Here are the items I use in my kitchen every day, plus a few of my favorite products I use to keep them nice and clean.
classic drip
I am madly in love with my Technivorm Moccamaster. I not only like its cool industrial design but three features that others do not have – copper boiler, parts that are easy to wash and a 5-year warranty! It makes mean cup of coffee: brews at optimal water temperature, timing, water flow and generally within the SCAA Gold Cup recommendations. I realize it’s expensive but it’ll make you a happier person! And it’s clearly built to last.
Need a less expensive alternative? You would probably like Bonavita or Oxo on Barista Brain. Not exactly the same quality, but they work just fine and they are easy to recommend.
POUR OVER
I am a huge fan of pour over because it’s such a great method. It gives a nice, clean, sweet cup of coffee. The entire process takes 3-4 minutes and this slow pour over ritual will surely add some charm to your mornings. There are so many different dripper brands, shapes, and sizes but in my opinion, Hario brand is the best. I use Hario V60coffee dripper #2. You could get a special pour over stand, but I never use one. When brewing a single cup I like to brew directly into my mug and I use a server when brewing two cups.
ESPRESSO
I use my espresso machine almost daily. The Breville Infuser is relatively simple to use and makes good shots easily, even if you’re just starting out. I understand that for some, $2000 espresso machine is a must, but this machine is perfectly good and it fits my needs. It’s the best-priced espresso machine (a good one) I could find, and it makes delicious espresso. If you don’t have good burr grinder or you have a small kitchen, the Breville Barista Express might be a better fit. This model is actually quite popular on Amazon.
If you’re on a tight budget or you don’t have any extra counter space, Bialetti Moka pot might work for you.
COFFEE GRINDER
Sometimes I need a fine grind, sometimes I need a coarse grind. The Baratza Encore does both equally well and it easily switches between different grind levels. The budget-friendly option: Cuisinart.
cleaning
Cafiza, I use these tablets to backflush my espresso machine
Grindz, cleans my grinder perfectly and it’s so easy to use
Dezcal, for descaling
Cleancaf, removes oil residue from drip machines, coffee pots or French presses
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