The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Best Coffee Makers, Grinders, and Espresso Machines for Specialty Coffee Lovers
Ryan Beagley-Reiner
As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the coffee aficionado in your life can be a stressful endeavor. Whether they're a seasoned barista or a budding coffee enthusiast, the right tools and accessories can elevate their coffee experience. At Common Good Coffee Roasters, we understand the passion for exceptional coffee. That's why we've curated a list of top-tier coffee equipment and accessories, each highly reviewed and recognized by specialty coffee authorities, to help you make this Christmas truly special.
Coffee Makers
Best Overall : Breville Precision Brewer (SCA Certified)
Why It’s Great: The Breville Precision Brewer is a versatile drip coffee maker that meets Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards for brewing excellence. Its customizable settings allow users to experiment with temperature, flow rate, and bloom time for ultimate control.
- Price: Approximately $329
- Perfect For: Coffee enthusiasts who desire professional-level brewing at home without the guesswork.
- Features:
- Six preset modes, including "Gold" for SCA-standard brewing.
- Adjustable temperature and flow control.
- Accommodates a range of brewing needs, from single cup to carafe.
Pair it with: A bag of our Wind + Sea Blend for a harmonious brew.
Best Budget: OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (SCA Certified)
Why It’s Great: For its price, the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker delivers consistently excellent coffee. Its straightforward interface and compact design make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers.
- Price: Approximately $179
- Perfect For: Newcomers to specialty coffee or those with smaller kitchens.
- Features:
- SCA-certified brewing performance.
- Brew-through carafe lid keeps coffee hot for hours.
- Optional single-serve mode with included pour-over adapter.
Pair it with: A subscription to our Home Coffee Subscription for freshly roasted beans delivered monthly.
Best Splurge: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select (SCA Certified)
Why It’s Great: The Moccamaster is a gold standard for coffee brewing, known for its durability, design, and ability to produce exceptional coffee every time. Hand-assembled in the Netherlands, it’s a splurge that lasts a lifetime.
- Price: Approximately $359
- Perfect For: Coffee purists who value craftsmanship and performance.
- Features:
- Brews a full carafe in just six minutes.
- Automatic shutoff after brewing.
- Available in a variety of colors to match any kitchen.
Pair it with: A limited-edition holiday blend from Common Good Coffee to celebrate the season.
Espresso Machines
Best Overall: Breville Barista Express
Why It’s Great: This all-in-one espresso machine is a favorite among home baristas. It combines a grinder, tamper, and steam wand in one compact unit, making it easy to create café-quality drinks.
- Price: Approximately $749
- Perfect For: Espresso lovers who want an intuitive machine with built-in features.
- Features:
- Integrated conical burr grinder.
- Adjustable grind size and dose for precision.
- Steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos.
Pair it with: A bag of our El Mezcal for a rich espresso experience.
Best Budget: De'Longhi EC155M Manual Espresso Machine
Why It’s Great: An affordable entry into the world of espresso, the De'Longhi EC155M offers manual control and a compact design, making it suitable for beginners.
- Price: Approximately $119
- Perfect For: Those new to espresso making or with limited counter space.
- Features:
- 15-bar professional pressure.
- Manual frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
- Compact footprint.
Pair it with: A bag of our Espresso Blend to start pulling shots right away.
Best Splurge: La Marzocco Linea Mini
Why It’s Great: A professional-grade machine scaled down for home use, the Linea Mini offers exceptional build quality and performance, bringing the café experience to your kitchen.
- Price: Approximately $4,500
- Perfect For: Serious espresso enthusiasts willing to invest in top-tier equipment.
- Features:
- Dual boiler system.
- Integrated brew group for temperature stability.
- Classic design with stainless steel finish.
Pair it with: A selection of our single-origin espressos to explore diverse flavors.
Coffee Grinders
Best Overall: Baratza Virtuoso+
Why It’s Great: The Baratza Virtuoso+ is a standout grinder for both beginners and pros, offering consistent grinds across a wide range of brewing methods. It’s a step up from entry-level grinders without venturing into splurge territory.
- Price: Approximately $249
- Perfect For: Coffee lovers serious about grinding fresh beans daily.
- Features:
- 40 grind settings for espresso to French press.
- Digital timer for precise dosing.
- Compact, sleek design.
Coffee Grinders
Best Budget: Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Grinder
Why It’s Great: The Timemore Chestnut C2 offers exceptional grind consistency for its price, making it an ideal choice for beginners or coffee lovers on a budget. Its compact, portable design also makes it perfect for travel or small kitchens.
- Price: ~$79
- Perfect For: Budget-conscious coffee drinkers or travelers who prefer manual brewing.
- Features:
- High-quality stainless steel burrs for durability and precision.
- Adjustable grind settings for pour-over, French press, and AeroPress.
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
Pair it with: A pour-over brewer like the Hario V60.
Best Splurge: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2
Why It’s Great: The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 is a premium grinder designed for ultimate consistency and ease of use. It’s engineered specifically for filter brewing methods like pour-over, French press, and drip coffee, delivering café-quality results.
- Price: ~$345
- Perfect For: Coffee enthusiasts looking for a top-tier grinder with a modern aesthetic.
- Features:
- 64mm flat burrs for precision grinding.
- Expanded grind range for versatility across brewing methods.
- Quiet motor with an auto-stop function.
- Sleek, minimalist design that fits beautifully in any kitchen.
Pair it with: A subscription to Common Good Coffee’s Single-Origin Coffee Collection for a true specialty coffee experience.