Disclaimer: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
What’s This About?
You enjoy coffee? Read on! Not into coffee…that’s ok, check out the rest of the reviews on TechDadCO.com
In my quest for superior tasting coffee prep, that is also convenient (and a bit techy) I’ve settled on the two must-haves for coffee crafting.
- Conical Burr Grinder – This is a MUST. Grinding right before brew is a bonus
- Pour Over – This style of coffee crafting brings out the most flavor and aroma
Why a conical burr grinder? This type of grinder typically has lots of control of your grind size that is consistent (you do want all your batches to taste the same?) and it slowly crushes the beans so all those amazing flavors make it to your cup!
Why pour over style? I am far from an expert barista but I can tell flavor and I like it. And if you want all the flavor from your beans, this is the craft style to go with.
TechDadCO’s Take
The Baratza Brand of Burr Grinders are the best quality/value option. Are others cheaper? Yes. Are others more expensive? Yes. The entry level Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder is what we have used for the last few years. They have a new one with an integrated digital display but the basic model works flawlessly. With just some regular cleaning of the parts (coffee bean oils and small particles eventually stick to the surface of the grinding parts) this thing is a workhorse and makes a consistent grind. A grinder like this is the must have device regardless of the type of pour over system you use.
“A grinder like this is the must have device regardless of the type of pour over system you use.”
For a single person household coffee drinker, a simple pour over device that goes right into your mug of choice and gooseneck boiler (stovetop or electric) with an integrated thermometer is all you need. This setup makes VERY solid quality brew. There is also NO eco-waste, other than the spent grounds that can go right into the compost since the pour over system used a stainless steel filter!
But where is the tech?
With the pour over and gooseneck, there is no tech. But there are tech craft coffee options 🙂 I have been using the Behmor Connected Brewer (this brewer used to be sold on Amazon but now is available from these authorized resellers) for the last couple of years. This brewer simulates “pour over” with pre-soak and pulse water delivery. For a machine, this makes a stellar cup of joe when paired with fresh roasted beans (If you live in the Denver – Stapleton, Park Hill, or NW Aurora area check out Ground Crew Coffee for AMAZING fresh roasts – personal favorite is the Honduras roast) and Baratza Burr Grinder. This simple brewer uses a metal mesh filter, a water reservoir for precise water temp, and a thermal carafe. The model connects to your WiFi and your SmartPhone with the Behmor App.
You just measure out your beans, grind, and then brew. All temp and pre-soak settings a customizable (to experiment and dial in your preferred taste), but there are also some profiles built in for typical coffee bean roast types and even some commercial coffee beans. You can also set up the brew to take place at a future time.
Also, the big green button (that changes color through the brewing process) on the front of the unit can be programmed via the app for a specific common setting, so if you always brew 8 cups, at a temp of 199 degrees, and a 45 second pre-soak, just program that through the app, load your fresh ground beans, fill with water, and press the green button to start the brew!
Summary of Recs
- Conical Burr Grinder (MUST HAVE) – Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
- Simple Manual Pour Over (For the single coffee drinker) – Primula Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Maker
- Gooseneck Kettle (For the single coffee drinker) – Coffee Gator Pour Over Kettle or this electric version
- Behmor Connected Brewer (not available on Amazon to purchase, but all the info is still there!) – Behmor Retailer List
- For those in the North Denver – Stapleton, Park Hill, NW Aurora area, check out Ground Crew Coffee – AMAZING coffee delivered to your door!
I would love to hear your comments and thoughts from your experience with coffee brewing, or any questions you have about the information above. What do you think? Use the comments section below.
Disclaimer: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Tech Dad CO 
Perfect list Adam! Thanks!
LikeLike