The Matrix says:

A high-end drip machine can make a big difference in flavor. Cheap drip machines often do not heat the water enough to get the best flavor from the grounds. Most high-end brewers also have features which can provide quality coffee and convenience.

Another option here if you are making coffee for one person is an Aeropress. This is a small device that has a lot of flexibility. It’s immersion like a French Press, so it doesn’t require an excellent grinder. The clean up is much simpler than a French Press, so it is considered a bit more user-friendly. An Aeropress in concert with a scale, and good pre-ground beans is a very solid option.

Lastly, a Clever Dripper is another immersion method for larger volumes that is simple to clean up. Check it out the in pour-over dripper section.

 

At this level, we will assume a digital scale and coffee ground at a cafe or grocery store. Perhaps equivalent quality can come from a cheaper drip machine if you use a burr grinder rather than pre-ground coffee.