The Best Coffee Makers and Accessories to Buy As Black Friday Gifts
Coffee supplies are some of my favorite winter gifts (to buy and receive). People who love coffee often want a fancier coffee maker or some flashy accessories, but they probably won’t spend the money on themselves—and for good reason: the best equipment tends to be a little expensive.
But not so expensive during the post-Thanksgiving sales: If you’re shopping for a gift for your caffeinated friends and family (or even yourself), here’s a guide to some of the most important coffee-related gifts you’ll find. on sale this Black Friday.
Coffee grinder with millstones
When it comes to getting the best flavor from your coffee beans, you need to start with a good grind. A blade grinder will grind your beans in a rather uncontrollable manner, but a burr grinder will give you ground material that is the most uniform size and shape, which can improve the flavor of your coffee. This electric burr coffee grinder from Cuisinart has 18 grind settings so you can prepare beans for everything from espresso to French press. Right now, it’s on sale for $46.99 , which is 22% off its $59.95 retail price—sure, an entry-level sander, but at a decent price.
Sexy coffee maker
Choosing the right drip coffee machine is not an easy task with countless models vying for your attention. If you’re looking for an appliance that has an elegant look without sacrificing quality, you should consider the Braun Multiserve Plus . This drip coffee machine brews single servings and half carafes, all the way up to a full 10-cup brew. It is also used to make a cold drink. As if that weren’t enough, this machine has a 50-ounce water tank and a timer so you can make plenty of coffee as soon as you wake up. Braun Multiserve Plus is normally $149.99, 33% off at $99.95 .
Reasonably sized espresso machine
There are those of us who live a more European lifestyle—sipping a single shot of espresso in the morning, writing poetry or whatever before noon—or maybe you just want a way to make your own double caramel macchiato. Whatever the reason, an espresso machine is a must. For a fairly discreet home kitchen-sized solution, consider the KitchenAid Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine . I love that its simple design doesn’t require 50% of your counter space. This machine features a flat bottom portafilter for easy compaction and a steam wand for frothing milk. Typically priced at $349.99, this is a cool gift, but it’s currently 38% off or $218.49 .
Increased foaming
Many espresso machines have steam wands, but most home latte drinkers aren’t trained baristas, and it’s very easy to steam the milk with a standard wand, especially if you’re using non-dairy milk. The Dreo BaristaMaker eliminates all the guesswork and burnt fingertips: this smart device can make cold or hot foam, as well as the silky fine microfoam you love from your favorite cafe. It also has settings for almond, coconut, and oat milk, so you don’t have to worry about your drink going bad. Buy it now for $84.99 , which is 15% off the regular retail price.
Gooseneck teapot
For avid pour-over lovers, there is simply no other brewing method. But to achieve a perfect pour, the soil needs to be moistened, and for this you will need a gooseneck kettle. Try the OXO Brew Gooseneck Electric Kettle , which has precise temperature control and an easy-to-place handle to keep your shoulder from straining from getting the perfect pour. It’s now priced at $79 , which is 25% off its original retail price of $104.95.
Some good beans
All the fashion accessories should not detract from the importance of quality coffee beans. While you should really just give your recipient the beans he already likes, if you’re not sure (or if he’s still figuring out what kind of coffee he likes), try a batch of illy. This coffee is made in Italy and is a great place if you’re not sure what beans to buy. For Black Friday, a can of illy whole bean coffee is on sale for $9.57 , which is 35% off the regular $14.99.
Mug warmer
You can argue that a mug warmer can heat up a lot more than coffee , but let’s not forget that it actually keeps your coffee warm, which is very important when the temperature drops. Once all the grinding, brewing and frothing is done, it’s time to drink and enjoy the drink. Invest in a simple electric mug warmer to let your cup rest while you go about your business and take the time to enjoy it. It’s currently $19.89, 23% off the regular $25.99. It may be a simple gift, but it can go a long way in your morning ritual.