Our recent article about coffee’s health benefits got me thinking about what it takes to brew the perfect cup. Coffee prices may be at record highs, but that hasn’t slowed down our love for it. If anything, there’s no better time to invest in a quality coffee maker. After all, making coffee at home is always more cost-effective than a daily visit to the coffee shop. 

A lot of people take coffee seriously. Take my son-in-law, for example. He refuses to drink coffee that isn’t made from his French press and coffee beans ground in his favorite coffee grinder — he likes his brew strong and freshly ground. A self-proclaimed coffee snob, he swears by his morning ritual. So, I asked him which products were his favorites and why. Read on to discover one man’s coffee journey and the coffee equipment he prefers over many others.

My Son-in-Law’s Favorite Coffee Gear

Capresso 560Infinity Conical Burr Grinder

He has had his grinder for so long that they no longer make that model. This coffee bean grinder is the closest one to his trusty workhorse. It holds almost 9 ounces of beans and roughly 4 ounces of ground coffee. It’s a conical burr grinder, so it will grind beans more evenly than a blade grinder, which experts say affects the taste. You can also adjust your grind to find that ideal match and brew yourself the perfect cup of coffee.

Kitchen Supreme 34-Ounce French Press Coffee Maker  

This 34-ounce French press coffee maker is the second most important piece of equipment (and his preferred choice). Made from stainless steel and glass, the coffee maker has a flat plunger knob that’s comfortable and easy to use. Plus, its high filtration system means you don’t get those nasty bits in your coffee. The glass can withstand temperatures up to 347°F, which is impressive and not something he recommends you do with your coffee or any liquid, frankly.

Cosori Electric Kettle, 1.7-Liter

I can vouch for this electric tea kettle because it’s the same one I use. We gave it as a gift, and almost 35,000 shoppers agree it’s the “perfect kettle” and boils cold water fast. It features a 1.7-liter (7-cup) capacity, an auto-shutoff, and an LED indicator that lets you know when it’s heating and finished boiling. In less than four minutes, boiling water will be ready for that French press or cup of tea.

Bodum 34-Ounce French Press

This French press is what started him on his path of freshly brewed coffee. Like other French presses, it holds 34 ounces and is made of borosilicate glass with a BPA-free plastic handle and housing. The difference is that this model only has a single filtration system. 

Ello Cooper 32-Ounce Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Once his coffee is brewed and he’s had his first cup, he’s off to work. He uses this 32-ounce water bottle because it’s easy to carry with the built-in carry loop and locking flip-top lid, and it keeps his coffee hot for hours. My son-in-law has a long beard (think ZZ Top-long), and this mouthpiece doesn’t interfere with his coffee intake. Also, I mentioned to him that this bottle is for water, and he said that he has been using it for coffee for five years with no leaking or issues, admitting that he has only drank water out of it a couple of times. One reviewer uses her Ello bottle for hot water, saying “Water stays hot for nearly 10 hours.”

Bodum 11-Ounce Insulated Piston Cup

My son-in-law is so dedicated to his coffee that he even has a travel French press. He takes this 11-ounce travel cup with him when he goes on volleyball or softball trips with his daughter. The press has a black lid, stainless steel plunger, and black silicone cup sleeve. The body of the French press is transparent, so you can watch as the coffee brews. 

Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just beginning your journey, investing in the right equipment can make all the difference. My son-in-law spent years perfecting his coffee setup, and now he swears by these coffee tools for a rich, flavorful brew every morning. If you want to upgrade your coffee game, his go-to gear is a great place to start.