Whole beans or ground coffee?

Whole beans stay fresh for weeks; ground coffee fades within days. Buy ground only if you don't have a grinder, and ask for the grind that matches your brewer.

More on starting out

• I'm new to coffee. Where do I start?
• What's the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?
• What's the difference between espresso and a latte?
• What is a flat white?
• Which coffee has the most caffeine?
• Arabica or robusta: which is better?
• Light roast or dark roast?
• What's the easiest way to make good coffee at home?
• Do I need a grinder?

All questions →