Great Affordable Coffee at Home
Coffee is the most personalizable of beverages. It depends the bean’s origin, the green bean processing method, the roast level, the grind, the brewing method and quality of the water - and all of that is before all of the cream, milk, syrup, sugar, high fructose goop etc.! It all can appear quite ridiculous (to the non-coffee drinker) from the outside and very nerdy and sciencey on the inside.
The most important thing to remember is that enjoying good coffee does not have to be expensive. You do not need lots of expensive fancy stuff, machines and widgets costing thousands of dollars.
Brew Great Coffee a Home
Melitta Drip Basket
Some people call these "pour overs" now but Melitta invented the original. Plastic is fine but it can stain over the long haul so I'd recommend a ceramic or glass one, or spring for a Chemex. Just remember to buy good quality filters.
Heated Kettle
If you like the "pour over" or French press methods an electric kettle controls water heating very well - and you don't have to watch it on the stove and be subjected to the high-pitched whistle.
Automatic Drip Coffee Maker
This doesn't even need a timer or fancy programming. Any regular drip coffee maker will do.
Insulated Thermos, Carafe or Pump Dispenser
The worst thing to do is leave your coffee on the burner. Brewed coffee breaks down over time and becomes bitter and acidic. Move your coffee from a glass carafe to an insulated thermos, or better yet pay a little more for a drip coffee maker that comes with an insulated stainless steel carafe. Your luscious precious morning elixir brews and stay cozy and drinkable for hours in the insulated carafe.
Insulated French Press
If you prefer French Press coffee over drip, then buy an insulated stainless steel model.