So, you’ve decided to try your hand at brewing coffee manually. Congratulations are in order because you’ll now have more control than ever over the taste and quality of your daily habit. Whether your weapon of choice is your pour over coffee maker, cold brew coffee maker, dripper cone or Aeropress you are going to need a few accessories to maximize the benefits of each brewing method.
Scale
AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale, 3000g 0.01oz/ 0.1g Pocket Cooking Scale, Mini Food Scale, Pro Electronic Jewelry Scale with Back-Lit LCD Display, Tare & PCS Functions, Stainless Steel, Batteries Included
We love simplicity and we love low prices. The 3000g AMIR Digital Kitchen Scale delivers on both. The scale is lightweight, compact and easily fits in the back pocket of a backpack or duffle bag. We’re using it to make coffee so we don’t need a ton of sophistication, but accuracy is critical. We tested the sensitivity of the scale down to the “single-bean” level all the way up to max capacity (3000g). You will rarely need that range for coffee brewing purposes, but the AMIR did not skip a beat. It conveniently comes with a clear tray for measuring out your beans. It also seems to wash off quite easily after messy coffee situations. We highly recommend the AMIR 3000g digital scale if you’re just getting started on your manual brewing journey.
Grinder
Hario Ceramic "Skerton" Coffee Mill Manual Grinder, 100g, Transparent Black
The Hario hand mill coffee grinder has been tested tried-and-true by coffee enthusiasts. We won’t delve into the advantages of owning a grinder here. If you’re interested in learning more about why owning a coffee grinder will change your life forever then check out our write-up from a few months ago. First off, this is a ceramic conical burr grinder. A burr grinder uses a crushing motion to grind the coffee beans as opposed to a blade grinder that uses a cutting motion. Why do we recommend manual grinders for beginners?
1) You’ll be grinding your coffee fresh for every cup and you’ll rarely need more than 100g per serving.
2) It’s simple – adjust the knob in the direction of desired grind size and start cranking away. You will learn so much more about customizing your cup of coffee by experimenting with a hand grinder early on.
Get the Hario because its burrs will stay effective for years and the no slip base makes it easy to grind on your countertop. Hand grinding adds just a couple minutes to the entire brewing process, but the extra time is worth it. We promise!
Storage Container
Coffeevac 1 lb - The Ultimate Vacuum Sealed Coffee Container, Black Cap & Body
Are you still stowing your beans in a Ziploc bag or sealing the top of the bag you bought them in with a clip/rubber band? Stop immediately because you’re spoiling your coffee’s freshness. Go with the Coffeevac. It uses vacuum seal technology to keep your beans protected from moisture while allowing them to degas without letting ambient air into the container. What’s the result? Coffee Beans that stay flavorful for significantly longer. This little guy holds about 500g of coffee and looks good inside your pantry or on the countertop. Baby your beans! They deserve it.
Milk Frother
PowerLix Milk Frother Handheld Battery Operated Electric Foam Maker For Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Durable Drink Mixer With Stainless Steel Whisk, Stainless Steel Stand Include
Want to turn your kitchen into the Starbucks bar? Good on you, but there’s no need to run out and buy an expensive milk steamer when you’re just getting started on your coffee journey. Start cheap, convenient and small. We recommend the Powerlix Milk Frother. It fits in your kitchen drawer, is battery powered and froths up a mean foam. Got milk?
Frothing Pitcher
Star Coffee 12, 20 or 32oz Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher - Measurements on Both Sides Inside Plus eBook & Microfiber Cloth - Perfect for Espresso Machines, Milk Frothers, Latte Art
Okay, you’ve got your milk frother, but how the heck are you supposed to pour your foamy deliciousness into your coffee like a pro? The answer – a frothing pitcher. This rust-resistant pitcher by Star Coffee looks great on your countertop and is designed with ergonomics in mind. We use it almost every morning and it pours with surprising accuracy. It won’t have you pouring elite latte art immediately, but we promise it will start you off in that general direction. This is a must have if you eventually plan on making espressos, cappuccinos or caramel macchiatos at home.
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