Feb 7, 2018 11:23 PM

Gearhead: 5 Coffee Essentials

Absolute control is key to crafting the perfect cup.

Featured in this article

Baratza Virtuoso

Pro baristas will tell you that burr grinders are the way to go for a uniform grind. Baratza’s conical crusher excels at producing a wide range of grind sizes, and it cuts down on “fines,” the powdery bits that can make your brew bitter. ($249)

Acaia Pearl Scale

Keep close tabs on the weight of beans and the amount of water you pour with this smart scale that’s accurate to within a tenth of a gram. Connect with the Acaia Coffee app to look up appropriate bean-to-water ratios and brewing times. ($150)

December Dripper

Most pour-over drippers lack moving parts. The December’s cone twists so you can control the flow, modulating between three speeds or cutting it off completely by opening and closing the holes in the base. ($55)

Heath Ceramics Stack Mug

Sip from a mug that’s a winner on two fronts: The space-saving stackable design is timeless, and the hand-glazed ceramic vessel is made in California by workers who get health and retirement benefits. ($30)

01
Baratza Virtuoso
Pro baristas will tell you that burr grinders are the way to go for a uniform grind. Baratza’s conical crusher excels at producing a wide range of grind sizes, and it cuts down on “fines,” the powdery bits that can make your brew bitter. ($249)
02
Acaia Pearl Scale
Keep close tabs on the weight of beans and the amount of water you pour with this smart scale that’s accurate to within a tenth of a gram. Connect with the Acaia Coffee app to look up appropriate bean-to-water ratios and brewing times. ($150)

03
December Dripper
Most pour-over drippers lack moving parts. The December’s cone twists so you can control the flow, modulating between three speeds or cutting it off completely by opening and closing the holes in the base. ($55)
04
Heath Ceramics Stack Mug
Sip from a mug that’s a winner on two fronts: The space-saving stackable design is timeless, and the hand-glazed ceramic vessel is made in California by workers who get health and retirement benefits. ($30)

05
Fellow Stagg Pour-Over Kettle
Gorgeous to look at and lovely to hold, the Stagg kettle has an analog thermometer that monitors water temperature. Together, the swan-necked spout and weighted handle allow for a smooth and steady pour. ($69 and up)

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Food writer Joe Ray is a Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year, a restaurant critic, and author of Sea and Smoke. ... Read More

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