Us coffee drinkers are an opinionated bunch. We all agree that we like coffee (or espresso), but as for how it should be made (pour-over vs. drip vs. French press vs. cold brew), well, that’s another story. While we love these passionate preferences, they can make coffee gift-giving quite the high wire act. In hopes of reducing this risk, we spoke to the most opinionated coffee lovers of all—baristas—to identify the best gifts for all types of coffee lovers.
For 15-year coffee industry veteran—and Food52 Test Kitchen Assistant—César Pérez, there’s no such thing as too many coffee cups. “I’m a mug addict. If I see one I like, I get it,” he said. Of his collection, his favorite mugs are the ones that carry sentimental value. “I once received a ceramic version of those iconic Greek NYC to-go coffee cups from my coworker because I’m a native New Yorker. It was really thoughtful and cute.”
Carlos Morales—an NYC-based hospitality professional who’s worked in specialty coffee for more than a decade—loves investigating how different kettles impact the flavor of his coffee. “It would be nice to have a collection of kettles for different brew methods,” he says. Food52 Editorial Assistant and former barista Anabelle Doliner echoes Carlos’ kettle interest, citing this style as her favorite.
For Carlos, a grinder was the best coffee gift he’s ever received. “The ability to grind coffee at home is truly a delight,” he said. Anabelle agrees, but believes that one specific type of grinder makes for the best gift. “I’d get [someone] a burr grinder—they’re so much better than any other type of coffee grinder, but they’re also typically much more expensive, so it’s something someone might not invest in for themselves,” she said.
Anabelle, Carlos, and Cesar are all in agreement—the ideal gift for any coffee enthusiast is an espresso machine. While most of us don’t have space (or the need) for the full-size, industrial espresso machines you’ll find at your local coffee shop, there are plenty of more conveniently sized options available in our shop.
When Anabelle worked at Coffee Commissary in Los Angeles, she became fixated on perfecting pour-over coffee. This was her setup: “I got a Chemex to practice with at home. I also got a kettle (which is essential for making a good pour-over), and a kitchen scale to weigh the beans.”
We’ve rounded up some of our other favorite coffee equipment including french presses, storage containers, drip coffee makers, compost bins (for your used grounds), and travel mugs.
More from Food52
What's your favorite thing to give a coffee lover? Let us know in the comments below!
See what other Food52 readers are saying.