The most simple, and best (from quality and value) is something like a v60 or hario switch (my preference) + kettle.
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).
I make multiple cups of day with my Aeropress and a kettle. I am looking to upgrade to a water heater with temperature control. I'm not really looking to replace the Aeropress. I clean it after every use and I've even invested into the ecosystem with a reusable filter and an adapter to brew cold coffee.
You're right. However as life gets busier, especially in the morning I found that I just don't have the time for the "procedure". I love the "procedure" but it's synchronous so it had to go. Also I was having a very hard time getting the size 03 filters in white.
Some years back I bought a stainless steel filter from Able Brewing. It’s great. I no longer have to buy consumables or throw anything away but wet coffee grounds — which are great for the garden anyway.
This is exactly why I would recommend a Hario Switch over a V60 or Aeropress. It makes my mornings much less complicated. However, you will still have to look for filters.
you can get much more simple - have a coffee maker that heats the water for you and then dumps it over the grounds itself. as the parent said, it's a matter of synchronous vs asynchronous.
you seem to be persistently missing my point. it's not the number of steps; even if the coffeemaker required ten steps to the pourover's two, you could do those ten steps at once, hit the switch and walk away. what makes the pourover qualitatively different is that you have to start one step (heating the water) and wait for it to finish before moving on to the next one.
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).