Starter:
- Coffee maker: AeroPress. Buy 1 or 2 right away: $29 each.
http://amazon.com/AeroPress-80R11-Coffee-Maker/dp/B000GXZ2GS - Ground coffee: Lavazza. Eventually move on to fresh beans, but start with ground: $17 for 4 bricks.
http://amazon.com/Lavazza-Crema-Gusto-Ground-8-8-Ounce/dp/B001E5E0D8 - Ground coffee storage: CoffeeVac. Keep sealed at room temperature away from sunlight: $12.
http://amazon.com/Coffeevac-Ultimate-Vacuum-Sealed-Container/dp/B0046JG8WA - Thermometer: Norpro. Know the temperature of your water or milk: $8.
http://amazon.com/Norpro-5981-Espresso-Thermometer/dp/B000EUGXRA - Hand frother: Kuissential. If you do milk drinks: $18.
http://amazon.com/Electric-Milk-Frother-Kuissential-Slickfroth/dp/B01BXQA7IY
My current setup:
- Coffee maker: Yep, AeroPress again. I own 5 – 3 at home and 2 on the boat: $30 each.
http://amazon.com/AeroPress-80R11-Coffee-Maker/dp/B000GXZ2GS - Electric grinder: Breville Smart Grinder Pro (latest version): $200.
https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG820BSSXL-Grinder-Brushed-Stainless/dp/B00OXGXW8O - Scale: Brewista. Buy a good one. This one is not the cheapest, but it doubles as a timer, it’s compact and it does tenths: $60.
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0163BYY6A - Coffee beans: Intelligentsia. Order fresh whole beans every 2 weeks. I order regular espresso and decaf: $15-17 for 12 oz.
Espresso: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/product/coffee/analog-espresso/hb
Decaf espresso: http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/product/coffee/decaf-espresso-black-cat-project - Coffee bean storage: Airscape: Cadillac of air-tight storage. I own several in different colors. Each holds a pound: $25 each.
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Storage-Canister-Container-Preserves/dp/B00167XN14 - Electric water kettle: Bonavita: No thermometer needed: $83.
https://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV382510V-Electric-Gooseneck-Temperature/dp/B005YR0F40 - Electric frother: Secura. For milk drinks: $40/$60.
250 ml: https://amazon.com/Secura-Automatic-Electric-Frother-MMF-003/dp/B0094KTKOO
500 ml: https://amazon.com/Secura-Automatic-Electric-Frother-MMF-603/dp/B00CBSHZPW
Other options for grinders:
The most expensive upgrade is the grinder, which is essential. You can get by with a hand grinder if you have the time and energy. Here are a few of both:
- Starter hand grinder: Hario Skerton: $25 with upgrade kit: $14
Grinder: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001802PIQ
Upgrade kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012HDKKQ6 - Starter electric grinder: Baratza Encore: $130.
https://www.amazon.com/Baratza-Encore-Conical-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B00LW8122Y - Wishlist electric grinder: Rancilio Rocky: $355.
https://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-HSD-ROC-SD-Espresso-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B00H1OUW24
There are many more options for everything. This is my narrowed down list.