Coffee is the only thing that I can drink 3-4 times a day (more if I am stressed or have too much work to do). And I have noticed that not only me but coffee at home is becoming the new normal for everyone. In this pandemic, when I spent all my time working at home, I realized that I drank coffee every day without a break. But the whole process was kind of getting boring for me. So, I decided to upgrade my pour-over coffee setup by trying out various coffee-making tools. Luckily, I was successful in doing so.
If you also cannot start your day without drinking a refreshing cup of coffee but find no joy in making it, trust me, you need to upgrade your setup.
From electric kettle to coffee grinder to fancy coffee dripper, I literally tried everything just to check what options do I have for my coffee setup. Following are my findings.
1. Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
I opted for this coffee grinder because I find it budget-friendly according to my requirements and quite easy to use than other grinders available on the market. If you are on a tight budget, an electric grinder would be the best choice for you. I would’ve gone for an electric grinder too, but it works like a blender, chopping up the beans with a blade, which results in uneven pieces, and the aroma dies.
Unlike electric grinder, burr grinder uses two revolving burrs that crush the beans evenly, preserving its fresh aroma and oils. And guess what? The coffee I made using this burr grinder tasted smoother and was less bitter. If you have a bit more budget and cannot compromise when it comes to coffee, I recommend you go for a burr coffee grinder like this one.
2. Fellow Stagg EKG, Electric Pour-over Kettle
This kettle might look simple to you but don’t underestimate its minimalistic design – it has the power to change your life. Yes, you heard it right! Aside from looking great on your kitchen’s countertop, it also functions flawlessly. You can set the exact temperature you want the water to be, and it can hold the temperature while you do your multiple pour-overs. In other kettles, the temperature slowly decreases as you pour.
A great feature that I like about this kettle is a timer. It is useful for those who like to be precise when it comes to coffee. And its gooseneck, which looks aesthetic, turns out to be another best feature. It makes sure that your pour-over isn’t flooded with too much water at once.
Once you are done boiling water in the kettle, you can also play the classic Snake game on it. To play, all you need to do is turn it on, remove the kettle from the base, toggle its F/C switch back and forth, and voila! The game will appear on the screen.
Shop Fellow Stagg Electric Pour-over Kettle
3. Kalita Stainless Steel Wave 155 Coffee Dripper
To upgrade my coffee setup, I was finding the best coffee drippers and end up landing on this Japanese-made Kalita Wave. It is available in different versions, including metal, ceramic, glass, and plastic – all of them work quite well. This coffee dripper has a flat bottom, ensuring even water drainage and extraction.
Moreover, it comes in two sizes; 155 for a single cup, or 185, for making two to four cups. I chose 155 because I only need to make one cup at a time. The only letdown of the Kalita is that it requires specific wavy filters that are thin and can tear easily. Although they are difficult to find in the market, you can order them online conveniently.
Shop Kalita Stainless Steel Wave 155 Coffee Dripper
4. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
This coffee gadget is simply the best in many aspects – be it the price, functionality, looks, and convenience, it rocks in all the departments. It is a fast and easy alternative to a true pour-over, making it an excellent choice for people who cannot wait a lot just to drink their morning coffee.
Aeropress coffee and espresso maker uses air pressure to force the water through the beans. All you have to do is push the plunger down. However, it is different from a French press because hot water is in contact with the coffee beans for less time (only three seconds); hence, there is less bitterness and flavor.
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5. Capresso froth Pro Milk Frother
Purchasing a milk frother for my latte, cappuccino, and hot chocolate was indeed the best decision ever. Although I prefer drinking plain black coffee, some days it is just that I want something creamier and silky, like a cappuccino. These silky smooth beverages are incomplete without foamy, hot milk. And while the foam tastes great on the top of my espresso or cappuccino, it goes well with regular coffee as well.
And the best thing I like about this milk frother is that it can froth or heat milk to cold, hot, or warm temperatures and that too at quite a powerful speed.
Shop Capresso Froth Pro Milk Frother
