Best gifts for coffee lovers

The best gifts for coffee lovers are all about broadening the range of equipment or discovering a new type of coffee to get excited about. Really, it's addictive. Once you've discovered what an aeropress is there's no going back. And when you can see the benefits of a bean-to-cup coffee machine versus a filter coffee machine then you know the caffeine's truly taken hold. You'll find yourself watching the baristas in your local coffee shop even more closely when they tamp the grounds in the portafilter. And you might even begin to harbour the urge to master latte art yourself.

This is where budding coffee aficionados need the right arsenal to kit out their home coffee bar. If you love them, indulge them. They'll get a buzz out of having several ways to make their favourite drink. Some days, a cafetière to brew a few mugfuls of Columbian speciality grade coffee will hit the spot. On other days, they might want the convenience and indulgence of a cappuccino made in minutes with a compact coffee pod machine.

Best gifts for coffee lovers shortlist:

• Best milk frother for coffee: Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother
• Best coffee pods: Grind Compostable Pods
• Best coffee grinder: Barista and Co. Core All Grind Coffee Grinder
• Best coffee pod machine: Lavazza A Modo, Mio Deséa Espresso Coffee Machine
• Best double-walled espresso cups: DLux Espresso Coffee Cups, Set of 4

There's a pleasing 'oooh' to seeing a coffee topped with a creamy crema in a double-walled glass. And no one can deny the essential need to have a caffeine boost on the morning commute. For coffee-holics, why not make the drinkware a reusable, insulated and downright delightful large mug? And for when they're at their desk, a coffee mug warmer is going to keep that americano hot.

Better yet, coffee is not all about indulgence and gratification. It's one industry that has truly embraced a circular economy and prides itself on caring for its community and the environment. You'll find we've included compostable coffee pods and ground coffee that's certified B-Corp and gives back to the community it's farmed in. Big players, like Nespresso, are championing sustainability by partnering with Podback so that their aluminium pods can be recycled. To find out more about how the coffee industry is doing good scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article. For now, take five and enjoy our pick of the best gifts for coffee lovers.

Best gifts for coffee lovers

Best gifts for coffee lovers FAQs

How do I choose the best coffee beans?

The best coffee is made from single-origin coffee beans, harvested from one location. Single-origin beans are of superior quality with unique flavours and subtleties. These premium beans grow at high altitudes on small-scale farms and require a lot of attention to cultivate.

Alternatively, there are coffee blends consisting of two or more types of coffee. The coffee beans are selected and blended together for their complementary flavours. Blended coffees are consistent in flavour and make up the majority of coffees found in supermarkets.

Choosing the 'best' also means choosing coffee that is ethically and sustainably grown. Look for coffee that has Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and B-Corporation certifications. Nespresso's Positive Cup strategy is an example of how the coffee industry is aiming to reach net zero carbon emissions and support farming communities through their AAA Program.

Which type of coffee machine should I buy?

There are several types of coffee machines, some more labour-intensive than others. Also, consider your budget before deciding whether to buy a coffee pod machine, one that uses ground coffee or a bean-to-cup model.

Bean-to-cup coffee machines

Quite literally, a bean-to-cup coffee machine takes the coffee beans, grinds them, and makes the espresso - all at the touch of a button. Enjoy coffee made fresh every time.

Filter coffee machines

Choose your packet of ground coffee, pop it in, and the machine does the rest. You can buy ready-ground coffee or buy a separate coffee grinder and grind fresh beans yourself. This type of coffee machine is the most time-consuming, as you're prepping a lot more, but it means the coffee can be more individual. Also, they tend to be smaller than bean-to-cup machines.

Coffee pod machines

These take little capsules that are packed with ground coffee. Pop the pod in, and brew a perfect cup of coffee in less than a minute. No messing around with beans or grinds, so these coffee machines are real-time savers and need less tidying up after. One for you if time is precious. However, you're often limited to one type of capsule and it's an expensive way to brew coffee in comparison to other types of coffee machines. Then there's the matter of recyclability of single-use plastics, so they're not the most eco-friendly.

Can coffee pods be eco-friendly?

Coffee pods that are made from plastic may not be recyclable. However, the good news is that aluminium pods are totally recyclable. By using recycling schemes such as Terracycle or Podback, those pods will be remade.

Compostable pods are biodegradable and can be disposed of with other household green waste.

Also, look out for reusable coffee pods such as Bluecup - which may be a faff to fill - but it's definitely the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly form of coffee pod.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances. When she's not testing sparkling water makers, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.