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+.
Our former 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."
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 (which we do recommend).
We named the Fellow Clara French Press our overall favorite after testing 18 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.
Coffee drinkware is, of course, very important too and can extend how long you enjoy a hot cup of coffee. We like this insulated mug that keeps coffee hot for hours. It has a grippy, square handle and a slider lid and is available in a range of colors. (The green speckled! The light blue! The copper!)
If you're into smart gadgets, it's worth giving the Ember Travel 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 hours. You can check out our full review of it here.
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.
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 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.
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."
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, "it’s almost more difficult to make a bad espresso drink with this machine than it is to make a good one." If you're a beginner and looking for an espresso machine that automates some of the trickier part of the brewing process, the Breville Barista Express Impress is a good pick. It's more expensive, but has some great features, like automated tamping and dosing.
After testing 15 travel mugs, this model from Zojirushi came out on top. It keeps drinks wicked hot and has a locking lid for peace of mind. For those looking to take a lot of coffee on the road, we also reviewed the best insulated thermoses.
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.
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.
A variable-temperature electric kettle is worth having in your coffee arsenal. As we explained in our electric kettles review, "Did you know many teas and coffees actually do better at far lower temperatures than the boiling point of 212 degrees? Some green tea, for example, tastes best when steeped in 160 to 170°F water." 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 Fellow, which has a plethora of settings and is easy to use.
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.
We tested 16 models to find the best automatic drip coffee maker—and this brewer from OXO was one of our favorites. In our taste tests, it came out on top and it's incredibly easy to use and fairly well-priced.
If you're into pour-over coffee and looking for a scale that'll really allow you to tinker and even help you with flow rate, we recommend the Acaia Pearl. You can read more about it and check out our budget-friendly recommendation here.
The Spinn Coffee Maker is pretty much the only all-in-one, fully automated brewer we recommend. It's a centrifugal brewer and has a built-in grinder and a range of coffee options, including cold brew, Americano, drip, and espresso. It's even app-compatible. Of course, it's wicked pricey. However, its convenience may be well worth it to some.
For those short on countertop space or who are looking for a travel-friendly option, we reviewed handheld coffee grinders. This model from 1ZPresso was on of our favorites. It has a foldable handle and was easy to use and simple to adjust. In fact, it ground coffee just as well as a motorized burr grinder.
For those looking to roast their own coffee at home (fresh, fresh, fresh!), we tested home coffee roasters. Our favorite had customizable settings and an easy-to-clean glass carafe.
FAQs
What's the best coffee maker?
We extensively reviewed automatic drip coffee makers and named models from Ratio Six and OXO our favorites. You can read more about our winners and how we tested here.
How much should you spend on a coffee maker?
The answer to this depends on a lot of factors (like your budget and features you're looking for, such as a programmable start). However, we found our favorite coffee makers were more expensive—at about $200-plus. We were also able to pinpoint some reasons why these brewers cost more, which you can read about here.