Best Budget Gear for Brewing Outstanding Coffee (2025 Edition)
Hey Stillwater Coffee Club!
If you're just getting into home brewing or want to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about budget gear that’s easy to use, affordable, and, most importantly, makes a great cup.
Manual Burr Grinder
After the coffee beans themselves, the grinder you use will have the biggest impact on how your coffee tastes. Freshly ground coffee is a game-changer, and you don’t need a $300 grinder to get there.
A manual burr grinder like the Timemore C3S is durable, compact enough to be stowed away in a drawer, and offer excellent grind consistency for the price. It’s a little workout for your arm—but the flavor payoff? Totally worth it.
Note: We'd recommend staying away from blade grinders. Blade grinders very small and very large particles, and the inconsistency makes it difficult to get the most from your coffee.
- Timemore C3S ~$125
Brewing – Simplicity Wins
For versatility on a budget, it's hard to beat the HARIO V60 Switch. The Switch is is an innovative twist on the classic V60. The Switch is forgiving, produces full-bodied coffee, and affordable. But most of all, it's extremely simple to use. Just add coffee, hot water, and wait 4 minutes before releasing the coffee into your mug.
Want something more compact portable? Try the Aeropress. It’s lightweight, fast, and gives you rich, clean coffee anywhere—kitchen, campsite, or hotel room.
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Hario V60 Switch – ~$62
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AeroPress Original – ~$40
Kettle - Don’t Overcomplicate It
You don’t need a fancy gooseneck kettle to get started. A basic electric kettle works just fine.
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AmazonBasics Electric Kettle – ~$30
Temperature control is nice, but not essential if you're using simple methods like the Hario V60 Switch or the AeroPress.
The Whole Setup – Under $250
Here’s what a complete budget-friendly setup looks like:
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Timemore C3S Manual Grinder – $125
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Hario V60 Switch – $62
- Basic Kettle – $35
And you’re ready to brew better coffee than most cafés, with gear that fits in a backpack. Great coffee doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right gear, a little care, and great beans, you can make something truly special, right at home.
💬 Got a favorite budget brewer? Drop it in the comments.
📦 Gear list is linked in the description
🧡 Thanks for supporting Stillwater Coffee Club!
Thanks for reading, and as always, happy brewing!