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To find a suitable cup of coffee, many coffee lovers like to look beyond the local big java store. Sure, they may have their favorite neighborhood coffee shop, or they prefer a small chain. But who are they? truly Picky about their morning (or evening) caffeine intake, or those who enjoy the ritual of making coffee, a little housework is necessary.
However, sometimes a Keurig or basic drip machine just doesn’t cut it for the practical coffee lover. Whether your home barista setup needs a pick-up or your office could use an upgrade, we’ve rounded up some of the best coffee makers and essentials to ensure you’re getting the perfect espresso, pouring coffee or decaffeinating. Let’s not forget that your java is as good as the bean you choose, so we made a few suggestions there as well.
From good old French presses to integrated espresso machines that also look stylish on the counter, plus all the tools you need to brew a cup or two, check out our top picks below.
The best coffee makers
1. De’Longhi Specialist Coffee Maker
Best espresso machine overall
The La Specialista coffee maker from De’Longhi is the ideal product for the home brewer. (Brad Pitt is an ambassador for the Italian company.) He checks all the boxes to make great espresso, with a real, practical feel. You can customize the pressure and grind size, as well as the filling of your coffee to make the perfect shot together. There is also a mode for regular coffee, and milk steam so you can prepare latte, cappuccino and other caffeinated foods.
De’Longhi coffee maker specialist
$899.95
on Amazon.com
Buy now
2. Breville Baby Espresso Machine
The best compact espresso machine
Breville’s Bambino is a compact espresso machine with a barista feel. The classics are all there: coffee filters, tamper, milk steamer, and milk jug. But they are much smaller – and much cheaper – than your more advanced home appliances. For those who need a quick fix, this is the ideal option. The company also offers its own subscription coffee partner, as well as a barista kit, if you want to enjoy a more immersive experience.
Breville Bambino espresso machine
300 dollars
Buy now
3. Terra Kaffe TK-01 coffee machine
The most elegant all-in-one coffee machine
There’s not much that the Terra Kaffe TK-01 coffee maker can’t do. Simply pop in a whole grain, choose your drink, and you’re ready to go – all in less than a minute. Equipped with its own milk frother as well as different settings for the type of espresso you want, the Swedish-designed machine takes the hassle out of premium coffee. But there is also an attraction for coffee owners where you can change the pressure and temperature, as well as change the milk options.
Terra Kaffe TK-01 coffee maker
$825
Buy now
4. Wacaco Nanopresso
Best espresso maker for travel
The Nanopresso requires a bit more work than some of the machines on this list, but for convenience, it’s worth it—especially if you’re camping or are picky about your coffee when traveling. This hand-operated espresso machine allows the user to prepare a high-quality dose of coffee wherever they are in the world. Part of the appeal is that it can generate 18 bars of pressure – roughly the same amount you’d find in a standard coffee shop espresso machine. And the results are delicious, too!
Wakaku Nanpresso
$69.90
on Amazon.com
Buy now
5. Chemex coffee maker drip filter
Best coffee maker
The Chemex drip coffee maker has always been a must for pouring enthusiasts who love the ritual of grinding their own beans, boiling their own water, setting the filter and patiently pouring water in a spiral for the perfect cup. The company recently released a 13-cup version, but if you only need a cup or two (or more), Chemex also offers three, six, eight and ten cup coffee makers. Don’t forget to get paper filters or a reusable steel option (like this elegant gold titanium plated by Barista Warrior) if you prefer an eco-friendly alternative.
Chemex Coffee Maker, Pour Over Glass, 6 Cups
USD 47.93
on Amazon.com
Buy now
6. Bodum French Press coffee maker
Best French journalism overall
You can’t go wrong with Bodum’s classic Chambord French Press, which delivers about eight four-ounce cups of joe. We like that it doesn’t require any filters, thus preserving the quality and flavor of the beans.
Bodum French coffee machine
US$36.46
on Amazon.com
Buy now
7. Colleague Clara French Press
The most elegant French press
Although most people prefer something more convenient like an automatic drip machine, a well-made French press can still make a distinct cup of coffee — one that extracts the best from a bag of high-quality ground beans. This award-winning option from Clara is sturdy and comfortable, not to mention eye-catching with a tough, non-stick internal filter that can keep up with the stress of everyday use. The insulation also ensures that your coffee stays hot for multiple cups.
Clara French Press coffee maker
$135
Buy now
8. OXO Brew Cold Pressed Brew Maker
Best cold brew coffee maker
It is very easy to prepare a cold drink in the refrigerator. Technically, all you need is a mason jar and the appropriate beans. But the right cold brew maker can make finer coffee than you might be able to manage on your own. Such is the case with the OXO Cold Brew Maker, an elegant range with a convenient seal that maximizes flavor extraction from the ground. It also keeps the coffee properly cold throughout the day.
OXO Cold Pressed Beverage Maker
$34.95
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Best coffee beans and subscriptions
Atlas coffee club
If you want to travel the world with your taste every morning, Atlas Coffee Club’s Coffee of the month subscription lets you try a new bag of single-origin coffee beans grown in Kenya, Ethiopia, Costa Rica and other countries. They will grind your beans depending on the brewing method you choose (including drip, French press, pour, espresso pods, Aeropress, cold brew or multiple options) and you can choose from light to dark roast, delivery frequency (every two) or four weeks) and the number and size of bags per shipment. You’ll get a postcard and fun facts about the beans and the country of origin with your order, too.
Atlas coffee club
From $Tk to $K
Buy now
2. Subscribe to the blue coffee bottle
The third-wave coffee chain that brought expensive prices to the masses offers its own whole-bean subscription service so you can make your own Blue Bottle at home. (We like the consistency of flavor per roast.) Choose from blends, single-source variations, espresso, cold brew, or decaffeinated coffee beans, and expect freshness with every bag shipped within 48 hours of roasting.
Blue Bottle Coffee subscription
$13 and up per month
Buy now
3. Driftaway Coffee subscription
Driftaway highlights farmers who are spread all over the world. Working with small farms around the world, Driftaway brings single-source coffee to Brooklyn roasters before pick-boxes—allowing you to experiment with different types of roasts with each delivery. The company also helps you find your perfect beans first with a virtual tasting, so you can select the right roast before committing to a long-term sub.
Driftaway Coffee Subscription
$18 per shipment
Buy now
4. Beanz Barista’s Choice . Subscription
Created by Breville, the online Beanz coffee bean store that works with you, connects to local roasters and serves great coffee every two weeks. High-quality beans will arrive at your doorstep within 48 hours after ordering – and you can customize the grind size, roasting type and shipping regularity. Expect a selection of nearly 200 bags of roasters including Santa Cruz’s Verve, Seattle’s Ladro, Oakland’s AKA, Grand Rapids’ Madcap, Los Angeles Groundwork and many, many more across the United States if you prefer to have a professional do the work for you. About You The company’s Barista’s Choice subscription ($16 per bag per delivery) lets you customize your shipment by flavor, brew method, frequency (every one, two, three or four weeks), number of bags, and type of grind.
Beanz Barista’s Choice Subscription
$16 per bag per delivery
Buy now
The best coffee accessories, from kettles to grinders
Stagg Kettle Fellow EKG
If you have a fancy machine, you don’t need a proper boiler. But if you are a fan of French press or a food lover, it is imperative that you have the right kettle to thrive properly. The Stagg EKG kettle is perfect for that, with a real-time thermometer, gooseneck spout and ergonomic handle – providing precise, controlled pouring.
Stagg EKG Gooseneck Kettle
$195.00
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Orchard Burr Mill
If you prefer to buy whole beans – or want to customize your grind – the right grinder is essential. This one from Baratza is about as imaginative as they come. Fully electronic and equipped with 40 (!!) grinding settings, you’ll be able to get the perfect consistency in no time.
Orchard Burr Mill
$169.95
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Knock Box Homeeffect
Whether you compost or just need a compact, clean way to empty your grounds, we like Homeffect’s No-Hassle Tray that makes it easy to empty your coffee filter.
Knock Box Homeeffect
$19.95
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Zulay Milk Foam
For latte and matcha lovers (or those who stuck to their dalgona coffee), perfectly frothy milk is a must. We love the Zulai Milk Frother for its texture and ease of use, and it also comes with its own stand for convenient storage.
Zulay Milk Foam
USD 14.97
on Amazon.com
Buy now