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We’ve added some exciting new items for the holiday season, including a beloved how-to guide, a sweet pour-over centerpiece, and a real Arabica plant.
Coffee lovers are a diverse group: About 75 percent of U.S. adults drink coffee, according to the Journal of Nutrition. There are cappuccino drinkers, bean lovers who rave about washed-brew coffee, and those who just want a quick, inexpensive cup of caffeine. Whether your gift recipient is serious about their morning ritual or just wants to sip coffee all day, we’ve got the best recommendations, from designer stovetop coffee makers to custom-brewed coffee samples.
Want to learn more about coffee accessories? Our team of chefs tested various coffee machines, espresso machines, coffee grinders, and even instant coffee machines. If you’re looking for fancy gifts, check out these gorgeous gift baskets.
This beautiful turquoise book, dedicated to the technique and science of buying, tasting and brewing coffee, strikes the perfect balance between expertise and accessibility.
Wirecutter coffee expert Ciara Murray Jordan says How to Make Better Coffee at Home is “perfect for anyone interested in coffee, no matter where they are in their coffee journey.” Written by James Hoffmann, the 2007 World Barista Championship winner, the book covers the techniques, history, and science of buying, tasting, and brewing coffee with easy-to-follow instructions and how-to diagrams. Beginners can learn the basics (like how to identify their favorite flavors), while coffee aficionados can master different brewing methods (moka pot, espresso machine, pour-over, etc.). “It’s also a really fun read,” Ciara says. “It’s almost unintentional, which is rare for a book this encyclopedic.”
In this new blend, the Chicago roaster blends barrel-aged beans to add a hint of alcohol and sweetness.
As far as third-wave coffee trends go, barrel-aging—the process of aging green beans in wine barrels—may seem like a bit of an odd gimmick. But Dark Matter Coffee’s Machete perfectly combines rich Central American coffee with barrel-aged beans, capturing the essence of barrel-aging perfectly and making coffee lovers fall in love with it. “It’s a more balanced coffee than other roasters we tried,” says Kitchen editor-in-chief Marilyn Ong. “It has a rich, chocolatey aroma with aged wine notes and a long, sweet finish.” And the sleek, vibrant color scheme makes the packaging especially cute, too.
This 4.5″ tall glass ornament pays homage to the iconic Chemex coffee maker with its classic wooden neck and dangling leather strap.
Designed in 1941 by chemist Peter Schlumbohm, this elegant glass Chemex coffee maker is currently on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. If your gift recipient is a big fan of Chemex coffee makers, they might love this Codie Foster coffee maker ornament that can be hung on a tree or hook. This charming glass ornament features a paper filter, a classic wooden spout, and a leather shoulder strap, with brewed coffee sitting at the bottom.
Arabica coffee trees come in three sizes and require only a few hours of direct sunlight per day and watering once a week. You can choose plastic pots or colorful ceramic containers.
Coffee lovers may already be stocked with their favorite premium coffee beans and top-notch brewing equipment. Why not surprise them by purchasing a rooted coffee plant from one of our favorite online plant sellers. The plant, with its shiny, oval green leaves, comes in three sizes (small, medium, and extra large) and requires relatively little maintenance: it only needs watering once a week and only a few hours of direct light each day. We believe that anyone who takes the time to learn proper coffee brewing techniques will be able to patiently grow this plant. Given the right conditions, this tropical plant can eventually produce white flowers that will yield small fruits containing two coffee beans; as they ripen, the fruits turn from green to red and finally brown.
This dishwasher-safe milk frother has nine settings to heat and froth milk to suit different preferences.
Every latte lover—whether they prefer a purple potato latte, an oatmeal latte, or just a classic—needs a good milk frother, and our team of chefs tested 14 of them for our upcoming guide. The Golde Superwhisk Hand Whisk (one of the team’s two favorite milk frothers) can whip up thick milk foam in under a minute. This whisk has an easy-to-grip handle, charges via the included USB cable, and elegantly blends any powdered mix (think protein powder, matcha, and cocoa powder). Meanwhile, the pitcher-shaped Instant Magic Froth 9-in-1 Milk Frother can both froth and heat milk, with nine settings to suit your taste. It creates smooth, thick milk foam for both dairy and plant-based milks. It can even melt and mix additives like chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to make hot chocolate.
Crafted from recycled 14-karat gold and featuring a removable lid, this miniature pendant is an expensive yet charming ode to the iconic takeaway cup.
Whether your gift recipient is a New Yorker or not, this adorable homage to the iconic takeout cup is sure to please. Leslie Buck, Sherri Cup’s marketing director, originally designed the cup with visual references to Greece to target the hot beverage market at New York City’s many Greek restaurants. Crafted from 14-karat gold, this Catbird New York coffee cup charm measures just 8 x 4 mm, which is too small to display the words “We Are Happy to Serve You,” as originally conceived in 1963. The charm only says “New York.” It does, however, have a removable lid that mimics the plastic one — a nice treat for active friends.
Baked by a family-run bakery in Scotland’s capital, these crisp, buttery round biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to coffee and are a favourite with fine food suppliers across the UK.
As their name and appearance suggest, shortbread is a humble treat. But these butter-filled biscuits — a centuries-old Scottish luxury said to have been perfected by Mary Stuart — are a simple, old-fashioned take on the traditional treat. The original Edinburgh Shortbread House Shortbreads are made in a family-run bakery in Scotland and are the best shortbread staff writer Mari Uehara has ever tasted. They melt in your mouth, with a buttery flavor and a delicious crunch (thanks to the novel addition of rice powder) that contrasts beautifully with the bittersweet taste of coffee. The cookies come in pretty, colorful tins and come in a variety of flavors, including Spanish Mandarin, Sicilian Lemon, and Whipped Cream.
This precision kettle with curved handle is ideal for pour-over brewing. Your favorite coffee lover will be amazed by its precise temperature.
The Cuisinart GK-1 Flex Neck Electric Kettle, our recommended Flex Neck Electric Kettle, has a precisely angled spout, making it ideal for pour-over coffee brewing, perhaps paired with a Kalita Wave drip kettle or Chemex coffee maker. The appliance’s specifications are well thought out: the temperature can be adjusted in five-degree increments, and the round handle is comfortable to use. It has a matte black finish that resists fingerprints like stainless steel. Its beautiful shape and compact size make it a great addition to your kitchen countertop.
This ceramic version of the classic New York take-out coffee cup is full of nostalgia and is dishwasher safe.
It’s one of the few affordable conveniences in New York City: grabbing a coffee at a streetside diner before riding the subway on a busy morning. This ceramic Greek coffee cup pays homage to the classic 1963 takeout cup design with an eco-friendly twist. Unlike the original disposable paper cups, these are dishwasher and microwave safe.
For those looking for a high-quality hand grinder that is portable and affordable, this aluminum bowl is a best-in-class option in terms of speed, grinding ease, and consistency.
The Timemore Chestnut C2 lightweight hand grinder is our favorite model under $100. Our testers raved about its impressively smooth and fast grinding process. And the handle is removable for easy storage and portability—perfect for outdoor coffee lovers who don’t want to sacrifice freshly ground coffee. It has an adjustable grind setting, allowing you to grind about 3 tablespoons of ground coffee at a time.
These durable and practical Japanese porcelain cups stack easily for storage and are available in a variety of soft, coordinating shades.
Japanese ceramics company Hasami (named after the region in which it is located) has been making porcelain for over 400 years. Hasami’s hand-made, glazed, microwave- and dishwasher-safe mugs have become a favorite of many Wirecutter staffers. These beautifully shaped mugs are easy to stack, and even mugs of different sizes and complementary colors will look harmonious when combined.
Available in a variety of colours, this travel mug is great for keeping your drink warm and features a locking, leak-proof lid that can be opened with one hand.
We at Wirecutter can’t get enough of the printed stainless steel mugs, and they’ve been a favorite of ours for years. Your loved ones will be just as thrilled when they receive this travel mug as a gift. Zojirushi mugs are vacuum-insulated, which keeps your coffee hot for hours even in cold conditions, like a winter camping trip or a chilly apartment. (They’re also great for keeping your coffee cold.) And with a secure lid, you won’t spill a drop of coffee from this mug. Zojirushi mugs also come in a variety of cute colors, so you can choose a mug that matches your recipient’s style.
This handmade, dishwasher-safe ceramic mug holds only 3 ounces, so instead of a tiny ring, it features a ceramic tongue for a more comfortable grip.
The espresso lover on your list will love these compact and colorful Felt+Fat espresso cups. The mini cups can be purchased individually or as a set, and come in a variety of colors (including cream, gray, orange-red, and blue). It holds 3 ounces of liquid, making it perfect for a refreshing drink. Senior editor Marguerite Preston has been using these little cups for years and says she’d give them to “anyone who makes espresso at home, whether with a percolator or moka pot.”
These elegant and stylish mugs are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and are comfortable to hold, dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.
It’s always annoying when your hot coffee gets cold or your cold coffee gets lukewarm. To keep your drink at a relatively consistent temperature, senior author Lesley Stockton recommends using the Bodum Pavina Double Wall Cup. This stylish tumbler is made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and is double-walled, allowing your drink to stay at your desired temperature for longer. These smooth, rounded tumblers are easy to hold and are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
Your loved one will never have to buy paper coffee filters again. This fine metal mesh filter comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Barista Warrior Reusable Coffee Filters are made from titanium-coated stainless steel, saving you money and eliminating paper waste. Unlike paper filters, this fine-mesh filter doesn’t strip the natural oils from your coffee, so you get a richer cup of coffee while retaining very little grit. (If your coffee-loving friend doesn’t like the slightly gritty flavor of French press coffee, they might prefer a paper filter.) This filter is compatible with Chemex and Hario V60 machines and comes with a lifetime warranty. Author Samantha Schoch has been using this filter for more than 10 years (she admits to never soaking it in vinegar, as recommended), and it still works great.
This lightweight, all-in-one coffee grinder, coffee maker and mug can be used anywhere—just add beans and hot water.
Yuki Izumi, director of coffee at Hi-Collar, a café and sake bar in New York City’s East Village, recommends the Cafflano Klassic all-in-one coffee maker for frequent travelers. “I bought it for a musician friend who tours a lot, and he loves it.” This multi-functional coffee maker includes everything you need to brew and serve coffee: a ceramic grinder, teapot, stainless steel filter, insulated mug, and lid.
The Wirecutter coffee lovers (including one former barista) are raving about this small stovetop kettle from the Japanese enamelware maker. The spout on the Tsuki Usagi Jirushi Slim Pot delivers precise, accurate water. Its slim profile and sleek design make it look great on any shelf. Some people even use it to water their flowers.
This flat bottom drip filter extracts rich, flavorful coffee evenly and pours it directly into your cup.
This filter should appeal to coffee brewing experts, as you’ll need to pay special attention to the speed and purpose of brewing your coffee. In our tests, this machine produced some of the best coffee.
In our quest to find the best filter cup, we brewed over 150 cups of pour-over coffee. We found that the Kalita Wave 185 single-cup filter distributes water evenly and consistently produces a balanced cup of coffee. This easy-to-use filter comes in three simple material options: glass, ceramic, and stainless steel, all of which are stain-resistant. If your favorite coffee lover prefers a more stylish style and has professional brewing techniques, the Hario V-60 Coffee Filter #02 (our second recommendation) is now available in a variety of soft, modern colors, including Dune, Matte Pink, and Mixed Purple.
This smaller, more affordable espresso machine makes the same delicious espresso as much more expensive Nespresso machines.
In our tests, the compact Nespresso Essenza Mini produced drinks that rivaled those made by machines that cost $400 and up. Our testers also praised the ease of use of the machine. For espresso lovers, simply fill the reservoir with water, insert a capsule, and choose between espresso or lungo. Within seconds, a thick layer of foam will form on top of your aromatic cup of espresso. What’s more, the Essenza Mini is backed by a two-year warranty, lifetime technical support from Nespresso, and a flat fee for repairs forever.
This French press features a double-wall construction for superior filtration and heat retention. Available in brushed stainless steel and matte black.
A French press is a great brewing method for those with limited counter space but who want a quick, strong cup of coffee. After testing 15 French presses and brewing over 75 cups of coffee over the years, we chose the sleek Espro P6 French Press as an upgrade. It brews delicious bean-free coffee that stays hot for hours thanks to its double-insulated walls. Like all Espro models, the P6 is designed to stop extraction once you press it, so if your coffee sits in the press for a few hours, it won’t turn bitter or sour. Best of all, the P6 is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Anyone who enjoys cold brew coffee year-round will appreciate having a good cold brew coffee machine. Cold brew coffee machines soak ground coffee in cold water for several hours; this process produces a sweeter, smoother coffee with less bitterness and acidity. (There’s even a community of coffee drinkers who reheat their cold brew to create a smoother hot brew.) After testing, our favorite cold brew coffee machine is the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew. It produces cold brew coffee with balanced acidity, richer flavor, and a cleaner finish than the competition. We also found the OXO model to be the easiest to use and clean.
We love the classic design of this moka pot. It’s super easy to use and produces rich, flavorful coffee.
This classic 1933 Italian coffee machine has been updated by a luxury Italian designer with a colorful mix of patterns.
Senior writer Sarah Whitman tested six moka pots (which brew espresso-like coffee on the stovetop) and confirms that her favorite, the Bialetti Moka Express, is the best in terms of functionality and style. This pot has a simple design, is easy to use and clean, and produces smooth, delicious coffee. Its Art Deco-inspired shape would look chic on any kitchen countertop. That’s especially true if you opt for the Dolce & Gabbana version, which features a vibrant cherry-red base and an intricately patterned top inspired by a Sicilian horse-drawn carriage. This moka pot is pricier than the original, but it’s still a fraction of the price of a real espresso machine.
This lightweight and compact coffee and espresso machine is ideal for travel and makes a delicious cup of coffee without the need for an electrical outlet.
The coffee lovers at Wirecutter are crazy about the original AeroPress coffee maker. In 2005, inventor Alan Alder set out to create a device that could brew coffee manually, eliminating the tedious steps of brewing. The machine has been a favorite among coffee lovers ever since. Simply pour ground coffee and hot water into the tube-shaped container. After two minutes, pour the grounds into a paper filter and enjoy a refreshing, smooth cup of coffee. While the original AeroPress was certainly portable, the AeroPress Go travel coffee maker stores all of its accessories (tamper, measuring spoon, filter) in a container that also doubles as a cup for easy portability. Staff writer Mari Uehara had an AeroPress coffee maker in her desk drawer when she worked in an office. The coffee it makes is seriously good.