After having a grinder, a scale, and a timer in your disposal, now it’s time to brew! We know many of you have already had, at least, one brewing tool right now. But if you are looking for tips in either buying your first brewing tool or looking for a new gadget to expand your brewing arsenal, this blog is the right one for you!
Each brewing tool offers specific brewing characteristics that will ultimately translated into your cup. Bad new is: there are myriad of them out there! Before you get lost into the rain-forest of reviews and marketing gimmicks, here are our guidelines in starting your journey on the world of brewing gadgets:
- Look for tools that are widely used and available.
Why? Having a popular gadget will give you access to delicious recipes online, open easier common-ground on conversations and communities, and provide similar benchmark in discussing new taste in beans. - Choose the economically friendly option.
Why? While pricing is relative for every person, we suggest you started with one that’s wallet-friendly. Price-friendly brewers are generally more popular, thereby reinforcing the benefits mentioned in previous point. - Opt for simplicity in operation and maintenance.
Why? The last thing you want to face as a beginner is steep learning curve and complicated maintenance. We want your experience in specialty coffee to be smooth sailing and fun! Though, you might eventually upgrade your arsenal into more complicated things, you will be acquiring these skills along the way anyway! For now, it is important to take baby-steps, not get overwhelmed. After all, all we want is simplicity when preparing our morning coffee. No drama, no hassle, just a good cup of coffee. - Seek portability, if possible.
Why? Sharing a cup of coffee and the conversations that brew around it truly make the coffee experience delightful! Portability allows you to seamlessly weave your passion for specific beans (or coffee in general) into your social life. Although this factor is conditional and less critical, we believe portability affords greater flexibility.
Based on these principles in mind, here are our suggestions for you:
Hario V60.
Arguably one the most popular and widely used dripper in Indonesia, the Hario V60 boasts a dedicated global following. Numerous online recipes and techniques are available for this tool, and it even has its own world brewing tournament!
This brewer is known for its brightness and complexity. The V60 expertly extracts the sweetness, floral notes, and fruity tones from your beans. The resulting complexity is so revered that the terms “filter” or “drip” are often associated with the V60. Plus, it’s affordable, portable, and easy to learn!
Alternative: Kalita Wave, Chemex.
Suggested green bean type: Natural Processes, Honey Processes.
Suggested accesories: Gooseneck Kettle.
Aeropress.
What started as a project by a toy manufacturers, the Aeropress has evolved into a top-tier brewing tool cherished for its excellent taste profiles. It’s a highly versatile brewer, with a cult-like followers, and wide range of techniques or recipes available for exploration. Although it is a tad pricier than the V60 or French Press, its portability and user-friendly nature make it a solid choice for any beginner’s brewing kit.
French Press.
The French Press is a time-tested brewing tool that continues to delight coffee lovers with its balanced taste. Simple and versatile (you can also brew tea!), it’s a fantastic way to kick-start your day. Just grind, pour, and wait, we always appreciate the simplicity of French Press for out morning routines.
Alternatives: Espro Press, Cafetière.
Suggested green bean type: Washed Processes.
Conclusion.
These are just a few options to get you started on your journey into the world of coffee. But remember, choosing the right brewer for you is a personal journey that might require some trial and error. As you become more familiar with your coffee preferences, you might find yourself wanting to experiment with more intricate brewing methods, such as the siphon or the espresso machine. Coffee is a rich and diverse field, and your brewing tools are your gateway to exploring all that it has to offer. But the most important part is to learn, experiment, and have fun!
