If you love good coffee, you probably have already checked out your local coffee houses. But have you ever considered brewing some specialty coffee on your own? Both are great ways to satisfy your cravings and try new varieties, but each comes with its own set of pros and cons. The best choice is going to vary based on what you are looking for, and what you are willing to do.

Cup of Coffee : House Coffee Vs Home-Brewed Coffee

Cup of Coffee : Cost

Though spending money on great coffee is definitely worth it, remember that at a coffee shop you are going to be paying a price that is well over what you would have paid to brew a similar cup for yourself. Going to coffee houses can be a great experience, but if you want good coffee daily and are looking to be a little more economical about it, you can make what they make for yourself, at no extra cost.

Cup of Coffee : Guaranteed Freshness

Chances are better than good that a coffee shop that you already trust will be serving you some pretty fresh coffee. But nothing beats coffee as fresh as you could be preparing for yourself. If you do try this at home, make sure to only buy your coffee in whole bean form, as once it is ground it may be stale quicker. It is best to only grind as much as you are going to make, and to do so only right before you make it. That level of freshness would not be reasonable for the vast majority of coffee houses, but if you've got the time you should really try it out, because it makes a difference.

Cup of Coffee : The Social Scene

The downside to home-brewing is missing out on that cool coffee-house vibe where you can meet up with friends or see what's happening in your area. If making your own cups would really tear you away from the scene that you love, consider having a time of day, or week, when a group of friends comes over to drink together. You could even take turns supplying the beans, and introduce each other to new varieties.

Cup of Coffee : The Right Ingredients

While home brewing seems to come out on top for both freshness and value, that doesn't mean just grabbing a bag of pre-ground coffee beans is going to be a superior experience to a freshly brewed cup at your local joint. If you're going to switch to a more do-it-yourself routine, it will really only be worth it if you are getting your beans from a purveyor of fine or gourmet coffees.

The best way to see which is right for you is to go ahead and try both for a comparison! Once you've found a really nice source for gourmet coffees, brew up the freshest of fresh cups, and then compare with your local place!