Kettles, Grinders and More: The Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers According to Pros
If you have a coffee lover in your life, we’ve got the perfect holiday gift list for you. From grinding machines to pour over devices to milk frothers and everything in between, this gift guide has something for any coffee connoisseur.
But don’t take our word for it: we spoke to coffee pros across the country to get their picks for the top gifts.
Check out their recommendations below.
1. Breville Barista Express Impress
According to Andrea Allen, U.S. Barista Champion (2020), World Barista Championship Runner-Up (2021) and co-founder of Arkansas’ Onyx Coffee Lab, this is the perfect top-of-the-line espresso machine for a budding coffee drinker.
“This is Breville’s newest espresso machine release, and it has some great new functionalities,” says Allen. “It features a smart tamping and dosing technology. For the layperson, it basically helps determine how much coffee you should use for an espresso shot, and then helps you evenly tamp in for ultimate success with espresso brewing.”
2. Bonavita 8 Cup Coffee Maker
“Simply put, this brewer has been used in my house every day for the last seven years, without so much as a hiccup. It just works,” says Ross Beamish, head of accounts & partnerships at Anchorhead Coffee Co. in Seattle. Beamish also notes that this model perfectly regulates temperature and water flow. Both of which are vital to making a good cup of coffee.
The Bonavita also has a “simple design,” says Beamish. All you need to do is tap the on switch and you’re “ready to brew.”
3. AEVO Milk Frothing Machine
This one is for all the latte lovers out there (although it’s also great for hot chocolate). A solid and durable milk warmer and frother is a must. This one has four modes and no chance of the milk frothing out of your cup, which can happen with the handheld models.
“I love that this machine can make steamed milk, foam, hot or cold—it’s super versatile,” says Sahra Nguyen, founder of Nguyen Coffee Supply, which imports Vietnamese beans and roasts in Brooklyn. “Unlike other frothers where they have to hold it the whole time, with the AEVO they can just set it then forget it.”
4. The AeroPress Go
This handy device lets users brew a quick cup on the go, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
“One of the best alternate brewing methods for the least amount of money is an Aeropress,” says LaNisa Williams, a barista and the creator of #BlackinBrew, a social network and platform that spotlights Black coffeemakers and companies in Los Angeles. “It’s great for traveling, camping or just single cup of coffee at home. You can also buy accessories to make espresso.”
5. Coffee Scoop
Hazel de los Reyes, co-owner of Gumption Coffee, an award-winning Australian coffee company, now with three NYC locations, contends that finding the perfect coffee scoop is not so simple. And it’s the ideal stocking stuffer for any coffee drinker.
“This one is a true one-heaped-scoop per person (and one for the pot) kind of scoop,” she says. “Because some mornings you can’t be bothered fiddling around with scales.”
6. Primula Cold Brewer
This gadget allows you to make cold brew the night before, so that it’s ready for the morning.
“I really like its simplicity, no coffee-geekery required, and it brews while you sleep,” says De los Reyes.
7. Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder
“This is the gold standard of home grinders,” says Beamish, who contends that the Encore, Baratza’s entry level grinder will more than do the trick.
“Everything that’s essential about Baratza’s high end models is preserved in their base model design. You get a robust motor for a lifetime of grinding and a high-quality burr set that can process a ton of ground coffee before being swapped out. On top of that Baratza has next level customer service. Sure, they have grinders for close to $1,000 dollars, but I’ve spent the last 10 years grinding with the Encore almost every day and the thing just works.”
8. Schott Zweisel Martini Glasses
This one is for all the espresso martini lovers out there.
“Stylish, affordable and dishwasher-safe, these are my go-to for serving espresso martinis,” says Vince Nguyen, founder of Nam Coffee, a specialty Vietnamese coffee roaster out of Orange County, California. “The shape nods to the return of the classic v-glass, while the angled lip offers a bit of extra security for folks who gravitate towards coupes for practicality.”
9. Yeti Rambler 20oz Travel Mug
A travel mug makes a great gift for coffee lovers, but not all to-go mugs are created equal.
“This mug is so thoughtfully designed,” says Sahra Nguyen. “The base is narrow, and the handle is positioned higher so that it can still fit in cup holders.”
Plus, it has a leak-resistant lid, double-walled vacuum insulation and is dishwasher safe.
10. Chemex Pour Coffee Maker
Chemex Pour Coffee Maker
Allen suggests the classic Chemex as a failproof gift. “I love Chemex as a slow, intentional way to brew coffee, as well as a beautiful vessel to serve from,” she says.
“Chemex always produces clean, bright coffees. I also love putting flowers into it when I’m not using it to brew.”
11. Fellow Stagg Electric Kettle
Allen also recommends this beautiful electric kettle, especially for any design enthusiasts on your list, who also happen to drink coffee.
“For pour-overs you’ll need a gooseneck kettle for optimal control,” says Allen. “This kettle is a variable temperature kettle, so you can set the temperature based on your recipe. It’s great because it’s versatile and you can also use it for tea.”
