The Perfect Cabin Coffee Setup

I’ve been drinking coffee since I was eight years old. I used to wake up to the coffee smell from my dad making his first pot at 4am before he went to work. His was a harsh cup made from a huge tin of pre-ground Folgers, but it was the coffee of the time. In the 32 years I’ve been drinking coffee I’ve tried just about every coffee method; drip, instant, pods, French press, Aeropress, Moka Pot, cold brew, Chemex, and even buying a cup every morning from the local coffee shop. My favorite method is the pour-over.

I’ve read that the reason pour over tastes better has to do with control. Temperature control, pouring control, the ability to “dial in” to the perfect cup, and while the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had in my entire life was a pour over (Coava on Grand) I’ve never replicated that perfect cup at home. The pour over is my favorite because I love the ritual of it.

I recently moved into a cabin that is about 100 square feet. Without much room I reduced what I own to “essentials only.” With no space I had to carefully select my coffee making equipment. This is how I perfected my morning coffee routine.

The cabin doesn’t have a kitchen. I considered a hot plate, but then would have to buy a kettle with a pour over spout as well, so instead I got the Fellow Stagg EKG*, which is a beautiful electric kettle with a pour over spout.

Spending $149 and losing precious table space may seem like a lot to surrender but the Fellow is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. First, it’s so handsome! I decided that if I’m going to live in a tiny space without many things then everything has to be the best I can afford. Second, it has a really nice little display and third, there is such a joy in making a pour over with a proper spout.

Here’s the rest of my coffee set up:

1. The Little Dripper from Constellation Supply Co.

My friend Evan Dohrmann launched the Constellation Supply Co. in 2015 with the Little Dripper, a “handmade ceramic coffee maker, designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. for discerning coffee and homewares enthusiasts.” It’s $65 but currently sold out.

2. Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder

This is so important. The grind is everything, and you’ll see so many different price points but remember that you get what you pay for. The Porlex is $65 and a coffee shop owner told me that this is the least amount of money you should ever spend on a grinder. This is the cheap one. Anything less is trash and will ruin your coffee.

3. Dina No Ceramics Short Mug

I fell in love with the ceramics of Dina No when I saw a collection of hers in this blue color. I bought this mug and it’s my favorite of all time. It’s a short mug, has a wonderful texture, and is theperfect shade of blue. You can get one from Otherwild for $36.

4. Trade

I love all the coffee. I was in Portland and watched Stumptown turn from secret best coffee in town to the new standard of quality. When I travel I seek out the local high-quality coffee roasters (Sprudge is a great resource). My mouth starts to water then I see a bag of beans from a company I’ve never heard of. I want to drink all the best coffee in the world.

Trade is the first time I’ve ever been interested in a coffee subscription because it sends me all the best coffee from across the nation. Co-founder Nick Garvronsky was a mentor of mine when I was in New York and I’ve watched as Trade has expanded to 50+ of the top roasters in the country. Too many choices? Yes, you’re right, but don’t worry. They have a recommendation system based on your taste and prep method to help pick one of more than 400 coffees.

And best of all they made me a code so you get 50% off your first order: kmikeym. (Hot Tip: Use it to get something you’ve never tried.)

Assuming a $20 bag of beans that’s $335 for my perfect coffee setup. I’ve only had the Fellow for a month, but my mug, Little Dripper, and grinder I’ve all had for many years. This is not disposable garbage. Plus, living in LA now I have to make sure I can still make coffee when the big one hits and there is no power. The kettle won’t work, but I can boil water over a tire fire and still make a fantastic pour over.

*using affiliate links where I can.