Our 5 Favorite Tools for the Perfect Cup of Coffee

September 29 is International Coffee Day, and while we’re very serious about our favorite coffee makers, we can’t forget the essentials: the tools, hacks, and gadgets we swear by to get that perfectly brewed cup of coffee. From a genius grinder to a container designed to keep beans super-fresh, we’re sharing our tried-and-tested favorites. Whether you prefer your caffeine fix hot or cold, we’ve got something to suit your taste. Check out our must-have coffee making essentials below.

Not only is this an Amazon bestseller with 12,000 glowing reviews, but it also made our best coffee grinders list. A must for serious coffee drinkers, the grinder holds up to 14 ounces (an entire bag of beans!). When you’re ready to make coffee, simply select the number of cups, and the Auto-Dose Grinder automatically delivers the grounds you’ll need. For a budget-friendly option, our managing editor Lauren loves this grinder: “It’s easy to use and the cord hides neatly away, which I love.” 

Buy: Krups Coffee Grinder with Scale, $101 (normally $130) at Amazon

Our lifestyle director, Lisa, loves OXO POP Containers, especially this coffee container, which is tinted to block out UV rays that can cause beans to go stale. “Before you scoff, know that I’ve kept my coffee in a regular ol’ clear container before (out of curiosity) and I really could taste the difference in a side-by-side brew comparison!” she says. And because the container has an airtight seal, your beans will stay fresh longer.

Buy: OXO Good Grips Airtight Coffee POP Container, $20 from Amazon

OK, this isn’t a brewing tool, but we couldn’t not include it because it’s a game-changer. If you take your coffee to go, try managing editor Lauren’s favorite Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug. It comes in eight different colors, is completely vacuum-insulated and spill-proof, and fits in all standard cup holders. Just press a little button to flip open the lid when you’re ready to sip. The lid also comes with a safety lock so your morning brew won’t accidentally leak all over your work laptop. Looking for something a little more minimal? We also loved the tumblers from this Japanese kitchen brand.

Buy: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, $37

If you don’t have the space for a fancy cold-brew system, this cheap and nifty hack via associate food editor Meghan is for you. Simply load the ground coffee into this nut milk bag, cinch it closed, and dunk the bag into a pitcher of filtered water, allowing it to steep for 18 to 24 hours. Once you’re done, just pull out the bag. No straining, no awkward pouring and waiting, and hardly a chance of spilling your whole batch of cold brew all over the floor!

Buy: Traditional Kitchen Nut Milk Bag — Strainer & Cheesecloth, $11

If you’re not much of a morning person, you’ll appreciate this portable coffee mug. Right before you hit the sack, fill the reusable filter with your favorite ground coffee, add water and leave it to steep overnight in the fridge. In the morning, a cup of strong, chilled coffee will be waiting. Love pour-over coffee? Add new grounds to the filter and boil water, which gets slowly poured over the grounds and brews coffee right in the bottle. “The whole process takes less than five minutes,” says writer Allison Russo, who swears by this mug.

Buy: Full Circle Brumi Cold Brewer Portable Pour Over Coffee Mug, $34 (normally $37)