Caffeinated Buying Guide: Everything A College Student Needs To Brew Coffee

It’s that time of year again, when recent high school grads head off to college for the first time and the returning students prepare for what they now know are very cramped living quarters.

Both groups of students are probably aware of this simple fact: Coffee will be an important part of their education process. So, what’s a college student to do when they need their daily caffeine fix on a serious space budget?

Get creative, of course!

For the Student with a Hot Plate

You’re ahead of the game – you have a hot plate in your dorm room. This allows you to make ramen noodles for late night cravings and comforting mugs of hot cocoa to help cure homesickness. What you might not know is that it can also be used to make delicious stove top espresso!

The Bialetti Musa is easy-to-use and let’s you choose the size that works best for you.  Choose the 8-ounce (4-cup) if you just need a bit of caffeine boost each morning or opt for the 20-ounce (10-cup) if you regularly pull all-nighters and need a serious kick in the pants to stay awake during classes.

If you’re into milk-based drinks, go for the Bialetti Mukka, which steams milk and then mixes it with the espresso as it is brewed. No stand-alone milk frother needed to whip up a cappuccino!

Keep in mind, these are steam-driven extractions, so it isn’t considered traditional espresso. However, they still make a rich brew that is sure to keep you on your toes.

For the Sophisticated Student

You know that great things can’t be rushed, so you savor your morning coffee and the ritual of preparing it. Your brewing equipment might take up a little bit more room, but the choice between bringing that extra pair of pants or your coffee gadgets is an easy one for you. Still, you have limited space, so what are your options?

Well, to start, you’ll need a water kettle. The Bonavita Electric Pour Over Kettle is a great choice, as it is versatile enough for multiple coffee preparation methods. Plus, it gets bonus points for being electric rather than stove top.

Next, you must make a difficult decision: French press or pour over?

French Press

French press is a classic (and classy) way to make coffee. You add hot water to your coffee, let it steep, and then press the plunger to filter out the grounds.  Not only does it create a delicious coffee beverage, you can also get ready for class while it steeps. But hurry – you only have 4 minutes!

The downside of French press? Cleaning out the filter after each use can be kind of a pain when you don’t have easy access to a sink.

If French press sounds up your alley, you have a lot of great options. From insulated presses that keep your coffee hot to unbreakable carafes, there is a French press for everyone.

Or, if you want a twist on the classic French press, check out the Aeropress. Its micro-filter creates a grit free cup of coffee and is loved by many.

Pour Over

Pour overs allow you to make small batches of coffee that are sure to impress your fellow students. The art of carefully pouring the water over the coffee and getting the perfect cup takes practice, but the results are well worth it. As a bonus, the paper filters and the ability to brew directly into your cup make cleanup a snap.

When it comes to pour overs, Hario does it best. Choose your brewer material and size, grab some filters, and get brewing!

For the Student On-the-Go

You spend your time going to classes, studying, and generally being on the move. You want your perfectly crafted espresso each morning, but don’t have the time or space for a machine and grinder. So, shuffle around some of those papers on your desk and make room for a compact capsule machine that packs a lot of punch in a little area.

These machines allow you to make a variety of espresso beverages just by changing out the capsule you use. From decaf to ristretto, you’ll never get bored with your options.

The Nespresso Koenig Pixie has a small footprint and you even get to choose from some sweet colors.  Plus, for the eco-conscious, you can have the peace of mind that the side panels of the Pixie are made from recycled Nespresso capsules!

You’ll pay a bit more than your counterparts for your caffeine fix, however, as you’ll need to purchase the capsules directly from Nespresso for roughly $0.55 each.

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Kaylie Kipe works for Seattle Coffee Gear, which is dedicated to helping people find the perfect equipment for their caffeine fix. From the best espresso machines to coffee makers, and pretty much everything in-between, SCG has your java needs covered!