Coffee fans can be a picky bunch, and understandably so. When you're brewing with expensive beans, you want to control as many variables as possible to make sure you get consistent results, and that requires precision-made equipment. I've got good news, though — premium gear doesn't have to be expensive, and there are heaps of coffee-brewing accessories that any home barista would be delighted to unwrap during the holidays.
You just need to know where to start, which is where I come in. I'm TechRadar's resident coffee expert, and I've put together a list of 18 items that would be perfect for the caffeine-fiend in your life, and are all under $50.
Some of these are best suited to particular brewing styles (espresso or pour-over), but if you're not sure which one your home barista favors, there are some style-agnostic gifts here too — including two books widely regarded as some of the best tomes on brewing, an air-tight bean canister, and a scale for perfect dosing that will delight any coffee-lover.
Gifts for home baristas
A clean and easy way to dispose of used espresso grounds after brewing.
Mitchell Beazley The World Atlas of Coffee 3rd EditionLearn how the terroir of your coffee, how it's harvested, the roasting method, and the brewing technique all affect flavor.
Chemex Cream and Sugar SetFun sugar and cream vessel designed to match your Chemex brewer, made from wood and glass.
Crate & Barrel 2-Liter Thermal Coffee CarafeKeeps coffee fresh and hot, and pours easily thanks to arched handle and spout.
Salter Precision Digital Kitchen ScalesPerfect for dosing coffee for any brew style, and accurate to within 0.5g.
Marin White Stoneware CreamerArtisanal ceramic jug with soft glazed finish and subtle antiquing around the rim.
AeroPress Original Coffee PressOne of the easiest ways to make coffee at home or on the move, with a huge variety of possible brewing styles.
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffee MakerThe classic three-cup glass brewer made from non-toxic and odor-resistant borosilicate glass.
Revolution True Tamp Distribution ToolPlace on the ground coffee in your portafilter and spin for even distribution before tamping.
Crate & Barrel Double Coffee Measuring SpoonOne and two tablespoon measures for dosing espresso, drip, and pour-over coffee.
Keurig Standalone Milk FrotherFoams dairy and plant milk at the touch of a button — hot or cold.
Fellow Carter Move Ceramic Lined Travel Coffee MugA 12oz travel mug with leak-proof lid and tapered lip for comfortable drinking.
Crate & Barrel Fusion Satin Espresso Spoons, Set of 4A set of smart spoons to elevate your morning routine, or use when guests visit.
Mark Pendergrast Uncommon GroundsA top-recommended book for coffee-lovers, detailing the history and geography of the drink you love.
De'Longhi 3oz Espresso Double Wall Thermal GlassesA set of two insulated espresso glasses — ideal for showing how much crema you've managed to create.
Fellow Espresso WDT Distribution ToolEvenly distribute the coffee grounds in your portafilter before tamping for a more precise result.
Fellow Monty Cappuccino Cup