ESSENTIAL COFFEE GEAR
Asser Christensen
Here’s some of my favorite coffee gear. Whether you’re a newbie or more advanced coffee snob, you can benefit from having these brewing tools in your arsenal.
This list is a work in progress and might change as I encounter new products.
However, to end up here, products not only have to help you make delicious coffee, but they also have to be affordable and easy to use.
Hario V60
The Hario V60 is the standard cone dripper in the coffee industry at the moment. It has been used by five out of the eight Brewers Cup champions since 2011.
I recommend the plastic version for increased temperature stability, and because it’s cheaper than the other options.
1Zpresso K-Ultra
A capable grinder is essential if you want to make tasty coffee at home. The K-Ultra is my personal favorite model and in my eyes, the ideal all-rounder. This model grinds exceptionally fast for both pour over and espresso.
This luxury model can easily rival electric grinders that are 2-3 times more expensive.
PS: If this model is out of your price range, then consider the J, also from 1Zpresso, or the brand new S3 from Timemore, both which offer amazing value for the money.
DF54
The DF54 is a bit of a unicorn in the world of coffee. It’s a flat burr ultra-low retention single dose grinder that rivals grinders double the price. 5-10 years ago this would be unheard of.
I see this as the most affordable “pro-sumer” level espresso grinder. The only downside is that 54 mm is a more limited eco-system compared to the much more common 64 mm size.
Baratza Encore ESP
The Baratza Encore is a solid all-rounder that has been a staple in the coffee industry for over a decade. It’s not quite as consistent as the abovementioned grinders from 1Zpresso or DF54, but for most people, it will suffice. If you want an electric grinder that can work for everything, while still being a traditional “hopper” grinder where you can load a whole bag of beans, then this is a great choice.
(PS: The most recent version is called “Encore ESP”. It’s a bit more expensive than the original, but I think it’s worth the increased price even if you’re not planning to use it for espresso.
Timemore Black Mirror Pro
This coffee scale from Timemore is a pleasure to use. It’s precise, responsive, looks great, and the price is just right.
If you want to take your brew up to the next step, you need a coffee scale.
Personally, I think the Timemore version is worth every penny, but this cheaper model will also get the job done.
Gooseneck Kettle
When making pour over coffee it’s worth getting a gooseneck kettle. To be honest, most brands will produce decent results, even though they might have varying flow rates.
You can either get an electrical one, like this excellent model from Timemore that I personally use on a daily basis, or just get a basic one and add hot water yourself from your regular kettle.
TDS-meter
This little pen can test whether your local water is suitable for coffee. Just dip it under the surface, and right away it will give you a score of ‘total dissolved solids’ indicating how suitable the water is. (A reading between 40-80 is usually very good).
If you want to experiment with water, this is an invaluable tool that will remove a lot of guesswork. This one from HM Digital is somewhat “premium” – there are many cheaper models that will also work quite well.
additional tools
You don’t need the following tools to brew a great cup. However, if you plan to treat coffee as a serious hobby, they are definitely worth investing in.
Cafec Abaca
I highly recommend these filters for the Hario V60.
The paper filters actually have a significant impact on flavor and mouthfeel, and since Hario changed their factory a few years back the quality has dipped.
Luckily, Cafec still makes great paper filters from the special Abaca plant.
Hario Drip Assist
This handy device is used for controlling agitation when making pour-overs. You place it on top of the cone and pour in one of the two concentric circles. It creates a cup with an intensely smooth aftertaste. It’s not entirely a replacement for a gooseneck kettle, however. I prefer to use both.
Coffee Water Course
I’m a bit biased because this is my own course. But this can really help you skip a lot of wasted time and frustration when it comes to choosing the right water profile for your coffee.
There are 27 no-fluff lessons that cover both the science and practical aspects of pour over and espresso.
You’ll learn how minerals shape flavor, how to build your own water recipes, and how to skip overpriced mineral packs by using simple, cheap ingredients.
coffee beans
It might seem obvious but many people don’t realize it: You can’t make delicious coffee without getting some proper beans. Here are a few worthy bean pushers that can give something extraordinary.
Kaffebox.no
If you like ultra-light roasted beans from some of the most innovative coffee brands in the world, you should try Kaffebox.no. The concept is simple; sign up and get 2 or 4 packages of coffee sent to your home every month. What’s unique about this coffee box is that all the roasters are from Norway, Sweden, and my home country, Denmark.
Pro Tip: This subscription is only for serious manual brewing geeks since the coffee tends to be a ultra light roasted.
