All of the Wirecutter-Approved Coffee Essentials That Are on Sale for Cyber Monday
Part of the joy of being a coffee lover is the ritual of making your favorite brew. And there are countless tools to make the experience feel that much more pleasant and your cup of coffee taste that much more delicious.
But for every useful grinder or scale, there’s a useless gadget or trinket. Although the siren song drawing you to the latest coffee accessory may be hard to ignore, our journalists have researched and tested hundreds of coffee makers, grinders, and pieces of espresso equipment to ensure you have only the best tools for staying caffeinated.
On top of that, we’re seeing great prices on some of Wirecutter’s favorite coffee-gear items—like the iconic AeroPress, a favorite among coffee nerds, and the Ember mug, which can keep your coffee warm throughout the morning.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA mug that keeps your coffee warm for hours (without a microwave)
What we like: The best mug warmer with an app. Holds liquids at a steady, exact temp between 120° and 145°. Only model we tested that can heat up room-temp liquids, rather than merely maintain their temperature. Easy-to-use app. Two-hour battery life. Commonsense safety features.
Other things to know: Expensive, even on sale. Not dishwasher- or microwave-safe. Doesn't heat up when empty. Auto shuts off after two hours, even with liquid inside. On sale in stainless steel finish. Costco membership required. Price includes shipping.
Read more: The Best Mug Warmers
Quality coffee with a glass carafe
What we like: This glass-carafe version of our Technivorm Moccamaster pick has a hot-plate that's finely tuned to keep coffee warm without scorching it, a rare feat. And the coffee it produces tastes incredibly nuanced, too.
Other things to know: Lacks extra features of our other picks, like timers or complex settings, but coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the taste. Pricey, but its much longer warranty (five years) and Moccamaster's reputation for longevity make it a worthwhile investment. Will soon be added to our drip coffee maker guide.
Read more: The Best Drip Coffee Maker
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAn electric frother for decadent brews (that works great with nondairy milks too)
What we like: Our top pick for the best pitcher-style milk frother. Works with both dairy and nondairy milks. Straightforward controls. Nine setting combinations of varying temperature and froth levels, including cold foam for iced lattes. Makes decadent, dense foam and can melt chocolate for hot cocoa, too.
Other things to know: Dishwasher-safe in the top rack. Small capacity only makes foam for one to two drinks. Not as fast as other frothers. One-year warranty.
Read more: The Best Milk Frothers
A modern French press with good heat retention
What we like: Another good French press to consider if you want the function of our top pick, but a different look. Built with a metal frame.
Other things to know: You cannot make less than 24 ounces of coffee in this 32-ounce press. The P5 comes in polished stainless steel.
Read more: The Best French Press
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA French press that brews a smooth, bright cup
What we like: Our pick for the best French press coffee maker. This elegant-looking press is easy to use and relatively simple to clean. Unique double filter makes richer, more flavorful coffee with less residue than its competitors. Dishwasher-safe.
Other things to know: You cannot make less than 24 ounces of coffee in this 32-ounce press. Not the lowest price we've ever seen, but still a good deal. Deal on black only.
Read more: The Best French Press
A handsome gooseneck kettle for precision pours
What we like: Another electric gooseneck kettle we like. Good looks and performance, but expensive. Aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Small 0.9-liter capacity is best for single servings.
Other things to know: Small capacity and high price compared to our main gooseneck pick. Deal price is for black. Available in white from Best Buy
Read more: The Best Electric Kettle
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA gooseneck kettle with a stainless steel finish
What we like: Another good gooseneck electric kettle we like if you want a stainless steel finish. Fast heating. Offers a bit more precision than our top pick, allowing temperature adjustments in 1-degree increments from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other things to know: Our former gooseneck kettle pick. Flatter handle and squatter body make it a smidgen more difficult to pour with than our top pick. A good-enough deal, but the street price has risen significantly over the past year.
Read more: The Best Electric Kettle
An ice machine for year-round iced coffee fans
What we like: Our more compact top ice maker pick. Makes nine bullet-shaped cubes in under 10 minutes. Smaller, lighter, and easier to stow away than our classic countertop ice maker pick. Clear, straightforward controls. Self-cleaning mode.
Other things to know: Slightly smaller reservoir requires more frequent refills. Like all bullet-ice makers, produces cloudy ice, which doesn't affect taste, but makes carbonated drinks go flat faster. Not very durable. One-year warranty. On sale in black.
Read more: The Best Countertop Ice Maker
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA surprisingly handsome cold-brew maker
What we like: Our top cold-brew coffee maker pick. Produced the strongest, boldest, most flavorful coffee of any maker we tested. Easiest to use and clean. Streamlined design and sleek appearance. Covered by OXO’s Better Guarantee, the company has a reputation for great customer service.
Other things to know: Produces a coffee concentrate that needs to be diluted with water or milk. Optional paper filters create a smoother result with less silt, but add brew time. Glass carafe is less durable than plastic options.
Read more: The Best Cold-Brew Coffee Maker
A smaller version of our favorite cold brew maker
What we like: Our "smaller-batches" pick for best cold-brew coffee maker. Compact and easily stored. Stronger coffee than larger OXO brewer, but still balanced. Streamlined design. Carafe features a nice looking cork/silicone lid.
Other things to know: Doesn't make as nuanced a flavor as larger OXO brewer. Yields around 16 ounces of concentrate. Doesn’t include (or work with) paper filters.
Read more: The Best Cold-Brew Coffee Maker
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA versatile Nespresso machine for espresso and drip
What we like: Our pick for a more versatile Nespresso machine. Brews smooth espresso, plus an 8-ounce cup of coffee that’s superior to anything we’ve tried from a Keurig. Short learning curve, with just one button and an automatic lid. Adjustable drip tray and water tank.
Other things to know: Mugs are unstable on drip tray. We didn’t love the coffee, but it was still a big step up from Keurig's. Only uses Vertuo pods, which cost more than Original pods. On sale in gray.
Read more: The Best Nespresso Machine
An easy-peasy coffee maker for brewing big batches
What we like: Our top pick drip coffee maker consistently brews better coffee than other tested options. Low-effort and simple to use. Handy self-brew and count-up timer.
Other things to know: Coffee lacks the sweetness and dimension of some exceptional brewers. One-button interface isn’t immediately intuitive. Large overall footprint. Carafe is hard to clean.
Read more: The Best Drip Coffee Maker
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA reusable, paper-free coffee filter that won't strip natural oils from grounds
What we like: A waste-free filter we like in our gift guide for coffee lovers. Super-fine mesh made from titanium-coated stainless steel. Doesn’t strip natural oils from coffee like paper filters. Fits the Chemex and Hario V-60, two of our pour-over coffee maker picks.
Other things to know: New low on the single filter. Lifetime guarantee. Prime exclusive deal.
Read more: The 32 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers
A portable, single-cup coffee maker
What we like: Our top pick for a simple and portable single-serve coffee maker. Lightweight, compact design produces full-bodied, flavorful coffee in about two minutes. Great for camping, travel, or just a simple cup at home. Easy to use. Dishwasher-safe.
Other things to know: Also makes a great gift. Brews only one cup at a time. A solid price drop, especially if you don’t want or need the carrying bag that has accompanied some deals. Free shipping for Prime members from Woot. Select store pickup or add to an order of $35 or more to avoid shipping fees from Walmart.
Read more: The AeroPress is a Fast, Portable, No-Frills Tool for Making Terrific Coffee
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThe clear version of the popular portable coffee maker
What we like: The clear version of our top pick for a simple and portable single-use coffee maker. Performs exactly the same as the original AeroPress. Lightweight, compact design. Quickly produces full-bodied, flavorful coffee. Easy to use. Dishwasher-safe.
Other things to know: Brews only one cup at a time. The clear version costs a bit more than the original, so it’s worth getting only if you value that crisp, clear look.
Read more: The AeroPress is a Fast, Portable, No-Frills Tool for Making Terrific Coffee
A beautiful coffee grinder you be proud to leave on the counter
What we like: Another good option we like for pour-over perfectionists, from our guide to the best coffee grinders. Beautiful design both in and out of the box. Ultracompact, superfast flat burr, and a large smooth dial for changing grind size.
Other things to know: Still very expensive, even on sale. Best suited to someone who wants to keep their pour-over equipment visible and aesthetically pleasing. No timer or other convenience features. Noticeably messy with grounds at first, but got better the more we used the machine. Available in white.
Read more: The Best Coffee Grinder
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA manual coffee grinder that delivers a flavorful brew
What we like: Our portable manual coffee grinder pick is the best option under $100. Easiest to use of all the manual models we tested. Sturdy and well built. Grinds quickly, evenly, and consistently. Great for camping or in a kitchen with limited counter space. Also grinds spices.
Other things to know: The 25-gram capacity makes only about one serving of coffee. Not great for superfine grinds like espresso. Deal on black; clip the on-page coupon to get the deal price.
Read more: The Best Coffee Grinder
A bean grinder that works great for drip or French press coffee
What we like: Our budget pick for the best coffee grinder. Great for daily drip or French press coffee drinkers. Best model we tested in its price range. Features a simple timer and 12-ounce hopper that can be easily removed, even when loaded with beans.
Other things to know: Less repairable than our picks. Grind isn't as even or fine as some of our other picks. Two-year warranty. Not cheap, but offers a nice balance of convenience, quality, and price.
Read more: The Best Coffee Grinder
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTFor slow drinkers who like a hot cup
What we like: Our pick for a smart-enough mug for people tired of apps. Recommended in our guide to the best mug warmers. Keeps tea warm with the touch of a button. Choose from three levels: warm (130 °F), hot (140 °F), and piping (150 °F). Maintains a rock-steady temperature.
Other things to know: 14-fluid-ounce capacity. The button at the bottom of the mug can be slightly tricky. Off the dock, it lasted only an hour and a half. Only worth the investment for some. Most colors on sale.
Read more: The Best Mug Warmers
A nimble coffee maker and mug that even grinds beans
What we like: The perfect gift for a coffee lover who likes convenience. An all-in-one grinder, brewer, and insulated mug. Works well anywhere—just add beans and hot water. Recommended by Yuki Izumi, coffee director at Hi-Collar, a café and sake bar in New York City’s East Village.
Other things to know: Lidded tumbler is insulated.
Read more: The 33 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSmooth, flavorful instant coffee
What we like: One of our top picks in our guide for the best instant coffee. Good depth of flavor for an instant coffee. Very drinkable. Smooth, rich bitterness and notes of blackberry. Robust, traditional coffee aroma.
Other things to know: Costs about $2 for the Multiserve jar and about $3 for individual sachets. When made into an iced latte, the bitterness grounds the flavor of the coffee amid the milk, with some nuttiness and depth still coming through. Free shipping with subscription.
Read more: The Best Instant Coffee
A high-quality, easy-to-use espresso machine
What we like: Our runner-up pick for best espresso machine. More automated, with a sleek design. Powerful steam wand. Built-in grinder. Easy for first-time baristas. Manual options for those with more experience. Touchscreen control center with step-by-step tutorials and multiple programs.
Other things to know: Two-year warranty. Built-in grinder isn't as fine-tuned as standalone espresso-focused grinders. Recurring deal price, but we have yet to see it go lower. On sale in four finishes.
Read more: The Best Home Espresso Machine
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA slightly more affordable espresso machine
What we like: Our former top espresso machine pick for beginners that's still worth considering, especially if you want automation at this price level. Powerful and dependable. Fast, fun, and easy to use. Small footprint. Consistent espresso shots and silky frothed milk.
Other things to know: Dialing in a shot is harder than with our other picks. Two-year warranty.
Read more: The Best Home Espresso Machine
Recurring supply of globally sourced coffee beans
What we like: Unique globally sourced coffee-subscription service. Beans come from less-explored locales such as Peru, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea. Each 12-ounce bag includes a postcard detailing the source country’s coffee culture.
Other things to know: Select single-bag option to get first bag of coffee for $3 plus free shipping. First-time subscribers only. Use code WCCYBER.
Read more: The Best Coffee Subscriptions, According to Wirecutter’s Obsessive Staff
Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.
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