Beginner filter setup
This is only for filter coffee. If you want to do espresso at some point I'd recommend upgrading the grinder to Precisio/Virtuoso.
Burr grinder $129
Porlex grinder $35
Kettle $99
Aeropress $35
Scales $43
Total $306
Very curious what you've heard. They're flawless. I check them periodically with coins, they're precise to the 0.1 after a few years.
But by all means you should buy what you want. I was just throwing it out there for ideas.
Hario V60 Drip scale. Goes to 0.1 gram accuracy, has a built in timer, looks sleek.
I have one for each of my twin 3 cup Chemex, absolutely love it. Great scale.
This would be my ultimate beginner set-up:
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso $230
Brew Method: Hario V60-02 Set $17 and Filters $11
Kettle: Hario Buono $36
Scale: Hario Scale/Timer $43
TOTAL: $337
I went the most expensive with the grinder as I think it's the most variable thing you can get (v60, gooseneck, scale, etc. are all the similar) and can either make or break your cup of coffee. The virtuoso is a great machine that will provide a really consistent grind for any pourover/immersion brewing technique.
The v60 was my first technique and I love it, though if you wanted something that is a bit more forgiving you could switch it out with the Kalita Wave for about the same price. I started with the same set I linked to. The decanter isn't beautiful but I like it because I can use it with any drip cone, not just the v60. I also chose to go with a non-electric kettle because of price and also I don't think they are super necessary. I brew right off the boil a la Matt Perger with really nice results. Plus, it's one less thing on your counter. Oh, and the scale is pretty self explanatory. The Hario one is nice because it has the built in timer and measures to the 1/10 of a gram.
Edit: Thanks for the fun exercise! It's great to spend other people's money for them, even if they don't actually buy the stuff!
Bonavita brewer - $131.96 (or newer model)
Capresso Infiniti burr grinder - $84.95
Hario Scale - $42.91
Bamboo filters - $6.88
Total: $266.70
This is more or less the setup that I use every day both at home and work, and is why I almost never bother making pour over anymore. A good starting point is 1000ml water with 60g of medium grind (start there and tune grind to your preference before tuning water/coffee amounts).
To me the grinder and scale are the most important parts. If I could only get two items, it would be those (and good beans) and I'd tolerate an old mr coffee until I could get a better brewer. If your grind is inconsistent and old (pre ground), even the best coffee brewer won't be able to help. Having used both the Capresso Infinity and the Baratza Encore extensively, I slightly prefer the Capresso. Don't get me wrong, they are both great and will get you where you are going, but the Capresso is a faster grind and easier to clean by (only) minor amounts.
You could even throw in a Goose neck kettle and coffee dripper to experiment with pour over.
Something else to consider is a airtight storage container. I particularly like these - they keep your beans gooey/oily and fresh for weeks if you don't drink all your beans within a week of getting them.
Happy brewing!
Edit: words, grammar