Essential gear and upgrade path
The core equipment every home coffee brewer should start with, and a suggested upgrade path for improving quality and consistency over time.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 1 of 12 in Home Brewing Setup & Skills/
Essential Starter Gear
- Grinder
- Burr grinder is the most important investment.
- Avoid blade grinders (uneven grind → poor extraction).
- Brewer
- Choice depends on preference: French press, V60, AeroPress, or automatic drip.
- Scale
- Digital scale (0.1 g accuracy) for consistent brew ratios.
- Kettle
- Gooseneck kettle (for pour-overs) or electric kettle for speed.
- Fresh Coffee
- Freshly roasted beans (ideally within 2–4 weeks of roast date).
Nice-to-Have Additions
- Timer: Helps control brew time precisely.
- Thermometer: Ensures water temp (90–96 °C / 195–205 °F).
- Reusable Filters: Cloth or metal filters for sustainability.
Upgrade Path
- Better Grinder:
- Move from entry-level burr grinder to premium flat or conical burr.
- Improves grind uniformity and flavor clarity.
- Brewing Gear Variety:
- Add a Chemex, siphon, or espresso machine to expand brewing options.
- Water Quality Control:
- Use mineral packets or filtration systems to optimize brewing water.
- Advanced Scales:
- Bluetooth or flow-tracking scales for dialing in pour-over and espresso.
- Espresso Setup:
- Invest in a prosumer espresso machine with PID control and quality grinder.
- Roasting at Home:
- For enthusiasts, small-batch roasters allow full control over freshness.
Practical Advice
- Prioritize grinder quality—it impacts flavor more than brewer type.
- Upgrade slowly, based on personal taste preferences and budget.
- Build skills alongside gear: better technique often improves brews more than equipment alone.
Summary
A solid home coffee setup starts with grinder, brewer, scale, kettle, and fresh beans. From there, the upgrade path moves toward better grinders, advanced brewers, water control, and eventually espresso or home roasting for those seeking full control.