Houzzer Jas88 says, “In the future, I’d love to replace [my electric kettle] with an instant hot-water tap, plus an espresso machine. One day…”
4. It has to be a traditional tea kettle for some people
There are still a few traditionalists out there who swear by a traditional tea kettle, most of whom live in Japan (26%) or Russia (21%). Historically heated on the hob or over a fire, these kettles look beautiful and can also be collector’s items as well as everyday kitchen tools.
As well as traditional kettles and samovars, several Russian Houzzers asked why the poll didn’t include a Turku – a small brass or copper pot for making Turkish coffee. Russian Houzzer Elena Grechman says, “At home, [I use] a Turk,” as did several other commenters.
There are still a few traditionalists out there who swear by a traditional tea kettle, most of whom live in Japan (26%) or Russia (21%). Historically heated on the hob or over a fire, these kettles look beautiful and can also be collector’s items as well as everyday kitchen tools.
As well as traditional kettles and samovars, several Russian Houzzers asked why the poll didn’t include a Turku – a small brass or copper pot for making Turkish coffee. Russian Houzzer Elena Grechman says, “At home, [I use] a Turk,” as did several other commenters.
But they’re not in the majority
On the other side of the fence, Houzzers in the UK, US, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden have all shunned the traditional kettle, with poll respondents voting in small numbers for it. Germany had the lowest number, at just 5%.
On the other side of the fence, Houzzers in the UK, US, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Sweden have all shunned the traditional kettle, with poll respondents voting in small numbers for it. Germany had the lowest number, at just 5%.
5. Australians and Spaniards get behind their espresso machines
According to Australian and Spanish Houzzers, espresso machines are the device to have at home, with 38% of respondents in each country voting for this, closely followed by the UK and Germany at 26% each. This option includes both the quick ‘pod’ machines and home versions of professional-standard espresso machines.
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says, “Our strong café culture may very well influence our consumption at home. There’s a huge emphasis on flavour, quality and social experience here.” Thus, for those homeowners who want to re-create the café culture at home, “espresso machines are particularly popular”.
According to Australian and Spanish Houzzers, espresso machines are the device to have at home, with 38% of respondents in each country voting for this, closely followed by the UK and Germany at 26% each. This option includes both the quick ‘pod’ machines and home versions of professional-standard espresso machines.
Jenny Drew, editor of Houzz Australia, says, “Our strong café culture may very well influence our consumption at home. There’s a huge emphasis on flavour, quality and social experience here.” Thus, for those homeowners who want to re-create the café culture at home, “espresso machines are particularly popular”.
But espresso machines leave others cold
Swedish Houzzers are not espresso machine fans, according to our poll, with a tiny 7% of respondents saying they have an espresso machine at home. Japan and Russia also shunned the espresso machine in favour of the trusty kettle mentioned above.
Did you know…
Espresso means ‘fast’ in Italian, and it seems speed is the key to having a pod espresso machine at home. Australian Houzzer Pazz explains, “[I] would love a proper espresso machine, but mornings are a mad rush for me, so I will settle for one of those Nespresso machines.”
Swedish Houzzers are not espresso machine fans, according to our poll, with a tiny 7% of respondents saying they have an espresso machine at home. Japan and Russia also shunned the espresso machine in favour of the trusty kettle mentioned above.
Did you know…
Espresso means ‘fast’ in Italian, and it seems speed is the key to having a pod espresso machine at home. Australian Houzzer Pazz explains, “[I] would love a proper espresso machine, but mornings are a mad rush for me, so I will settle for one of those Nespresso machines.”
Weekends vs weekdays
Several Houzzers also commented that their coffee habits changed depending on the day of the week. “We do drip on weekdays,” says US Houzzer rredpenn, “but on weekends, when we have more time, we press it. It’s so much better, and hotter, too.”
And Spanish Houzzers Karin & Sara agree, “Weekdays [we] usually use the espresso coffee-maker, it is much more convenient and faster. On weekends we have more time for breakfast and we prefer a good Italian brewed coffee. It’s delicious!”
Learn a stylist’s secrets to giving your kitchen the wow factor
Several Houzzers also commented that their coffee habits changed depending on the day of the week. “We do drip on weekdays,” says US Houzzer rredpenn, “but on weekends, when we have more time, we press it. It’s so much better, and hotter, too.”
And Spanish Houzzers Karin & Sara agree, “Weekdays [we] usually use the espresso coffee-maker, it is much more convenient and faster. On weekends we have more time for breakfast and we prefer a good Italian brewed coffee. It’s delicious!”
Learn a stylist’s secrets to giving your kitchen the wow factor
The ultimate coffee break
Although people in many countries take their coffee drinking seriously, Swedes go the extra mile, as they even have a word for the occasion: Fika.
As Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, says, “Fika is part of the Swedish soul, a quick break from the everyday humdrum life to indulge in a cup of coffee and perhaps a cinnamon bun. It can take place any time of day.”
Where did this ritual originate? “The word came into use in 1910 or earlier, and is a back-to-front slang version of kaffi, an early version of kaffe, which is now Swedish for coffee,” Sara says. “A fika with a friend can be a quick 30-minute catch-up, or it can extend into a session of long, searching talks fuelled by caffeine. So a fika is anything, anywhere, anytime, as long as it involves human interaction and a hefty dose of prime-quality coffee.”
TELL US
How do you prepare your cuppa at home – kopi or coffee?
Although people in many countries take their coffee drinking seriously, Swedes go the extra mile, as they even have a word for the occasion: Fika.
As Sara Norrman, editor of Houzz Sweden, says, “Fika is part of the Swedish soul, a quick break from the everyday humdrum life to indulge in a cup of coffee and perhaps a cinnamon bun. It can take place any time of day.”
Where did this ritual originate? “The word came into use in 1910 or earlier, and is a back-to-front slang version of kaffi, an early version of kaffe, which is now Swedish for coffee,” Sara says. “A fika with a friend can be a quick 30-minute catch-up, or it can extend into a session of long, searching talks fuelled by caffeine. So a fika is anything, anywhere, anytime, as long as it involves human interaction and a hefty dose of prime-quality coffee.”
TELL US
How do you prepare your cuppa at home – kopi or coffee?
Yes, not surprisingly, the country that voted for the Italian espresso maker as their preferred way to make coffee was… Italy! An overwhelming 62% of Italians polled said this small stovetop device (the Bialetti Moka Express) was what they use to whip up a cup of coffee at home.
And it’s easy to see why. Designed by Alfonso Bialetti in the 1930s, the stovetop maker is affordable, easy to use and compact. As one of the first domestic espresso makers available to homeowners, it brought café-quality coffee into the home. The striking design ensured its ‘design classic’ status.
Leonora Sartori, editor of Houzz Italy, says, “It’s a simple and great design that to every Italian immediately means home. I now live in Berlin, and it’s one of the first things that moved here with us.”