The world of coffee is wide, wonderful, and frankly, a little unwieldy. You could publish a whole dictionary on coffee-related terms and still ask yourself how a small brown bean could be so bewildering. But that doesn’t mean you should be intimidated! From basic blade grinders and classic drip machines, to top-of-the-line burr grinders and niche espresso equipment, we’ve rounded up some of the best-selling items on Amazon that can boost your caffeination game. Regardless of your brewing method, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how being your own barista can be both empowering and enjoyable!
1. Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Coffee Bean Grinder
Taking caffeination seriously doesn’t have to mean you spend all your disposable income on it. This stainless steel grinder from Amazon Basics is proof that sometimes, simple is superior. You can grind 30 grams of beans for your morning cup of joe in just 10 seconds, and the clear safety lid allows you to monitor the progression from coarse to fine. Its compact design makes it a countertop staple that doesn’t clutter your kitchen — because the last thing you need in the morning is a new mess to clean up.
2. OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
We’re not here to start (or resolve) a debate, but for those of you looking to take the leap from blade to burr, this OXO conical burr coffee grinder is an ideal stepping stone. The burrs help create more uniformly sized grounds, allowing for optimal flavor extraction during the brew phase. We’re impressed by the relatively modest price for a one-touch machine that has 15 unique grind size settings, and a UV-blocking, tinted hopper that can hold 12 ounces of beans. Plus, the stainless steel container fights and significantly reduces static, helping you keep your counter free of stray grounds.
3. YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug
When it comes to coffee, temperature is everything — especially when it comes to the consumption of it. This Yeti Rambler puts an adventurous spin on the traditional tumbler, featuring an insulating, double-walled design and a magnetic slider lid to help keep your joe hot without burning your hands. While it’s marketed primarily as a camping mug, I’m partial to using mine at home so I can sip my coffee all morning without it going cold. The hardest part of the purchasing process? Figuring out what color you’re going to get!
4. COSORI Coffee Mug Warmer & Mug Set
There’s nothing worse than going to sip your morning joe only to find it’s gone totally cold. Rather than throwing it in the microwave (only to forget about it afterward), why not try this desk-top mug and warmer set from COSORI? With the touch of a button, you can reheat your coffee to any desired temperature. The rubber sleeve and stainless steel handle keep your hands protected and make for a comfortable sipping experience that will keep you content to the last drop.
5. Caffe Borbone 150 Single Served Espresso Coffee Pods
For me, making espresso just never seemed to be worth the mess. But since discovering these single-serving espresso pods, I’m reconsidering my stance. Caffe Borbone helps you get all of the flavor of espresso while avoiding all of the mess that comes with measuring, tamping, and cleaning. Just pop one of these pucks into your machine and toss it in your compost bin when you’re finished pulling your morning double. That’s right, they’re fully compostable and wrapped in recyclable paper — I’d call that a win-win!
6. Lareina Porcelain Stackable Espresso Cups with Saucers, Spoons and Metal Stand
I may just be behind the times, but I didn’t even know stackable espresso receptacles like this existed until last year. But for coffee lovers with limited counter space, they’re a game changer. These cups, saucers, and stirring spoons come in a set of six, along with a metal rack for stacking. They’re proper espresso cups, so don’t expect to fit a full 12 ounces of joe in them, but they’re perfect for cortados and cappuccinos. The porcelain is dishwasher and microwave safe, making for an easy clean-up before heading out for work!
7. Krups Silent Vortex Coffee and Spice Grinder with Removable Dishwasher Safe Bowl
This silent grinder is a winner for early birds with kids or roommates. It boasts a patented technology that helps minimize sound, meaning you can enjoy freshly ground coffee without waking up the house. Plus, Krups designed it with a dishwasher-safe removable container, which is a rare feature for blade grinders. That makes it easy to grind other large spices and dry herbs — just pop it in the dishwasher between uses to prevent coffee that tastes suspiciously like black pepper.
8. Breville Smart Grinder Pro BCG820BSS
If you talk to any coffee aficionado, the first thing they’ll tell you is that a quality grinder can make all the difference. Burr grinders like this Breville Smart Grinder Pro help minimize the heat production during grinding, protecting the oils and integrity of the beans and resulting in superior flavor extraction. The price is nothing to laugh at, but this model offers 60 precise grind settings, a timer that can be adjusted to 0.2-second increments, and a cradle that allows you to grind directly into your portafilter like a proper espresso-pro. If it were any smarter, it would probably ask what kind of latte art you wanted.
9. BLACK+DECKER 12-Cup Digital Coffee Maker
There’s a reason traditional drip coffee makers still exist and are the chosen instrument for countless restaurants, shared households, and office break rooms: They work well and are almost impossible to mess up. This 12-cup model has plenty of capacity, and even has a programmable auto-brew feature that allows you to set a brew-time. Just make sure to add the water before you go to bed — otherwise you’ll wake up to an empty pot and grumpy friends.
10. Melitta 4 Cone Coffee Filters
People always seem to forget that many coffee-making methods require paper filters. It’s true: Paper towels will work in a pinch, but since the material is designed to absorb liquid, it tends to soak up flavor and depth, too. Having a box of these affordable cone filters on hand is a sure-fire way to stay on top of your caffeination game. They should fit all eight- and twelve-ounce commercial drip machines, as well as most pour-over coffee makers, too. Pro-tip: Melitta makes Number 2 filters that suit smaller pour-overs!
11. Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine
I’ll say it: Nespresso has some of my favorite commercials, simply because they feature George Clooney’s voice. But don’t let that silver fox overshadow the product! The VertuoPlus actually brews an exceptional espresso for a fraction of the work. It has a slim, one-cup design that fits on even the smallest of kitchen counters or study desks. The machine warms up in 15 seconds, meaning you can have your macchiato in-hand before your toast is done!
12. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine BES870XL
If there were a high-school-style superlative for “Most Well-Rounded Coffee Machine,” this Barista Express machine from Breville would win before I could open my locker. It’s a three-in-one model complete with an integrated burr grinder, extractor, and steam wand. Plus, your purchase includes a stainless steel milk jug for steaming, a tamper, and a portafilter, among other things. It’s aptly named, since you’ll feel like a real barista when you use it, but hopefully without any of the chaos of demanding customers running late for work.
13. CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Espresso Maker with Milk Frother Steam Wand
While some people want the full cafe set-up at home, I’m more than content with a single serving espresso machine, especially since I’m the only coffee-drinker in my household. This model from CASABREWS has single and double settings, along with a powerful built-in milk steamer for those cortados and lattes. The pressure gauge helps you pull the perfect cup, and the removable tank can store 34 ounces of water. For an at-home espresso machine that doesn’t take up too much countertop real estate, the modest price makes this a winner.
14. Veken Coffee Canister
Don’t get me wrong — I love coffee, but I’m not ready to splurge on a fancy grinder yet, which means I get my beans ground at the neighborhood spot where I buy them. That makes it hard to preserve the freshness and flavor, so I try to drink it all within a few weeks. But with this Veken canister, I won’t have to worry about that anymore! It’s an airtight stainless steel container with a built-in date counter to help you track when you last replaced the grounds. It even comes with its own measuring scoop that slides into a side loop for storage.
15. BODUM Pour Over Coffee Maker with Permanent Filter
Since discovering the pour-over method of making coffee, I’ve never looked back. It’s the perfect way to make a single cup in the morning without any waste. This BODUM pour-over is made of borosilicate glass that’s both heat-resistant and durable, with an added cork band in the middle to protect your hands while pouring. It can hold 32 ounces of brewed coffee, so feel free to invite your friends for brunch! The reusable stainless steel filter helps extract flavor without paper waste and will last for years.
16. Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker
Probably the most well known single-serving coffee name in the game, Keurig continues to deliver a quality cup of joe at a fraction of the effort. This K-Express model offers three different cup sizes, a removable 42-ounce water container, and a “strong” button that increases the boldness of your brew. While some one-touch machines can’t accommodate taller travel mugs, this one has a removable drip tray that creates space to fit thermoses up to 7.4 inches. Its slim and simplistic design make it a welcome addition to any countertop.
17. Normcore V4 Coffee Tamper 53.3mm – Spring-loaded Tamper
Tamping may not be a process (or art) everyone is familiar with, but die-hard espresso lovers know that it’s one of the many painstaking steps to pulling a flavorful shot. This spring-loaded tamper from Normcore automatically applies the perfect amount of pressure every time. It’s a strong choice for first-time users, since manual tampers carry the risk of over- or under-tamping, which can dramatically affect the water distribution during the extraction process. When you’re done with it, just place it in the storage tray to avoid getting stray grounds on the counter.
18. AMOAMI Coffee Mat
While some coffee equipment will fit neatly into drawers and cupboards, certain things like espresso machines and drip coffee makers will probably take up residence on the countertop. To help you keep the clutter and cleaning to a minimum, check out this quick-drying coffee mat. It’s rubber backed, so even large spills won’t seep underneath and stain your countertops. And since it’s made of the same material most drying mats use, feel free to leave your portafilter, steaming jug, and espresso cup out to dry when you’re done!
19. New Star Foodservice 28829 Commercial Grade Stainless Steel 18/8 12 oz Frothing Pitcher and Die Cast Aluminum Tamper Combo Set
Though many espresso machine sets will include a frothing pitcher and tamper, some don’t — and it’s always good to know where to find quality accessories. This 12-ounce pitcher with stamped-in measurements is made of commercial grade stainless steel, making it both durable and elegant. It comes with a dual-sided aluminum tamper for small and large portafilters. You’ll want to handwash the tamper (or just brush off the grounds with a towel) since it’s made of cast aluminum, but the pitcher is dishwasher safe.
20. MATOW 53mm Coffee Distributor & Tamper
Distributing is like the preface to tamping — casual espresso drinkers will probably go straight to the main event, while die-hards will say proper ground distribution is a must. I’m of the mind that if something small can contribute to a better brew, it’s worth trying. Plus, there is something undeniably satisfying about slowly spinning the MATOW distributor to perfectly level your grounds. Then, flip it around to tamp before pulling your shot to achieve maximum flavor extraction.
21. Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle, 1 Liter
If you’re a pour-over or Aeropress user, you know that a good gooseneck kettle goes a long way toward perfecting your brew process. This one-liter electric version from Brewista is top of the line, offering exact temperature control and a flash-boil mode for when you’re in a rush. I’m particularly fond of the warming mode that allows you to keep your water at a specific temperature for an extended period of time. Plus, they come in a range of playful colors that brighten up your countertop.
22. Mecity Electric Gooseneck Kettle With LCD Display, Automatic Shut Off
Not all gooseneck kettles are made equal, and this Mecity model has some sweet features that can assist during the brew process. The built-in LED stopwatch is probably the most handy, ensuring you can accurately time your brew from start to finish. But don’t count out the small things, like the auto-off feature that will prevent you from overheating your water, as well as the heat-resistant cap and handle. The number of times I’ve burned myself from the top of my gooseneck has me thinking twice about upgrading to Mecity soon.
23. Electric Milk Frother, 4 in 1 Milk Steamer
Personally, steam wands have always scared me. They just seem angry, and they get way hotter than you expect them to — I have to imagine they account for the most barista burns behind the counter. So if you’d like to leave it to the professionals without having to sacrifice perfectly frothed milk for your cappuccinos, check out this no-fuss frother and steamer that does the work for you. Just pour your milk in and hit the button! The stainless steel liner and frothing ring are both removable, making clean-up simple, too.
24. JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated Glasses Espresso Mugs
When it comes to insulation, double-walled vessels reign supreme. It’s not just because they keep you from burning your hands, but they actually work better, too. And even though espresso is consumed pretty quickly, it doesn’t hurt to have a set of elegant glass cups that help keep your double-shot at the perfect sipping temperature. Because they’re made from durable borosilicate glass, these little guys are both microwave and dishwasher safe. Just be warned: These are not full-size coffee mugs, so look elsewhere for a home for your 12-ounce joe.
25. Coffee Gator Gooseneck Kettle with Thermometer
As someone who has limited outlets in an already small kitchen, I try to avoid new appliances that have to be plugged in. This stovetop gooseneck is my vessel of choice when it comes to heating up water for my morning pour-over. Of course, it doesn’t come with any fancy auto-off features so you’ll have to keep a closer eye on it, but it does have a handy “golden-zone” marking on the thermometer to help you brew a perfect cup. It comes in a few different sizes, too, so take your pick depending on how many coffee-drinkers you have in the house!
26. Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Handheld
The day my family got a handheld frother as a gift was the day it became my favorite kitchen instrument ever. I was young, so I wasn’t exactly in my cortado phase yet, but that’s part of the beauty of a frother like this — it’s a great way to mix matcha, hot chocolate, and protein shakes, too! To clean it, all you have to do is run it under warm water and briefly turn it on. It’s small and powered by AA batteries so don’t worry about finding a spot on the counter for it. (Unless you want to — it comes with its own stand!)
27. KitchenTour Coffee Scale with Timer
The handheld frother may have been my favorite gift as a kid, but the coffee scale I got last year is by far the best gift I could have received as an adult. As someone who’s been making pour-over for years, let me be the first to say — weighing out your coffee is probably the easiest way to improve your brew process. The next easiest step to add is timing, and with this scale from KitchenTour, you can do both! Pro tip: Be sure to use the “tare” button to zero out the weight before you begin pouring so you get an accurate read of how much water you’re using.
28. Nespresso Capsules VertuoLine
In a world full of coffee pods, these capsules reign supreme. Long-time Nespresso fans will know that the Vertuo line is their top-tier espresso experience, building off the popularity of their original model. It offers a full range of sizes and nifty technology that scans each capsule’s barcode to automatically adjust the brew setting depending on what you’re making. This particular box of capsules is for a classic double espresso, and is one of Amazon’s best-selling products for a reason!
29. Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Wide Mouth Bottle
Stanley’s made plenty of waves recently — waves almost as big as their tumblers — but don’t let the hype overshadow the very real practicality their thermos offers. This vacuum insulated bottle isn’t as flashy as their other models, but it’s a tried and true way to keep your coffee hot for up to 24 hours. Like any good thermos, the leak-free lid screws off to double as an eight-ounce cup, making this my top choice for long car rides or camping adventures. It’s made out of rust-proof stainless steel so it’s also dishwasher safe.
30. JavaPresse Manual Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
It might look like a pepper mill, but this hand-held stainless steel burr grinder from JavaPresse isn’t for seasoning. It has 18 different settings, making it a great gift for coffee purists who prefer to grind their beans by hand or outdoor adventurers who still want fresh beans in the backcountry. The burr itself is made of ceramic and helps eliminate much of the noise that typically accompanies grinding beans. You’ll have to put in a little work for your morning joe, but the best things in life don’t always come easy.
31. Primula Classic Stovetop Espresso and Coffee Maker
The Italian-style stovetop “moka” machine was my first introduction to espresso and I have to say, it’s still one of my favorite ways to make a cute little cup of the good stuff. It functions more like a traditional coffee maker than other espresso machines, meaning it’s also harder to mess up. Just pour your water in the bottom, spoon your grounds into the filter, and pop the whole thing on the stove! It’ll start to sputter once the water runs out so you’ll know when to pull it off the heat. You’ll want to handwash this, but a few rinses with warm water is all you’ll need before letting it dry.
32. Normcore 53.3mm Puck Screen
This might be the most niche product on the list, but if you’ve ever seen a video of an espresso-lover making their morning shot, you’ll probably see them slide one of these puppies on top of their portafilter before pulling. It’s a little mesh screen made of food-grade stainless steel, designed to even out the flow of water and prevent “channeling,” which is when the water only passes through a small portion of the grounds rather than the whole puck. They’re cheap and easy to clean, making them a solid addition to your morning routine.
33. WDT tool, Espresso Distribution tools, 10 x 0.35mm 304 Stainless Steel Needles Installed
A WDT tool — standing for “Weiss distribution technique” — is another one of those small additions to the espresso-making process that not everyone abides by, but those who do swear by it. Basically, you use the little needles to break up clumps in the grounds before you tamp them. This provides another layer of assurance that during the extraction process, the water flows evenly throughout the puck. Check out this model that comes with extra needles depending on how many you want to distribute with!
34. IMPRESA Universal Descaling Solution
Descaling is something my family didn’t know about when we got our first Keurig way back when, and we paid the price for it. (The price was a whole new Keurig.) Like most machines that use some type of water flow, coffee makers of all brands are prone to limescale and mineral build up, which can limit the amount of water that passes through. Using a cleaning solution like this one from IMPRESA every three to four months helps keep your favorite coffee maker operating in tip-top shape.
35. Anthony’s Organic Instant Coffee
Instant coffee gets a bad rap, but as someone who camps occasionally and always wants a hot cup of joe in the morning, I am a firm believer in acquiring good instant coffee. These ultrafine arabica bean crystals from Anthony’s are certified non-GMO and organic. They dissolve quickly in hot or boiling water for a quick hit of caffeine before you tackle the trail. Since they’re freeze-dried crystals, they’re pretty shelf-stable, so non-coffee drinkers can keep them as a back-up in case you have company that wants a cup in the morning.
36. OVALWARE Paperless Stainless Steel Pour Over Coffee Filter
Environmental enthusiasts rejoice! Coffee can produce a lot of waste, but stainless steel filters like this one are an excellent way to minimize your impact. There’s a dual-layer of mesh and a laser-cut steel to ensure quality flavor extraction during the brew process, and the silicone ring helps it rest on your chosen pour-over vessel. Speaking of, this filter is compatible with most popular pour-over carafes, but check the dimensions of yours before you buy. Pro tip: Since this is metal and reusable, you’ll want to descale it every few weeks for proper water flow!
37. Reusable Coffee Filters 8-12 Cup Permanent Basket Washable Compatible with Mr. Black & Decker Maker
Are you on your reduce, reuse, recycle kick? Wondering if there are any alternatives to paper filters for your traditional drip coffee machine? You’re in luck. This 8-12 cup stainless steel basket is compatible with most Mr. Coffee and Black & Decker models. It’s easy to rinse by hand, but also dishwasher safe in case it needs a deep clean. Don’t forget to descale it every few weeks!
38. Pour Over Coffee Dripper, MISETTO Stainless Steel Filter
I’ve been using the same basic ceramic pour-over with paper filters for years now, but I think it might be time to upgrade to this MISETTO stainless steel set-up. It’s double-layered with mesh and a honeycomb-patterned filter, and can rest atop your favorite mug or carafe with ease. The silicone handle is heat resistant to protect your fingers, and it’s easy to clean with a quick rinse of hot water. I just have to remind myself to make descaling a part of my monthly cleaning routine!
39. Bodum Brazil French Press Coffee Maker
If I’m making coffee for two, this french press is my method of choice. It’s made of borosilicate glass, which is heat- and stain-resistant, and doesn’t require any paper filters. There’s definitely an art to brewing a good cup of coffee with a french press so you’ll want to get your measurements and water temperature right. But once you master it, it’s hard to beat the consistency and ease you get from pressing your cup of joe. Just make sure you use coarse grounds specifically for french press — otherwise the metal filter won’t catch all your dregs.
40. Aeropress Clear Coffee Press
The Aeropress looks more like it belongs in a science lab instead of a kitchen. But if we’re being honest, a lot of fancy coffee tools give that impression, and caffeine nerds will be the first to tell you that coffee is a science! Aptly named, the Aeropress pushes hot water through the grounds quickly pulling only the smoothest flavors and aromas from the grounds. It does take a bit of elbow grease to brew your bitter-free cup, but it’s one of the cooler ways to get a tasty coffee in the morning. And since the press itself is made of shatterproof Tritran, it’s travel-friendly too!
