Gear recommendations, 2021

Do you have any recommendations on a little gear upgrade for brewing better coffee?

You may already have some equipment but be toying with upgrading some part of your setup.

We highly recommend making an investment in a high quality burr grinder and a measurement scale, no matter what brew method you prefer. A well made burr grinder will last many years and will dramatically increase the quality of the coffee you can brew. The precise burrs create an even grind so that the coffee can be fully extracted for a sweeter flavor. 

Budget Picks:

Manual (hand) coffee grinder: TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 - $75

Electric coffee grinder: Baratza Encore - $139 or for a bit more, Fellow Ode - $299

Splurge Picks:

Manual coffee grinder: Comandante C40 - $250

Electric coffee grinder: Niche Zero - $680

Using a kitchen or coffee scale will allow you to brew your coffee with more repeatable results, by following a desired recipe to achieve the intended strength and flavor balance.

Budget pick:

Coffee scale: Hario Drip Scale - $48

Splurge pick:

Coffee scale: Acaia Pearl S - $185

Starter Gear Advice

I’m looking for some starter coffee gear! What would you recommend?

Brewing great coffee does not need to be expensive! Having a high quality burr grinder helps to get the best out of coffee. Pair it with a simple dripper cone and scale, and you’ll be set!

Hand grinder option ($83) | hand grinders are more affordable, and great for someone that likes to feel like an extra level of engagement while making their morning coffee. A high quality burr grinder like this will last for many years and make very yummy coffee. 

Electric grinder option ($149) | if you make many cups of coffee, an electric grinder is a convenient tool to have. The Encore is a versatile grinder that can grind coffee for many brew types.

Kitchen Scale ($14) | any kitchen gram scale will do, we like to measure our brews so that we can brew to a desired ratio to get the best out of our coffee.

Hario V60 cone dripper ($15) | we recommend the plastic one since it’s cheaper, doesn’t break, but most importantly because it brews better than the ceramic or glass ones!

Gooseneck kettle - Fellow has a fancy one, but Andrea has used & loves this ~$50 one for many years—no bells and whistles.

For a great guide on how to do a pourover, check out this video.

Love you,

trusty old thing