41 Best Coffee Accessories To Liven Up That Morning Cup
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
Coffee is what gets some people out of bed each day, and we’re not judging! It’s a beloved drink for its taste, energy boost, and focusing effect. Plus, coffee drinks come in many forms: lattes, espresso shots, drip coffee, cappuccinos, and a range of additional hot and iced variations.
If you’re a fellow coffee-lover, there’s a good chance you have a way to make your own hot brown morning potion.
And whether you’re looking to create a coffee set-up from scratch or enhance the machinery you already have, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up the best coffee accessories and items that will make you want to skip the cafe and make your favorite drink at home.
you: coffee
— The Dragon Prince (@thedragonprince) January 27, 2022
me, an intellectual: pic.twitter.com/FzwW1PgAqr
What are the different ways to make coffee?
Pour-Overs
There are many ways to make coffee, and the method you choose will likely impact the taste and quality of the result. Some methods are more involved than others, requiring a bit more time and effort to prepare. For example, pour-over coffee involves pouring hot water over ground coffee beans that are held in a filter, which then drips into a carafe or mug below. This method requires a steady hand and patience, as the water must be poured slowly and evenly over the grounds during certain time increments. And though it’s intensive, the result is a steaming cup of coffee with a bright flavor profile.
Image: Amazon
8-Cup Glass Pourover
Chemex
Chemex makes the most popular pour-over containers: hourglass-shaped glass carafes that come in several sizes. If you’re only making coffee for yourself, start with a smaller model, but the 8-cup option is great for serving a few people, drinking more, or having leftovers to warm up or drink later.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Ceramic Pour Over
Departo
For a single-cup pour-over, try this ceramic cup. The appeal of this style is that you can use it to drain into any tumbler or mug you have, saving you dishes and keeping your fresh coffee hot.
Image: Etsy
Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Aesthetics Of LIfe
If you like an aesthetic coffee bar, add in this transparent pour-over set. The bottom coffee pot holds over two cups of coffee, so it’s perfect to brew and then have at your desk or split with a friend.
Image: Amazon
Pour Over Paper Filters
Hario
Don’t forget to use filters with your pour-over! Thin paper filters won’t make your coffee taste any differently, and they’re easy to store when not in use. For the best pour-over result, place a filter in your glass or ceramic container and then dampen it before adding your beans.
Image: Amazon
Stainless Steel Pour Over Filter
Barista Warrior
If you want a reusable pour-over filter, try a stainless steel one. This option has no plastic elements to taint the flavor of your drink, and all you have to do is add the grounds and pour.
French Presses
The French press is a method that is quick and simple, but requires a close eye. With a French press, you’ll steep coarsely ground coffee beans in hot water for several minutes, then press down on a plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the brewed coffee. This coffee brewing method creates a full-bodied coffee, and it allows you a bit more control over the bean-to-water ratio and how long you steep the grounds.
Image: Amazon
French Press
Bodum
The Bodum French Press is one of the top coffee makers available. It’s made with stainless steel and glass, is easy to use, easy to clean, and makes a consistent batch of coffee no matter how many times it is used. The one I have is several years old and still has plenty of life left.
Image: Food52
Ceramic French Press
Frieling
For a homey and artsy look, try a ceramic French press. The material will insulate heat, but the downside of the opaque color is that you can’t easily see the coffee grounds or the plunger. As long as you measure your beans and water carefully–as well as use a timer for your steeping–you’ll be in the clear.
Drip Coffee Makers
On the other hand, there are also simpler ways to make coffee that don't require as much effort or expertise. For example, a drip coffee maker is often a popular choice for many households. This method involves adding water to a reservoir, placing ground coffee into a filter basket, and turning on the machine. The machine heats the water before dripping it through the grounds and into a carafe or mug below. Drip coffee makers are convenient because they produce a full pot of coffee with minimal effort—you don’t even have to be in the room. They also may have attractive settings (such as a time delay) so that you can wake up to a fresh pot or an auto-off heater to reduce fire risks.
Image: Nordstrom
KBGV Select Coffee Brewer
Moccamaster
Widely regarded as the best drip coffee maker—seriously—the Moccamaster is a gorgeous machine that you’ll look forward to using each morning. The machine is easy to use with a water reservoir, a grounds filter basket, and a glass pot on a heater. The Moccamaster turns off after two hours, but believe me, you’ll finish the coffee before then.
Image: Amazon
Drip Coffee Maker
Cuisinart
For a more affordable at-home drip coffee maker, try the Cuisinart 14-Cup Drip Coffee Maker. It has a range of programmable features so you can have your coffee just how you like it.
Moka Pots
You could also consider trying a Moka pot, which is a stovetop espresso maker. This method involves filling the bottom chamber with water and then placing finely ground coffee into a basket in the middle. As the water heats up from your stove, steam and pressure build and force the water upward through the grounds. The espresso that results is a strong, concentrated coffee. Moka pots come in various sizes and can be made from different materials, but are typically made from aluminum or stainless steel. Using a Moka pot requires a bit more attention and skill than a drip coffee maker, but it is still relatively easy to use once you get the hang of it.
Image: Amazon
Moka Pot Espresso Maker
Cafe Du Chateau
This straightforward Moka pot is classic and easy to use. It’s perfect for a coffee connoisseur who wants a clean coffee without the hassle.
Image: Amazon
Milano Moka Pot
GROSCHE
If you’d like a colorful Moka pot, try this option. It comes in pink, red, white, blue, black, silver, white, grey, and indigo. You can also choose from three, six, nine, and 12-cup sizes.
Espresso Machines
A more expensive at-home coffee-making machine is the espresso maker. And although these can often cost several hundred dollars, they have many features that can save you a lot of money by making your $9 latte at home. Espresso machines, like Moka pots, force hot water through finely-ground coffee beans at high pressure, resulting in a strong, concentrated shot of coffee with a layer of crema on top.
With more pieces and parts that you’ll need to have on hand, espresso machines may have a bit of a learning curve, but once you get your grounds pressed tightly, you’ll have a solid espresso. As a coffee connoisseur, you can play with adjusting the grind size and tamping pressure to achieve your ideal coffee flavor and strength, too. Espresso machines come in various types–such as manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic–with different levels of control and convenience.
Image: Amazon
Espresso Machine
Smeg
For a powerful espresso machine with a retro aesthetic, go for the Smeg Espresso Machine. The water reservoir is large, there is an attached milk frother, and it will look great on your countertop or coffee bar.
Image: Amazon
Vertuo Coffee Maker
Nespresso
What’s more popular than the Nespresso right now? This popular machine automates the espresso-making process. And though it’s the star of the show, it’s still one of the best accessories you can have. It makes it easy to make a cup for not only yourself but also any housemates or guests, even if you want different coffees. Just call it your countertop barista.
Image: Amazon
Espresso Tamper
Luxhaus
The key to a smooth and creamy espresso is getting the coffee grounds pressed evenly and firmly. A high-quality tamper makes this far easier. I recommend using this from the start, especially if your machine comes with a tamper that isn’t as heavy.
Image: World Market
Toroid Milk Froth Pitcher
Espro
If your espresso machine has a milk frother option, you’ll find that a stainless steel pitcher makes using it far easier. The shape of this pitcher makes the milk extra foamy without it spilling over.
Cold Brew Pitchers
I certainly can’t leave out cold brew, a concentrated coffee type that’s especially popular during warm weather. To make cold brew, you can follow a DIY method or use a pitcher that’s designed to steep the coarse grounds and separate them easily. The simpler method is quite similar and only requires you to pour water over coarsely ground coffee beans, steep overnight, and filter using a fine strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag. You could even try using a French press to make a cold brew concentrate. Though it can be bitter, cold brew is a smooth and less acidic coffee, making it gentler on the stomach than hot-brewed coffee.
Image: Uncommon Goods
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Uncommon Goods
Nitro cold brew takes the cold-steeping process a step further. This stainless steel growler will help pressurize your cold brew so it’s foamy and creamy come morning.
Image: Amazon
Deluxe Cold Brew Pitcher
Coffee Gator
Just like loose-leaf tea, this cold brew coffee maker is a great accessory. It won’t take up much room in your fridge and does most of the work for you beyond pouring grounds and water in.
Image: World Market
Cold Brew Carafe
World Market
If you want a smaller portion of cold brew, this individual-use, insulated cold brew maker is great. You can put the grounds and water in at night and take the whole pitcher with you as you head out the door.
Image: Amazon
Pro Quality Nut Milk Bag
Ellie’s Best
If you’re making the cold brew in a pitcher or large mason jar, you’ll want a way to strain the grounds from the water. Cheesecloth is a good option, but I find a nut milk bag is easier because of the drawstring close to keep the grounds from getting everywhere.
17 of the best coffee bar accessories for the perfect cup of joe
Image: Amazon
Manual Burr Coffee Grinder
Javapresse
The number one thing you need if you’re going to make coffee at home is a coffee grinder. This affordable handheld grinder is one of the best coffee accessories you can have, even if you also have an electric one. You can grind beans to precisely the level that you want, and it’s satisfying to make all the effort for your morning drink.
Image: Amazon
Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
OXO
If you’re ready to upgrade to an electric grinder, opt for a burr grinder. It won’t heat the beans (which can alter their taste), and it’s way faster than grinding by hand. If you plan to use several methods to make coffee–like cold brew or a drip coffee maker–an electric grinder will make it easy to switch between grinds.
Image: Amazon
Manual Coffee Grinder with Ceramic Burrs
Triple Tree
This handheld grinder is easy to use and the clear bottom allows you to see how much coffee you’ve ground.
Image: Amazon
Salted Caramel Organic Syrup
This three-pack of vanilla, salted caramel, and coconut almond syrups is ideal for mixing into your coffee creations. Plus, you can use them in mocktails and cocktails later in the day.
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
French Vanilla Syrup
Monin
French Vanilla is one of the most popular syrups for lattes and mixed coffee drinks. If it’s also your go-to, keep it on hand at home.
Image: Amazon
Coffee Sugar Cube Flight
Good Citizen Coffee Co.
These coffee sugar cubes are easy to keep with you and add to a cup of coffee at home or on the go. They can transform plain black coffee into a flavorful drink, whether you’re going through the drive-through or filling your cup from the cafeteria at work.
Image: Anthropologie
Hazelnut Coffee Syrup
Terrain
If you like sweet coffees, here are a few more flavors. Try your favorite flavors: vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, or Irish rum syrups, all in minimalist bottles.
Image: Nordstrom
‘50s Retro Milk Frother
Smeg
Try this retro appliance to quickly froth milk for your coffee or hot chocolate.
Image: Amazon
Detachable Milk Frother
EZBASICS
A detachable frother is great for multitasking, and the pitcher is easy to pour for latte art.
Image: Amazon
Handheld Milk Frother
Powerlix
A handheld whisk is quick to use and easy to clean and can live in your silverware drawer. It’s great for coffee on the go or a beginner espresso maker.
Image: Nordstrom
Stagg Electric Pour Over Kettle
Fellow
This gooseneck kettle is chic and functional, perfect for spiraling water over a pour-over coffee. One of the best features is that you can set the exact temperature that you want to heat the water.
Image: Amazon
Electric Ultra Kettle
Mueller
A more affordable electric kettle is this 1.8-liter glass kettle that quickly heats and pours.
Image: Amazon
Coffee Scale
KitchenTour
Pour-over coffees typically require you to measure your beans by weight rather than volume for the best result. Depending on your time and taste, you may want to have a kitchen scale on hand.
Image: Amazon
Moka Pot Kitchen Timer
Hoshen
If you’re making coffee that relies on time–like waiting to plunge a French press–a cute kitchen timer is a must. And when talking about coffee, why not have a Moka pot timer?
Image: Amazon
Oat Milk
Willa's
For a creamy oat milk, try Willa’s. It’s vegan, non-GMO, and shelf-stable so that you don’t have to rush to use it all.
Image: Amazon
Soy Milk
Pacific
The Pacific Barista Series is made for milk frothing, so this soy milk is sure to get foamy for your latte or cappuccino.
Some coffee bean suggestions (for good measure)
Image: Amazon
Medium Roast Ground Coffee
Death Wish Coffee Co.
If you want a caffeinated cup of joe, try Death Wish Coffee. There are plenty of different roast levels and flavors to select from, and they’ll certainly wake you up.
Image: Winans
Maine Blueberry Coffee
Winans Coffee
Try this coffee bean for a flavored cold brew in the spring and summer—it’s the best!
Image: Drink Trade
Tanzania Kilimanjaro Peaberry Beans
Bean & Bean
This juicy roast is from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The beans have notes of caramel, green apple, and citrus.
Image: Blue Bottle Co.
Comforting Assortment Beans
Blue Bottle Coffee
Try an assortment of pre-selected coffee beans that will bring you comfort. Blue Bottle makes small-batch roasts that are loved globally.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Bourbon Infused Coffee
Uncommon Goods
If you like a flavored cup of coffee, this bourbon-infused coffee is sweet and smooth.