My story is a simple story of liking coffee then slowly going down the wormhole into a full fledged problem.


I always liked coffee, since high school. Would always drink it black, sometimes would add some cream or milk, but usually just enjoyed a good cup. A good cup from a drip is rare, I didn't know this before, it was good to me.


What started me and my completely normal addiction, was a girl. I had taken a new job out of town, a 3hr drive away, and needed to move. I had just started seeing this girl so nothing was serious and we promised to keep in touch and visit once in a while. Well the relationship never slowed down and we ended up seeing each other every weekend. The problem was, when I went to see her and stay at her place, she didn't drink coffee so she didn't have a coffee machine. I would end up having some tea to hold me over. One day while we were grocery shopping, I ended up finding one of these. I thought $5 well that's not bad I'll be able to at least get a cup of coffee now. No reason to by another mr. coffee just to use twice a week, So I bought it with a bag a ground beans.

The next morning I tried out my purchase, had to boil water in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. Made my cup and tasted it AND..... I don't remember now but it was passable, same as my next few cups. I slowly was getting my coffee:water ratio down and was getting better and better cups. And every so often I would get an amazing cup that would rival anything I had ever tasted, but then the next was ok, weak, or extremely bitter. Couldn't figure out why.

At this time I had just found reddit and found /r/coffee. I started to read some of the How to Coffee links and doing some Google searches. Oh water temp, get a quick read thermometer. Coffee was much better consistently. This was good for a while, finally the GF found a job near me I bought a house and she moved in. Then I had a Kitchen with lots of empty cabinets to fuel my new found addiction. Burr grinder was the next purchase along with a chemex, Coffee is excellent and consistently good.

Now over the next two years I'm always looking for the next best cup, Slowly it consumes the rest of the kitchen. A scale, a electric kettle, Aeropress, french press, vacuum pot, cold brew, Turkish, a goose neck kettle, pop corn popper... My kitchen is now full, once section dedicated to coffee, and every morning I slave over measuring the perfect amount of beans, getting the grind just right, perfect water temp. Timing the bloom with the correct amount of water. Perfecting the pour from the goose neck kettle. All so when I finally get to enjoy a cup I always wonder if I could get it better.

I think to best answer this request, we'll need a bit more info. Are you ok with a manual grinder, or do you prefer an electric grinder? Do you want a drip brewer or a pour over set up? Are you looking to get into espresso? And, what is your actual budget in your local currency?

And now for a guess at what might work for you...

A [Melitta Plastic Pour Over Dripper](https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527536804&sr=8-1&keywords=mellita) $5 to $6 (a lot of grocery stores carry these in stock)

A box of #2 Cone filters at your local grocery store $2

If you want an automatic drip brewer, and you are making smaller amounts for just you, the [Bonavita 5 cup](https://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1500TS-Carafe-Coffee-Stainless/dp/B00SK5IXPQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537674&sr=8-4&keywords=bonavita+brewer) is wroth a look. it runs about $66. I have the 8 cup for the wife and I and we love it.

Filters can be purchased, again, at your local grocery store for about $2.

[Brewista SmartPour Kettle w. Thermometer](https://www.amazon.com/Brewista-Variable-Temperature-Kettle-BKV12S02NA/dp/B01CFBBUVY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537033&sr=8-1&keywords=brewista%2Bsmart%2Bpour&th=1) $40. There are cheaper ones, but I personally have this one and have loved it.

[Scale](https://www.amazon.com/Jennings-CJ-4000-Compact-Digital-Adapter/dp/B004C3CAB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537139&sr=8-1&keywords=Jennings+CJ4000) This is a must. $30

[Bratza Encore](https://www.amazon.com/Baratza-Encore-Conical-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B007F183LK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1527537371&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=baratza+encore&psc=1&smid=A302OQK4GZWXCC) Grinder is the default recommendation around here, and for good reason. It's high quality, and easily serviceable. New they run $139, but you can save $40 and pick up a [refurb](https://www.baratza.com/product/encore-refurb/) (still with the 1 year warrantee) for $99 direct from Baratza.

If you want a cheaper option, and don't mind a manual hand grinder, there are a few options, but the [Hario Skerton Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Skerton-Ceramic-Grinder-MMCS-2B/dp/B01MXJI90S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537536&sr=8-1&keywords=hario+skerton+pro) is about the lowest cost / still decent quality grinders, grinder that most would recommend. It runs about $60, and personally, I'd spend the extra $30 on an Encore refurb.

Happy Mug Beans are a pretty great option. I really enjoy the Big Foot Espresso blend (despite it's name) as a pour over, and even like it in my drip brewer. The Inspirational Artist Blend is a great option too. But really just try them out and see what you like. Their bags (for 1lbs of whole beans) run $11 - $13

Hope that helps.

Hey there! I am also from Ohio! I'll give you two answers.

Cheapest possible way to get into it is a whirly blade grinder and a french press. No filters needed, just fresh ground coffee made rather quickly and easily. This was my first ever coffee set up, and really got me into drinking better coffee. If you tell me what city in Ohio you are closest to I will give you a recommendation on a local roaster to get beans from. Buying locally from a reputable roaster will be the best option for quality beans for a good price.

​

The other answer, is to buy nice or buy twice. After using the above set up for a few months I was hooked and decided to upgrade everything. So I will send you some options for the cheapest way to make specialty level coffee. For this I would look at a nicer grinder and a pour over. While hand grinders are great, almost everyone upgrades to an electric one. The linked options there are my favorite for the money. The electric model from baratza can be found refurbished on their website from time to time for addtional savings.

The next thing you'll need is a pour over and a kettle to pour with. I recommend a Chemexhere as they are good for serving one to three cups comfortably. I recommended a glass handle chemex because they are beautiful, but wood necked models are a little cheaper. I would get the white square filters with it as they impart less papery flavor. As for a kettle you have a ton of options. I am going to link a budget electric kettle as I find the stovetop models to be more of a hassle.

​

As for healthy sweeteners, brewing it well I hope you won't need them as much, which would be the healthiest. But whole milk and stevia in the raw are your best healthy fixins.

​

Hope this is helpful! Happy brewing and welcome to the fam!

<--- Barista here! I second the Moka suggestion. Unless you have thousands to shell out on a shop quality espresso machine, this is the next best thing. A good grinder is key, and burr grinders are best. This is mine. Also, steaming wands on cheaper machines never work very well and are horrible to clean. All you really need to get that nice foam easily is one of these nifty milk frothers.




Most retail coffee "machines" aren't built to last and make mediocre drinks. Low-tech almost always produces a superior tasting beverage. I have a Chemex(for normal coffee), a french press(for stronger coffee), a Toddy(for iced coffee) and a Moka(for espresso).


Also, if you can, seek out a roaster that is local to your mother. They will direct you to their best beans for espresso, and it will most likely be very fresh. All the roasters I have worked with are always happy to help customers troubleshoot and tweak to their tastes as well. It's a really worthwhile relationship for a coffee enthusiast.


So, Moka, burr grinder, frother wand, a pound of beans, and you're set. She'll love it. If you have some extra cash, and she likes normal coffee, throw in that Chemex. 10 times better than an auto-drip, and uses less beans as well. :)

So, there's a lot hate for this company since Nestle bought them, but I really like the Blue Bottle Coffee Dripper. It's only $25 bucks, plus the filters ($5 for 30 filters, so you may need to buy them on a monthly basis). They sell also a carafe, but you don't need it (especially if you're only brewing one cup).

Pros: Easy to use and clean; produces great coffee; does not need pre-rinsing (at least that's what they say and I've never had papery taste in my cup); can order it online very easily.

Cons: It's designed to use a lot of coffee (aprox. 1:11 ratio); the company was bought by Nestle (and they're evil); filters are a little expensive; to make it perfectly you may need a goose-neck kettle and a scale (but, that's pretty much the same with other any manual dripper like the Chemex, V60, etc.).

If you really want something that's sold on Amazon, although it's over $50, you can try the Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Dripper. It already comes with some filters and you can order more on Amazon. It's a little bit on the pricey side, but it looks great and makes good coffee (I have the XF version, which a little bigger but I guess they're pretty much the same).

1. You should get a gooseneck kettle. I prefer them to not have hotplate attached (just use stovetop) and to have a built-in thermometer so you can be versatile with what you use it for. Small spouts are much better than larger spouts to control flow, however this may be hard to find when looking. Unfortunately, the one I bought is no longer up for sale on amazon, however this one is very similar: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Kettle-Outstanding-Thermometer-40floz/dp/B07GPWZFRW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1550204612&sr=8-5&keywords=pour+over+kettle+gooseneck
   
2. Just a regular food scale should do. This one works and is popular in the coffee community. It's also super cheap. Only problem is that it is battery run and turns off without activity for a minute or so. I use it daily. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IP8KRXS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
3. This is by-far the hardest part. You must get a burr grinder. It's the only way to maintain consistent grinds. You can buy a cheap one for around 30-40$ that do pretty well for a pour over grind but not well for really anything else. The upper end of the cheaper burr grinders would be the baratza encore (https://www.amazon.com/Baratza-Encore-Conical-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B007F183LK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1550204913&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=baratza+encore+grinder&psc=1), but i probably wouldn't drop the money unless you've got an experienced taste. Honestly, i've made better pour overs with a low budget burr than with a mahlkonig ek43.
   
   I do have another recommendation. IMO, pour overs are the absolute best way to brew coffee, as they extract flavor the best. For this reason, you want to optimize your setup for better results. You're already doing this by buying a scale, good kettle, and grinder for home. What I would also do is buy a paper filter based system. They are often cheaper or the same price than what you're considering buying. I use this V60 at home (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BA2I7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and it produces amazing results. Additionally, filters are cheap and probably impact the environment equally to stainless steel filters (due to dumping grounds and excess water use), even though this is usually a big appeal for the permanent filters. Paper is significantly better for taste than the steel filters IMO.
   
   Buying good beans is also very important. I hate to use price as a reference point, but most high quality specialty beans are going to be around 15-20 for 8 to 12 oz bags. Stick with single origin light roasts. Look locally or online and build a sense for the flavor based on region and processing.
   
   ​
   
   Feel free to ask any questions!

I'm trying to put together a cost-effective beginner kit for a friend in the US who is trying to get their feet wet with making coffee at home and wanted second opinions on my choices.

Shopping - Done on Amazon where possible for free prime shipping + using prime credit.

So far I've found a V60 starter Kit for $20 which seems to cover the basics for a pour over.

In terms of grinder I was thinking of defaulting to the Hario hand grinders for ~$40 but I have seen people recommend the Porlax which is currently ~$15-20 more off Amazon.

A bit of searching around reveals some being happy with Hario while others voice displeasure with the consistency. Porlax seems to have more praise but I've also come across comments mentioning the metal of the hand bar being soft and easy to wear out. Is this a batch specific thing or are the two pretty much equal today?

Thanks!

The others have explained most of the good stuff, so let me talk water. Water is the 2nd most important thing in coffee after freshly ground fresh beans. There are two important variables to this: flow and temperature. temperature is something you can do mostly with guesswork and feel for a while, and you don't usually need to go super precise with it until you get to the next level.

For Flow, you need to train yourself to get good control, and also have a proper kettle made for the job. Your average kettle will be big and broad and will be very difficult to control. Thus, coffee specific kettles come with a "gooseneck" like this. The uber thin and sculpted nature of the kettle makes it super easy to pour a small stream of hot water over the coffee grounds in a precise manner. Now, that link above was for the top of the top range. This is a good mid-range model that has served many of my friends very well. Cheapo Electric ones are fan favorites as well, although quality is usually not up to par with the former two. Uber cheapos at around like this are an option too.

Pick your poison.

Take what I am about to say with a grain of salt. It’s just my opinion and I’m sure someone else will comment saying something different. With Chemex you are paying for the brand name and the cool wooden collars. The Bodum is hand blown borosilicate and comes with a reusable mesh filter whereas the Chemex uses a proprietary paper filter and a cast carafe (or a hand blown one if you spend a fortune). It honestly makes fantastic coffee and can rival a Chemex any day of the week once you figure out the best grind to use for the mesh filter, which can be a little tricky. What I have started using is a #3 or #4 paper filter inside the mesh filter and I have had great results. At a fraction of the price of the Chemex, it can’t be beat.

Edit: I know you’re looking for something that makes coffee for two people, but we have a singleserve pour over from OXO Good Grips that honestly makes some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. here’s an amazon link to it

Is your grinder a blade grinder? If it is a burr grinder will be a big improvement. But regardless try a different Brewer. If you're strapped for cash get a cheap pour over Brewer like this Melitta with that you can boil your water and control the temperature better than what the machine will do. I would recommend a thermometer of some sort but it's not 100% necessary. The Melitta was my first coffee Brewer and I still use it from time to time. A Chemex would be a bigger improvement but there no reason to go all out at first. Start small and get your technique down before you put money into something bigger.

A scale is also a big improvement so you can accurately weigh the beans and the water you're using. I bought a $20 scale from the grocery store and it's been kicking for a few years now. I would honestly say that a scale is more important then the thermometer but that's just my opinion. I'm a fan of accuracy.

Keep reading through this sub and you'll find all kinds of good advice. Have fun!

A cheap gooseneck kettle and a plastic Hario V60. You will need filters too.

If you want to spend a little more this set has it all.

Keep in mind that a scale is extremely helpful too. If you don’t want to spend the money on a grinder, which everyone is going to recommend, just get pre-ground, quality coffee. I recommend HappyMug online. Happy Mug makes great coffee and will grind it for you before shipping. They also have an awesome little timer for $5 that is helpful at first If you’re using your phone for recipes and stuff.

Large Clever Dripper is my vote, the ease and larger cups of a french press, but paper filter to make it a cleaner cup and much easier cleanup. The aeropress is fine, but the small cup size is slightly annoying as you have to make a concentrate and water down if you want larger, though it is faster. There's also the cheap test if you want, to get a $5 Melitta dripper with #2 filters that are sold at almost every major grocery store, a lot of times cheaper than you can get online. This is what I use most days now over the Clever/Aeropress/Chemex, I make about 14oz cups.

​

It's better to grind right before brewing, but if it's down to like a $10 blade grinder or ground 4 days prior by a big Commercial grinder, the commercial will be better as it's much more consistent. if you want to try before investing in a grinder, go to your local nice coffee shop and when you buy a bag have them grind it for you on their big shop grinder.

Could you get her good coffee-making equipment? An aero press is $30 and a hario v60 is about $20. Actually hario has a hand grinder that’s pretty cheap too. Throw in a bag of beans from your favorite toaster if you have any surplus.

Edit to add link and update price. My bf loves the v60, might be good!

Edit 2: it looks like it looks like the grinder is $40? which blows my mind. I swear it was cheaper

Chemex! We used to have an electric coffee maker years ago and switched to French press, but then we found this bad boy and have never looked back. It's practical, attractive, easy to clean, and (most importantly) perfect coffee every time:

https://www.amazon.com/Chemex-6-Cup-Classic-Glass-Coffee/dp/B000I1WP7W?th=1

Hope this helps! <3

Cheaply-built auto drip machines work against you in a few ways:

1. Poor temperature control. Some may not ever get close to the sweet spot for your beans. Others are just really inconsistent.
   
   
2. Poor dispersion patterns. They tend not to wet the coffee very evenly. Some are better than others in this regard.
   
   
3. A glass pot sitting on a hot plate does not do good things for coffee flavor.
   
   So how much does this matter? The first is the most important, IMO, and it varies a lot from cheap machine to cheap machine. How much you care about it varies a lot from coffee to coffee. If you've got a machine that can basically hit a temperature where the coffee you're using tastes good and it's mostly consistent about doing so, you're in luck. Just keep it descaled, because limescale will severely degrade the ability to hit the temperature. I think the dispersion pattern matters less for most coffees, and as long as you get it off the burner right away, it doesn't do too much damage.
   
   The secret to getting a decent cup from one of these is to use good, fresh beans. Grind them with a good grinder just before you brew. Use water that tastes good before you pour it in.
   
   All that said, given the same prerequisites (good, fresh beans, a good grinder, good water) you'll be able to produce a better cup than these cheap makers by using the cheapest manual pour cone you can find. By manually heating the water, you control temperature yourself. By manually pouring the water, you can make sure that the grounds are soaked nice and evenly. And by not pouring it into a glass carafe sitting on a burner, you can avoid degrading the coffee by heating it once it's brewed.
   
   

So Father’s Day is coming up and the fam is asking what I want as a present. I’ve decided to use these opportunities to add to my coffee gear. The Encore was for my bday. This is a photo of my main gear. Love the Aeropress and the FP but I’ve recently been liking the clean pour over cup. It’s just two of us who drink coffee and in the morning, we need about 625 ml stat. So my goto device is this rig I’ve MacGyvered using a plastic Melita PO using a #2 filter, using the French press as a carafe. Not pretty but I can make a good repeatable cup quickly.

I guess I’d like to step up my pour over game to one of a V60, Chemex or Kalita Wave. We’re a bit tight financially so I don’t want to ask for anything too expensive. I’m leaning toward this:

https://www.amazon.ca/Hario-V60-Coffee-Sever-Chocolate/dp/B002BA2I7A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1463931506&sr=8-3&keywords=hario+v60

Note the traditional Black & Decker kettle. Not ideal but my technique is pretty good. So, r/Coffee, what say you? Suggestions are encouraged.

Aeropress is ok, but you can get similar results with a simple single-cup pourover.

You can find one of these plastic filter holders for $3-6 at any big grocery store: https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6

Then get some #2 paper cone filters which are also very cheap.

The part that gets expensive (if you want it to be!) is a coffee grinder. I have a nice electric one at home that I paid about $300 for. But when I'm on the road I use a hand-grinder: https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Skerton-Ceramic-Coffee-Mill/dp/B001802PIQ. The Hario one is $35 but you can find similar ones for $20.

You could also just spend $10 on a shitty electric blade grinder. The fresh-ground coffee will still taste better than the pre-ground stuff but you might not get full flavor extraction if the grind is inconsistent.

To boil water I use an electric kettle, but you can also just use a propane stove or microwave or whatever you have available. I heat my water to anywhere between 190oF and 205oF, actually boiling water is too hot for coffee.

The most important single thing you can do for awesome coffee is simply grinding the beans fresh and then making the coffee. Everything else that coffee snobs do as part of their coffee ritual don't add too much more unless you have a really refined palate and are serious about coffee. Some people need to have their beans uniformly ground at the right diameter, use water at an exact temperature, and have a drip process that lasts for a precise amount of time. They aim for consistency so they spend a shitload on expensive grinders and kettles. They'll only use beans that were roasted within the past week.

But for me, as long as the beans were roasted within the past couple of months (pro-tip: don't buy a bag of coffee beans if it doesn't have the roasting date on it), I grind them fresh for coffee, and use water-that-isn't-boiling-yet, I get a cup I can really enjoy.

A great intro to pour-over coffee is this Melitta which, imho, makes fabulous coffee especially for the money. Just snag some #6 coffee filters and you're good to go.

I do think that a goose neck kettle makes a big difference in your ability to pour slowly and methodically but if you have a regular kettle already you can start with that.

To keep things warm you can pick up a nice vacuum carafe and you can enjoy hot coffee for about 10 hours. The linked one is nice because if you make a full pot, then pour off two cups for you and the misses, it should hold the rest.

Is your goal French press specifically (as in, the coarse grind and long brew time that results in that characteristic slightly-grainy taste) - or is it more generally non-shitty coffee from an automatic machine?

The mechanics of French press make it hard to automate, so I'm not terribly surprised there's not a lot of robotic presses out there. If your goal is just good coffee without a long manual process, the best option I'm aware of are the automatic "pour-over" machines:

https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KCM0802OB-Coffee-Brewer-Black/dp/B00OQJ7X8S/

https://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1902DW-Coffee-Brewer-Silver/dp/B0752CKQHW/

https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Barista-Brain-Coffee-Maker/dp/B00YEYKK8U/

There's also "fully automated" espresso machines. A lot of them even include a grinder, so in theory you can press 1 button and get a latte or americano or whatever a few minutes later. They tend to be $$$ and use up a lot of counter space, though.

My personal setup is fairly manual - an electric kettle and an Aeropress. The electric kettle is way easier than a kettle on the stove - the one I linked has variable temp controls, so you can set it to heat up to 80 C and hold there. Doesn't need constant monitoring the way a teakettle on a burner does, and you'll get much better results with not-quite-boiling water. And the Aeropress makes fucking great coffee, without the PITA of cleaning a French press.

I would check this out out as a good starter option. It has everything you need plus the carafe which is helpful for multiple cups and making iced coffee. The 02 is a good size. Definitely wouldn't go smaller.

https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Pour-Coffee-Starter-Clear/dp/B00JJIOJ7E

So one unexpected benefit of the clear one is you can see into a cup that you are using it over, which is helpful for preventing spills if you aren't paying attention to amount of water you are pouring. It also looks cool to see the coffee coming out of the filter and into the funnel. As for heat resistance of the plastic, I'm not sure how it compares so the colored ones (it is a different material), but the clear one is dishwasher safe and I've never seen anyone complain about melting or run off during normal use and cleaning.

I actually really like the stovetop siphon I recent got. I've heard mixed things on here about siphons, but it's been my go-to brew method since I got it. I use the cory glass filter, you can find it online. The price isn't bad over all. This would be better if you're trying to brew larger amounts.

If you want something that brews a similar amount to the Aeropress, but has a completely different flavor profile, go with a Hario Woodneck. Amazing flavor, really clear.

I find both brewing methods to be really consistent.

Personally here are 3 easy things you can do cheap to get into "specialty coffee"

1. Buy a hand grinder j$40-50) and scale ($20-30). You can find a cheap porlex grinder that will work great. I used one for my first year and used it 3-4 times a day. Just grind your beans when you are going to brew a cup
   
   
2. I recommend buying the Hario V60 the starter kit is $20 with filters and brews a much cleaner cup than a French press or aeropress. You can use a standard kettle to boil water but I recommend buying a gooseneck kettle one.
   
   
3. Buy good beans. As others have stated buy some beans from a specialty coffee shop. Not Starbucks. Then roast date and a lighter roast usually go hand and hand with the beans. It takes time to develop your palette but you will never want to drink crappy coffee again

Cool, welcome to a whole new world of coffee.

To be fair though it's actually a Moka Pot, a Percolator is a little different. A Moka Pot is going to give you a really good (in my opinion) dark and strong coffee. I probably use mine a couple times a week but I prefer my woodneck for daily use.

This site has some good videos on different brew methods and they have a couple different Moka Pot videos under the stove top section. Personally though I fill the basket with a medium fine grind (about 23 grams) and add already boiling water to the base before I put it on the stove top. With preheated water it goes a lot faster on the stove. Some people argue that if you don't preheat the water you will scorch the coffee but I don't know about that.

Anyways, have fun with it.

Great point! I do also think that there a couple of understandable reasons why someone might want to use a siphon pot despite the complex looking nature of the product.

1. The siphon pot has a very rich history. IIRC it was the first coffee brewing device invented that didn't leave coffee grounds in the coffee.
   
   
2. The cloth filter is used by few brew methods. The only other one I know of is the Hario "sock" dripper. And while they are harder to clean (as many have pointed out) they don't have the drawbacks of brewing your coffee through a bleached paper filter--leaving a papery taste in your coffee, drinking bleach, etc.
   
   
3. The siphon pot does a much better job of keeping a stable brew temperature compared to almost every other manual single cup brewing method due to the pronounced heat. Some have argued that stable temperature leads to a more stable brew process that creates a tastier cup of coffee.
   
   

Yeah. We have a really good local roaster (Velo) I get my coffee from. I don't drink it often so i get whole beans and grind them as I need it.

I treated myself to a new coffeemaker a couple of years ago sort of like this one but smaller and it's been great. I also have a french press and an espresso maker I sometimes use the Press for tea as well.

Little weird things that sit on top of your cup have become oddly popular up here.

Also, they're shit at coffee. You can do better at home with not a huge investment and a little time. Not much more than it takes to get to a Starbucks, order, and have them burn your coffee.

Get yourself an electric kettle, a French press or a pour over, and some decent coffee. Splurge on the coffee. Spend $15 or $20 on a pound, and you'll get far more tastier coffee than you'll ever get at Starbucks. Amazon can get you hooked up with a decent starter kettle and brew method. This looks like a decent coffee to try.

Also, get a light roast. They've got more caffeine and more character. It's not just burnt nonsense. Sure, a properly done darker roast can be good, but properly roasted dark roast is a tall order. If you really want to be nice to yourself, find a nice light roast peaberry.

Eventually you might want to get a grinder and buy whole bean, but this will get you started on better coffee now.

I've used a coffee filter to filter my bacon fat and the end result is crystal clear, melted gold.

edit: if you find that you're needing to filter bacon fat often, I'd buy one of these, granted you aren't filtering gallons of the stuff at a time.

I haven't used this gold filter for bacon fat, but in terms of coffee making, some fine dust particles will make it through this filter. If you want something that'll filter out almost every solid, maybe you can go with this.

Wait until your fat has cooled off a bit, then plop this filter cone on top of an open jar, put a coffee filter in, and pour away. I have seen both of these filter cones in multiple grocery stores like Wal-mart and Kroger. Super cheap and reusable!

I have a technivorm mocxamaster one cup brewer. I like it a lot. That said, I’m gonna be the odd person here and suggest a different solution to your problem

OXO BREW Single Serve Pour Over Coffee Dripper with Auto-Drip Water Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENK41Q6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B6kxDbEV6HYMA

It is one extra step but if you have a ready source of hot water, it is basically automatic compared to a pour over...
It makes great coffee and I’m a fan. I’m thinking about putting the technivorm in the basement because the oxo does such a good job and it doesn’t take up counter space.

Sure!

This is the popcorn popper I'm using to roast (not pictured)

This is the Sweet Maria's sampler pack (4 lbs of green coffee for roasting). Mine specifically came with these four coffees:

• Java Kopi Sunda
  
  
• Sumatra Toba Batak Peaberry
  
  
• Ethiopia Sidama Deri Kochoha
  
  
• Colombia "Dos Payasos de Tolima"
  
  Now on to the equipment:
  
  
  Bonavita BV3825ST 1-Liter Stovetop Kettle
  
  American Weigh Black Blade Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 G
  
  Taylor Classic Instant-Read Pocket Thermometer
  
  Chemex Coffee Maker 8 Cup Classic
  
  Chemex Coffee Filters - 100 Chemex Bonded Unbleached Filter Squares FSU-100
  
  Hario MSS-1B Mini Mill Slim Coffee Grinder
  
  
  I also have a bodum french press and an aeropress. The scale is big enough to measure coffee, but not big enough to brew on, so keep that in mind if you are thinking about getting one, but it was pretty cheap and I don't mind pre-measuring the coffee and water rather than doing it while i brew. I also have already had some issues with the thermometer head rotating, throwing off the measurement, but it's not really a huge deal because it's easy to rotate it back and I usually just bring water to a boil and then let it drop 10 degrees regardless of what the temp actually says. Overall, loving all my new goodies!

Melitta cone cup-top and pot-top filters are quite cheap and, in my opinion, do most if not all of the job of a Chemex or whatever without the financial outlay. I'd see that as your next step: Moving from the Mr. Coffee to something that brews at the right temperature.

You can simply heat water on the stovetop, until you get a better solution. Premeasure the water, so that you know to just pour the entire lot instead of guessing how much water to pour after it's heated. If you have a thermometer that goes high enough, time how long it takes that amount of freshly boiled water to cool down to your target brew temparature. If your inside conditions remain the same and you use the same vessel to heat the water, then you don't need to use the thermometer each time. Just bring the water to a boil, switch off the heat, and wait that long.

As far as using the Melitta, don't neglect to "bloom" the grounds for several seconds with a bit of that hot water, before continuing the pour. Pour the water carefully, to help keep the grounds from "climbing" the sides, where they will not extract fully. I pour some water thusly and then also tap the side of the Melitta lightly to help settle the grounds. I pour the water in a few stages, instead of all at once, again to help keep the grounds settled and so promote better extraction.

Switching to a Melitta filter made a big difference, for me. If you are concerned about quality/flavor, you want to get away from that Mr. Coffee.

P.S. Non-affiliate Amazon links, just as examples including of low prices. Not saying it need be Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Cone-Filter-Coffeemaker-1-Count/dp/B000MIT2OK/

First of all, sorry for the loss :(
This one by Bodum is pretty nice, and it seems as though you could use the chemex filters.
https://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Coffee-Maker-Permanent-Filter/dp/B00LOCYKIQ
I personally have a porcelain V60 dripper and love it, is easy to clean and I can make the coffee directly on the cup when it is only for myself.
Hope it helps!

If you want to run a Microwave or Coffee Maker, you will need a 2000w inverter.

The coffee maker will put some serious hurt on your batteries. Microwave isn't terrible because you are generally only running for 30 seconds or 2-3 minutes. Coffee maker is on for at least 15 minutes at a high load first thing in the morning when your batteries are at their most discharged (with an off-grid solar setup)

1 - Get an inverter (pure sine wave) they are awesome!

2 - Good job on the 2x Golf Cart batteries and solar

3 - Heat up water on your propane stove then use a pour-over coffee maker (we love this one) https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Single-Coffee-Dripper-Auto-Drip/dp/B01ENK41Q6

I've installed a few different inverters. Since trying to cook/heat water with power stored in your batteries goes QUICK, I've learned to not cook with electricity off-grid. Use your propane to cook, it is excellent at that.

Now you can get away with a high-quality 400 watt pure sine wave inverter for all the other things you want to do with 120VAC and you don't need to invest in expensive huge copper cables/fuses, etc.


(this is coming from someone who runs their Jayco 6,000 BTU air conditioner off the batteries via 1,200 watt PSW inverter for 40 minutes at the kids' bedtime)

Keeping it under $70 at that point is gonna get tricky if you need to buy all those things, too. But here's what I'd recommend.

-Hario hand grinder ($30)
-Any digital scale, maybe upgrade eventually ($14)
-Any kettle, something like this should be like $10 at Walmart or something
-Aeropress ($33)

That's $87. If you just heat water in a microwave container if you already have that, that'll save you $10.

Or swap the Aeropress for this. melitta pour over ($6) and some filters ($6). These make good coffee, too, and will save $21 off the price of the aeropress (though you'll need more filters eventually)

Many of these you'll eventually want to upgrade to something better. But these will get you started.

A few years ago I brought a bag of good fresh coffee backpacking with a girlfriend. A plastic Melitta pour over thing and a few filters were much appreciated in the cold mornings. I just weighed my brewer and it's a whopping 58 grams, and at most grocery stores for like 5 bucks. I pretty much always bring that plus a Trangia kettle, good coffee is just hard for me to compromise on...

Totally agree! Even a cheap-ish grocery store coffee like Eight O'Clock tastes 100x better than Starbucks drip coffee to me. Especially when you buy the whole bean and grind it yourself before brewing.

I use a simple one-cup pour over cone. I got mine for about $3 at Christmas Tree Shops. I like that it's easier to clean up than a french press. Just grind the beans, put in a paper filter, and pour small amounts of hot water over the beans until the cup is full. Doesn't even compare to Starbucks.

It's been mentioned, but a pour-over cone is cheaper than instant, and your coffee will be better.

My setup:

• Burr grinder (you don't need one, a blade or buying preground will be okay, though it's not ideal taste-wise, it'll be better than instant.)
  
  
• Melitta plastic pour-over cone and #2 cone filters (unbleached)
  
  
• Cheap electric kettle.
  
  Simple. Pick your mug. Start your kettle. Put the pourover on top of your mug, put your filter in, grind/measure your coffee and put in. When the water's hot, pour it over until your cup is full.
  
  Techniques vary, but this has got to be one of the most dead-simple ways to make cheap coffee. Plus it only takes a couple minutes. :)

Well, I am really curious about the aeropress myself. So I'd love to hear what you think of it.

The Hario V60 is a pourover, so I thought it'd be a nice change of what you're used to, experiment a little bit.. I would still reccomend it actually, it's a nice cheap addition to your collection.
Here's the v60: https://www.amazon.com/Hario-V60-Starter-Dripper-Filters/dp/B00JJIOJ7E/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_79_t_1/136-0271202-3333230?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=N44XM2YWDT3MBH06HCY1

What equipment do you currently have and how much are you willing to spend?

I decent entry level setup for pour overs would be:

• Fresh beans (local or online)
  
• V60 Starter Kit
  
• Baratza Encore Grinder
  
• Bonavita Variable Temperature Kettle
  
  This is in the order I'd suggest purchasing them as well. You'll get the best initial quality increase from fresh beans, the grinder will ensure you're getting well ground (i.e. more consistent sized granules) coffee, and the kettle is more of a nice-to-have but it's a great piece of kit.

• Tada-kun uses Nikon. I'll set aside my personal bias towards Canon since the last best girl in the Canon camp lost... Nice setup, sure wish my pictures could turn out that good (and I could meet a pretty girl through random chance).
  
  
• Telling a foreigner that you can't speak English despite them speaking to you in Japanese? I wonder where I've heard that before...
  
  
• A Japanophile/possible weeb girl coming to Japan with self-assessed Japanese skills expecting it to be exactly how it is on TV...this feels like something out of /r/japancirclejerk.
  
  
• THE COLOR OF A RAINBOW IS RAINBOW! - Rainbow Shogun sounds epic.
  
  
• Alec's glare and Ijuuin's subsequent freak out & general fear of her is a silly gag and I hope we get to see it again.
  
  
• That's a Hario V60 in the Tada-household.
  
  
• Well, that was fun. This was a promising start to the season, from the way they set up the universe without a narrative dump (i.e. explaining Teresa's origins and the Tada household) to the in-universe books & programs suggests they've sweat the little details - which is my personal litmus test for how good a SoL will be. Of course, I'll still have to give it the three-episode test to see how well the other characters are fleshed out, but it's a keeper for now.

Tips:
Don't drink it, you are transforming a good beverage into a bad drink.
You know when you add more coffee to a regular coffee maker make it slightly strong with good taste? Well is not the same for instant coffe, only makes it worst.
*I'm a broken student too, and I offer you two solutions that worked for me: This cheap plastic coffee maker that you put on top of your coffee mug and you buy a permanent filter and you are done.
Don't like it? Well This awesome french press save my life at work, no filters! Just add hot watter wait a couple of minutes and you have a tasty fresh made coffe.

I hope it helps, and remember instant coffee it's never the answer.

I think the two most important questions are: what are some coffees that you've had and like? What sort of work are you willing to put into it?

My personal recommendation would be to get a Baratza Encore grinder, a digital scale, a gooseneck kettle of some sort, a Chemex, and a French Press. All that should easily fit within your budget. And of all the accessories I have, on 90% of the days I don't use anything other than those. Well, and some coffee beans.

But that will take some work -- measuring, grinding, pouring, waiting, more pouring. It will make much better coffee than any automated machine, but maybe you don't care that much and it sounds like too much work. In that case, the Technivorm Moccamaster and Bonvavita 1900 TS are good options for automatic drip machines.

EDTIT: Sorry, I missed "automatic" in the text. I still don't think that will give you the best coffee, but if you're set on it, ignore everything I said except the Technivorm and Bonavita.

To be honest, if you want quick and easy, you could consider getting a Melitta. They cost around $4. In the morning I brew one cup, take out the filter and just rinse the Melitta and throw it in the dish drainer. I think its the quickest and easiest way to brew and if you have a burr grinder and use the proper coffee to water ratio, it tastes great.

Yes, ditch it. You'll get better coffee for less money with less environmental waste from any of the methods suggested here.

I'll put in my vote for what got me into pour-overs, and which never seems to get much love on this sub: a good old fashioned Melitta drip cone, which makes a more than decent cup of coffee with easily obainable (and cheap) filters with a minimum of fuss. You can pick up a small one that's perfect for one or two cups for under ten bucks, and a set with a larger cone which also includes a glass carafe (perfect for making multiple cups at once) for not much more than that.

https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Coffee-Single-Pour-Over-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6

https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-640446-Pour-Over-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0000CFLCT

Kalita Wave Stainless Steel. I'd even be comfortable cleaning it with a paper towel after use, although it'll still be better to wash under running water.
This solution requires an additional water kettle though. Either a microwave kettle, electric kettle, or a measuring cup could do, although goosenecks would still be ideal.

Another option is the Oxo Pour Over. The reservoir on top saves space, and it will be not depend on a pouring device. You still need to heat the water before filling the reservoir as the temperature drop is extremely high with the showerhead stream. It doesn't have the potential of the Kalita, but it will also be extremely consistent (pretty much as close to a manual version of an automatic drip machine as you can get).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENK41Q6

There are plenty of other options; these are just ones I can think of that are as easy to clean as possible.

I love the Hario Woodneck. It makes amazing coffee, takes up very little space, and I think it's prettier than a Chemex ;-)

If it's volume that you need then take a look at the pour over coffee makers. Chemex offer them in a lot of sizes, the 8 cup is pretty cheap right now. They also have a 10 cup and 13 cup model as well I think.


Here is a link to the 8 cup
https://www.amazon.com/Chemex-Classic-Pour-over-Glass-Coffeemaker/dp/B000I1WP7W/

​

I personally think that pour over coffee is just as good or better than a french press, and way better than the drip coffee makers.

That one is one of my least hated varieties as well.

If you get a chance and want to try some good coffee (on the cheap), try this:

Buy these items: Ready Set Joe Pour-Over:

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-640007-Perfect-Brew-Filter/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292427026&sr=8-1

Filters for above:

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-40Ct-Cone-Filter-626402/dp/B000MY28QI/ref=pd_sim_k_5

Cafe Bustelo, Medaglia D'Oro, Cafe Pilon, any good pre-ground espresso coffee. If you can't find it in your grocer's coffee aisle, look in the aisle with all the Goya stuff in it. Two heaping tablespoons in a filter in the Melita thing, microwave 8 oz water in a Pyrex glass measuring cup until it boils, wait for it to stop boiling, pour it slowly over the coffee into your mug. Total investment should be less than fifteen bucks, assuming you need to buy the Pyrex.

Everyone else has most of the bases covered so here's amazon links if you can't find things at second hand stores/dollar stores/clearance centers.

Storage Containers
Ace Hardware
[Target] (http://www.target.com/p/kerr-1-quart-32-oz-wide-mouth-mason-jar-set-of-12/-/A-14527331)
Rather than getting tupperware get a flat of quart size mason jars. Doesn't spill in transport, works in the freezer, microwave proof without the lid, and doesn't absorb smells or warp with frequent use.
*Alternative is to save glass jars from groceries and wash them for use


Coffee Maker
Get a single cone coffee brewer if you drink coffee. You can buy it on amazon or find it in the coffee section at walmart/target/any grocery really.


Can Opener
Don't buy a can opener at the dollar store or CVS in a bind. Just order this one. I've had it for years with frequent use.

If you have an ikea nearby, they also have a great kitchen section especially for inexpensive flatware sets.

My girlfriend and I use an individual cup dripper on the day to day, and will be bringing it with us to the Forest. Neighbors get free cups!
They also have something like this in plastic (what we use) as well as ceramic.

I love me some pour over!

You could look into a French press (I like bodum but all brands work). I also recommend getting a melitta brewing cone, for the $3-$5 it costs it makes insane coffee for the price. Also if you can, never go with pre ground beans, you can actually get a grinder for pretty cheap on amazon or at the least go to your local coffee shop (non Starbucks) and buy a bag of beans from them and ask them to grind it for you. Hope this helps! Excited for your coffee journey!

The main thing no one seems to be addressing is that you're looking for an office machine. That's pretty different from a home setup.

You don't want people screwing around with the coffee stuff all day. You don't want someone to have to track down a thermometer for the water, or to loudly grind beans at 2 in the afternoon, or anything fussy.

A work machine needs to be quick, simple, durable, and easy to clean. It needs to make "coffee." And it needs to be self-contained.

So I recommend this guy. It's $150, it's SCAA certified, it makes enough coffee for several people, it comes in four colors, and most importantly it looks and works like "a coffee machine." No confusion or explanations or needless, paralysing options.

Pregrind some decent beans and keep them in the bag they came in, or in something like this if you want to be fancy, and leave it at that.

If anyone needs something snobbier than the above, they should be going out for their coffee anyway.

/r/coffee

Pourovers are pretty easy/cheap if you're not too nit picky. Boil some water, let it cool down a bit, and just spend like three minutes pouring it over some grounds in a filter.

It's better if you weigh the water and coffee (more reliable to make what you like). It's better if you measure the water temp (same).

I've had a lot of coffee gear but you're well on your way if you just get https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Pour-Coffee-Starter-Clear/dp/B00JJIOJ7E, a coffee burr (so you can set the grind size), and use fresh beans (roasted recently) you then grind before use.

Let me know if you have any questions.

I have this setup: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0080J2N8A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1453205995&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=melitta+carafe&dpPl=1&dpID=51nAv9BKEjL&ref=plSrch with a manual burr grinder. The problem I am having is that the second half of my pour, the cone stops draining, so I get over extraction. If I lift the filter up, I can get it draining again, but sometimes it tears and I end up with grounds getting through. I am brewing a full pot, so trying to pour over 1.5 liters of water over 150 grams of coffee.

Going SUPER coarse on my grind helps, but I'm talking like rice sized grounds. I'm using Melitta #4 brown cones.

Should I swap out for a different cone?

Dude. Just throw in for one of these. Makes great coffee super easy.

Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter, 1 Liter, 34 Ounce, Black Band https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LOCYKIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ic2QDbCSME5BA

I had a customer who was an engineering firm. They where tasked by one of their customers to design the next best Coffee maker. What they found.. whenever they went to coffee trade shows was that every coffee producer would sample their coffee using Pour over makers. Good control of your waters temp plus a brewer where you can make sure to get all your grounds will give you a cup like you've dreamed about.

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Gator-Pour-Over-Brewer/dp/B01F173G0W/ref=sr_1_7?crid=WSH8J9I2L3TC&keywords=pour+over+coffee+dripper&qid=1569756265&s=gateway&sprefix=pour+over%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-7

i've used a french press and an aeropress in the past, but ultimately settled on a melitta cup-top pourover cone: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014CVEH6/

also, i recently did a lot of googling around on good + affordable burr grinders, and ended up with this one, which i'm very happy with: http://www.coffeebean.com/Bodum_Burr_Grinder/d/1239?CID=em_ordership&utm_source=tran&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ordership

you'll also want an electric kettle.

This is not exactly an answer to your question, but still might help. For brews under 600mL, instead of the stock dripper/carafe with the basket filter, I usually place a Hario v60 pourover dripper and decanter under the bv1900. It fits like it belongs there! Sometimes I also use a 3-cup Chemex, though that needs to be boosted by a small book or some other object underneath so as to catch the all the water from the shower head.

v60:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002BA2J06/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494656438&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=v60+dripper&dpPl=1&dpID=41I9L-Lkb5L&ref=plSrch

Chemex:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LQI3RU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494656484&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=3+cup+chemex&dpPl=1&dpID=31fbJUV51EL&ref=plSrch

Fellow student here. While an aeropress is easy to use and clean you should keep in mind that it's max. capacity is around 240ml. I usually make a mug (ca. 300ml) or a whole pot (650ml) at a time.
There is a hario set for 15$ that includes 100 filters. If you live in a town with a good roaster where you can get freshly roasted beans you can make them grind it if you buy small amounts and then later upgrade to a grinder.
I regret buying a manual Hario Skerton and went with a Graef CM80. Do some research and buy whatever respected burr grinder fits your budget.
You will also need some scales and a gooseneck kettle would be nice, too.

I think that the complexity of different coffee flavors keep enthusiasts coming back! There are so many nuances in a cup that can change with brewing method and even drink temperature. So, if you're finding that there's a lot more to it than a caffeine boost, you're right! There can be a lot of ritual to your morning cup, and it's an essential part of my morning. I rotate between two brewing methods: aeropress and pourover. my wife got me a very simple pour-over a couple years ago and I love it: https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1480523276&sr=8-6&keywords=pour+over
If you're looking for different brewing methods, you can't beat this one on price and quality. You can find filters for it on amazon or most grocery stores.

If you enjoy metal filter coffee, you can get a french press. If you prefer paper filter you can get the 10-cup or 6-cup melitta pourover set.

The melitta has a hole to slow down the drip speed, so a gooseneck is helpful, but not necessary. Also, the price is great, and it takes standard #4 coffee filters!

I would do something like this: Hario V60 Pour Over Coffee Starter Kit, Size 02, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BA2J06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KlbxCb4SESFY9

I get fresh grounds from a farmers market. It took about a year after I stopped using a keurig to figure out what coffee I like best. For me a medium roast is my favorite. I prefer columbian. but that took time to figure out. Be patient with yourself as you do it! And don’t be afraid to youtube how to make coffee 😂

Bodum is a good beginner brand. I've had mixed results with some of their products, but the French press is solid. I would not recommend the basic coffee grinder as it does not produce uniform grounds. Their pourover is pretty good if you use a filter in addition to the metal one. If you're set on going with Bodum, check out your local Marshalls or HomeGoods. They always have Bodum coffee products for sale for cheaper than retail.

Big Clever Brewer is what you want. I think you can make as much as 20 ounces in one of those. much more forgiving in terms of grind, and much easier to clean up than a french press.

Also, there's nothing wrong with a big melitta- single hole. you even get the carafe for a dirt cheap price.

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Cone-Filter-Coffeemaker-1-Count/dp/B000MIT2OK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449004453&sr=8-2&keywords=melitta+pour+over

Or don't get a Keurig brand machine. If you absolutely must have the convenience of single-serving k-cups, there are 3rd party brewers that use the same form factor but without the lockout. They're only screwing themselves here.

If you're not a fan of the thin coffee that comes from K-cups, but you want single serving coffee, my advice is to get either a manual drip cone filter or an aeropress.

The aeropress makes the best coffee, hands down. However it takes a little more work, uses a little more grinds, and is a bit convoluted with all of the different parts. This is what I use at home on the weekends. The manual drip is what I use at work. I've got the routine down:

• 20g of coffee in a #4 filter. (The cone says to use #2, but #4 sticks out past the edges which prevents grinds from getting in and allows you to pour in more water)
  
• 175F (80C) water. My kettle at home can be dialed in, but at work I just let it boil and then sit for a minute or two. In other words: you want very hot, but not boiling water.
  
• 12oz cup
  
• Pour in water over grinds until water is level with top of the plastic cone.
  
• Stir vigorously until water level has dropped to only 1/3rd full.
  
• Fill with water again but do not stir, and let it drain. Should be enough to fill the cup.

Yea, a V60 Hario dripper. I just use the plastic 1-cup version cause I only use it for myself. A gooseneck kettle is handy, but I don't use a one and still make a great brew.

It will look something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JJIOJ7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1501188587&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=v60+hario&dpPl=1&dpID=41UxEj4wZYL&ref=plSrch

For quality of a cup of coffee I feel like a French Press or Pour Over system is best. We prefer the pour over more than the french press because its easier to clean. A percolator is probably the worst way to coffee.

A 2 cup pour over is like $5 and we usually get about 30oz of coffee from one filter. We heat with an MSR Whisperlite, a small gas cartridge lasts so many cups of coffee we haven't been able to count.

Well a funnel strictly speaking isn't the right angle to properly support a coffee filter, making it get lopsided easily and likely fold on itself. Now that said you can get plastic versions of these for about $6 and they're just as good. Although I'm sure you'll get someone complaining about the plastic interfering with the flavor, which is likely bullshit.

--

--

--

In the end tho, look how pretty the porcelain is!

For sheer price and ease of brew consistency, the plastic v60 comes in three forms: dripper only ($7-8), the V60 Decanter ($24), or the V60 Starter Kit ($20).

Depending on gift budget, you may also want to consider a gooseneck kettle if your boyfriend doesn't already have one.

I like coffee gear for aesthetics in addition to their function, though, so I have a couple of special Hario v60 drippers - a sky blue ceramic, and a Mandarin orange ceramic one. Obviously way more breakable than the plastic/metal ones, but I liked the looks of them way more.

How much of the end of the cup do you drink? With French press, you probably want to stop drinking once you can see the sludge moving with what you're about to drink.

If it gets bitter before that, it's probably the grinder giving you too many fines. I used to have a similar set up until relatively recently, but I always drank my coffee with cream. The mini mill will still produce a lot of fines for a French press, just fyi.

Maybe get a super simple Melitta pour over cone? I picked one up for $3 at my local grocery store, and with the paper filter, you won't have to worry about over extraction with the fines as much.

if you're super brand new and dont' even know what your coffee should taste like yet, i'd suggest just starting with something like a cheap Melitta cone and working your way up with kettle, grinder, scale, etc as you go.

You might consider the OXO pour over dripper with water tank. You can use it for a manual pour over without the tank, but the tank allows for an even drip over the whole bed of grounds. I use 15 grams medium grind, bloom them with about 50 grams of water at 200F, then put another 220 grams of water in the tank and let it do its thing. I find it very easy and consistent. I know you prefer a metal filter... But paper makes clean up so easy.

Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Coffee-Brewer-Stainless-Thermal/dp/B0080J2N8A/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1521049309&sr=8-1&keywords=melitta%2Bthermal&th=1 checks most of your boxes (thermal, large capacity, and cheapish filters). I will warn that as you ramp up the amount of coffee in a pourover it (IMO) does not taste as good. It will make a serviceable cup but not like what can be nailed on a smaller amount. Another thing is that moving from a drip coffee maker you might want to reconsider your coffee ratio and up the amount of coffee per water. Usually people on a drip maker that is not SCAA certified are used to using way more water per coffee because the baskets are pretty small. You may find that you are consuming more "coffee grounds" but actually drinking less coffee because it is stronger.

You don't need a carafe. You can brew directly into a cup/mug. The gooseneck kettle helps reduce the flow of water and direct the stream. If you're very careful, you can pour slowly out of a pot/tea kettle. It just takes more practice.

The purpose of a scale is to produce repeatable results. Thus if you find 22 grams is too much, next time you can use 20 grams, etc. Same for water.

I'm partial to pour-over as I don't like full bodied coffees that French Presses produce. I'd recommend as a start, get a pour over you like and a gram scale. If cost is really an issue you can even get a Melitta. It's cheap and it's a start (don't forget filters). To start with, if you don't have a grinder you can use pre-ground. I actually used a Folgers this weekend in a pour over and it wasn't horrible. I could taste a difference, but for starting out, it's better than nothing. (FWIW, I used the Folgers because I was playing with grind sizes.)

As for the grinder, I just bought that grinder. It's not the best. I also have a Capresso and although it has disc burrs, it seems to produce fewer fines and fewer boulders than the Hario grinder does.

Pour over all the way. I've used the $15 Hario for two years now, it still looks like I bought it yesterday. Used 48 g of coffee to 700 g of hot boiling water and you got yourself a pot of great pour over coffee with no frills. I have mine with a dash of heavy cream and if I'm feeling fancy I'll blend it with a pat of butter and cocoa powder (Keto bullet proof coffee). I find the fat helps my body absorb the caffeine and keeps me full all morning until lunch since I can't eat breakfast without feeling nauseous!

It has to be like Stok? Stok isn't very good in my opinion and 6 hours to brew is too short. Even the 10 hours Stok's claims to brew is too short. Just buy a mason jar, pour grounds in and fill with water. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 18 hours. Buy an extra fine reusable filter and use that to filter out the grounds.

Here's what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JN2K046/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these grounds and love it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFK955I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I'm a huge fan of the Chemex coffee brewer. It's extremely simple pour over method and makes a very smooth less acidic coffee. I have the 8 cup (https://www.amazon.com/Chemex-Eight-Glass-Coffee-Handle/dp/B002NLF9D2). 36 oz of water to 45g of coffee ... pour in a 1 litre mason jar and store in the fridge. Fantastic coffee.

Have you considered switching the the pour over world? If so I would start looking at the v60 or the clever, I think they make a much better cup of coffee than french press.

http://www.amazon.com/Hario-V60-Coffee-Sever-Set/dp/B002BA2J06/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1417699309&sr=8-10&keywords=hario+v60
http://www.amazon.com/Hario-VDGN-02B-Coffee-Dripper-Edition/dp/B00JRY42H2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1417699309&sr=8-9&keywords=hario+v60
http://www.amazon.com/Hario-XGS-60TB-Range-Server-600Ml/dp/B000P4931S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1417699309&sr=8-4&keywords=hario+v60
http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Shrub-CLEVER-Clever-Dripper/dp/B0047W70GY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417699464&sr=8-1&keywords=clever+coffee+dripper

I really can't think of a single machine for both. I'm not sure of your budget, but a more affordable semi-automatic setup would be the new KitchenAid pour-over machine, Breville Barista Express, and Smart Grinder Pro. You can get all three for around $800 (with 20% BBB coupons for example) and have great espresso and coffee using your own freshly-ground beans.

If they were giving the brewer away for free, maybe. As it is, that little fucker is Expensive.

As others have pointed out, you can load your own in the stupid little thing. This has the advantage of causing your cup'o'joe cleanup to not just include "dumping grounds" and "cleaning the screen" but also "unscrewing the capsule" and "dismantling the stupid thing" and "cleaning spilled grounds out of it" and "passing the whole fucking mess under running water" and "setting it out to dry on a towel because the bits are so small they fall through the dish strainer." In addition, it also limits you 8 oz. of coffee, which I like because having my cup more than half full makes me feel entitled.

Of course, any "single brew" system is going to be extraordinarily complex and radically expensive so I perfectly understand where Keurig is coming from. Thankfully, well-regarded culinary experts fully endorse the complexity of their process.

Amazon has a deal on a Bodum pour-over maker for $15: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LOCYKIQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


Should I throw $15 at this, or is there a better rig for the money? Would I be better off just buying a $3 plastic melita cone?

Grinder: Hario Slim ~$25 or mini mill ~$29 (looks too expensive to go for the mini mill)

Option 1: Aeropress and filters, may be just under or around $50 with the grinder, might overshoot by a few bucks. ~$29 for Aeropress and paper filters, steel filter available but not within budget (~$15-18).

Option 2: melitta pourover cone and filters, need a pyrex to heat/pour your water, but every kitchen should have one of those anyway. ~$13 for cone and filters.

Looks like going the pourover route (before shipping and whatnot) will cost you a total of ~$38, while the Aeropress will be ~$54. The pourover route will mean you don't have as great a control over the brew (many people like an expensive gooseneck kettle, but whatever), but will be significantly under-budget. The Aeropress will be slightly over budget, but you won't have to worry about pour control.

I saw this coffee maker from ninja. Other than that there's some french presses (but you likely have one) and a couple different deals on beans

edit: 20% off this pourover that I can vouch for as being pretty good

To replicate the set up in the picture you can purchase

• this cone filter
  

• 2 or #4 filters (available on amazon and most grocery stores)
  

• and use any pitcher/carafe that the melitta fits on top of
  
  <$12, assuming you have a kettle and pitcher
  
  Even easier and cheaper, you can do a cold brew. Add grounds and room temp water to any container (french press makes things more convenient if you have one) that fits your desired amount, let sit for 18-24 hours, then pour through a paper filter
  

Id buy a Hario v60! Pretty portable and cheap. Produces good coffee, (ask wherever you get your beans to grind it at a 6-7.5 setting.)

Yeah, those Melitta cones are great. They have them on Amazon, too.

10 Cup version of the same thing with a glass pot for $13 Just leave the carafe at home, or I'm sure if you look you could find just the filter part. I've got an ancient one and if it ever came with a glass pot it's long gone. That balanced on two twigs over a pot makes for great coffee while camping.

I'd say an Encore will get you the best pour grind for the money.

If you're diligent on FleaBay you could get one for $65-85 here

Then start with a $6 Melitta or a $20 Hario V60 or anything really

I use this: Melitta

Works awesome, you can buy normal coffee pot filters, no need to buy the special shaped ones.

Kind of hard to tell how much water you're putting in it though, i overfill my cups often.

You might look into the V60 starter kit on Amazon. Cone, server, and 100 filters for under $20. Pretty good set.

I use this:

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393890729&sr=8-1&keywords=melitta+coffee+cone

It's perfect for making a single cup of coffee, costs like $7 and I can put whatever fucking coffee in it I want. I mean it's a god damn funnel.

like /u/cchiker said, it depends on what kind of coffee you want to make. I prefer pour overs and take mine black, so here is my "budget" coffee gear list:

Hand burr grinder $60 - https://www.amazon.ca/Hario-Mini-Mill-Slim-Plus/dp/B01GPMH590/

Hario v60 dripper starter set $30 - https://www.amazon.ca/Hario-V60-Coffee-Starter-Clear/dp/B00JJIOJ7E/

Gooseneck kettle $50 - https://www.amazon.ca/Hario-VKB-100HSV-V60-Coffee-Kettle/dp/B008L3R8BM

1lb of locally roasted single origin beans $20

I had mentioned the Osaka https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019QTUZAU/ which is a metal pour over. Now you just need a metal or plastic carafe and cup option. You could try just brewing straight into a Zojirushi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HYOGUM2/ or some other vacuum insulated thermos (hydro flask, kleen kanteen, etc.) that the pour over device would sit on. If you want just a filter instead of an all in one device like the Osaka I linked, they also have that https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019QTBOK0/. Also there are tons of metal mugs as well.

I really recommend one of [these, hario drip pot.] (http://www.amazon.com/Hario-DPW-3-Drip-Pot-480Ml/dp/B0006HINCO)

Of everything I have (french press, aeropress, chemex, v60, bee house) this is my favorite.

Or if you have a Jetboil you can just get a French press adapter. Or go for the titanium french press. I keep it simple and just do drip coffee with one of these.

BTW, PRzitremedy1, awesome! I think I'll bring my Bialetti for a hike next time!

Good idea - I have been using this puppy:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F173G0W/

I really like it.

Of all the things I've tried, I ended up with a 2 cup Pyrex that I microwave water to a cool (by most standards) 180-190°F and use a pour over coffee cone and a folded circle of muslin fabric. I usually pre-grind the beans at the store as the coffee doesn't last more than a week.

Using the cone I was able to try the a "cold press" method by half filling a mason jar with coffee grounds and letting them soak in the refrigerator and using the cone to filter the strong coffee for later drinking.

It looks like you might have solved it with /u/rudism but i was thinking of something like this

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01JN2K046/ref=psdc_13397451_t1_B01M1JLGZ3

Get a chemex coffee pot. Coffee aficionados love it. Don't forget to buy the chemex filters with it (a bit more expensive, but worth it).
http://www.amazon.com/Chemex-Cup-Coffee-Maker-CM/dp/B000I1WP7W

You could just use a coffee dripper. Cheap, easy to use/clean and makes a perfect cup of coffee with any grounds no matter what size mug you use.

Melitta makes one, here and here.

For camping there are a couple sold by various outdoor stores, pretty sure Mountain Equipment Coop sells at least one kind.

edit: here is another this one has a permanent filter.

I personally like V60 + their 600ml carafe - its very versatile ( v60 on single glass, aero press on that carafe etc).
There is also all in one option, kind of like chemex: https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Drip-Coffee-Decanter-700ml/dp/B00755F9Z4

Fellow stag has a nice pour over kit (single glass?): https://www.amazon.com/Pour-Over-Brewing-Dripper-Tasting-filters/dp/B0764XLSLS

Over time i got a lil grossed out by all the insides of the average coffee maker that you cannot clean so I bought a french press and a drip over cup cone thing. I much prefer these. The coffee tastes fresher than any machine I've ever used mainly because these two things are very easy to clean in between each use.

I use a half gallon mason jar for brewing and [melitta] (https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Cone-Filter-Coffeemaker-1-Count/dp/B000MIT2OK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1500459437&sr=8-4&keywords=melitta%2Bpour%2Bover&th=1) to filter the grounds. The melitta makes for easy filtering to coffee pot and clean up is easy. Not sure how good of a job the nut bags contain silt. I filter twice and the paper filters do good job at removing the silt.

I was using a fine mesh strainer but after a couple washes the metal ring started getting rust so I tossed it.

i have one of these and i love it

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6

Thanks poolstick, I agree about brew time occurring on its own. Here's the dripper I use:

Pour over brewer
 

Here's my method:

• Load 25g coffee into already wet filter/cone. (using a 25g:300g ratio)
  
• Place over cup, place on scale, tare.
  
• Add about 100g water to bloom, wait 30 seconds for bubbles stop, gasses to escape. (Any less water and the grounds aren't quite covered.)
  
• Add another 100g water, wait for coffee to get close to surfacing, add approx. 100g more, for 300g total.
  
• Taste and evaluate.
  
  My water is usually around 200 degrees (using Thermapen instant read).
  Bloom usually 30-60 seconds.
  Grind size seems to work well (i.e. not too acidic, sour, or bitter - usually).
  Real issue is sometimes it can be sour or bitter and other times it's amazing.

Brand doesn't matter. As long as it is glass, you're good. The buy it for life is merely the concept of this glass pour over coffee maker.

This looks cool: Coffee Gator Pour Over Coffee Maker, 400ml/3-Cup, Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F173G0W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kw-VzbT6K75HM

(threadjack) I use this one. It fits my 6-cup; not sure if it's the same for such a large one. I love my coffee out of my Chemex!

That thing looks awesome. You could get a nel filter and just use the base...

ceramic might be easier to clean, but if you're a cheap bastard like me a plastic one works just as good

https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1467135134&sr=8-3&keywords=plastic+pour+over

i'll probably never buy another electric coffee maker

Putting coffee grounds straight in a cup and pouring hot water on top is referred to as "cowboy coffee." It will work in a pinch when you're camping but it's not a great every day method since you'll have all those coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup.

You'll need some sort of brewing device in addition to the kettle in order to make a proper cup.

The simplest ways you can make coffee with an electric kettle would be either a pour over, aeropress, or french press. I would recommend a simple pour over, like this OXO one. It's cheap and should be fool proof. Just make sure to buy the filters with it.

Here are some webstore links for the various brewers:

V60

Kalita Wave


and Hario Woodneck

I use all three brewers fairly frequently. For someone new to pour overs, the Kalita will be slightly more forgiving than the other brewers. It's pretty easy to under-extract coffees in a v60 and woodneck as your grind size and pours are very important. That's not to say that those things aren't important for the Kalita - they are, but its slower flow rate helps alleviate some of those issues.

Watch this video to see how use the kalita. Here are some brew guides for the V60 and woodneck.

edit: last link was broken.

I just HAVE to have coffee in my hotel room and I don't trust the cleanliness of the coffee set up in most hotel rooms. I carry this dual voltage collapsable kettle for boiling water as I don't like the metallic taste left by EVERY infusion water heater I've used. Also, it gets too tedious to wait for one cup at t time when I travel with my husband: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG7YLQG?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1&pf_rd_p=90cc9c48-c4b5-46f2-bc74-4c537b7e8d9a&pf_rd_r=XM2GKNHQNZZEWAJD619F&pd_rd_wg=CCmH1&pf_rd_s=desktop-huc-carousels&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_i=B01MG7YLQG&pd_rd_w=bbdUk&pf_rd_i=desktop-huc-carousels&pd_rd_r=61e1e125-b416-43a8-ac46-403370d9a019&ref_=pd_luc_rh_crh_rh_bxgy_02_04_t_img_lh Pour the water over this if I'm traveling by car or train and don't worry as much about packing restrictions because this works fast enough I can make one cup at a time: https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Single-Coffee-Dripper-Auto-Drip/dp/B01ENK41Q6/ref=pd_sbs_468_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01ENK41Q6&pd_rd_r=474c02f8-ec2c-11e8-9f7e-2132386dfc7d&pd_rd_w=GZbTh&pd_rd_wg=gpofm&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=NXGJZ38Y2WM70TPVQTY3&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=NXGJZ38Y2WM70TPVQTY3
Or I use these when I fly. Im usually making a cuppa for husband & I so with these I pour the water a little slower, going back & forth between the 2 cups: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HMP9SDZ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07HMP9SDZ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=21517efd-b385-405b-a405-9a37af61b5b4&pd_rd_wg=dwQey&pf_rd_r=VBMTWV8Z4MM6T9YZ96NY&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=zE3jD&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=3bd71eb0-ec2c-11e8-bbc4-8bb98d0238f1

I pack the coffee, tea, dry soup mix, sugar packets, etc around the "negative spaces" of the tea kettle in my little kit that I pack. I learned the hard way that most hotels in Europe (except the Americanized ones near airports) simply don't seem to have a coffee / tea set up in the room. If you can handle the taste of a hot water infusion device, get yourself a dual voltage one.

These look hopeful, I ordered some for my (4th) trip to Scotland next year. BTW, IF you do find a coffee set up in your room in the U.K., it will inevitably have packets of instant coffee which is...awful. I like these things because I can pre pack them, use them & toss them out so I don't have to wash, dry, pack the collapsible coffee drip base: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LI6QEZE/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A14N1JL0Z8P4B7&psc=1

And if we are on the run to get someplace, I just use my good old coffee press travel mug.

Grounds with only an automatic drip maker?

Maybe take this as an opportunity to get into the world of preparing your own coffee.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014CVEH6/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0049D3UF6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=095MQ58MVDS0MZ8ZD1AR

This, and filters, will be your only required purchase, assuming you have a kettle. Huge improvement over an automatic drip, because you can control the flow and temperature of the water.

Give it a shot. You can only do some much, though, if the coffee itself is bad.

You can also pretty much get the same deal on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Hario-V60-Coffee-Dripper-Pot/dp/B002BA2I7A

Plastic v60 set filters

hario Buono 1.2L

Total price $66.81

Edit: Should also get a grinder, forgot about that hario skerton and could replace v60 set with just a v60

Edit2: As u/17291 mentioned a scale is a good idea too.

Edit3: clever dripper
hario skerton
melitta #4 filters

I just got a similar setup: The hario woodneck (http://www.amazon.com/Hario-Drip-Pot-Woodneck-240ml/dp/B0006HINCE).
It makes amazing coffee

Yeah, either rinse with water first, or you could just buy a stainless steel filter like below, that's what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019QTBOK0

You can just use one of these. Maybe not the best, but I'm sure it's fine for the money.
https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1474305097&sr=1-2&keywords=pour+over

I know this isn't really answering your question about the two links you posted, but I highly recommend a nel pot (Hario Woodneck for example). It uses a cloth filter instead of your normal paper filter. It makes the cleanest, smoothest cup of coffee I have ever had.

Just wanted to throw that out there, not many people seem to know about them.

I've been looking at some on Amazon. I can't comment on their quality, but they can be had for far less than the Able filter - like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Osaka-Stainless-Dripper-Reusable-Carafes/dp/B019QTBOK0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1478837301&sr=8-8&keywords=chemex+filter

Make pour-over instead of Keurig if you want easy. This is probably the cheapest, practical way to make single serving coffee.

Just use this:
http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425489055&sr=8-1&keywords=pour+over+cone

or this:
http://www.amazon.com/Hario-Paperless-Dripper-Stainless-CFOD-02/dp/B0040VIN18/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1425489055&sr=8-8&keywords=pour+over+cone

Melitta CM-10 Heritage Series 10-Cup Glass Carafe Pour-Over Coffee Maker, Grey https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000MIT2OK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qblNDbVN33P79

It takes #6 filter, comes with 6 for free in the box

Don't let yourself fall into the trap of buying expensive items to "save money". For example, don't buy a coffee machine, get a simple single-cup brewer like this. Don't get an expensive tupperware set, grab a $3 pack of reusable containers from the grocery store.

Get rid of the microwave and get an electric kettle that makes boiling water in seconds to heat up your cups of tea. To reheat food, use the stove top--using your hands and taking a few moments to get in touch with your food may prove to be more satisfying than pressing buttons.

For coffee--make single servings. Each cup will be fresh and since you have the electric kettle you will have boiled water right there in seconds.

As for the toaster and dish drainer--I have no suggestions.

Where are you seeing 8-cup Classic for $40 + free shipping?

This is what I see: http://www.amazon.com/Chemex-8-Cup-Classic-Series-Coffeemaker/dp/B000I1WP7W

What do you think of this setup?

​

Gooseneck

​

Baratza Encore

​

Chemex

​

Chemex Filter

​

$304 shipped from Amazon.

​

Would this be a good intro to better coffee setup? I don't know if there's a more cost-efficient way to go, but this seems acceptable to me.

Thanks for posting this. I hike and camp regularly. My pack weight for a 3-day trip is 38 pounds including food and 1st day's water. The difference between 38 and oh, 42 pounds is very noticeable.

I use a Melitta pour-over frame like this. Lightest solution I've found that makes good coffee; only complaint is that its odd shape can make it hard to pack.

Since the OP mentioned being in a dorm, this may be an even better option:

http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/

No need to pay extra for the bigger cone or carafe if you're just gonna be making coffee for yourself - get this little cone and probably have more than enough left on that gift card for a box of #2 filters.

Melitta Ready Set Joe. $6 on Amazon. My local supermarket has them for $3.

I think it's this one.

Thanks man!

You can get the v60 and carafe for only $30 though... it seems like a steal now that I realize how much I spent on my gear over the years. http://www.amazon.com/Hario-Coffee-Dripper-Server-700ml/dp/B002BA2J06/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1367430786&sr=8-12&keywords=hario (I'm not sure about the rules on posting links to Amazon but I'm not getting referral credit or anything) :)

Pourover is the brew method, which can be acheived with a variety of instruments. This particular one is a Hario V60, the most popular pourover brew method used in cafés.

Other common pourover brewers include (my favorite) the Chemex and Melitta Cone

I was saying something like the link below. I think Hario makes a decent one. Although cheesecloth might work? There's only one way to really find out right?

https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Dripper-DPW-3-CDB-3-FD-3/dp/B000ANBB32/ref=pd_sim_79_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QNR7WKT6A0QNWFGDP338

I feel like this a great option if you go the pour over route. You get 50% of what you’ll need.

You’re just missing the grinder, Kettle and scale.

Hario V60 Pour Over Coffee Starter Kit, Size 02, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJIOJ7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VvD2Bb2SWXYR9

By "they all work the same" I was talking about the various pourover cones that take Melitta filters, which is what the OP was asking about. E.g. the Melitta plastic cone, the Melitta porcelain cone, the Bee House Ceramic cone, or many others of that style. I agree that V60 and Chemex are different.

• Proper grind size (good conical burr grinder is needed - $80 minimum)
  
• Electric water kettle for proper temperature (~200 degrees F)
  
• Proper saturation (I use a manual drip coffee maker)
  
• Proper amount of coffee per cup (1.5-2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of water)
  
  Perfect cup of coffee every time. If it is too strong, cut the finished product with water or milk. Using less freshly ground coffee makes it more bitter.

Hario Coffee Mill Slim Grinder

Melitta Ready Set Joe Single Cup Coffee Brewer

Filters

That leaves you with about $12 to spare, which you could spend on some beans.

(This is my own setup btw, so I may or may not be biased. It is cheap though.)

You can get one of these if you're only interested in making one cup at a time.

Interesting. I use a non-folding version both at home and when I'm camping without any undue waiting.

Well that's good to know, but I meant a Hario Woodneck.

Like this? Hario DFN-3 Cloth Filter with Handle for Woodneck Drip Coffee Pot, 480m https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ANBB32/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bQB9BbJWMPE7G

Instead of a press maybe something like a Melitta cone? You can probably find one locally for 2-3 dollars, I've seen them in grocery stores.

I have [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425504043&sr=8-1&keywords=single+cup+drip+coffee+maker) I bet you could find one for even cheaper in a thrift store. I also like French presses.

If this is for drip coffee, you can buy a cheap gooseneck cup/pot for like $10: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Narrow-Spout-Coffee-Small/dp/B01M4OVVOP/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6GY0YQ23XEJZX3TZ665P

I used a cheap gooseneck pitcher like this for quite a while before getting a gooseneck kettle.

something simple like this or this?

you can make a casual cup with the syphon. I have never tried folgers or anything with mine, but i do use the pre-ground dunkin donuts coffee for a quick 'i just want some coffee'. the key to the syphon is how long you leave it brewing before removing it from the heat.

I'm a big fan of the pour over route: https://www.amazon.com/Bartelli-Paperless-Pour-Coffee-Dripper/dp/B0114XW80G

Just add hot water. Compost the grounds and give it a rinse. I bought one for backpacking a few years ago and use it almost exclusively now.

Well dang! I really wanted to suggest the Chemex coffee maker, but it's a bit out of your price budget.

http://www.amazon.ca/Chemex--Eight-Glass-Coffee-Handle/dp/B002NLF9D2/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1427735260&sr=8-18&keywords=chemex

This is what I use, i just sit it on top of my cooking pot.

single coffee brewer

Also doubles as a filter for getting debris out of melting snow.

Congrats! If you want to experiment with making your own, this is my husband's favorite way to brew.

There's a hot water dispenser at his office, so he brings a small bit of ground coffee (we do the Trader Joe's organic/fair-trade Breakfast Blend), his favorite mug, and has way better coffee than the crap burning to the bottom of the pot all day in the break room.

There are cheaper ones, but this allows for a very slow, steady drip.

I recently had to buy myself one because I was getting a bit jealous.

v60 - https://www.amazon.com/Hario-V60-Coffee-Dripper-Pot/dp/B002BA2J06/ref=sr_1_4?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1483101631&sr=1-4&keywords=v60

Assuming you're american? Not sure where a good place to get fresh beans is though as I'm from the UK.

Plus you don't need the bottom part. You can get the ring and filters from amazon and do it over a mason jar or a vessel you already have

In the US the plastic carafe kit is $19.50 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Hario-VCSD-02B-EX-Coffee-Starter-White/dp/B00JJIOJ7E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510366724&sr=8-1&keywords=v60+kit

I got this hario v60 kit from amazon a while back after I broke my ceramic one, and I've been happy with it. The lid even has a filter so that you can brew loose leaf tea in it too!

Indeed. I just use one of these. Well, I have a ceramic version, but same idea.

Pour over, hands down. No filters to replace, makes amazing coffee.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0114XW80G/ref=sxl1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467815547&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

That's the one I have. No ragrets.

They do sell a glass only one. It is the one with the handle and is much harder to find. It has no wood or leather.

Like this: https://www.amazon.com/Chemex-Glass-Handle-Pour-over-Coffeemaker/dp/B002NLF9D2

Bodum makes a pourover similar to the Chemex, though it doesn't use paper filters.

And then there is the Hario Drip Pot, which uses a cloth filter.

http://www.amazon.com/Hario-DPW-3-Drip-Pot-480Ml/dp/B0006HINCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408136696&sr=8-1&keywords=hario+cloth+drip

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Eco-Friendly-Bacteria-Resistant-Bolio/dp/B06ZY3FM1T?th=1

This one is organic hemp but that's not why I posted it.

Here's another option:

https://www.amazon.com/Hario-DFN-3-Filter-Handle-Woodneck/dp/B000ANBB32/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1539695547&sr=1-4&keywords=cloth+coffee+filter

It's a Chemex coffee brewer.

Get this. Very versatile, cheap, filters available everywhere.

I just make my coffee manually with one of these.

Dude, get one of these.

Boil water, and you have drip coffee, with very little extra weight. I've carried mine for thousands of miles.

you can go even cheaper. https://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6

this is the one i use on a daily basis. for reference, i have all of the other manual methods mentioned on this page including aeropress, chemex, and frenchpress.