A list of commonly used hand-brewed coffee tools for beginners

“I’m a coffee novice and want to find a simple device for hand-poured coffee, but I’m not familiar with the brands and I’m afraid of buying the wrong one”;

“I bought coffee beans and want to make my own coffee, but I don’t know how to start… What utensils do I need to prepare?”

Today I will teach you how to prepare five kinds of utensils to make a good cup of coffee. Even beginners can easily use them:

1. Bean grinder

Choosing the right grinder has the following key points:

a. Grinding coarseness can be adjusted

b. Can cut and grind evenly

c. Not easy to generate heat

Based on the above three points for selecting a grinder, it is recommended not to buy a blade-type grinder (in addition to being unable to accurately adjust the grinding coarseness, it will also generate heat during operation, thereby destroying the quality of the coffee beans.

In addition, there will be differences in the coarseness and fineness distribution (particle size) between the two methods. If you have a coffee grinder at home, you may want to try it.

(It is recommended to turn on the power first and then throw the beans)

Adjustable grinder

2. Electronic scale

An electronic scale that can accurately measure the weight of coffee beans to 0.1 grams. (If you have an electronic scale, it is not recommended to use a spoon or bean scoop for measurement. The different sizes of coffee beans will affect the total weight of each spoonful of coffee beans, causing extraction errors. Volume ≠ weight)

Using an electronic scale can show the amount of water injected, so that the water injection is no longer based on feeling, and the actual coffee bean weight and water volume can be maintained at the expected value (ground water ratio).

In addition, friends who require higher precision can weigh the powder instead of the beans. After the weighed coffee beans are ground, some powder may remain in the grinder and cause a slight weight error. Weighing a little more coffee beans than required in advance and weighing the powder after grinding can minimize the possibility of error.

Electronic scale with weighing to 0.1g and timing function

3. Filter cup

Filter cups can be mainly divided into trapezoidal and conical filter cups, which can be brewed with filter paper, metal filter mesh or filter cloth.

We recommend using a smart filter cup because the brewing process is simple, does not require special skills, is easy to operate, and is easy to clean and maintain. Combining the concept of brewing + soaking, first fill with water and then soak, using a smart filter cup can present the original appearance of coffee.

The only difference is the taste between using filter paper and metal filter. The filter paper will taste clearer and sweeter, while the filter will retain the smooth flavor of coffee oil but have a higher turbidity.

When using filter paper, it is recommended to soak the filter paper with hot water to remove the paper smell, so that the brewed coffee will have a better flavor. If you are worried that the paper smell will excessively affect the flavor of the coffee, you can choose bleached filter paper.

Smart filter cup with filter paper

4. Hand brewing kettle

Here we recommend a temperature-controlled hand-pour kettle. According to personal habits, you can choose hand-pour kettles of different weights. For example, women can choose a 600cc hand-pour kettle to better control the stability of the water flow.

In addition, the difference in the spout and the material of the hand-pour pot will affect the water output, water flow rate, temperature preservation, thermal conductivity and other factors. Using a proper hand-pour pot can control the water flow so that the water and coffee powder can be evenly mixed.

Temperature-controlled narrow mouth hand brewing kettle

5. Thermometer/Timer

Thermometer: If the hand-brew kettle does not have a temperature control function, it is recommended to use an electronic thermometer inserted into the water of the hand-brew kettle to check the current water temperature. Water temperature is a major variable in coffee brewing. If the water temperature is too high, it may release the bitterness and astringency of the coffee. If the water temperature is too low, the coffee flavor will not be revealed and the extraction will be insufficient.

You can immerse at least 2/3 of the entire thermometer in ice water with ice cubes. If the display shows zero degrees, the thermometer is accurate.

Timer: If the electronic scale does not have a timing function, a timer will be needed to record each time point during brewing, including the start of water filling, steaming, stirring time, lowering time, and stopping extraction time. (Nowadays, mobile phones should all have a timing function.)

Using a Pour-Over Kettle with a Thermometer

As the saying goes, if you want to do your work well, you must first sharpen your tools. With these tools, you can also brew good coffee at home.