Big Cup Coffee Stack
Coffee
Pour-over coffee is a simple, fool-proof method for coffee addicts. There’s a natural hierarchy to coffee, and it goes something like the following (the top being the most prestigious). I opt for Pour-over as I find it’s the best Speed <> Cost <> Quality ratio, and I like its flavor.
- Espresso
- French Press
- Pour Over
- “Coffe Maker”
- Keurig
The Pour-over style is relatively cheap compared to fancy coffee makers, Espresso machines, or even fancy automated coffee makers that have built-in grinders. This is a great starting place and you can re-use many of the parts (scales, grinder, water kettle, bean storage) in future coffee stacks.
| Part | Suggested Price | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Grinder | $100-$200 | Yes |
| Scale | $50 | No |
| Water Kettle | $50-100 | Yes |
| Pour Over Cup | $20-40 | Yes |
| Filters | $10 | Yes |
| Bean Storage | $25 | No |
| ————- | ———- | ———– |
And then add in your coffee of choice. Suggested parts listed below.
Grinder
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Easy to use with 40 built-in grind levels. Use 17-19 for pour-over.
- While marketed as entry-level, it’s a beast and lasts.
- Tends to be pricey around $160-200
For an upgraded experience (auto shut-off, better Espresso grind) take a look at the Baratza Sette 270 Burr Coffee Grinder! You can also go for a hand-grinder, too. Ultimately, my best suggestion is to start with buying pre-ground beans and getting your pour-over motion just right. Most good coffee roasters will pre-grind for you with the pour-over setting (just ask!). My favorite shipped coffee, Hyperion, has an option at checkout.
Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer
If you need a scale, this is a pretty great one. I use it once I start making more than a 1 scoop<>1 cup combo.
Hot Water Kettle
Pour-over/drip coffee is best at ~205* F. This kettle lets you set the perfect temperature which is great for coffee as well as tea. I’m leaving the bonavita kettle below as reference but I don’t think it’s worth more than $60-80. So if its priced above that, I would avoid it.
COSORI Electric Kettle Gooseneck
- Looks simpler, presets for coffee
- Priced well under $100 with strong reviews
Bonavita BV382510V 1.0L Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle
Pour Over
Hario Ceramic Coffee Dripper, Size 02
*The price of this thing fluctuate, you may have to switch colors. But go for Ceramic. It tastes the best. Glass is next best. Avoid plastics.
Hario V60 Paper Coffee Filters, Size 02, Natural, Tabbed
Organic Hemp Cone Coffee Filter – Reusable
I love this one. Quick rinse after making coffee, air dry.
Update: I no longer use this. I still think its nice but I just find the cloth retains too much grounds and after 20-30 uses, I found the coffee flavor changing.
Helpful Accessories
- Loving this carafe to ensure I don’t pour too much.
- For $15-20 this has been a nice addition when I want to make a bit more than 12 oz.
Update: I don’t use this as much anymore. My habits around coffee have shifted, and I find myself using insulted mugs for my coffee to keep them warm longer. The mugs are closer to 14oz and have alleviated my concern with spillage. I still use this carafe when I plan to use a glass mug that is 10-12oz.
Drip Station
A really fantastic addition. The station makes doing pour overs so much simpler. With the V60 always on-top and the mug easy to move, you can gauge quickly how full your cup is and pull at the right time (if you aren’t using a scale).
Coffee storage
I use these, quite happily, and prefer the size so I can grind a weeks worth of coffee at a time to store. I’ll do this with my cheaper coffee beans.
Beans
Go whole bean. Grind yourself. Ideally, grind right before you make your coffee. I think grinding a few days in advance is fine, too. Get yourself a good coffee holder.
- I suggest trying a few of their coffees with the pour-over grind option when you order before you buy a grinder. Experience what good coffee tastes like when ground properly.
- A favorite daily driver is Hyperion Coffee. They are local to Ypsilanti, MI, and ship to you. They will also grind your coffee to your preferred setting. So a great spot to try various coffees before investing in a grinder.
Want to learn more about coffee grinders? Have a read at https://www.wholelattelove.com/blogs/quick-tips/a-beginners-guide-to-coffee-grinders
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