The Buying Game (Issue 24)
This week’s picks include mostly coffee-related gadgets and gear.
I’m ending the year with a coffee-themed issue. Thanks to everyone who has subscribed and followed along. I have a few goals for expanding the newsletter and This Week The Trend in general in the new year.
How I’d spend $500: Ratio Four Coffee Machine
The idea with Ratio’s coffee machines is simple. Replicate the manual pour-over experience with an automatic machine. As such, it will do a bloom cycle, wetting the grounds and then waiting 15 seconds to apply more water. The Ratio Four is the company’s smallest brewer, able to make between five and 20 ounces at a time.
Price: $280 (link)
Value Score: Fair
I used the Ratio Six a few years ago and was thoroughly impressed. It was too big for my daily use, though, so I love that there’s a smaller option now. It’s a premium price, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar brewing experience.
How I’d spend $150: Dandelion Chocolate Hot Chocolate Mix Trio
These three flavors of hot chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate offer coffee-adjacent drinks. This trio includes the company’s single-origin House cocoa, Mission, which is a spicy blend of cinnamon and pasilla chili, and Hojicha, which has lightly roasted green tea.
Price: $72 (link)
Value Score: Poor
For people who want a coffee-infused mocha hot chocolate, the company does have that. All of these flavors are also offered in cheaper configurations. But the trio comes in reusable glass containers and lets you try a few different options at once.
How I’d spend $50: OXO Brew Single Serve Pour-Over Coffee Maker
There are plenty of pour-over devices, but the Oxo Brew uses a clever top water reservoir. Instead of just pouring water until you've filled your cup, the top portion has markings for the amount that you can pre-fill, like 10 ounces, and let it drip down by itself. This is helpful for people trying to do a few things at once in the morning. They don't have to stand there constantly pouring.
Price: $20 (link)
Value Score: Good
The regular $20 should be easy to fit in a drawer or cabinet, but it may be too big to travel with. Instead, there's also a $35 collapsible option for more compact travel.
The winning pick: Ratio Four Coffee Machine
Despite being a premium-priced coffee brewer, the Ratio Four does offer a unique proposition of being able to replicate a manual pour-over brew. Its design is flexible, with the water tank able to sit on the left or right. I also like its single and double-serve size capacity, perfect for one or two people.
Are you looking for even more picks this week? Here are a few things worth considering.
An expensive pick: xBloom Studio
The xBloom Studio may seem pricey at $600, but it includes a grinder, brewer, and scale all in a single unit. By putting them all together, it can create fresh, on-demand coffee. If you have a technology itch, you’ll be happy to know the whole machine can be controlled via its mobile app.
Price: $600 (link)
Media pick: Madden
Whether you recognize him from TV or a video game, most people instantly know the name "Madden." It was just announced that the Nicholas Cage and Christian Bale-led biopic will come out around Thanksgiving 2026. The new teaser is a little vague on the plot, but the casting appears to be spot-on.
This week's other interesting deals and product news
- Stanley has a metal pour-over with a reusable filter for $28.
- Micro Center is selling a Mac mini M4 (16GB, 256GB) for $400—$200 off.
- It's not on sale, but if you need a good coffee mug, the East Fork Mug is a stellar handmade option.
- Similarly, I like the Jinsen Hasami Porcelain Mug a lot.
- Google's digital movie store is part of Movies Anywhere again.