6 Coffee Tools That Make Our Mornings a Million Times Better

Kitchn Editors run on coffee — well, most of us do anyway. And as you might expect, we have strong opinions about the best ways to brew it and serve it. (But we also believe that coffee should be simple and enjoyable to make. Especially when you’re very tired!) I recently asked my fellow Kitchn staffers about the tools and gadgets they need to make their best cup of Joe, and here’s what they said.

“My boyfriend’s roommate recently acquired a Chemex. This means (as someone who practically lives there but does not pay rent), I get to reap the rewards. The Chemex is super-easy to use, makes great coffee, and has some serious counter appeal. She’s a beauty! The best part about it is that you can make a small batch of coffee instead of brewing a big one that might go to waste.” — Jesse Swewczyk, Studio Food Editor

Buy: Chemex 8-Cup Coffeemaker, $47

“I know there are fancier frothers out there, but this one gets the job done really well and it’s super cheap! A thick layer of frothy milk at the top of my mug always does the trick to make even a so-so cup of coffee feel really good and kinda fancy.” — Kelli Foster, Associate Food Editor

Buy: PRODUKT Milk Frother, $3 at IKEA

“I think that a really, really good carafe is so essential. I like the ones from Alfi, especially the more affordable ones.” — Faith Durand, Editor-in-Chief

Buy: Alfi Gusto 1-Liter Vacuum-Insulated Carafe, $100 at Bed Bath & Beyond

“We only really make coffee at home on the weekends, so it takes a while to go through a bag of grounds. I love this airtight canister because it keeps my coffee grounds super-fresh until we can get through them all.” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director

Buy: OXO Good Grips Airtight Coffee POP Container, $21

“I’ve abandoned all other mugs for this one. It is essential for me, as I work (and parent) from home, often dragging my morning cup of coffee long into the afternoon. It is insulated, so coffee stays hot for longer than in a ceramic mug. This has the most mug-like feel, which is a plus because I don’t love the drinking experience of most insulated cups. Warning: This mug won’t fit in a cup holder, though, so it is for in-home use only.” — Patty Catalano, Contributing Editor and Recipe Developer

Buy: Hydro Flask 12-Ounce Travel Coffee Mug, $25

“I love my gooseneck kettle so much. Not only does it come with a temperature gauge, so that the coffee nerd in me can heat my water to just the right temperature, but the gooseneck spout makes pouring hot water into my French press or Chemex more precise (and fun!)” — Grace Elkus, Deputy Food Director

Buy: Mixpresso Gooseneck Pour Over Coffee Kettle, $21

Are there any coffee tools you couldn’t live without? Tell us about them in the comments below!