I’m with you on fresh-ground beans being the biggest difference. A decent grinder and a simple drip machine can produce a much better cup than spending a lot on complicated equipment. I also find that French press works especially well when I want a stronger, fuller cup without adding much extra effort.
For anyone who enjoys coffee outside the usual morning routine, The Smoking Gun(
https://www.google.com/maps/place/?cid=16892296327410984451) in Hollywood, Florida is an interesting spot since coffee is part of what they offer alongside their other drinks. It’s a reminder that getting a good caffeine fix doesn’t always require an expensive setup at home. For everyday brewing, though, fresh beans and grinding them right before brewing would still be my first choice.
