If there’s one thing (most!) Serious Eats staffers agree on, it’s coffee. We don’t necessarily agree on a preferred brew method or what coffee beans are best; we just are all on the same page about coffee being essential to our daily lives and for us to function.
As such, we have some thoughts on what coffee equipment we recommend. And, of course, we’ve also reviewed lots of coffee gear on this very site. So in the name of giving you a comprehensive roundup of our favorite coffee gadgets, the list below includes both editor picks and products that have won our extensive testings.
OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
After reviewing coffee grinders, we named this model from OXO the best model for most people. It has a straightforward design that’s intuitive to use and it delivers consistent grinding results at an affordable price tag. For those looking for an upgraded grinder to maximize their control over grind size, we recommend the Baratza Virtuoso+.
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder
Our Updates Editor Jacob Dean wants to also give a shoutout to the Baratza Encore grinder (another one of our top-rated coffee grinders). “A conical burr grinder is a must-own, and the Baratza Encore is basically the best entry-level grinder on the market,” Jacob says. “My wife and I have used it for years and it’s one our essential pieces of kitchen gear.”
AeroPress Coffee Maker
For those looking to brew a single serving of coffee, there is the AeroPress. It’s compact, affordable, and easy to set up. Heck, you can even buy an attachment that allows you to brew espresso-style coffee with it.
Fellow Clara French Press
We named the Fellow Clara French Press our overall favorite after testing 10 different French presses. It has a sleek, matte finish, a weighted handle that makes for a balanced pour, and a double-walled chamber that provides excellent heat retention. In short: It’s great. For those looking for a more budget-friendly model, we liked the French press from Coffee Gator.
MiiR Camp Cup
Coffee drinkware is, of course, very important too and can extend how long you enjoy a hot cup of coffee. “I drink out of this mug almost every morning and it keeps my coffee hot for hours. Features like the square handle and slide lid make it both functional and easy to look at (plus it’s available in a multitude of colors),” Associate Editor Kristina Razon says.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
If you’re into smart gadgets, it’s worth giving the Ember Mug a look. It’s controlled by an app, where you set your ideal coffee temperature (135°F is our go-to). When you pour coffee in the mug, it lets the coffee cool down to this preset temperature and then holds it there for up to 1.5 hours…or longer, if the mug is on its charging pad.
OXO Compact Cold Brew Maker
Our favorite cold brew maker is this model from OXO. It produces fantastic cold brew, is easy to use, and is on the small side, which means it’s easier to store. Plus, its compact glass carafe fits the fridge. If you’re looking for a larger cold brew maker, we recommend this one from Toddy.
Breville Milk Cafe Milk Frother
When we tested milk frothers, we looked at foam quality, versatility, and design. This model from Breville was one of our favorites, as it offers a temperature control and has a large capacity, so it can fit enough milk for a few drinks at once. For those who are looking to make DIY lattes or cappuccinos but are on a budget or lack the storage space for an electric model, we recommend this handheld frother from Golde.
Kalita Pour-Over Coffee Brewer
Of the pour-over devices on the market, the Kalita Wave is one of our favorites. “Its flat-bottom design makes even extraction of the coffee easier, for a more consistent cup,” says Senior Culinary Director Daniel Gritzer. “[It’s a] foolproof device for small-batch pour-over.”
Stanley Legacy Quadvac Travel Mug
After testing 11 travel mugs, this model from Stanley came out on top. It’s incredibly durable, offers excellent heat and cold retention, and comes with a lifetime warranty. For those looking to bring a whole lot of coffee with them, we also reviewed the best insulated thermoses.
The Breville Bambino Plus
When we reviewed espresso machines, we looked for ones that were easy to use and produced high-quality coffee. This model from Breville ticked all of our boxes and has a built-in steamer. Even testers that had no coffee experience had success with this model. As we said in our review, “itâs almost more difficult to make a bad espresso drink with this machine than it is to make a good one.”
Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Coffee Maker
Of course, espresso machines are expensive. For a cheaper alternative, we also love a Moka Pot, which is a classic for a good reason. Associate Editor Yasmine Maggio uses her Moka Pot and a handheld milk frother to make “a near-replica of a cappuccino,” she writes.
Mud Australia Espresso Cup
If you have an espresso machine you need a couple of espresso cups, naturally. These handmade ones from Mud Australia are some of our favorites. They’re comfortable to hold and come in beautiful matte shades, like Ash and Plum.
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Cordless Electric Kettle
A variable temperature electric kettle is worth having in your coffee arsenal. As we explained in our electric kettles review, coffee is “considered by many pros to be best when brewed at between 195 and 205°F, below the boiling point (212°F).” This means a kettle that can heat water to a precise temperature and hold it there is very helpful when brewing with, say, a French press. Our favorite is this model from Cuisinart, which has a plethora of settings and is easy to use.
Bonavita Variable Temperature Electric Gooseneck Kettle
If pour-over coffee is more your speed, a gooseneck kettle, with its precise spout, is ideal for the kind of even, gentle pour needed this method calls for. Again, we like a variable temperature model so we can set a specific temperature depending on the roast we’re brewing.
Breville Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker
We tested 15 models to find the best automatic drip coffee makerâand this brewer from Breville was one of our favorites. In our taste tests, it came out on top and is even compatible with pour over devices, such as the Kalita Wave.
