Best Capacitors

I use 10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470uF electrolytics all the time. For bigger projects (mostly audio amps) I use 2200uF in parallel. I keep in my stash a complete assortment: 0.1, 1, 4.7, 10, 22, 47, 100, 220, 470, 1000, and 2200uF. I keep 25v and 50v varieties up to 1000uF, and 35v and 50v for 1000uF+. Although, due to size and cost, I'll often order the larger ones per-project. Remember, electrolytic caps age, so order in smallish batches and FIFO them.

The only ceramics I ever seem to use are 100nF for decoupling, 20-27pF for crystal load caps, and 470pF for the timing circuit on a particular switching regulator I use. I haven't found a need to have an assortment, although that could just be my usual areas of design interest.

I did order a bunch of mains-rated ceramic caps for power switch arc prevention, but I have yet to use any. I ordered way too many different sizes here. One or two to pick from would've sufficed. They just take up space in my kit now.