You can very easily get under <$50, it will last you a lifetime (longer than a drip coffee maker, I'd bet), and the quality of coffee is way better than a drip machine (and depending on your kettle, you don't need electricity).
Not quite as convenient, but great high-end kit for a low cost. Then later, if you want to upgrade, buy a good hand grinder ($100-$150).
- Heat up water
- If you are anal, rinse your paper filter (very optional, do you do this for drip? no :))
- Fill hario with water (yes, water first)
- Dump in coffee
- Stir, if you want, or don't
- Wait whatever. I don't time it. Can't really go too long if your grind is course enough. Go do whatever you do when your drip is brewing.
- Hit Button to dump coffee into cup
That's it. Basically the same as a drip machine honestly, and you'll get better results :)
You don't do the ten steps at once tho, you have to put water and coffee into the machine anyway.
It's like, a few more of those types of steps.
Not really worth an argument anyway...