After a few weeks of testing, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine has become a staple on my kitchen counter. This compact, convenient all-in-one brewer delivered brilliant espresso without the guesswork, offering the cafe experience in the comfort of my own home.

With a built-in conical burr grinder and hands-free milk frothing, it offers everything you need for barista-style drinks without the training.

That said, there were a few small issues that kept it from five stars, but I am being extremely picky. This is how I got on with the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine during testing, and why I still think it is one of the best espresso machines money can buy.

Product Specifications: Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine

Design and First Impressions

The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine arrived well boxed, in mostly sturdy cardboard packaging, with some fabric bags to protect the machine from scratches, and the signature Ninja stickers that held removeable components in place and offered quick tips for easy use. These were mostly easy to remove, but as has been the case with other Ninja products I have unboxed, some leave sticky residue behind. Luckily, we have some great tips for removing stickers if you struggle.

The machine was not incredibly heavy, weighing a little under 19 lbs, with the fabric bag making it easy to lift from the tight cardboard frame to my counter.

The machine comes with everything you need to get started, with a quick start guide and recipe guide, portafilter (with single and double shot baskets), stainless steel milk jug, tamper and funnel, and a complete cleaning kit with descaling solution and water hardness testing strips. Everything felt weighty − a good initial sign of quality.

Brewing Performance and Set Up

Before using the coffee machine, you need to complete some setup steps. Luckily, these are all easy to do.

Beyond cleaning removable components with soapy water to remove lingering factory debris, you need to soak and insert the water filter and perform a water hardness test.

The water filter is soaked in plain water for several minutes, which I did in a clean pitcher with a heavy spoon to hold it down as it tended to float. You finish this step by rinsing it under running water for 60 seconds before fitting it into the reservoir using the included casing, which features a handy dial to set a reminder for when you need to replace it. It's a small detail, but one I appreciated.

The machine also comes with water hardness test strips, making setup refreshingly straightforward. Simply dip a strip into a cup of your tap water, leave it on a flat surface for a few minutes, and compare the resulting color with the included guide.

You can then enter your water hardness into the machine during the initial setup. This allows it to optimize brewing performance and tailor its descaling schedule, helping to improve flavor while reducing limescale buildup over time.

The final step is to run one plain water cycle through your machine to flush out the components. I put the empty portafilter in place, selected the largest serving size with a large mug beneath the spout, and pressed brew. This water was then discarded.

With this complete, you are ready to brew.

Grinding Beans

The first step to making coffee with the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus is grinding your beans. The top hopper can hold up to 250 grams of fresh beans, and has an airtight lid to keep them fresh between brews.

What I loved about this machine is that it weighs your portafilter and decides the best grind size for your coffee, depending on your selected brew type, taking away any guesswork.

The process is remarkably simple. After selecting your brew type from espresso, iced, classic (drip), or rich, and attaching the dosing funnel to the portafilter, place it into the grinding cradle. On the first press of the grind button, the machine weighs the portafilter and automatically calculates the ideal dose and grind size based on your chosen drink and shot size.

It then displays a recommended grind setting on the LED screen. Simply adjust the grinder dial on the left-hand side of the machine to match the suggested number, press the grind button again, and the machine dispenses the correct amount of coffee. It takes the guesswork out of dialing in your espresso, making the process quick and approachable for beginners.

There was one instance where the machine ran out of beans mid-grinding. An orange warning light came on with a beep, so I simply added more and pressed the grind button again, allowing it to complete the programme without fuss.

Tamping is also simple. You leave the funnel attached and press the tamper down until it is flush with the top edge. These are then removed from the filter (and can be stored in a handy recess on the top of the machine).

The grinder grinds consistently, but suffers from retention. After grinding, I pushed the coffee machine backwards on my counter to sit more neatly in the corner, and the vibrations shook a significant amount of grounds out of place, falling onto the drip tray. It also dropped some grounds each time the portafilter was placed into the cradle. It has the potential to be very messy if you need to pull it out to use it each time.

Brewing Coffee

Brewing the coffee is just as simple. The portafilter slots into position as it would on any other coffee machine, lining the dot up with the dot on the machine and turning until the dot is in line with the head of the arrow on the machine. I will note that the machine needs to be held still when you do this, as its smaller size means that it is not quite heavy enough to weigh it down, and it can slide along your counter as you twist it into position.

With a mug beneath the spout, you press the brew button and let it do its thing. This process is the same no matter which brew type you selected before grinding.

I am happy to report that this process is relatively quiet, so much so that when my partner woke up early for work and made his morning coffee, it never disturbed me sleeping upstairs (and our house is on the smaller side, so noise travels). It is quick, too.

The plain hot water setting is a nice touch, but it can splutter in use, splashing coffee onto the stainless steel backsplash, which needs wiping down after. A dial on the right-hand side of the machine switches the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus to hot water only, allowing you to make an Americano drink without needing to boil your kettle. This water comes from a separate spout on the left side of the cup, and tends to splutter and flow unevenly during dispensing. On a few occasions, this splashed water over the edge of the mug onto the counter.

When the water neared the top of our mugs, we often had to stop the hot water cycle early, too, to avoid overflowing.

Beyond that, the coffee it brewed was excellent, with a rich, creamy crema on top of each shot. With our choice of quality, locally roasted beans, my partner hailed it as good as, if not better than, a coffee shop.

I will note that, as the coffee maker is designed to be compact, it does come at the cost of a small water reservoir. Four double shots and three water top-ups using the hot water setting drained it from max fill to below minimum (three Americanos and a flat white). The tank can be removed for refilling, but I found it easier to use a large jug to fill it in situ.

There was one instance when using the hot water function, in which the water dropped below the minimum line mid-brew. The machine seemed to panic at this, and made a loud buzzing noise as it continued to try and draw water it could not find. I stopped the programme manually, and added more water to the tank, and this did not happen again. But it suggests you need to double-check the tank before you press start, as it might not stop to warn you as it does when the beans run low.

Frothing Milk

I have never owned a milk frother before, which is what sets home coffee apart from a quality café. The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus, however, comes with a built-in hands-free milk frother that can steam and froth both dairy and plant-based milks.

As with the rest of the machine, I found this step simple. The included recipe book comes with a general suggestion for the amount of milk you need to create a standard cappuccino, flat white, and latte, so I followed their suggestions.

One small complaint is that the ml recommendations in the guide are not marked in the stainless steel milk jug they included. For a cappuccino, for example, they suggest 150 ml of milk; the jugs etched measurements skip this increment, so it takes a little guesswork. It is not the end of the world, but it does feel like an overlooked detail.

The milk jug is then placed beneath the steaming wand, the desired foam thickness selected with the dial, and the button pressed to begin. I used dairy-based semi-skimmed milk and found that it froths quickly without spitting, and pours wonderfully.

One frothed, you wipe down the wand with a damp cloth and flick it back into its downwards-facing position, where it will automatically purge. There is a drip hole beneath to catch this water for easy clean up.

Be aware when steaming milk after brewing coffee that the handle needs to point outwards, else coffee will drip down onto it.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Whenever I get a new appliance, I dread the cleaning process. Luckily, Ninja has made cleaning the coffee maker a breeze.

The drip tray beneath the appliance can be slid out for easy emptying and cleaning, dissembling into three layers for hand washing with soap and warm water. The portafilter is also hand-washable, and is easy to empty with a firm tap against the edge of a trash can.

The tray needs emptying regularly, I discovered. Luckily, there is an orange floating indicator that will rise when it is getting too full. I suggest emptying it before it reaches the top, as you risk spilling the water as you move to your sink otherwise.

The machine also comes with a long-handled brush for cleaning out the grinder and tamper storage well, as well as some descaling tablets and solution for deep cleaning of internal parts. The conical burr grinder also comes apart for easier cleaning.

What Shoppers Say

The general consensus amongst other uses is overwhelmingly positive, with reviews (at the time of writing) on the SharkNinja site setting the machine at 4.8 stars out of 5.

Shoppers comment on how easy it is to use, the compact size, and the incorporated steamer and grinder, which streamline the process.

One commented in their five-star review, 'I have never had so much fun playing barista in my home using the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Espresso Machine. This was easy to set up, and the instructions for every step of making so many different coffee House classics were so simple. I love that this machine includes a bean grinder as well as the full press setup for making your espresso or coffee.'

There is one limited one-star review which claims 'The coffee was burnt tasting and underachieved,' however, this is a single outlier, and hardly detailed. I take this as an exception.

We previously reviewed the Cafe Mini's larger predecessor, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro, and had a similarly wonderful experience. After her review, Lydia Hayman marked the larger machine down only for the sheer size of the appliance, meaning that this mini version is a welcome addition to the lineup for us. It carries with it all of the wonderful features and quality brewing of the previous machine, so which you pick will depend only on the amount of counter space you have available.

Should You Buy The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine?

All in all, I would highly recommend the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Espresso Machine. It is a fantastic, small-space-friendly coffee machine that is largely automated but still fun to use.

It brews wonderful barista-quality coffee, albeit with a little bit of mess, and has greatly improved our home coffees. In fact, I have lost count of how many times my coffee-obsessed partner uttered that he was excited to use his coffee machine in the morning as he got into bed each evening. He's been so excited to show it off to guests, too.

This is perfectly suited to people who love quality coffee from fresh beans, who want some of that authentic espresso experience at home without the faff of weighing their own and calculating the right pressure. You do not need any barista training or even a deep understanding of coffee to master this machine.

It is especially useful for those who have a small kitchen like me, who struggle to keep counters clear of everyday clutter without another appliance getting in the way.

That said, there is a lack of transparency about the materials used in the inner brew path, and I cannot be sure whether it is one of the best non-toxic coffee makers or not. If you are very health-conscious, it might be worth some extra digging.

How We Test Coffee Makers

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

Once we have researched the best coffee makers on the market, we test at home, as it means we can use the appliance in our regular routines. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one-hour session in the test kitchen.

After unboxing, we'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.

Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the range of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.

Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

What Else to Shop

From cleaning essentials to countertop organizers, I have rounded up everything you need to flesh out your new home coffee station.

All prices correct at time of publication.

No matter how good your coffee machine is, the bean you pick will have a huge impact on the final taste of your coffee. We have a whole guide dedicated to choosing coffee beans to help find the best roast for you.

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For many of us, making coffee at home is a no-frills routine. It gets the job done, but rarely comes close to what you can order at your favorite coffee shop.

The De'Longhi Magnifica Duo Automatic Espresso Machine aims to change that, bringing the barista experience home, but without any of the fussy training. With 20 preset hot and iced drinks, including espresso, drip coffee, iced lattes, and cold brew, plus a built-in grinder and automatic milk frother, it takes almost all the guesswork out of brewing.

When choosing a coffee machine, it is certainly one to consider, whether you are a coffee aficionado or simply need your morning caffeine hit.

If you want to make espresso at home, you need one of the best espresso machines − and the De'Longhi Magnifica Duo is shaping up to be just that. With a built-in grinder, preset menu, and automatic milk frother, it can make any style of drink in minutes. It even takes the fuss out of cold brew, reducing a traditionally 12-hour extraction process down to just three minutes.

High-pressure brewing with pre-infusion creates bold, intense espresso. Lower pressure without pre-infusion allows the grinds to bloom for a classic drip coffee. For cold brew, ambient temperature water and very low pressure steep the grounds longer.

To really make the system effortless, the machine features a built-in conical burr grinder and milk frother, which work seamlessly without extra labor. It is going to be one of the quickest café-style brews of any morning routine.

It's designed for families, too, even if you have different tastes. You can set three dedicated user profiles, each with unique taste preferences to automate drink size, intensity, and temperature, no matter who is making coffee at home.

Better still, the cleaning is just as simple. The removable components are dishwasher safe, and the machine has a self-clean function, so you're not stuck scrubbing.

While we are yet to get our hands on one to test ourselves, pre-launch reviews have been nothing but positive. One on the De'Longhi page dubbed the Magnifica Duo the 'Ferrari of coffee machines,' adding, 'This machine is amazing. And I’ve had some pretty good ones in the past. I have a Moccamaster for drip coffee and a Ninja Deluxe machine as well. But the intuitiveness of this DeLonghi, the ease, the flavor of the coffee when extracted is top-notch. I look forward to every morning to be able to use this machine. [...] I could not recommend this machine more if you are a coffee enthusiast.'

Another commented on how surprisingly quiet it was even when grinding, and others praised how easy it is to clean. I can't wait to get my hands on one and put it through its paces.

What Else to Shop

To help you create the ultimate home coffee station, I've rounded up my favorite accessories, from syrup and bean storage to beautiful mugs that make every cup feel a little more special.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

No matter your machine, your drink will only taste as good as the ingredients you use. With that in mind, we have put together a complete guide to choosing coffee beans to find the perfect roast for your brew type and tastes.

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Whether you spend long days in the office or escape into the great outdoors every weekend, one thing often remains the same – the need for great coffee.

Portable coffee makers are more popular than ever; however, few can produce a truly café-quality espresso. For serious coffee lovers, this 'good enough' simply doesn't cut it.

That's where the Flair 2GO Portable Lever Espresso Maker, available at Amazon, saves the day. This compact manual brewer produces authentic espresso at six to nine bars of pressure, complete with a rich crema, wherever you happen to be. Better yet, this non-toxic coffee maker is BPA plastic-free, too.

Usually, when we think about coffee on the go, the AeroPress we reviewed and loved comes to mind. This handy compact coffee maker is undoubtedly one of the greats, offering all-in-one coffee that is like espresso but not quite the same. The cost of being able to brew anything from French press style to cold brew is the rich, velvety crema essential for an espresso base.

The Flair 2GO, on the other hand, can brew only espresso, but delivers the true experience without the need for the best home espresso machine.

The portable aircraft-grade aluminum frame folds away between uses, making it one of the only foldable lever espresso machines for travel, collapsing down to fit in the palm of your hand. What makes it particularly special, however, is the lever design, which allows users to easily brew between six and nine bar pressure, exactly that needed for incredible espresso with crema, with an integrated pressure gauge to make the perfect shot every time.

While we have not tested the Flair 2GO ourselves, we have had our hands on the larger Flair NEO Flex and loved how simple it was, the small footprint, and the fantastic-tasting coffee it produced. There is no denying that it is a slightly more involved setup than an automatic machine, but if you are a true enthusiast looking for cafe-quality on the go, we are sure it is a learning curve you will appreciate.

What Else to Shop

Whether you're making espresso at home or on the go, I have rounded up the best accessories for small-scale espresso making to suit small kitchens and travel bags.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Just looking for an on-the-go caffeine boost, but are not as sure on the drink itself? We have an expert guide to making coffee taste better when you don't like coffee, just for you.

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Call me a cynic, but I’ve never been convinced that a hot drink is the answer to surviving warm weather. When temperatures rise, I want something packed with ice to cool me down from the inside out, which usually leaves traditional coffee in fall and winter.

Iced coffee and chilled matcha lattes, however, are a different story. This summer, I think I’ve found the perfect upgrade to make the most of your best espresso machine in the Simpletaste 4-in-1 Milk Frother, which creates both warm and cold foam.

It’s the ideal finishing touch for refreshing summer drinks, adding café-style flourish while delivering on the caffeine boost you need to stay awake in the heat.

If you crave a truly café-like experience in the comfort of your own home, then topping your drinks (hot or cold) with milk foam is one of the simplest tricks. You do not need extensive barista training, just a well-brewed drink (be it from the best non-toxic coffee machine or made by hand, as with matcha), and a milk frother.

The Simpletaste 4-In-1 Milk Frother, from Amazon, is a class upgrade year-round. It is just as perfect for topping an iced matcha in summer as it is a pumpkin-spiced brew come fall. It's simple to use, too, with only one button. Tap once for warm dense foam, twice for warm airy foam, three times to heat milk, and four times for cold foam. The auto shut-off feature lets you know when your milk or froth is ready, preventing burning or over-frothing.

It is not limited to frothing and coffee, either. For hot chocolate and regular matcha, you can warm up to 240 ml (8.2 oz) of milk without frothing, adding to its versatility.

It's also far from a gimmick. Verified shoppers adore this simple frother, saying it works well with both dairy and non-dairy milks and praising its compact size, which makes it ideal for small kitchens.

As Sandy writes, 'We had a different frother before this one, and it worked fine, but for some reason the milk would burn in the bottom and was hard to clean. This frother works perfectly with no scorching. I use it to make chai lattes every morning. The froth is thick and lush. You can make it super thick or a bit thinner, and you can even do it cold. I'm so glad the other one broke, and we decided to try this one. If you're looking for a simple frother, you can't go wrong with this.'

Ana agrees, adding, 'It's foolproof and upgrades your morning coffee without spending crazy amounts at a fancy coffee shop. Heating is perfect on every setting, and the foam setting is great for a matcha latte or any latte, really. It's not bulky or takes a lot of space (huge deal if you live in NYC).'

What Else to Shop

If you are on a mission to make better coffee at home, then how your coffee station flows is key. I have rounded up a selection of my top coffee bar organization ideas to elevate your routine, from beautiful storage to chic iced drink glasses.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Our expert barista created a guide to making iced coffee from hot coffee to help you make it through the heat dome, too.

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I'll admit, I never cared much for coffee. Until a few years ago, I could barely tolerate the smell, so I didn't think an espresso machine would become one of my favourite new kitchen appliances.

Living with a tiny kitchen meant my coffee-loving partner relied on a kettle and a moka pot for years. However, the arrival of the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Espresso Machine finally lets us upgrade without sacrificing precious counter space, and my first impressions have certainly been lasting ones.

This isn't a full review (I'm still putting it through its paces), but after spending a few days with the machine, I think it might be a contender for one of the best espresso machines out there. Here's what has stood out so far.

Having rarely tried to make espresso at home, when it first came to testing a full espresso machine, I was hesitant. They look complicated, and like too much work for the first thing in the morning.

However, the Ninja Luxe™ Café Mini really lives up to its claim of removing the guesswork from making coffee at home, whether you want espresso, drip, or over ice.

The machine comes with everything you need besides beans and water to get started, including a water hardness test kit, which allows you to program your appliance for custom descaling and cleaning warnings.

From there, it weighs your portafilter, decides the best grind size, grinds, and brews for you. The AutoFroth steamer wand even foams milk to the perfect thickness for everything from lattes to cappuccinos without manual intervention. It felt more like playing with a very well-crafted toy than work, so much so that I get excited making coffee for others, and am even tempted to try some myself (although I may be adding some syrups for that).

At 30% smaller than its predecessor, the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro we reviewed last year, it has found an easy home on my counter. It tucks neatly into a corner of my small kitchen without getting in the way of my everyday organization and prep work. I am usually reluctant to give up space to appliances, given how little of it there is, but this has proven to be a worthy addition.

I simply cannot wait to show it off to friends and guests.

What Else to Shop

From beautifully hand-crafted coffee cups to stunning syrup bottles, these hand-picked coffee station essentials are perfect for elevating your home coffee routine to a café-quality ritual.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not sure which setting is best for you? We have broken down the key differences between espresso and drip coffee to help you find the best brew.

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The tone of your morning can shape the rest of your day. Start stressed, and everything feels rushed. Start slowly, with a good cup of coffee and a peaceful breakfast, and the day often feels far more manageable.

How you brew your coffee plays a bigger role in that ritual than you might think. Investing in a quality non-toxic coffee maker, such as the OXO 9-Cup Coffee Maker from Amazon, with a BPA-free construction and timer setting to have your brew ready as you step into the kitchen, is the more mindful way to start your day.

With nearly $100 off for Prime members during Amazon Prime Day, there has never been a better time to invest in your day, either. It's plastic-free coffee that doesn't break the bank.

Having reviewed the OXO 9-cup coffee maker ourselves, we can testify that it is a truly brilliant brewer. Our expert barista, Laura Honey, went so far as to claim it is putting specialty coffee out of business − and that's a serious claim from our in-house coffee snob.

The easy-to-use brewer is made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals to create a non-toxic home. Don't let the simple design fool you, though. It still brews a wonderfully complex coffee, with a thermal carafe made to keep your coffee warm for hours. It's also particularly useful as it cannot brew less than two cups, meaning you'll always have a mug to go.

Laura shared, 'I was impressed at how clear and well-balanced the flavors were. Normally, drip coffee makers aren't quite as good on smaller servings, but this was light and smooth.' Don't just take our word for it, either. The OXO is SCA-certified, meaning it has passed rigorous third-party testing to promise a quality brew every cycle.

It's quick, easy to use, and fully programmable for plan-ahead brewing, making it ideal for anyone who struggles with early starts. Set it up the night before, and you'll wake up to fresh coffee without having to think twice.

With nearly $100 off, it's one of those rare deals that makes a quality coffee maker feel like a genuinely smart investment.

What Else to Shop

From coffee bar organization essentials to non-toxic brewing accessories, I’ve rounded up some of our favourite upgrades to help you make better coffee at home.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your new non-toxic tools on the way, explore how to choose ethical coffee beans for a more mindful brew.

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A quality coffee machine has become almost as essential to the modern kitchen as a stove or sink. For those of us with limited counter space, however, café-quality coffee often comes at the cost of valuable prep room.

With the new Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus, however, you can have the best of both worlds. Designed specifically for smaller kitchens, this compact all-in-one system delivers espresso, filter coffee, and silky café-style microfoam without dominating your countertop.

With barista assist, it removes all of the guesswork from your morning brew, too. As someone constantly fighting for precious counter real estate, I cannot wait to get my hands on what looks to be a worthy contender for the best espresso machines.

The best coffee makers have a reputation for being bulky. To reach the top spot, they often offer several functions, from multiple brew methods to built-in grinding and milk frothing − and the extra bells and whistles usually equate to more room.

The Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus Autofroth Espresso Machine, available at Amazon, delivers all of that without the added mass. Measuring just 10.08" L x 12.17" W x 13.43", it is 30% smaller than its predecessor, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro, which we reviewed and gave five stars last year.

Our expert reviewer Lydia Hayman completely fell in love with the original, saying it was the only machine she ever wanted in her kitchen. One of her only criticisms was that the machine was too big, making this launch possibly the thing to make it truly perfect. I will be sure to put it to the test to find out.

As with the original, the Mini is a highly automated machine, with Barista Assist Technology designed to remove the guesswork from making coffee at home. The system will automatically select the best grind and shot size to give you consistent results, no matter if you are a first-time bean drinker or a trained barista. With single and double-shot espresso baskets, three brew strengths, and three hot water settings, every drink can be tailored to your preferences.

And that's just the coffee. The Luxe Cafe Mini Plus also froths your milk, with a hands-free steam wand calibrated for both dairy and plant-based milks. It's shaping up to be one of the best ways to make espresso at home.

What Else to Shop

At just under $500, the Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus is also one of the more accessible automatic espresso machines I've come across, offering an impressive range of features without venturing into premium coffee-shop territory.

To help you get the most from your new machine, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite coffee accessories, from storage and organisation essentials to brewing tools that can help take your at-home coffee station to the next level.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Not sure which coffee style is best for you? Check out our guide to espresso versus drip for the best morning brew.

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When I learned that the Aarke Coffee Press was made from 100% stainless steel, I knew that I had to put it to the test. With zero plastic, it is the chic way to make a morning brew.

After trialing it at home, I can safely say it did not disappoint. The simple design brews wonderful coffee, with no gritty grounds escaping the quality filter. Even at the premium price point, it is easily one of the best non-toxic coffee makers on the market today.

Here's how I got on with the Aarke Coffee Press, and why this stylish staple will now be a permanent fixture on my counter.

Product Specifications: Aarke Coffee Press

Design and First Impressions

Having reviewed the Aarke Coffee Grinder previously, I expected good things from the Coffee Press. I am glad to say that the high-quality stainless steel has carried over.

Everything about the Aarke Coffee Press (also available at Williams Sonoma) oozes premium quality. The handle feels fantastic in the hand; it is not overly heavy despite the double-walled vacuum stainless steel body, and the polished exterior looks like something you would find in an upmarket coffee shop.

It arrived simply packaged, with no plastic besides a small piece of tape holding the box closed. Inside, the press was nestled in sturdy recyclable cardboard, with a soft bag to protect it from scratches. The matching coffee scoop was wrapped in paper. It is accompanied by an easy-to-read manual that offers suggestions on dosing and grind size, and specific instructions for use with the Aarke Coffee grinder.

What I love the most about this press is that it is plastic-free, with no BPAs in any part of the lid, filter, or plunger. It is pure, durable, non-reactive stainless steel, making it perfectly non-toxic. With a quick rinse, it was ready to use straight out of the box. It could not be simpler.

Performance

The best French presses make making coffee at home simple. Add your coffee grounds, your water, brew, and plunge before serving.

Aarke advises preheating the carafe before using, so I did just that, adding some hot water to let the steel warm up before dumping, drying, and adding my coffee and water.

I used the engraved measurements on the interior of the carafe to brew a four-cup measure, using the 1:12 coffee-to-water ratio to brew just over a single serving. The coffee was steeped for five minutes with the lid turned so that the spout was blocked off to prevent the coffee from cooling down.

I need not have worried about this, however. When the five minutes were up, I touched the exterior of the carafe and found it completely cool. It was as if I had not used the press at all, and it was still fresh out of the box. I was incredibly impressed at just how efficient the double wall insulation was.

Inside, the coffee was still piping hot. The plunger was easy to press down, although I will note that the stainless steel filter does scrape slightly on the stainless steel walls. This creates a small sound, but it is hardly disturbing.

The poured coffee was perfect. The filter kept all the coffee grounds compact and out of the final brew. The coffee was rich and smooth, and according to my partner, who has used it regularly since it arrived, the taste only improved with subsequent use. Whether that is a result of us fine-tuning our method or the stainless steel seasoning with time, I am not sure. Regardless, it makes it a promising investment.

I wanted to further test Aarke's claim that the press can keep coffee warm for up to three hours. To do so, I filled the carafe up to the six-cup measurement and used a food thermometer from Amazon to take readings every hour for three hours.

I preheated the carafe as before and was pleasantly surprised to find that the claim was fairly accurate. After three hours, the water had dropped by 55°F, with the temperature after three hours a comfortable 156°F. We don't generally recommend steeping French press coffee for this long, as you risk over-extraction, but it is nice to know that you are not at risk of a cold brew if you steep a little longer than the suggested five minutes.

Throughout the process, the exterior of the press stayed perfectly cool to the touch. The insulation is next to none.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a French press always comes with the mildly irritating task of scooping the compacted grounds from the base, but overall, the Aarke is easy to clean.

Because of the large capacity, I found it easiest to use a wooden mixing spoon to reach the base and fish out the coffee to put into my compost. Beyond that the carafe was easy to rinse out. The filter separates with a small screw bolt at the base, making it easy to rinse between the layers and remove any lingering coffee.

All of the parts are dishwasher safe, too, but hand washing is simple enough. Just avoid harsh abrasives to prevent cosmetic scratches. I will note that, being stainless steel, the polished exterior is very prone to water marks if left to air dry, so I suggest towel drying to maintain the shine.

Despite the 34 oz capacity, the press is easy to store in a cabinet or on a shelf and looks good enough to be left on display as part of your coffee station.

How the Aarke Coffee Press Compares

Having used cheap own-brand glass French presses before, the difference is as clear as night and day. You might not be able to watch your coffee brew with the Aarke Stainless Steel Coffee Press; however, the double-wall insulation and plastic-free construction make it a far more elevated brewing experience, without the fear of contaminants.

The top premium contender for the Aarke is the Espro P7 French Press, which has retained its position as the best stainless steel coffee maker for the last few years. Another 32 oz brewer, the Espro is around $5 cheaper on average (at the time of writing). The main difference is in the filter. The Aarke uses a very typical filter comprised of a stainless steel spiral plate, mesh filter, and a cross plate. The Espro uses a patented double wire mesh filter, which is made using BPA-free plastic. As it is BPA-free, it is non-toxic; however, for those who are very particular about 'plastic-free' brews, the Aarke takes the cake.

They both deliver delicious, rich, grit-free coffee with double-wall insulation that keeps coffee warm for hours. Which you choose will come down to your particulars about plastic, BPA-free or not.

Should You Buy the Aarke Coffee Press?

I would absolutely recommend the Aarke Coffee Press to anyone who enjoys French press-style coffee. It is simple to use with premium construction and materials that promise plastic-free brewing.

While the Aarke does come in at a more premium price point ($150 at the time of writing), the quality justifies the investment. The vacuum insulation promises hot coffee without the risk of burns, and the easy-to-hold handle and balanced carafe make for easy pouring. We have noticed a steady improvement in flavour with each use, too, which promises great things for dedicated users. I think it is worth the price, and will be a fantastic find should it drop into any sales.

What Else to Shop

To help you detoxify your coffee routine and create the perfect home café, I’ve curated a selection of my favourite accessories, from non-toxic brewing essentials to smart organization upgrades that make every cup feel a little more special.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To help start your more mindful routine, consider selecting the best ethical coffee beans next.

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Lavazza is rethinking convenient coffee with its new Tablì system – a fresh take on single-serve brewing that delivers rich, flavorful espresso without relying on traditional plastic pods.

Plastic is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to creating a more non-toxic coffee setup, particularly with single-serve machines. But for busy mornings, the convenience is hard to beat. Lavazza’s new Tablì 'Tabs' offer a smarter alternative: pure compressed coffee discs with no plastic casing, wrapping, or coating.

The sleek, compact machine is also perfectly suited to smaller kitchens, making this one of the most exciting coffee launches of 2026. The Lavazza System officially launches in August 2026, and pre-orders have already sold out – so it’s one coffee lover's will want firmly on their radar.

The Tablì system has already been launched in Italy, where the machine retails for €249.99, and with great success. If anyone knows coffee, it's them, so if they love it, I know we are already on to a winner.

The Tablì Tabs are simple, and that is where the beauty lies. Each 'Tab' is a round disc made with 100% coffee that is dosed, ground, and tamped into a gem you can hold, smell, and see before it is brewed. There is zero plastic involved, nor any coatings, meaning what you see is what you get.

The tabs are designed specifically to expand as water passes over them, with a concave shape that encourages full saturation, meaning no coffee is wasted. As someone who is always looking for smart ways to stop creating unnecessary waste at home, they're the logical choice.

Being so compact, they will be simple to store, too, even in the smallest kitchens. Lavazza is launching a drawer tab holder machine stand alongside the machine in August, but an airtight container such as the Airscape Stainless Steel Containers from Williams Sonoma will also do the job, keeping your coffee station compact and your coffee fresh.

There will be five tab varieties available at launch: Espresso, Espresso Double (a dark roast), Espresso Lungo (a medium roast), Decaf, and Super Crema – a full-bodied espresso topped with Lavazza’s signature velvety crema that should satisfy even the most discerning coffee drinkers. In Italy, a pack of 12 tabs is priced at €7.99 at the time of writing.

Each part of the system will also be sold separately, from the machine to the coffee tabs themselves. However, the complete bundle includes the machine, 60 tabs, a new milk frother, and a pair of tweezers for handling the tabs without touching them before brewing – an especially thoughtful detail when serving guests. It’s easily one of the coffee launches I’m most excited to try later this year.

What Else to Shop

Don’t want to wait until August to refresh your coffee routine and cut down on the plastic involved in your daily brew? I’ve rounded up six of my favorite non-toxic coffee tools and accessories to help you create a more mindful upgrade to your morning ritual.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While you are in the mood for picking more mindful coffee, consider how to choose more ethical coffee for products that do better not just for you, but for the planet and coffee workers, too.

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My kitchen is truly tiny – you can cross it in two big steps – meaning counter space is at a premium. That's why I am switching from a bulky coffee maker to a compact AeroPress during the Memorial Day Sales.

These seriously sleek non-toxic coffee makers combine several brew methods into one to produce barista-grade coffee in a tool that fits in a kitchen drawer.

The Clear AeroPress, available at Williams Sonoma, proves that you don't need the biggest, fanciest machines and years of training to make a quality brew at home. And with $10 off, it's now even more worth the investment.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

While it might not steam your milk or offer bean-to-cup at the touch of a button, the AeroPress is designed for certified coffee geeks. Crafted from Tritan, a premium BPA-free copolyester, it is durable, shatterproof, and non-toxic, delivering quality coffee without the risk of contamination from 'forever chemicals.'

Our expert barista, Laura Honey, reviewed the Clear AeroPress when it first launched and quickly became a fan, praising its ability to seamlessly brew espresso-style coffee, Americanos, cold brew, and lattes using a single tool. 'If you need tasty coffee on the go, you won’t do better than this. The AeroPress well and truly lives up to its reputation,' she wrote.

'For $50, you won’t find a better coffee maker,' she added, making any discount on it all the more compelling.

For me, the real draw of the portable AeroPress is its size. Designed for travel, whether on a daily commute or a longer vacation, the Clear AeroPress takes up minimal space in kitchen storage. Its durability also means it can be safely tucked into a drawer without the worry of cracking under a little rough handling.

Beyond its function, it is also sleek enough to sit on the counter without disrupting your décor or monopolizing valuable food-prep space, as some bulkier coffee makers tend to do.

While the discount is modest, any price drop on this coffee bar essential is rare, making Memorial Day the ideal moment to upgrade your coffee station.

What Else to Shop

From coffee bar organization staples to smart upgrades that improve brew quality, I’ve curated a selection of must-have tools to elevate your at-home coffee setup.

To help set you on the path of brilliant coffee, our baristas have drafted the ultimate AeroPress recipe.

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There comes a moment in every compact kitchen when the countertop simply cannot take another appliance. Coffee makers are often among the bulkiest, making them one of the first things to be culled or vetoed.

That is exactly the problem the Keurig K‑Compact Single Serve Coffee Maker, available from Amazon, was designed to solve. This streamlined, no-fuss brewer heats in under a minute, delivering a quick cup of coffee without the sprawling footprint most machines demand.

With Memorial Day just around the corner, it is already $30 off, making now the perfect time to upgrade to one of the best Keurig coffee makers without sacrificing precious kitchen space.

When fighting to keep counters clear in small kitchens, the smaller the appliance, the better. Certain bulky tools, such as the best non-toxic air fryers or the best stand mixers, earn the kitchen real estate space they take up by serving several functions and making cooking simpler.

While the best coffee makers might be just as essential to your morning routine, smaller appliances often do just as good a job as the larger models, with a far smaller footprint. The Keurig K-Compact, for example, measures only 12.5" H x 8.2" W x 13.2" D, making it one of the most convenient picks for small spaces.

The mini model also helps to streamline your routine, keeping coffee simple with quick K-Cup pods from Walmart and three brew sizes, taking the guesswork out of a rushed morning brew.

With over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the small size and simplicity are adored by shoppers. Giving it five stars, revified shopper Luke VanDerPuy dubbed the maker 'underrated', sharing, 'It's not flashy like some of the new models that have a bunch of color options and different controls. But it's reliable, which is more important to me than all the other bells and whistles.'

Fellow shopper Lizanne F., agreed, adding, 'I love this machine. It's actually my second one; the first I received as a gift. [...] It's so easy to use, and I bought the shelf with a drawer to go below it. 24 k cups fit in there, plus the extra space allows me to add accessories. I will keep buying these until the day I stop drinking coffee.'

It is the perfect tool to uncomplicate coffee, without sacrificing your precious counter space to visual clutter.

What Else to Shop

From improving the quality of your brew to creating a streamlined coffee station, I’ve rounded up six must-have accessories to elevate your morning ritual.

All prices correct at time of publication.

While it might seem straightforward, our baristas have put together a guide to making coffee at home to help you iron out any snags and produce cafe-quality brews in the comfort of your kitchen.

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SMEG has revealed its Color of the Year for 2026, and it is a stark departure from the usually vivid retro palette the brand is known for.

Moonlight, a rich earth tone, could be mistaken for a safe play. However, the restorative hue, inspired by the 'understated elegance' of natural light, is designed to complement the existing surfaces in your kitchen, rather than distract.

Available in one of the best drip coffee makers, an electric kettle, and a two-slice toaster, the new color just works, no matter your current kitchen scheme. But why?

Moonlight is SMEG's Color of the Year 2026

Looking back at every Color of the Year we know so far, another neutral shade is perhaps not all that surprising. Sherwin-Williams announced Universal Khaki, Dutch Boy chose Melodious Ivory, and we saw a similar story in the controversial Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer.

Moonlight is a warm, earthy neutral, designed with sophistication in mind. The warmer undertones add depth, steering kitchens away from being too stark or unwelcoming, lending credence to cozy kitchens designed for hosting or comfort cooking.

But why, when the quiet luxury trend seems to be phasing out of both interiors and fashion, have so many institutions settled on understated shades? For SMEG, a famously nostalgic kitchenware brand, it is about creating appliances that 'gently accompany surfaces rather than distract.'

Karen Olle, Marketing Director at SMEG USA, shared in the release, 'We're seeing a real shift in design as homeowners move away from cool greys and toward the warmth of earthy neutrals like beige and ivory. With Moonlight, we wanted to capture that sense of calm in a very tangible way, creating a kitchen that feels organic, grounded, and restorative.'

When choosing the best kitchen appliances, the timeless matte neutral is perfect, blending seamlessly into any scheme, from maximalist kitchens to the 'New Neutral' kitchens rising in popularity.

Rather than draw the eye as a centerpiece, the new SMEG offerings integrate seamlessly into the existing space, as discreet appliances that minimize visual clutter in a kitchen without becoming boring.

They are still a statement, albeit a more considered one. As they mix elegance with quality construction, they are a definitively timeless investment for any kitchen ideas.

What to Shop

For those of us who are irrevocably drawn to comforting, warm-toned neutrals, this shade feels like a natural fit. I have rounded up six picks – both from SMEG itself and a few color-matched accessories – to help you integrate the Moonlight hue across your kitchen.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are enamoured by the natural aesthetic, consider these neutral kitchen ideas to balance warmth and timelessness without veering into bland.

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We all seem to be on the hunt for the perfect brewer – a coffee machine that can make a range of excellent drinks, handle beans and milk with ease, and do it all without taking over the entire kitchen counter.

Luckily, the latest espresso machines from KitchenAid appear to be up to the task. Around 25% smaller than previous models, the new KitchenAid KF2 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder with an integrated milk steaming wand, making it your personal barista at home.

It is already shaping up to be a contender for the best espresso machines – especially thanks to the added cold brew functionality. Here’s everything you need to know.

We’ve always been fans of the KitchenAid coffee machines, particularly the KF range. The KF6, for example, earned an impressive 4.5/5 stars in our expert review by Lydia Hayman, thanks to its exceptionally quiet operation and chic silhouette that sits seamlessly in any modern kitchen. It also delivered consistently strong, well-balanced espresso, the true litmus test for any machine in this category.

The new KF2 variation is simply smaller – offering the same great brewing power on a more compact footprint. It offers six hot and iced recipe options, from rich, bold espresso to refreshing iced coffee, all at the touch of a button. Drinks can also be tailored to taste, too, with a backlit LED display (another upgrade on the previous model) that makes adjusting strength, size, and temperature simple and intuitive.

A built-in burr grinder automatically adapts to different beans and roast profiles, helping ensure a consistently well-rounded extraction without the need for barista-level training.

It has certainly earned its spot on the busiest kitchen counters, and I can't wait to put it to the test.

What Else to Shop

To help you make the best coffee at home, I’ve rounded up a selection of coffee station essentials designed to elevate both your brewing routine and your countertop aesthetic.

All prices correct at time of publication.

With your new automated in-house barista on the way, check out some of the expert coffee bar organization ideas to maintain order.

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For anyone who enjoys manual-brew coffee or loose-leaf tea at home, an electric kettle is essential. However, kettles made with plastic components have raised growing concerns, with studies warning these may release micro- and nanoplastics into the water you boil and drink.

A 2025 study published in npj Emerging Contaminants found that, while the evidence is not yet conclusive, regular use of plastic kettles may contribute to the ingestion of microscopic plastic particles. As concerns rise about the potential health effects of plastics and so-called 'forever chemicals,' it is not a risk worth taking for something as simple as your morning brew.

The solution? Switch to a non-toxic coffee maker made without plastic in the water path. One example is the fully stainless steel, premium Aarke kettle, pictured above. Here’s why making the change matters.

Why Plastic Kettles Could be Toxic

Concerns are increasingly being raised about whether heat and repeated use of plastic appliances may contribute to the release of micro- and nanoplastics into water.

Many lower-cost electric kettles still incorporate plastics in key components, often using materials such as polypropylene (PP), ABS, or polycarbonate blends, depending on the design. When these materials are repeatedly heated when making coffee at home, there is potential for polymer degradation and additive leaching, introducing microscopic plastic particles into the water.

While early studies are still not entirely sure of the long-term effects of microplastics on the body, it is generally considered good practice to reduce exposure where possible, working on the 'better safe than sorry' principle.

Other studies support this, adds Dr. Joseph Mercola, Board-Certified Family Physician. In late 2020, a Trinity College Dublin Study reported that polypropylene products, with kettles tested along with infant bottles and lunch boxes, released microplastics. The release of polypropylene rose from 0.6 million to 55 million particles per liter as water temperature rose from 25 to 95 degrees Celsius [77-203°F]. Since a kettle’s purpose is to heat water close to that range, day after day, I would not choose plastic as your main kettle material.'

While the 2025 study did suggest that the level of contaminants released by certain electric kettles may decrease with repeated use, trace levels can persist even after extended boiling cycles. As Dr Mercola reports, 'In a 100-day plastic-kettle study, minerals in real tap water formed protective films inside kettles; after 40 days, ions in water cut microplastic release by more than 89% compared with deionized-water controls. Still, that finding should not be read as a green light for plastic kettles.'

In other words, simply 'boiling out' plastics is not a reliable way to eliminate microplastics, even if the volume of harmful chemicals may reduce over time.

Why Stainless Steel Kettles are the Answer

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is chemically inert, meaning that it does not react or leach potentially harmful chemicals into food or water. This has the bonus of not impacting the flavor, too. That is why it makes some of the best non-toxic cookware.

Beyond the safety argument, they are more durable and are corrosion-resistant, meaning that they are a smarter financial investment, too.

When brewing, stainless steel kettles also offer superior heat retention, keeping your water warmer for longer for repeated brews. This is the case for both stainless steel electric kettles, such as the SMEG Electric Kettle from Williams Sonoma, or the Willow Kitchen Gooseneck Kettle available at Macy's, and stovetop kettles, such as the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Whistling Induction Kettle, from Macy's.

Dr. Mercola agrees, adding, 'I prefer a glass or stainless steel kettle. Ceramic-lined options can also be useful if the glaze and interior materials are clearly disclosed. For a home kitchen, the goal is simple: heat water in glass, stainless steel, or ceramic, then pour it into a ceramic or glass mug. I would also avoid plastic travel mugs for hot tea or coffee, since the same basic principle applies: Heat and plastic are a poor pair.'

What to Shop

Plastics and 'forever chemicals' can creep into many parts of your coffee routine. To help reduce that risk, I’ve sourced six coffee bar essentials made without BPA plastics or other potentially harmful materials.

All prices correct at time of publication.

Meet the Expert

It’s not just health considerations worth thinking about when revamping your coffee routine. Choosing ethically sourced beans matters too. Our guide to selecting ethical coffee can help you build a more environmentally conscious setup.

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The Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine is a popular, sleek espresso machine with customization settings that even espresso aficionados would appreciate.

After garnering some popularity on social media, I enlisted the expertise of a professional barista to find out if the Casabrews ULTRA lived up to its reputation and how it compares to more high-end models. Spoiler: It brews rich, delicious, and full-bodied coffee with ease.

And thanks to its stylish stainless steel design, this is one of the best espresso machines for high-quality yet inexpensive espresso at home.

My One-Minute Summary

The Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine brews truly delicious coffee to a standard similar to that of professional machines. You can adjust pour time and temperature, although I found that the pour times we set weren't always saved accurately.

Its functionality is easy to understand for those new to espresso making at home – with four buttons for choosing cup size, hot water, steam, and adjusting the brew – and the steam wand does a great job at turning milk silky and thick.

For more customization options, I recommend the Breville Barista Pro, or if you're short on space, the KitchenAid Espresso Machine is a stylish, smaller alternative.

Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine: Specifications

Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine: Design

The Casabrews ULTRA looks like a compact version of the professional espresso machines you find in coffee shops. It's made almost entirely of stainless steel, and takes about 2-3 minutes to warm up.

Even if you've had no experience making espresso at home, the operation is straightforward. All the parts move and attach intuitively. The drip tray slides out easily with minimal spillage, and the portafilter slots in with a satisfyingly weighty feel to it – and there’s a stopping point, so it’s easy to know when it’s fully inserted.

The tamper feels a little cheap compared to the more premium materials used for the rest of the machine. Its plastic is BPA-free and food-safe, but feels a touch too lightweight for tamping. When you're pressing grounds into the portafilter, you want them to be evenly distributed, and if you’re pressing yourself – as opposed to using a heavier weight – there’s more room for error. During testing, my barista partner and I found that there were occasionally loose grounds on top after pulling the tamper away.

You can, however, easily make a good-quality espresso, and if you are more of a coffee aficionado, you can adjust each shot to precisely how you prefer.

That said, after brewing, the coffee grounds came out as a solid puck, a good sign that the tamper has done its job (and paired with the right pour time).

There are four buttons for the different modes: One-cup, two-cup, hot water, and steam.

To change pour time, hold the two-cup button down for five seconds to be able to change the settings (only the power and two -cup button lights will be lit). Then, press the two-cup to start pouring, then again to stop, and it will show you the pour time.

It is said to remember this for next time, to tailor the brew to your beans without having to adjust the settings every time, but strangely, it did not remember exactly to the recorded time during my testing.

When setting the time to 27 seconds, the next coffee was poured for 26. When set at 24 seconds, the next was 23.5. As it isn't quite accurate, I would recommend setting your pour time a little higher than needed.

A nice touch is that the top surface of the espresso machine is slightly warm as the water heats up. You find this feature in professional espresso machines, as it allows you to gently warm your mug while brewing the coffee. We found the mug to be ever-so-slightly warmer after 5-10 minutes on top of the machine, upside down.

Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine: Performance

The Casabrews ULTRA brewed delicious coffee that tasted almost the same as when brewed from a professional machine, which was impressive for such a small appliance.

During testing, I made espressos, Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos to find out how the Casabrews ULTRA performed. We used coffee beans that my barista partner regularly tastes at work and is familiar with the flavor profile, to see how similar the pour was from this at-home espresso machine.

For the first espresso, we poured for 23 seconds, and it tasted great, but a little acidic and sour. The crema was present and looked good, but could have been thicker.

We increased the pour to 27.5 seconds, and it was perfect. Indistinguishable from the espressos made from a professional machine.

We brewed Americanos by brewing espresso, then adding hot water, then vice versa. Both ways, it tasted almost as good as when brewed professionally, although a little flat.

It also didn't quite have the same body, but it performed exceptionally well at extracting the flavour, as we could taste all the notes in the coffee. The subtle chocolate, berry, and acidic profiles were all present.

The steam wand takes around 45-50 seconds to properly foam the milk and heat it up, which is a little slow, but the result was a thick, glossy milk that is perfect for flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos.

It also didn’t do what lots of cheap machines do, which is to just blow bubbles into the milk.

The lattes and cappuccinos that we brewed were delicious, full-bodied, and impressive enough that my partner would happily serve them at work.

Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine: Cleaning and Storage

The Casabrews ULTRA is easy to clean. The drip tray comes out, allowing you to clean it thoroughly, and the internal parts can be flushed and descaled. A light will show on the LCD screen when it's time to descale the coffee maker.

To flush the machine, following the manual's clear instructions, I ran hot water for 30 seconds through the steam wand, then stopped it manually. Then, I did the same for the group head, and it stopped automatically after 23 seconds.

Hot water comes out of the steam wand, so if you're making an americano, you'll have to flush out the wand after every time you've submerged it in milk.

At 12.99 x 12.2 x 10.31 inches, the Casabrews ULTRA will need a decent amount of space on the counter, but not too much more than some of the bigger Keurig coffee makers.

It's stainless steel, so it'll easily blend into different kitchen interior styles, and it easily fits under my kitchen cabinets. If you prefer to keep yours out of sight, prepare to lift a somewhat heavy (13.55lbs) and bulky machine in and out of your kitchen storage.

How Does the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine Compare?

At $249.99 at Casabrews, and often discounted to around $180-200, the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine is a modest investment, and a more affordable entry into at-home espresso machines compared to premium models on the market. It's relatively compact too, measuring 10.31 in (W) x 12.2 in (D) x 12.99 in (H).

One such example is the Breville Barista Pro, costing $849.95 at Amazon. It perfectly extracts notes of all coffee types, can adjust temperature, includes a coffee grinder, and has exceptional build quality – but it'll take up more space on your counter.

If you're short on space, the KitchenAid Espresso Machine is a slim, stylish alternative that is similarly easy to use, includes a milk frother, and makes delicious coffee, at $249.99 at KitchenAid. It measures 6.38 x 13.15 x 11.26 inches.

Who Would the Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine Suit?

The Casabrews ULTRA Espresso Machine is the ideal entry point for those looking to try their first espresso machine, and coffee aficionados who like to have some control over their brew.

Espresso purists may prefer a more comprehensive machine that can adjust the temperature and includes its own coffee grinder, to keep everything needed for precision and customization in one place, such as the Breville Barista Pro.

Next, see which models top our guide to the best coffee makers after our rigorous testing sessions.

I wasn’t old enough to see The Devil Wears Prada in cinemas, but you can be sure that @Can you please spell ‘Gabbana’?” has been etched into my memory since the first time I watched it in my parents’ living room, alongside an unhealthy fixation on those Chanel boots.

That’s why I can’t stop thinking about the Dolce & Gabbana x Williams Sonoma kitchen and coffee collection. From statement toasters to some of the best non-toxic coffee makers, it brings a vibrant hit of colour into the kitchen, with (dare I say) cerulean blues and white Mediterranean motifs that feel entirely Miranda-approved.

The range spans everything from Bialetti moka pots to coffee grinders and storage tins, offering something for every kind of coffee ritual. It’s a playful yet polished way to nod to a cult fashion classic at home – perfectly timed as we wait for the long-anticipated second instalment.

Not all of us want to plaster our homes with movie merchandise, and few of us have the budget to fill our wardrobes with the designer pieces we are sure to see in the upcoming sequel to The Devil Wears Prada.

That is what makes the Dolce & Gabbana x Williams Sonoma kitchen collection feel so appealing – it blends practical investment pieces with beautiful design. Plus, if you catch the subtle fashion references, it is a guaranteed way to start each morning with a smile (and never a catastrophic pursing of the lips).

The pattern itself mirrors motifs used on several iconic Dolce & Gabbana designs, including the recognizable Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Handbag, which retails for over $3,000 for the small size. The Williams Sonoma collaboration offers a more affordable – and practical – way to bring the same signature pattern into your home.

For the coffee lovers, the Bialetti side of the collaboration is a must. Comprising the best mokka pot money can buy in three- and six-cup sizes, a stunning stainless steel and glass French press, matching espresso cups, and the coffee gift/storage tin, it is a delightful way to start each morning, delivering quality coffee every time.

On the appliance side of things, SMEG's iconic retro-style essentials are sporting the summery look. The SMEG manual espresso machine (which we gave four stars in our review) completes your coffee nook, as does the SMEG electric kettle. Alternatively, for those who want to commit to the Mediterranean style, and for less than a Dolce Box Bag, there is the SMEG Fab 5 Refrigerator.

The truth is, no one can do what Dolce & Gabbana and Williams Sonoma can do. As Miranda Priestley would say, 'That's all.'

Want to fully upgrade your coffee nook? We have rounded up the top coffee bar essentials for your home to curate a cafe-style experience in the comfort of your kitchen.

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On a quest to brew the perfect cup of joe, your focus may understandably fall on selecting the right roasts, upgrading equipment, and refining technique over time. However, one of the most important variables is often overlooked entirely – the water itself.

Even with the best coffee makers, the mineral composition of your water can have a significant impact on flavour and aroma, and it can vary not only by location but even seasonally. That’s why serious coffee enthusiasts often turn to mineral-enhancing packets such as Third Wave Water, available from Amazon, to help ensure consistency cup after cup.

'The role water quality plays in flavor and aroma is often overlooked,' notes Heather Perry, two-time US Barista Champion and CEO of Klatch Coffee. 'Coffee is, after all, almost completely water.' Here’s what she recommends for achieving the best possible brew, every time.

How Mineral Packets Can Drastically Improve Home Coffee

If, when you make coffee at home, it never quite tastes as it does at the coffee shop, even when using the same beans and the best non-toxic coffee makers, it may be your water to blame.

Heather explains, 'Municipal quality and mineral content can vary wildly depending on the source and geographic location, which affects the finished cup. Worse, it sometimes contains contaminants.

'In high volume cafes, business owners invest heavily in water filtration and treatment to ensure consistency and high quality, especially across multiple locations,' she notes.

Packet mineral treatments offer a fantastic alternative to these industrial systems. When using the best home water filters to treat distilled water (available at Walmart), mineral packets 'add back' key minerals in just the right amounts for the resulting brew.

It is worth noting that for most of the US, water from your faucet is usually safe to drink and safe for use in coffee machines. That being said, a study by the Environmental Working Group found evidence of several pollutants across the country that may affect your coffee, but most importantly, your health. As a result, they have put together an EWG tap water checker for you to check your local zip-code supply.

Switching to treated water, such as distilled or filtered, and adding mineral packets is a great way to be on the safe side when it comes to both your body and your appliances.

It is quick, simple, and contaminant-free. Plus, this method of brewing is a fantastic way to prevent limescale, prolonging its lifespan, preserving taste, and making cleaning a coffee maker more streamlined. What's not to love?

What to Shop

'Third Wave Water is one such product we recommend,' Heather shares. 'Home brewers can add it to distilled or reverse osmosis water to create water that perfectly fits within the Specialty Coffee Association's (SCA) guidelines for improved flavor, ideal for home coffee preparation.'

We’ve selected some of their most popular formulations, along with a few additional accessories, to help you achieve a consistently café-quality brew at home.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

if you coffee still doesn't taste quite right, brush up on how to choose coffee beans to refine your selection and ensure you are using the correct roast for every brewing method.

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Espresso is notoriously difficult to perfect at home. It requires the right grind size, precise pressure, and a careful technique to achieve a genuinely barista-quality shot.

Even with the best espresso machine and exceptional beans, there’s one often-overlooked tool that can make a noticeable difference – the humble WDT tool, also known as a needle tool. One of the best among them? The Normcore WDT Distribution Tool is available at Amazon.

Subtle details, such as needle gauge and count, can seriously influence how evenly the coffee is distributed before extraction and affect your drink's consistency. Here’s how it works, and why coffee experts always opt for Normcore to refine their setup.

The $32 Needle Tool Loved by Baristas for Quality Espresso at Home

There is a lot that goes into making espresso at home, and while the smallest details might not seem all that important in the larger routine, incorrect distribution of grinds can result in a sour, bitter brew.

As former barista and co-founder of Home Coffee Expert, Matt Woodburn-Simmonds, explains, 'WDT tools break up clumps of grounds that form while finely grinding coffee beans. This is especially common when you use grinders with burrs smaller than 60mm, which comprises most coffee grinders for at-home use.

'These clumps create uneven grounds distribution in your coffee puck and can result in channelling, water going straight through a narrow gap in your grounds rather than filtering through the coffee bed, or just uneven extraction. Both of which can ruin the flavor of your espresso.'

A high-quality WDT (Weiss Distribution Tool), with the correct balance of gauge, configuration, and depth, can distribute ultra-fine grinds more evenly. Using a WDT tool can break up clumps and create a nice and even distribution of grounds before tamping and using with your best coffee maker.

'This more uniform coffee puck forces the water to travel through all your coffee grounds in a nice and even manner, meaning more consistent and better balanced flavor extraction,' Matt explains.

Two things make for a good needle tool:

• Needle gauge: 0.25–0.3 mm needles slip between particles without creating their own micro-channels; thicker needles, 0.4 mm and above, are more durable but push grounds around. Thin needles stirred through the full depth of the grounds break the clumps, collapse the voids, and redistribute particles evenly.
• Needle count: Five to seven needles is ideal for most users, offering great distribution, but you can upgrade to eight or nine needles for higher coverage on larger brews, or for a more professional tool.

What to Shop

Making great coffee at home is all about precision. The right accessories, from tampers to scales, can make the difference between an average shot and a perfectly balanced espresso.

This selection is designed to help you perfect your technique and achieve consistent extraction.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Prep work is only part of a good brew. Make sure to also avoid these common coffee maker mistakes to ensure your hard work does not go to waste.

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David Beckham has collaborated with Ninja to design a chic new upgrade for one of the brand’s flagship coffee makers.

The former footballer, who has now made a name for himself as a stylish country homemaker (thanks to his green thumb and chicken-keeping skills), has launched a sleek limited-edition Luxe™ Café Pro coffee maker that's chic enough for his counters.

This premium appliance, which combines Ninja’s automated brewing technology with David's fashion-forward aesthetic, means you can now bring high-performing celebrity style straight to the heart of your home.

With so many now embracing artisan home coffee alongside aesthetic kitchen choices, these appliances now have to do more than deliver a great cup. Along with being one of the best espresso machines our in-house professional chef has ever tested, this upgrade will be a centerpiece on your countertop, rather than something you'll have to hide away in your appliance garage.

David Beckham Just Teamed Up With Ninja on a Stylish Coffee Maker

So far as the best coffee makers go, Ninja delivers every time. Having reviewed the original Luxe™ Café Pro, we found barely any faults besides it being large, and the cold brew not being ultra-cold. Otherwise, it performs quickly and quietly, delivering consistently well-extracted espresso, hands-free milk frothing, and the added convenience of a built-in grinder.

The original stainless-steel finish already felt elevated, but the David Beckham redesign takes things a step further, introducing matte black stainless steel and refined gold detailing, alongside ebony wood accents. The result is a countertop appliance that feels as much like an on-trend design object as it does a kitchen essential.

Importantly, every design decision has been made with practicality in mind, ensuring performance hasn’t been sacrificed for aesthetics. In a behind-the-scenes video released by Ninja, Beckham even pushed back on certain finishes, noting, 'I’m all about the details. My issue with that? Fingerprints.'

No fuss, no smudges, just a clean finish that looks as good as it performs.

The machine offers four functions in one: brewing full-bodied espresso, balanced drip coffee, quick cold brew, and offering an independent hot water system.

This is all alongside the hands-free milk steamer and grinder with 25 automated grind settings to take the guesswork out of making good coffee at home. It may be large, but it makes the best use of its real estate, cutting back on the number of appliances you need on your counter.

The David Beckham colorway launch is limited edition, so it won't be around forever, and I predict a sell-out soon.

What Else to Shop

Coffee stations are no longer just practical hubs for a quick morning pick-me-up – they’re increasingly becoming focal points within the kitchen.

To elevate your own coffee corner, I’ve selected six beautifully home essentials to refine both your routine and your countertop.

Even with the perfect appliances and accessories, your coffee corner may look unkempt without the perfect coffee bar organization ideas. Luckily, the experts have shared their top tips for combining pretty with practical.

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There is an expectation that when choosing a coffee maker, you’ll have to sacrifice counter and storage space, especially if you want a machine that does more than just serve up pod coffee. In a small kitchen, it often doesn’t feel worth the trade-off.

SMEG is seeing to that, however, launching their new Retro Manual Espresso & Cold Brew Coffee Machine, designed with both small spaces and great coffee all year round in mind.

As the brand’s smallest coffee maker to date, it features built-in accessory storage and delivers classic espresso and cold brew options, plus a steam wand, all without monopolising your countertop. I cannot help but eye it as a contender for one of the best coffee makers.

Finally, a Chic Coffee Maker fit For Small Kitchens

Smeg has always been a go-to for those of us who want more from our appliances than pure function. Its ‘50s-inspired silhouettes have sat proudly on kitchen counters for years, adding a sense of retro charm without the compromised performance of genuinely vintage machines.

The brand’s newest espresso and cold brew machine delivers barista-level results at home without the traditional bulk of some of the best espresso machines. Acting as both a cold brew specialist and milk steamer, it consolidates multiple functions into one compact unit, reducing the counter space required in small kitchens while also offering built-in storage for accessories. It feels like a genuine lifesaver, making a small kitchen feel bigger without sacrificing morning luxuries.

While it isn’t fully automatic, it does include a built-in pressure gauge and a professional 58mm stainless steel portafilter, giving you intuitive, hands-on control over every brew. Better still, the passive cup warmer helps keep each serving at an optimal temperature. To minimize friction, a simple QR code gives you quick access to digital manuals, tips, and guided set-ups, so even the coffee newbies can make the most of their new investment.

From making cold brew to whipping up cappuccinos with the built-in steamer (making steaming milk at home simple, and without an extra appliance cluttering your space), I can't wait to try it for myself.

What Else to Shop

SMEG has long been celebrated for the unmistakable retro styling of its appliances, but there are plenty of other ways to bring a nostalgic touch to your coffee station. I’ve curated six of my favorite pieces to help update your setup and capture that effortless vintage chic.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With the perfect coffee maker for your kitchen, next pick out some of the best coffee bar essentials to elevate your setup for a cafe-sle experience at home.

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If you had to sum up world-renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s design style in a single word, it would be juxtaposition. Her work is defined by blending contrasts, unexpected pairings, and taking risks, so it’s little surprise she has embraced Breville’s latest Mixed Metals collaboration with Williams Sonoma.

'I love mixing metals – it’s something I do in every project,' Wearstler shares. 'This collection gets it. The brass and stainless together – it’s functional, but it’s also a beautiful design.'

Launched in an assortment of Breville’s most iconic kitchen appliances, from the brilliant coffee makers to sleek countertop ovens, the full six-piece collection, now available exclusively at Williams Sonoma, proves that everyday pieces can move beyond function into something truly worth the countertop real estate. As much a piece of art as the color of your cabinets, or painstakingly selected worktops.

Breville's mixed Metals Collection Gets Interior Designer Kelly Wearstler's Seal of Approval

Developed by Breville and Williams Sonoma, mixing metals layers warm brass with cool stainless steel, a raw-and-refined mix that stands out as an architectural accent on any kitchen countertop.

'The strength of mixed metals is in the tension they create. Stainless steel feels precise and modern, while brass brings warmth and depth. Together, they create a more layered, dynamic presence,' said Wearstler. 'In this Breville collection, that contrast elevates the everyday, resulting in sublimely functional pieces that also shift the visual language of the kitchen in a subtle but impactful way.'

Styled in her own home kitchen to highlight the interplay of materials, finishes, and sculptural form, the pieces fit perfectly into any statement-making eclectic kitchen ideas. They're glamorous in the most practical form.

The collection brings together some of Breville’s most celebrated designs, including the Smart Oven with Air Fry, which we awarded 4.2 stars for its intuitive controls and reliably crisp, evenly cooked results.

It also features the Smart Kettle Luxe, long regarded as one of our best electric kettles for its precision and considered design, alongside the Toast Select Luxe Toaster, which earned 4.8 stars in our review for its exceptionally sleek profile and impressive range of settings.

Learn more about Kelly Wearstler with our expert design profile, which delves into all the facets of her style to spur your imagination.

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One of the main drivers behind a daily coffee shop ritual is the difficulty of recreating a barista-grade experience at home. However, De'Longhi’s newest model, the PrimaDonna Aromatic, aims to change that.

From rich espresso to smooth drip coffee and full-bodied cold brew, the new bean-to-cup machine takes the guesswork out of your morning brew with fully automated settings. It’s almost like having a personal barista living on your countertop.

The best part? It looks perfectly sleek, too. As Homes & Gardens' resident Kitchen Appliance Editor, it’s certainly on my radar as a contender for one of the best coffee makers. Here’s why.

De’Longhi’s New Coffee Maker Takes the Guesswork Out of Home Coffee

Coffee makers from De’Longhi have consistently earned near-top marks from our expert reviewers. Models such as the De’Longhi Magnifica Plus and the De’Longhi La Specialista Maestro both scored over 4.5 stars, praised by our experts for their ease of use, extensive drink settings, and reliably excellent coffee.

Naturally, expectations are high for the latest release, the De’Longhi PrimaDonna Aromatic.

Offering 38 preset curated recipes, this brand-first bean-to-cup machine automatically recognises your beans to fine-tune grind size, dose, and temperature. The result is café-grade coffee at home at the touch of a button. Better still, it's ready in minutes, and offers both hot and cold brews, giving it potential to be one of the best espresso machines and the best iced coffee makers, too (subject to our full review).

No more long coffee shop queues, leaking takeaway cups, or unnecessary daily spending. Automating the technical elements of brewing, it removes the guesswork from your morning routine, uncomplicating coffee so that you don't need any barista experience to achieve a professional-level cup at home.

The ritual of having your 'usual' is also preserved, with smart user profiles ready at the touch of a button, so your daily brew is perfectly set to your preferences, no matter who you share your machine with at home. It's a truly personalized experience, and I, for one, cannot get my hands on one.

What Else to Shop

Upgrading your coffee maker is just one part of achieving café-quality coffee at home. To elevate your setup even further, I have selected six coffee bar essentials designed to refine your routine and transform it into a ritual worth savoring.

No matter which machine you settle on, you need to avoid the most common coffee maker mistakes to achieve perfectly smooth, barista-grade coffee at home.

As a keen advocate of green cleaning, vinegar is a staple in my home, especially for tackling tough jobs like descaling.

For years, many of us have relied on this pantry essential to remove limescale from household appliances. However, experts are increasingly warning that it may be doing more harm than good. While vinegar does dissolve mineral buildup, it can also gradually degrade the plastics and rubber components inside your machine.

That’s a risk hardly worth taking with your best non-toxic coffee maker. Here’s what the experts recommend using instead.

Why You Should Avoid Vinegar in Your High-End Coffee Maker

When cleaning a coffee maker, no matter its price point, avoiding toxins should be at the top of everyone's priority list. Harsh chemical cleaners can leave behind residue that alters the taste of your coffee and could sabotage your health.

Cleaning with vinegar has positioned itself as the ideal solution, being food safe and helping to create a non-toxic home by cutting out the risk of dangerous chemicals. While it is a more gentle option than some traditional cleaning solutions, Lucinda Smalley, hard water expert at Hard Water Home, explains that it is still acetic acid, meaning it can be corrosive to certain materials, impacting the integrity of rubber in particular.

Over time, and with repeated use, this will render the coffee maker inefficient, leading to expensive replacements. If you have just invested in one of the high-end, best coffee makers, this is a costly mistake you will want to avoid.

Interestingly, 'From a hard water perspective, it is also not the most effective option,' Lucinda adds. 'I usually recommend citric acid. It’s naturally derived, food-safe, and much better at dissolving buildup without leaving behind any smell. It also rinses cleanly, which makes a big difference for anything you’re drinking from.'

Dennis Godynuk, lead appliance expert at Comfort Appliance Repair in Tennessee, agrees, adding, 'Many commercial cleaners and even descalers have citric acid as their main descaling agent, so it's guaranteed to be safe and efficient.' The Active Coffee Machine Cleaner and Descaler, from Walmart, is a great example of this and is highly rated by shoppers.

It is a simple swap that takes seconds but can save hundreds of dollars in the future.

What to Shop

The same rules apply whether you’re cleaning a French press or refreshing a single-serve coffee machine.

Once the maintenance is taken care of, adding a few well-chosen accessories is the next step in perfecting your coffee setup. Here are some of my favorites for creating a stylish and functional coffee station at home:

Meet the Experts

Vinegar isn't the only solution you should be cautious of. There are several other chemicals you should avoid in your coffee maker to protect your appliance and your health, too.

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It's easy to see that the Aarke Coffee Grinder, with its flat burr system and seriously chic stainless steel design, makes a striking addition to any coffee lover’s kitchen. But at $400, it’s a serious investment.

Though it's undeniable that there’s something intensely satisfying about grinding your own coffee beans for a fresh brew, and even more so when your grinder looks the part like this one does.

After testing it, I can confirm it is a strong contender for a place among our best coffee grinders, but that eye-watering price doesn’t guarantee perfection. Here’s what I found on test – and whether it’s truly worth the splurge.

What I Experienced During My Aarke Coffee Grinder Review

Specifications: Aarke Coffee Grinder

First Impressions: Aarke Coffee Grinder

There is no denying that the Aarke Coffee Grinder looks fantastic out of the box. It's a much larger unit than I was expecting, standing at 16 inches tall; however, the solid stainless steel construction from base to grind cup to hopper is a chic choice (albeit prone to fingerprint smudges) that makes up for the counter space it demands.

Just holding the box, I could tell it was a premium product. It's not heavy, but it isn't the lightest either. The weight speaks to its quality without being cumbersome.

The packaging similarly attests to the care clearly put into the design. The main body of the packaging is 100% recyclable cardboard, which I appreciate, as it makes it easier to be sustainable at home.

The bags that protect each stainless steel component, while not recyclable, are made from fabric rather than plastic; however, they not only prevent scratches but also make the whole unboxing experience feel that little bit more luxurious. The only plastic was a single twist tie used to secure the unit's cable in transit.

Setting up the Aarke Coffee Grinder was simple, and quite self-explanatory even without the detailed instructions (which are accompanied by a handy labelled illustration for reference).

After rinsing out the hopper, glass lid, and catch cup with water and drying them thoroughly, the cup sat beneath the spout, and the hopper was pushed into the top of the unit and twisted to secure into place. There are some plastic components at the base of the hopper, but Aarke promises that this is BPA-free, making the unit non-toxic and a perfect accompaniment to your non-toxic coffee maker.

I particularly loved that the glass lid had a printed diagram with the recommended grind settings for each brewing method, including moka pot, Aeropress, pour over, siphon, filter brewing, Chemex, French press, and cold brew. It is important to note that Aarke stresses that the flat burr grinder is not suitable for espresso, so you will need a separate grinder if you are partial to this brew.

With everything set up, I could plug in the grinder and get to work.

What It's Like To Use: Aarke Coffee Grinder

Using the Aarke Coffee Grinder looked intimidating at first. There are over 60 grind settings, and the ability to further fine-tune those settings from there. This is a lot of choice, and makes it perfect for the serious coffee aficionado, but might be overwhelming to the average everyday drinker.

The grinder is set for both single dosing, with a manual mode which will grind the beans until you either manually stop the process or the hopper empties, and cup mode, allowing you to grind between two and 10 cups (for Aarke, one cup is 125 milliliters, or 4.2 ounces) worth. For my tests, I ground the same beans for two-cups worth on three settings, for an even comparison.

To adjust the general grind, you turn the large dial at the top of the machine. This was easy enough with two hands. You then have the option to fine-tune the grind according to your strength preference using a smaller dial towards the base of the machine. This will tell the grinder to dose more or less coffee within a given cup setting. For my tests, I left this on the standard dose.

When operating, the grinder is fairly loud, running at around 80-90 decibels, but the grind time is quick enough that it is not bothersome. It is also worth noting that it is not entirely mess-free. Thanks to the open chute and separate catch cup, some ground dust did fly around, landing on the counter around the appliance. It was minimal, but wastage is wastage, and it is something else to clean up later.

Test 1: Fine Grind

For my tests, I picked the midpoints of each grind range. For fine moka pot grounds, Aarke recommends a range of 10-20, so I settled on setting 15 for my first grind.

Having half-filled the hopper and set the cup size to two, the grounds spat out in seconds. They were delightfully fine and even, with a soft brown sugar-like texture, making them ideal for moka pots, such as the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker I reviewed and loved a few weeks ago.

I ran the medium and coarse grinds next, but I did return to the fine setting again later. I deliberately went against the Aarke instructions to move from coarse grinding to fine grinding incrementally to clear out coarser grounds and prevent clogging, but as I was trying to deliberately prompt clogging to answer some online reports of jams, I didn't have success.

I couldn't get the machine to clog for me, but I did notice that with the same beans on the same cup and grind setting as my first run, I received 5g more grounds than the first test. This, I believe, may have come down to retention in the device – supported by the fact that while most of the grinds were nice and soft, there were a few coarser chunks mixed in.

Again, I did go against the advice for this test, and it is something Aarke warns against, but it is worth noting if you like to change your brewing method and don't want to spend a few minutes (and some potentially wasted beans) on working down five points at a time from a French press grind to a moka pot grind.

Test 2: Medium Grind

My next test was a medium grind, more suited to sifon or filter brewing. For this, I picked setting 35 out of 60, and let the machine run for two cups worth once again. It worked just as quickly, and with no real noticeable difference in noise.

There was a noticeable difference in grind texture between the medium and fine grinds, both visually and tangibly. It was more akin to sea salt and was once again very uniform.

Test 3: Course Grind

To test the coarse grind, I moved up to setting 50, which Aarke says is perfect for Chemex pour over that we have reviewed, French press, and Cold brew. Again, the grinder worked very quickly.

There was a stark difference between the medium and coarse grind here, with the results very rough and almost gritty, but uniformly so. Overall, three of the main grind types provided vastly different results, performing as expected for a grinder that costs $400.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Aarke Coffee Grinder

Maintaining the Aarke Coffee Grinder is relatively straightforward, and it comes with most of the tools you need.

The hopper, glass lid, and catch cup can be removed and washed by hand using warm water and a soft sponge. Be sure to dry each thoroughly before using again, and don't drop the lid, or you risk shattering it. The outside of the appliance can then be buffed clean using the black cloth provided.

Aarke recommends cleaning the burrs every three months. Accessing them is easy enough. Once the empty hopper has been removed, you untwist the top until it comes loose in your hand. This takes more twisting than you think, but persevere. Inside the device is a compartment that houses the burr brush, which I love, as it means I will not lose it in my drawers.

When brushing, I did find that some static meant that the grounds hopped from one surface to the other, making this process mildly irritating. Beyond this, a larger brush is ideal for brushing out the spout, which retains some grinds in the process.

You will also need to wipe down the counter where you use your grinder, as I mentioned above, some grounds do fly out of the chute and dust your kitchen.

Who the Aarke Coffee Grinder Would Suit

The Aarke Coffee Grinder is a fantastic investment for serious coffee drinkers who regularly indulge in a range of brewing methods when making coffee at home and need a device that will reliably provide the type of grind they need. The adjustable grind and strength settings make it perfect for the aficionado who knows exactly what they want from their coffee and doesn't want to settle for less.

It is also perfect for people who have the Aarke drip coffee maker (available at Amazon), which we reviewed last year, as the two can be connected into one complete system using a plug-in cord. We have not tested this feature ourselves, but I can see how it would be useful for simplifying routines.

As Aarke says themselves, this is not the grinder for espresso drinkers. For that, we suggest the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, from Amazon, which also allows you to grind straight into a portafilter.

What Do People Say Online?

The Aarke Coffee Grinder has largely positive reviews, sitting at 4.5 stars across most outlets, including Aarke's own store page. One common complaint, however, is clogging and jamming. This was not something I was able to replicate despite stressing the machine, but it is a common complaint for any flat burr coffee grinder. While they offer a more uniform grind, the horizontal design can allow grounds to build up, leading to jams.

The flat burr design also makes it less forgiving than conical burrs, with some complaints about needing some trial-and-error to find the perfect grind settings for your perfect brew. This might make it less suited to a beginner.

Overall, however, the response is largely positive, especially from those who have paired it with the matching drip coffee maker. It looks great, has fantastic adjustability, and, once you get the hang of it, is surprisingly simple to use.

My Verdict

All in all, if you have the budget, I would recommend the Aarke Coffee Grinder to experienced coffee drinkers who want to have fine-tuned coffee grinding at their fingertips.

It takes a little getting used to, as does any luxury appliance, but it can deliver great results when given the time, especially alongside the matching coffee maker.

That being said, the grinding device is $400, with the machine costing a further $400 on top of that (at the time of this review). It's an eye-watering price. The design is stunning, however, so it really will come down to how much you value non-espresso coffee and the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.

What to Shop

Whether you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in the grinder or simply want a machine to match, these are the tools and accessories I recommend to help you get the very best from the Aarke flat burr coffee grinder.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to cut down on coffee shop spending while still enjoying café-quality brews at home? Our guide to making coffee at home will help you perfect every cup, no barista required.

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As the weather warms, I go off hot drinks but still crave caffeine. This spring, I’ve vowed to stop my expensive ice latte-buying habit and instead pick up a non-toxic, at-home cold brew carafe that fits snugly in my fridge door.

Not only is the $22.99 BTaT Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, airtight, ensuring a smooth, aromatic brew that lasts, but it is also made from thick glass, silicone, and stainless steel, meaning there are no dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ silently leeching into your cup of joe.

It might not be something you immediately consider, but having a top non-toxic coffee maker at home eliminates one common risky item in your kitchen that you use every day, if not multiple times.

Why I’m Ditching My Expensive Lattes

I often leave my house, only to get myself an iced latte from my favorite local artisan cafe. It’s not only a waste of time and energy for a person with chronic illness and mobility issues, but it’s also inconvenient, expensive, and entirely unnecessary.

Having a simple but brilliant cold brew coffee maker working away on my icy caffeine hit is the solution, especially as I have a small kitchen with limited countertop space, so I don’t need yet another appliance taking up room. What I do have is space in my fridge door for a food-safe pitcher that does the job for me with minimal effort from me.

The BTaT (Brew Tea at Home) pitcher is made from durable, thick, and dishwasher-safe borosilicate glass, has a stainless steel fine mesh inside to cold brew your ground beans, and a matching lid made airtight from ultra-safe silicone.

The 18/8 Superfine Dual-Mesh stops your grind from contaminating your drink whilst remaining rust-free and durable.

To cold brew your coffee, simply load your chosen coffee, fill with cold water (I prefer using filtered to stop any minerals in your tap water from altering the final result), and put in your fridge. It will slowly brew to a smooth finish you’ll return to time and again, while the airtight lid will stop it from ‘smelling’ like the fridge or losing its kick, when you’re ready.

It holds 48 oz, which is enough to last me around two weeks (I like my iced lattes milky with a LOT of cubes) and therefore, saving me $47 dollars in that timeframe, and making back its initial cost in half a month.

The materials are of particular interest to me as I’ve seen my other borosilicate glass vessels and glassware last for years despite daily use for my Persian tea and iced coffees and cleaning in the dishwasher. I’m a big fan of spending once and spending well.

I will also use my pitcher to cold-brew tea in the summer for homemade iced tea without any hidden nasty chemicals, and have a pantry full of delectable loose teas I’ll be using in this. I'm glad to be saying goodbye to the plastic jug I've shamefully used over the last three summers.

What Shoppers Say

Firstly, it’s marked as ‘Amazon’s Choice’, a label that the manufacturer or reseller of any product cannot pay to display. It’s only awarded to products that are highly rated by verified shoppers, rarely returned, and usually in stock.

More than 2000 Amazon shoppers have awarded this an average of 4.4 out of a maximum of five stars, and often note the results are not bitter, coffee grounds do not seep into the liquid, and the device is durable and easy to clean.

One reviewer on site who gave it 5/5 stars called it a ‘perfect, beautiful piece of kitchenware’ and said the ‘high-quality glass’ reminded her of the expensive beakers from chemistry class when she was at school. This tracks with the item’s specifications, which note its extra-thick glass.

The reviewer adds, ‘I looked all over at retail shops for something like this and never ran across anything as nice. And when I did see something close, it was two-three times more money. I may buy another for myself, it makes a great gift for cold brew coffee or tea.’

Another 5-star reviewer notes that the item ‘does a nice job’ and ‘doesn’t take up a lot of real estate in my fridge’, which is ideal for those with compact kitchens or busy fridges, for that matter.

What to Shop

Making cool drinks as temperatures rise using safe tools free from forever chemicals such as PFAS and BPA is the smart choice for your health and kitchen.

To expand your safety zone, so to speak, here is my curated selection of other useful kitchen essentials made from premium materials that have no hidden toxins lurking to help uphold this safe standard beyond your coffee and best non-toxic cookware.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

To expand your repertoire, delve into a barista's guide to making iced coffee from hot coffee.

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Having written about non-toxic cleaning practices for over three years, I firmly believe that whenever possible, you should stick to 100% natural products.

This is especially important when cleaning a coffee maker. With boiling water rushing through its pipes, any lingering chemicals can easily end up in your morning cup.

To protect both your health and your best non-toxic coffee maker, I consulted toxicologists to identify the harmful chemicals to avoid during maintenance, and the safer alternatives to reach for the next time that descaling light starts blinking.

Why You Should Use Caution When Maintaining Your Coffee Maker

No matter if you are cleaning a drip coffee maker, the best espresso machine, or sanitizing a French press, you should always avoid harsh household chemicals from your everyday cleaning cabinet.

It is also worth noting that just because a product is marketed as compatible with your appliance's make and model doesn't always mean it is good for your health, or the quality of your brew when making coffee at home.

As with understanding non-toxic cookware labels, it is important to review the ingredient list for your descaling products to avoid potentially harmful mixtures that could also damage your appliance.

Michael Cramer, founder and product developer at Lardera Coffee, explains, 'Strong acids such as sulfamic, hydrochloric, and phosphoric are often found in commercial or industrial descalers because they effectively dissolve mineral buildup, but they can also be corrosive to internal metal and rubber parts if used frequently or at high concentrations. These acids also require thorough rinsing, as residue will adversely affect the taste of the coffee.'

The Cleaning Chemicals to Avoid in Your Coffee Maker

According to Onome Warfield, co-founder at General Warfeild's Coffee, there are three potentially harmful chemicals that you need to look out for:

• Sulfamic acid: Often found in coffee and espresso machine cleaners, sulfamic acid is also common in toilet bowl cleaners, hard water removers, tub and tile cleaners, sink sprays, and other bathroom products. Clearly, we wouldn’t want to ingest these, so sulfamic acid should never be used for descaling or cleaning anything food-related. According to official material safety data sheets, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and corrode rubber seals or other internal components. This is a firm no for any appliance that produces your food or drinks.
• Hydrochloric acid: This highly corrosive chemical is far too dangerous for use in home brewing machines. Even tiny residues that aren’t fully flushed can pose serious health risks, according to the EPA. Its extreme acidity makes it completely unsuitable for any food-related use. Another clear no.
• Any harsh synthetic detergents/soaps (surfactants): Detergents and synthetic soaps are not designed for coffee equipment. Residue can be difficult to remove and can affect both your health and the flavor of your coffee, because soap-flavored coffee frankly sounds unpleasant. Like the other chemicals listed, this is a full-stop hard no.

The Cleaning Products to Use Instead

When looking for non-toxic cleaning products for your coffee maker, Onome stresses that you select specific and designated food-safe descalers with biodegradable formulations meant for coffee equipment.

'These are perhaps the best due to their low toxicity, effectiveness, ease of use, and their ability to gently descale coffee equipment, etc. Additionally, they usually don't leave stubborn residue, odor, or bad or "off" tastes. Simply follow the product's instructions and use as directed,' she advises.

• Citric acid-based descalers: When shopping for non-toxic products formulated specifically for descaling, citric acid cleansers are my first choice. They are generally gentle, food-safe, and widely recommended when used exactly as directed. The Active Coffee Machine Cleaner and Descaler Solution from Walmart is a good option for this, as it is made up of water and citric acid.
• Lactic acid-based descalers: These are another good choice when used exactly as directed. They are generally low in toxicity, very effective, and won't damage coffee machines and equipment when used appropriately. We suggest New England Stories Descaling Solution, from Amazon, which is formulated with 100% plant-based lactic acid.

It is worth discussing cleaning with vinegar here, as it is non-toxic and generally encouraged for use in descaling applications. That being said, Onome advises against it.

'Believe it or not, and contrary to some guides, we do not recommend using vinegar. While it's not dangerous like the other chemicals mentioned, it can damage rubber seals and other essential parts over time, plus it can be difficult to fully rinse without leaving the classic vinegar odor, affecting the taste of coffee if there's any residue left at all.'

For this reason, distilled white vinegar, available at Walmart, can be used sparingly, and when you are stuck without other safe alternatives, it is best to skip where you can.

FAQs

Why does my coffee maker taste bad after cleaning?

Your coffee machine might have a strange flavor after descaling because the product is still stuck in the inner pipework. No matter what you use to clean your appliance, it is always best practice to flush the machine out before you brew your next coffee.

Onome recommends running two to three full cycles with plain filtered water to remove buildup and residue. Where you can, it is also preferable that you disassemble any parts you can to allow the machine to air dry, limiting the risk of mold and bacteria.

Meet the Experts

With your cleaning routine perfected, next, pick up some of our coffee bar essentials to take your home brew to the next level.

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If you’re tackling a spring clearout and feeling overwhelmed by a kitchen crowded with appliances, you’re not alone. Of all the workhorses, however, the coffee maker can be the most awkward.

The compact Keurig K-Supreme SMART Single Serve Coffee Maker is designed with these challenges in mind. Its small footprint fits under cabinets and snugly next to other appliances, while the movable water reservoir lets you customize placement to suit your counter. In other words, it works with the existing space in your kitchen, not against it, and remains versatile in its footprint.

It has earned its place as our best Keurig coffee maker, and with its current $100 discount when you build a bundle, it’s the ideal time to streamline your coffee station.

Why This Compact Keurig K-Supreme SMART Is The Perfect Spring Investment

While an automated brewer isn't strictly necessary if appliance-free countertops are your priority this season, to go without it would undoubtedly compromise an otherwise efficient morning routine.

That's where a compact selection, such as this Keurig, presents the perfect middle ground at just 12 inches deep and 6.36 inches wide, with its tank positioned at the back. It will also comfortably fit under cabinets with a modest height of 12.2 inches.

If you have a compact kitchen, you will know the constant juggle modern conveniences can present: Trying to keep kitchen counters clear with appliances on display for easy utilization often results in barely enough room to prep a meal.

While the best non-toxic coffee makers, such as the Aarke and OXO Brew, both available at Amazon, prioritize a tall, statuesque presence, the Keurig K-Supreme SMART offers a more versatile silhouette, featuring a unique dual-position reservoir.

This allows the appliance to tuck into narrow alcoves with its tank positioned at the back, or it can sit flush against a backsplash with the reservoir positioned at its side so you can reclaim precious countertop depth in front.

For years, I resigned myself to living without one of the best coffee makers altogether, but that need not be the case.

It may seem counterintuitive to bring a new addition home when tackling your spring cleaning list, but making thoughtful swaps for space-saving appliances is one of the easiest ways to reclaim the area without sacrificing the daily benefits that modern comforts can bring.

This compact, meticulously designed Keurig K-Supreme SMART, reviewed by our appliance expert Camryn Rabideau, is designed with this tricky balance in mind, and can be easily slotted underneath cabinets or up against other appliances.

The versatility of the dual tank position can make its profile constantly adaptable, depending on what your countertop needs are week to week.

What we found remarkable during our testing is how complete the brewing experience is despite the small size. You can select from multiple cup sizes, make an extra-strong brew, or even craft iced coffee without the need for additional gadgets or appliances. And it does all this without taking up any unnecessary space.

The SMART features include Wi-Fi and app connectivity, allowing you to start your morning cup whilst in another room, and the clever system is able to keep your K-Cup supply stocked just as your levels start to dip. You can also get exclusive in-app barista tips for the perfect latte, leaving guesswork out of the picture.

Even the setup of the machine proved effortless during our testing, and adjusting the reservoir to sit on either the side or the rear of the machine is simple, according to our tester, Camryn. The design is something I wish I had discovered years ago when I first started struggling with limited counter space.

Measuring 12.15” (H) x 7.85” (W) x 12.02” (L) with the reservoir to the side, and 12.15” (H) x 6.36” (W) x 15.11” (L) with the reservoir to the rear, it won't get in your way throughout the day. It's a much-needed treat to reward and complement the rest of your spring decluttering efforts without feeling like it's constantly in the way.

What to Shop

If you’re trying to create a functional, clutter-free coffee station as part of your spring clearout, it’s possible, even in the smallest of kitchens.

To assist, I’ve curated six space-saving coffee bar essentials that will enable you to build a streamlined, café-style setup without sacrificing crucial counter space or everyday convenience:

Once you have swapped to free up countertop space, brush up on how to descale a Keurig with vinegar as part of your spring cleaning checklist to keep your new appliances working at their best for years to come.

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Mess-free, filter-style coffee brewing is among the most practical and refined ways to begin the day. When combined with thoughtfully selected, non-toxic tools and a timeless design, it becomes a very appealing morning ritual.

That is why we love the Melitta Porcelain Pour-Over coffee maker, available at Amazon. This single-serve non-toxic coffee maker is one of the most affordable, beautifully simplistic offerings on the market, and even earned the coveted spot as our expert barista's 'favorite model'.

It's beautiful, effortless, and ideally suited to compact kitchens where counter space is at a premium, and you're ready for a spring declutter.

Why We Love the Plastic-Free Affordable Melitta Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Making pour-over coffee at home can be truly meditative with the correct equipment, and the Melitta Porcelain Pour-Over offers just that. It sits directly over your cup for direct, mess-free extraction.

After preparing your paper filter (also available at Amazon), measuring out your grounds (our expert barista, Laura Honey, used 18g in her test, weighed using coffee scales from Walmart), and blooming your grounds, simply pour your hot water over the grounds for a quick brew in under a few minutes.

Measuring just 6.75" D x 6.75" W x 5" H, the pour-over is painless to store, even in small kitchen storage spaces, and can be safely stacked on top of mugs to use vertical storage to save space.

Using vertical space is a key expert decluttering method when refreshing your kitchen organization for spring and the busy months ahead.

The porcelain's clean, refined aesthetic is also attractive enough to remain on display as part of a curated coffee station, too, functioning as both a brewer and a practical decor piece.

This is especially true if you invest in the full Melitta Pour-Over and Canister set from Amazon, which includes a stylish bamboo display stand, designed to store and organize the essential paper filters while keeping the brewing setup tidy and easily accessible.

Bamboo is also naturally fast-growing and durable, making this sleek choice a straightforward way to be more sustainable at home.

The porcelain construction is inexpensive but feels premium and does, of course, make this coffee maker non-toxic. This has the bonus of not impacting the taste of your coffee in the same way a stainless steel or plastic brewer might. The paper filters are unbleached, meaning they are both healthier and compostable in standard food waste. To clean, wash in warm soapy water or add to the dishwasher, and let dry.

In our review of the Melitta pour-over, the design was docked a star due to the potential for over-extraction, as the original brewer featured an entirely opaque chamber that made it difficult to visually gauge how much water had passed through. The updated version addresses this limitation with easy viewing windows on either side, allowing for more precise control over extraction and a more consistent brewing experience.

If you often make single-serve coffees, or you have a small kitchen, we wouldn't hesitate to buy the Melitta pour-over. As our former barista testing expert, Laura, writes, 'It's a really great foundation for creating your own coffee bar, especially if you want to store your coffee grounds properly too. Either way, you can't go wrong with the Melitta.'

What to Shop

The porcelain pour-over brewer is among the most straightforward and budget-friendly coffee preparation tools available, but its simplicity should not be mistaken for a lack of performance.

When paired with the right accessories and technique, this style of brewer is capable of producing a deeply satisfying cup that elevates your morning ritual. The following selections are my recommended options as a Kitchen Appliance Editor.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Another essential part of crafting the perfect cup is selecting the best coffee beans. Fortunately, our expert barista has assembled a comprehensive guide to choosing the ideal bean profile for each brewing method.

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The new stainless steel AeroPress is an exceptional choice, whether you are graduating from an earlier plastic iteration or seeking a more travel-ready alternative to glass. Its robust construction and considered engineering make it a compelling upgrade in both durability and refinement.

Having tested both the classic and premium glass models of this cult-classic coffee maker, we can confirm they are among the best. The new design marries the same high-quality tech with durable 18/8 stainless steel for a tougher, sleeker, non-toxic coffee maker for usage in kitchens, and while on the move.

The stainless steel AeroPress coffee maker is around a fifth bigger, too, without compromising on portability. As a Kitchen Appliance Editor, I consider this a must-have upgrade.

The New Stainless Steel Version is a Must-Have For Cult Coffee Fans

This technology remains one of the most unique coffee makers we have ever seen, with a three-in-one brewing system that brews delicious coffee quickly and easily, and is effortless to maintain. The newer stainless steel variation promises the same luxurious experience without the break risk of the premium glass AeroPress from Amazon, and delivers added durability compared to the AeroPress original, also from Amazon.

For years, the brand has distinguished itself by crafting premium brewing tools tailored to life in motion, whether you're commuting to the office or trekking in national parks, but its new stainless steel upgrade positions it as the perfect travel companion for coffee devotees.

The double-wall vacuum insulation and 304 stainless steel don't just make it more resilient to knocks, drops, and bangs, but ensure it stays perfectly comfortable to the touch, even when filled with boiling water.

While we haven't yet had our hands on the newest model, Lydia's rigorous hands-on experience with previous versions of the coffee maker found them to be exceptionally easy to use once she mastered the technique. 'It's so simple, you can do it basically half asleep,' she confirmed at the time.

It is the ideal maker for 'those who want to prioritize functionality over fuss.'

Functionally, the designs of the three AeroPress models are the same. As with the glass iteration, for example, the stainless steel, non-porous surface maintains a clean, fresh brew. It even comes with a custom stainless steel scoop and stirrer, providing everything you need to make barista-level coffee at home without a big espresso machine on your countertop.

It will be at home in a high-end kitchen coffee station, compact living space or on the move with you when camping.

The new stainless steel upgrade is notably more substantial, with a 12oz (360ml) capacity – just shy of a 20% increase on the original model – delivering a more generous and satisfying extraction with each brew.

If you are worried about the potential for stainless steel to affect the taste of your coffee, fear not. Besides stainless steel being inert, meaning that it will not react with boiling water in the way BPA plastic does, the non-toxic coffee maker's rapid immersion-and-press methodology ensures that water remains in contact with the chamber for less than two minutes, reducing the potential impact on the overall flavor profile.

Whilst the stainless steel model is more affordable than the premium glass model, at $169.95 compared to $199.95. It's a considerable price increase from the $39.95 original (which we recommend to anyone looking for a sturdy, everyday, quick brewer), but this is to be expected from arguably superior materials that will inevitably last far longer.

The new stainless steel AeroPress is available from the retailer's website in the US now and will launch in the UK in late spring 2026.

What to Shop

Whichever model you select, this brand delivers an efficient, indispensable tool for the serious coffee aficionado, offering both practicality and elegance.

I’ve selected some of the standout designs and display pieces to showcase yours with intention, along with the matching accessories to ensure it remains a mainstay of your brewing routine for years to come.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Our expert barista has produced a comprehensive guide on how to use an AeroPress to assist in polishing your brewing method and achieve a flawless drink.

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You can't beat proper barista-brewed coffee, but those daily coffee shop trips can add up, costing hundreds over the course of a year without you even realizing it.

Luckily, you don't have to settle for a subpar cup when brewing coffee at home or on the go with the Subliminal NanoFoamer from Amazon, which can turn an average cup of joe into a luxurious treat in just 30 seconds.

It's tiny but mighty, producing beautifully silky milk foam for cafe-quality foam art or simply a stunningly smooth brew, whether you're using the best non-toxic coffee maker at home or in the office.

How a NanoFoamer Can Instantly Improve Your Coffee Game

When we think of silky coffee, we think of steaming milk with a steam wand or a bulky milk frother taking up precious space on the kitchen counter. However, you don't need either to improve your coffee game – and the Subminimal NanoFoamer from Amazon proves it.

Measuring just 1.4"W x 9.4"H, this tiny tool slots easily into bags and travel packs, and slots seamlessly into small kitchen storage without getting in the way of your everyday essentials, so you can enjoy coffee shop coffee anywhere, any time.

Such a small device might not sound powerful enough to make much of a difference (and don't get us wrong, unlike the full-sized SMEG Milk Frother we reviewed, it won't heat your milk for you), but it can whip up some seriously smooth foam in just 30 seconds. We haven't had the chance to test it ourselves, but the verified customer reviews speak for themselves.

With over 750 five-star reviews, shoppers have praised the consistency, battery life, and performance. One shopper, Christopher Skinner, shared in their five-star review, ' As a bit of a coffee addict, traveling sucks sometimes. Sure, I can get a cappuccino at a coffee shop, but not before I wake up, get showered, get dressed, and drag my tired self out the door. With this frother, some shelf-stable milk, a few Nespresso pods, and a cup, I can whip up a tasty cappuccino or latte before I try to get my day started.

'The two screens let you choose your foam texture, which is nice; the finer one is more like a micro foam, while the coarser one is closer to what you’ll get with a more traditional, whisk-type frother. The travel cover is a brilliant addition, keeping the extra screen within easy reach and protecting the whole setup. I didn’t worry once about things getting damaged in my backpack. Definitely worth the $50 price tag.'

What sets the NanoFoamer apart from traditional milk whisks is the ability to produce microfoam, which is on par with professional coffee shops. It blends the milk into a velvety, smooth texture that mixes more evenly with espresso, while whisks can leave milk on the thinner side. This makes foam art nearly impossible when making a cappuccino at home or making a latte at home, and is harder to mix in.

The trick lies in the method. To use the NanoFoamer, you select your screen size (the included super fine NanoScreen is best for a super smooth microfoam) and churn the milk for at least 20 seconds, starting in the middle of your milk before moving to the side for a consistent blend. Then, simply pour it into your coffee. The longer you churn, the thicker your milk will become.

It's multi-purpose too. To quickly mix up drink powders (including matcha) or protein drinks, unclip the NanoScreen and whisk as normal. To clean, a quick rinse in water is more than enough.

What to Shop

The perfect cup of coffee is not just about having the best non-toxic coffee maker to hand or the best beans, but also the vital tools that takes standard drink to a luxurious one. Here's my selection of small coffee tools that bring big impact to taste and enjoyment of your favorite brew.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

These are just a few of the coffee bar essentials we recommend to level up your brewing game. Next, check out how to choose coffee beans for the best cup.

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If your morning coffee feels lackluster – and you’re quietly side-eyeing the $7 latte habit that’s draining your wallet – you’re not alone. Basic drip coffee can taste flat, and investing in a bulky coffee machine isn’t always realistic (or countertop-friendly).

Luckily, there’s a simple fix that upgrades your brew instantly without the cost or clutter: Enter the $10 Zulay Milk Frother from Amazon. It's compact, and whips milk into a silky foam in seconds, transforming everyday coffee into a café-style latte at home.

The result? A noticeably better result when making coffee at home, without taking up precious kitchen space.

How a $10 Milk Frother Actually Levels-Up Your Coffee Game

Steamed, frothy milk at home might sound like something you need the best espresso machine for, but it really just comes down to heating up milk and whisking it thoroughly. Technically, you can do this manually with a regular hand whisk, but you need some serious elbow grease and dedication for that approach.

This $10 Zulay Milk Frother, from Amazon, does all the hard work for you, helping you to steam milk without a steam wand, aerating both dairy and plant-based milk without the physical effort.

To get the best results, technique matters. Warm your milk first (either in the microwave or on the stovetop) until it’s hot but not boiling (around 140–150°F is ideal for texture). Submerge the frother just below the surface and whisk, moving it slightly up and down to create a velvety foam.

Verified shoppers are thrilled with the upgrade, with Eve sharing in their five-star review, 'This milk frother works exactly as expected. It's powerful, fast, and easy to clean. It froths both dairy and non-dairy milk well and is sturdy for a handheld tool. Mine blends seamlessly with my Keurig setup, which makes a difference if you keep your coffee station visible,' they add.

Carlos agrees, adding, 'I’ve used several products from Zulay Kitchen, and this milk frother lives up to the brand’s quality. It’s powerful, fast, and very easy to use. It froths milk quickly and smoothly for coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and even matcha,' showing that it's handy for more than just better coffee.

When you consider the math, the value becomes even clearer. Replacing just two coffee runs a week could save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year, all while giving you more control over ingredients, sweetness levels, and milk choice.

It’s a small investment with big returns, and is proof that improving your coffee game doesn’t require a full appliance overhaul, just a smart tool pick.

What to Shop

Another great way to boost your coffee game and level up your barista skills is to avoid these common coffee maker mistakes.

A good spring clean and declutter is a must for every kitchen, but you shouldn't stop at your pantry.

One appliance expert is urging you to check for one potentially toxic addition in your kitchen, and replace it with a lower-toxicity item in 2026 – your coffee maker.

This is what you need to check for on this appliance, and the best non-toxic coffee makers to consider in its place for a healthier morning routine.

Why You Need To Swap Your Toxic Coffee Maker This Spring

When creating a non-toxic home, most of us consider the best non-toxic cookware and the best non-toxic air fryers first, leaving our old, reliable coffee makers out of the picture.

However, according to Amy Chernoff, appliance expert at AJ Madison, plastic-based coffee makers are silent health risks. 'These machines repeatedly heat water through plastic reservoirs and tubing, which can leach microplastics and chemical residues into a drink many people consume daily. Because of this constant exposure, even small amounts can add up over time.'

Studies support this, too. Snekkevik et al. wrote in one 2024 paper that, 'Mechanical, physical, and chemical processes are the predominant factors driving the generation of micro- and nanoplastics from plastic materials during food preparation,' including coffee makers, 'with extended use and wear increasing the likelihood of malformations, cracking, and oxidation of the plastic.'

As such, there has never been a better time to switch out your old appliances and those made with BPA plastics. You can check the composition of your existing appliance by looking up the make and model online.

We are not suggesting you ditch the best coffee makers entirely, however. They are, after all, one of the best ways to organize a morning routine for efficiency. Instead, Amy urges, 'In 2026, upgrading to stainless steel or glass-based brewers is one of the simplest ways to reduce everyday kitchen toxicity.'

When picking non-toxic appliances, such as a new coffee maker, you'll want to consider how you like to brew your coffee first. If you like an automatic machine that runs in the background while you get on with other tasks, our pick is the Aarke Drip Coffee Maker, available on Amazon.

While on the more 'investment' side of the price scale, its large capacity makes it ideal for bigger, busier households, while its premium design means it both looks good and is built to last.

If you don't mind a more hands-on approach to your coffee, or you need to keep kitchen counters clear, the Aeropress Premium, from Williams Sonoma, is made of high-quality borosilicate glass, with a stainless steel filter. It makes enough coffee for one each brew, too, making it perfect for smaller households.

What to Shop

We have tried and tested our fair share of glass and stainless steel coffee makers in the past. These six are some of our top favorites to help you enjoy your morning coffee from a non-toxic appliance.

It isn't just your appliances that need addressing when looking to curate a healthier kitchen. Consider these six simple kitchen switches to banish microplastics targeting your food storage and cleaning supplies, too.

Until I tested the Bialetti Venus coffee maker, I thought that café-quality espresso was unachievable in my tiny kitchen, as I have no space for a big fancy machine.

Previously, I made do with instant coffee for my partner and guests (a smell I truly despise), as I was too lazy to clean out a French press.

It was safe to say that, for my first experience with a Moka pot, testing the Bialetti Venus 6-Cup coffee maker, available at Amazon, I was expecting many of the same frustrations.

However, I was met with an almost meditative experience that I now genuinely look forward to. I have been converted to the slower way to brew seriously smooth java, and won't be looking back from this non-toxic coffee maker.

My Experience With the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

My First Impressions of the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

I am a sucker for well-designed packaging that limits waste and plastic, so I was thrilled when I opened the box to find that the Bialetti Venus coffee makercame wrapped only in branded tissue paper, and everything was 100% recyclable. The only thing in the way of plastic was the tape holding the box closed. This made disposal simple.

The coffee maker felt lighter than I anticipated, but not cheap. The 18/10 stainless steel body was beautifully polished, and the ergonomic heat-resistant plastic handle felt sturdy and easy to hold. The lid works on a hinge system, and the raised flap at the back was easy to keep in place while holding the handle securely for a controlled pour. It didn't feel awkward or like it would be easy to slip and spill coffee later.

The instruction pamphlet was tucked inside the pot, and I was impressed to see that it features 17 languages, as well as diagrams to illustrate key points, making it very easy to interpret. Although huge, the thinner paper made it easy to fold down to see what I needed, so it didn't take over the counter as I worked.

I tested the pure stainless steel six-cup model, and it was a nice size for my small kitchen. It is also available in four-cup and 10-cup sizes at Amazon, as well as in a copper-silver finish if you fancy something with a little bit of added flair to live on your countertop.

Specifications: Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

Performance: Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

This was my first experience with a Moka pot, so I followed the instructions to the letter. This included running three full brews and pouring them away before brewing up a batch that you can drink. These 'sacrificial' brews are to help remove any metallic flavor left from the manufacturing process for better-tasting coffee.

After unscrewing the base chamber from the top chamber and tipping out the funnel filter, I started by rinsing it out with plain warm water and drying it by hand using a soft kitchentowel. It is worth noting that both the edge of the lid and the funnel inside the top chamber are sharp at the edges, so care is needed when reaching inside to avoid nicking yourself. If you have larger hands, this might be tricky.

In accordance with the instructions, I then filled the lower chamber with cold water to the bottom of the pressure valve. The first diagram in the instructions took all guess work out of this for me, despite the lack of etched markings inside the unit.

The funnel filter then slotted perfectly on top and was filled with the ground coffee. There was no measurement for this in the manual, but a quick online search revealed around 30g was ideal for the six-cup coffee maker, and I ran with that, grinding them finely and tipping them in.

The instructions are very clear that you should not press these grinds down, which would be a mistake when making coffee in this pot, so I shook the base gently to even them out, wiped away any spills from the rim, and screwed the top chamber back on. This took me a few attempts to get the hang of at first, and I had to duck to eye-level to make sure it was not wonky, but this got easier the more I did it.

With the compartment screwed hand-tight, I put the Bialetti Venus on my electric stove top, positioned so that the handle was not over the heating element (the plastic handle is heat safe, but I wanted to make sure it stayed cool enough to touch), and turned it on to a low-medium heat. On my nine-setting electric stove, I chose setting four, and let it brew as I got on with making some lunch.

Having started with cold water as the instructions indicated, on every brew I ran on setting four, the top chamber of the Bialetti Venus started to fill at exactly 13 minutes into the process, demonstrating remarkable consistency. It then took around 20-22 minutes at this same heat to fill the top chamber, at which point I turned off the heat and poured out the coffee. This was indicated by a sudden spluttering sound from the otherwise silent pot.

This felt a little too long for me, so I did some research, with several experienced users on Reddit suggesting starting with hot water in the bottom chamber to speed up the brew. I used hot water from my faucet (not boiling, but the chamber felt warm to the touch when full) and ran the same process again. This time, it took only eight minutes to start filling, and 10 minutes total to fill. This is a far more efficient process that allows for a more flavorful brew and is the approach I will be taking in the future.

The handle was comfortable to hold, having not heated up at all, although the stainless steel was very hot, so due care is needed to avoid touching it. The flap on the lid, designed to hold it in place when pouring to avoid a deluge, was also not cool and comfortable to touch.

After the sacrificial brews, I finally brewed a pot to taste. The process and timings were the same once again, and it brewed a perfect, well-rounded espresso that can easily be used to make any drink style you prefer, be it straight, a shot mixed with steamed milk into a cappuccino, or, as my partner eagerly raced to create, added to quality vanilla ice cream for an affogato at home.

As the main coffee drinker in the household, he immediately declared it 'the best coffee [he's] ever had at home,' and is now very excited to show it off to guests.

Cleaning and Storing the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

Cleaning the Bialetti Venus coffee maker is very easy in principle, but it does require some care.

Removing the coffee grounds comes first. When the pot is completely cool, you unscrew the two chambers and remove the funnel filter (I did this by tipping the bottom chamber slightly so that it fell out into my hand). The coffee grounds will be compacted at this point, but the instructions state you should not tap or bang the funnel filter to prevent misshaping the stainless steel, so I opted to use a small metal teaspoon to dislodge them.

This was quick and easy, and I kept the coffee grounds to deodorize my fridge. You can also use coffee grounds to make fertilizer for houseplants, but watch out, as some garden plants hate it.

There was a small amount of water left in the bottom chamber, but the instructions assured me this was normal. The pot is designed this way to prevent it from boiling dry. This was emptied into the sink and amounted to around one teaspoon.

When washing the pot, you should not use soap, but plain warm water to rinse the components and, if needed, a soft, clean cloth or sponge to dry as needed, which is also recommended by Bialetti itself. I found this to be especially important for the silicone gasket on the underside of the upper chamber.

When wiping the interior of the upper chamber, be it when rinsing or hand drying, beware – I found the lid and the inner funnel top to be sharp, and did nick my thumb on the lid edge when towel drying, pictured above. Those with larger hands, such as my partner, might also struggle to reach into the chamber to wipe it out, too.

The instructions do mention that this pot is dishwasher safe, but hand washing is recommended to avoid detergents that can affect the taste of your coffee. This is not something I tested, as I do not own a dishwasher. Regardless, I see it as an unnecessary step for something so simple to clean under a running faucet.

Descaling also seems a simple enough process. I have not yet had to run this on my own Bialetti Venus, but I was very happy to see that the manual suggests descaling with white vinegar, keeping the process free from harsh chemicals.

To do this, you fill the water chamber as usual, but add two teaspoons of either distilled white vinegar, available at Walmart, or food-grade citric acid, available at Amazon, and run a brew without coffee grounds before disposing of the liquid.

Finally, the instructions suggest replacing the silicone gasket on the underside of the upper chamber once per year. You can find replacement gaskets from Bialetti at Amazon.

Storing is also simple. The pot is a convenient size and can fit easily into kitchen cabinets, even in my small kitchen. It's pretty enough when buffed to sit on the counter, too, but the stainless steel may show some smears or smudges.

There are many ways to buff these out and clean stainless steel without harsh chemicals.

What Shoppers Say About the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker

To learn more about the general customer response, I looked through thousands of Amazon reviews left by verified shoppers, and was pleased to see that the Bialetti Venus coffee maker has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars across over 29,000 reviews.

One recent five-star review left by magheart praised the Bialetti Moka pot for being induction-stove friendly, adding, 'This is awesome!'. They remarked on the 6-cup version making 'perfect' coffee that takes them 'back to the time I lived in Italy.'

Another, Tomasz Kolanek, agreed that it brewed classic quality coffee, writing, 'It’s Bialetti, so everything is clear. Solid build quality, great design, and excellent coffee. Easy to use and delivers rich, authentic espresso every time. A classic moka pot that never disappoints. Highly recommended.'

Of the one-star reviews, one shopper pointed out discoloration at the base of her Bialetti Venus after several months of use. They claim to believe that this is a peeling coating; however, having spent several years as a cleaning editor, the photos look more like severe limescale buildup.

Having tested the pot, I am confident there are no coatings on the stainless steel, so I am willing to go on a limb and say this is a result of using hard water without following the descaling process regularly. I will return to this review after six months of use and update whether this has been an issue.

Other one-star reviews were related to issues with shipping and dispatch on Amazon's part, which are not related to the quality of the Bialetti product itself. All in all, the positive reviews far outweigh the negative and speak for themselves.

Who Would the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker Suit?

Overall, I think the Bialetti Venus coffee maker, from Amazon, would suit anyone who is looking to make great espresso-style coffee at home without a big machine cluttering up a countertop. It won't froth milk or keep your coffee warm for hours, but the meditative process really adds to a pleasantly slow morning routine, especially for those with electric and induction stoves.

Having tried it, I would certainly purchase one for myself; however, I would personally opt for the smaller four-cup size, as to ensure the correct pressure and the perfect brew, you need to fill the pot every time. The six-cup is just a little too large for my two-person household, but good for when we have guests.

My Verdict

All in all, I found the Bialetti Venus coffee maker easy to use and simple to rinse out. It made great tasting espresso-style coffee that can be used for a whole host of other drinks, and is a fantastic non-toxic option for those of us concerned about PFAS and BPA plastic. It isn't as quick as a kettle or one of the best espresso machines, but that is part of the charm.

It loses half a star only for the fact that it is a little sharp on some edges, and that the instructions say to use cold water to start, when warmer water is a better option for efficiency and flavor. Overall, I would strongly recommend this coffee maker to anyone in the market for a quality Moka pot, or perhaps starting their coffee-making journey at home.

What to Shop

Interested in the Bialetti Venus? These handy accessories can help you make the most of your new Moka pot:

Want to make the most of your coffee? Check out the worst coffee maker mistakes you might be making to improve your home brewing skills.

Testing the stunning Six-Cup Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker has made me realise that I need at least one great cup of coffee a day to be happy and at my best.

Before it, and despite my full barista training, I have frequently found myself frustrated with leaking water tanks from my Nespresso machine and being caught short without any pods.

So, when I was offered the chance to test the Six Cup Classic CHEMEX®, available at Amazon, I couldn't wait to take things straight back to basics – just great coffee, my kettle, a filter, and a gorgeous glass vessel where the real magic happens.

Now firmly my best pour-over coffee maker, I've been loving the ease and simplicity of the Classic Chemex, not to mention the gorgeous design that has had me leaving it proudly on display.

What I Thought of the Chic Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker

My First Impressions

First impressions count, and the Six Cup Classic CHEMEX®, available at Amazon, certainly made a good one. The coffee maker arrived in a plain, fully-recyclable cardboard box, with an insert to hold it in place to prevent breakages, as did the CHEMEX Bonded Filters, also available at Amazon. This made it easy to dispose of the box as soon as I opened it.

The coffee maker felt weighty, but definitely not too heavy to use in one hand, and the borosilicate glass is very thick and high-quality, so straight away I didn't have any concerns of burns. It's worth noting that breakages are, of course, always a possibility with a glass coffee maker like this one, so handle with care.

I was impressed by the luxe look and feel of the signature CHEMEX wooden elements, complete with a leather tie to keep it firmly in place, and easy to remove when needed. I was also excited to display it on my kitchen counters between uses because its sleek design really looks that good. Its compact footprint also means it's a great option for easy coffee making in small kitchens.

This coffee maker, which is also available in three, six, and 10-cup sizes on Amazon, also came with a small, handy pamphlet with information on how to use it, including a great tip for easily 'blooming' your ground coffee.

Specifications: Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker

Performance: CHEMEX Coffee Maker

As I was only making one cup of coffee, I gave my CHEMEX a quick rinse with water and used the included instructions to determine that I only needed one rounded tablespoon of ground coffee – I'm using Costa Ground Coffee, available at Amazon, at the moment. This can be adjusted depending on your preference, but I don't like my coffee too strong day-to-day.

After that, making your brew really couldn't be simpler. Once I'd spooned the ground coffee into the filter, available to purchase separately, all that was left to do was simply pour over some boiling water from my kettle (the SMEG Electric Kettle) to evenly saturate the grounds, and let it do its thing.

CHEMEX recommends pouring a small amount of water in a circular motion over the coffee grounds to wet them, before waiting for roughly 30 seconds to let the grounds 'bloom', so that's what I did, before slowly pouring the water over the grounds.

It's important to keep the water level at least a quarter of an inch or more from the top of the CHEMEX coffee maker, but as I was only making one cup, this wasn't a problem for me.

My only snags are that I wish the coffee maker came with at least a few filters, and that it featured lines on the side to indicate how much water to pour in per cup of coffee. CHEMEX recommends five ounces per cup, but I had to guess how much that equates to; measuring my boiling water first felt like an extra, annoying step I would like to have skipped.

I know this might ruin the 'look' of the coffee maker, but if the lines were only engraved on one side, you could simply turn it around if you didn't want to see them, and they would have come in very handy. Still, these are only very minor annoyances, and pour-over coffee makers don't really get easier to use than this.

What the CHEMEX Coffee Maker Is Like to Use

Like any pour-over coffee maker, the Six Cup Classic CHEMEX®, available at Amazon, is a breeze to use.

The set-up was quick and simple – all I had to do was fold the filter and pop it in the top – and there was no prep necessary at all. The enclosed instructions manual was handy, and you can also find the step-by-step method on the CHEMEX site, and a video to follow along, if needed.

As mentioned, my only 'frustrations' were having to guess how much water to pour in for my cup of coffee, but this is only a minor complaint. You can easily make just the right amount by pouring your boiled water into your chosen coffee cup first, then tipping that into your CHEMEX, which only adds a few seconds to the process.

Otherwise, my coffee was brewed and ready in next to no time at all (approximately two minutes), and it tasted great, too. I tried mine black first, for a true taste test, and was impressed with how smooth it was. I then added a splash of milk, as I usually would, and thoroughly enjoyed my cup of coffee.

In fact, I think it tasted better than the cup my pod coffee machine makes, and at only a fraction of the cost to buy off the bat. It's also non-toxic, as it's made from glass, so it's a great option if you're looking to buy one of the best non-toxic coffee makers.

I can imagine how good this CHEMEX coffee maker would be if you're hosting breakfast for a few friends and family, as you can make six cups of coffee at once with little to no effort, although the water will take a little longer to drip through the grinds.

The integrated spout also made it easy to pour my coffee from the maker into my cup, with no spitting or spillages. All in all, the CHEMEX coffee maker is a delight to use, and I can't wait to use it daily moving forward.

Cleaning and Storage: Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker

The CHEMEX coffee maker was easy to clean, with just some warm soapy water and my usual dish brush, the Joseph Joseph Edge Dish Brush, available at Amazon. As the 'neck' isn't too narrow, I was able to get right down to the bottom and edges, but I didn't find any stains or marks even at the very bottom, as the grounds are contained in the filter.

The only thing was, as this is glass, I was a little concerned about it slipping out of my hands and smashing. Luckily, there were no breakages to report! I didn't remove the wooden collar on mine, but this is easy to do with the leather tie for washing up.

Once that collar is removed, this glass coffee maker is also conveniently dishwasher-safe – just make sure you secure the carafe and prevent it from bumping into other dishes.

With a small base footprint and compact height, this carafe is suitable for storing away in your cabinets or leaving out on display on your countertops or kitchen shelf. I'm keeping mine out on display for the time being as I love the way it looks in my kitchen, and I'm yet to find that it makes my kitchen look cluttered.

What Shoppers Say About the Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker

To find out more about the general customer consensus, I looked through hundreds of reviews on the Amazon listing, as I couldn't spot any on the official CHEMEX website. I was pleased to see it has an average rating of 4.8 stars across 6,884 reviews.

One recent review, from verified shopper Barry Timm, dubs it the 'ULTIMATE coffee maker.'

This is the one!' they write. 'I love it...so easy, fun, and makes a perfect cup, and the best of all...absolutely no plastic or aluminum coming in contact with my coffee or water and no cleanup! Just turf the CHEMEX filter into the trash when done, rinse out the CHEMEX, and it's done!'

Another, from Bill Quinby, echoes Barry's. 'You want good coffee? Allow me to share this with you,' they write. 'I have tried it all: Percolators, French presses, double chamber drip pots. You name it, I’ve tried it.

'When you buy CHEMEX, you enter a world of gourmet coffee-making. They will even recommend obscure techniques for maximizing the flavor...Buy this amazing pour-over pot and welcome to the elite coffee club. Good luck!'

The only negative reviews I could find were all older, and only related to the item arriving broken (nothing to do with CHEMEX, and always a risk when ordering a glass item online), or the item not being the same one described in the listing (again, nothing to do with CHEMEX).

These negative reviews only made up one per cent of total feedback from customers, compared to the 91 per cent of five-star reviews. Zero percent of shoppers gave two stars, only two percent gave three, and six percent gave four stars.

So, the positive consensus on quality and performance really speaks for itself in this instance.

Who Would the Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker Suit?

Overall, I think the Six Cup Classic CHEMEX®, available at Amazon, would suit pretty much anyone – whether you're usually in a rush, are on a budget, have a compact home, need a little and easy caffeine boost in your home office, or just want something simpler and less fiddly to use than a coffee machine. It won't froth your milk or make your coffee for you, but it's so easy to use that this isn't an issue.

Having tried it, I would definitely purchase one myself, and, unlike most coffee makers, this isn't out of my price range for what I would fork out for great-tasting coffee. I think it's amazing value for money, particularly as it looks so good, and feels like it will last for years, so long as you don't smash it while using or washing it.

It's also good if you live in a small rental, as it's compact enough to store away in a cabinet, and, as it can make six five-ounce cups of coffee at once, it's suitable whether you live alone or in a large family of coffee drinkers.

My Verdict on the Classic CHEMEX Coffee Maker

Overall, I found the Six Cup Classic CHEMEX®, available at Amazon, simple, easy to use, and the coffee it made tasted great. The whole process is so quick and convenient, too, and I love the design and that it's non-toxic.

It loses half a star for that lack of measurement lines I mentioned, and the fact it doesn't come with any filters, but other than that, there isn't much to dislike. And, while I found it could be easy to break when washing, it can conveniently go in a dishwasher, but I don't have one.

You also don't have to thoroughly wash it every time – a quick swill with warm soapy water between uses is likely more than enough.

So, I'd recommend this Classic CHEMEX glass coffee maker to anyone in the market for a pour-over coffee appliance, whether you live alone, in a larger household, only have a small kitchen with little storage, or regularly host breakfasts and brunches for your family and friends.

Are you making any of these coffee maker mistakes? A barista shares how to avoid them.

From quickly brewing coffee in the morning rush to catering for a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up, a nifty coffee maker is a necessary investment for most of us.

If you are struggling for countertop space, however, giving up workspace for a luxurious coffee appliance can feel like an unnecessary compromise. That's where this compact Keurig K-Slim Coffee Maker comes to the rescue.

It's small yet satisfying, offering a quick cup of joe without taking over your whole counter. Rated our best compact Keurig Coffee Maker, and with $40 off right now, it's a no-brainer.

This Compact Keurig is Perfect for Small Kitchens

Whether you're shopping for the best coffee maker with space or budget constraints, the K-Slim just makes sense. At less than five inches wide, it slots perfectly into the smallest gaps on your busy countertops, helping you to keep countertops clear and reduce visual clutter in the kitchen, whilst still indulging in your morning cup easily.

The compact footprint also means you can quickly stash the (empty) coffee maker into a cabinet if you do not use it every day to better organize a kitchen.

Don't let the small size fool you into thinking this single-serve only offers tiny coffees either. The K-Slim offers 8, 10, and 12oz servings, with a deceptive reservoir that holds up to four 8oz servings of water.

The main caveat is that this mini-machine won't serve you an espresso, but if you're desperate for this, you can consider a compact glass Aeropress Premium from Amazon. ranked as one of our favorite non-toxic coffee makers, it comes at a more premium price, but it can create an espresso-style drink in minutes.

Additionally, compact doesn’t mean scaled back. The K-Slim still delivers the full single-serve convenience Keurig is known for, brewing multiple cup sizes at the touch of a button so you’re not compromising on strength or volume.

There’s no bulky carafe, no complicated settings, just quick, consistent coffee in minutes. For small apartments, dorm rooms, and shared kitchens, it’s a practical upgrade. You get the ease of a full-size machine without sacrificing precious square footage, making it a smart solution for both minimalists and busy households alike.

In terms of the coffee itself, the K-Slim uses regular K-Cups, such as the Starbucks coffee variety pack from Amazon, to help you save money on your daily coffee run, using unique 'multistream technology' to better saturate the contents, promising more flavorful beverages in under two minutes. Coffee not always your vibe? You can also find K-Cup tea variety packs at Amazon, or for late-night comfort, hot cocoa, such as Swiss Miss, from Amazon.

It's not just us who rate this little gem. Shoppers are more than impressed by the performance of such a small machine. One Keurig shopper, for instance, gave the K-Slim five stars in their review, and made good use of the compact size to outfit the seriously cramped space on their boat.

Another anonymous shopper deemed the K-Slim 'perfect', adding in their five-star review, 'it’s exactly what I wanted and need. Like the three bears, my first Keurig coffee maker was too big. So bought a single cup coffee maker. Not too small, but I was always putting water into it. So this one … just right. Perfect for any size kitchen, easy to use, and makes enough coffee. Perfect.'

What to Shop

Next, learn how to descale your Keurig with vinegar to maintain your machine without harsh chemicals.

PFAS and harsh chemicals seem to have made their way into everything in a kitchen, posing a constant long-term risk to your health. Coffee makers are no exception.

That's why we are so thorough in testing the best non-toxic coffee makers, so you can start your day off with a healthier approach to your morning routine. One of the best we have found? The OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker, currently $22 off at Amazon.

It's the perfect non-toxic balance of high-quality coffee and affordability (especially with the added sale), making it the best addition for a simple yet satisfying start to each morning.

Keep Your Morning Routine Non-Toxic with This No-Fuss Drip Coffee Maker

Adding a no-fuss coffee maker to your kitchen is one of the easiest ways to organize your morning routine, making brewing a simple cup of joe a breeze. The last thing you want when you're already in a rush is to have to fuss with settings, apps, and programmes to get your caffeine hit.

Reviewed by our expert Aleenah Ansari, she found that this impressive drip coffee maker, while not the fanciest, made the perfect filter coffee, with the entire eight-cup brew taking just six minutes to complete – less time than it takes to wrangle your breakfast together.

Plus, even after years of use, it stayed consistent. You can't hope for much better than that as an everyday coffee drinker. The only downside is that the double-walled stainless steel carafe doesn't keep your coffee warm for hours, as there is no added hot plate.

For that, you might want to consider the Aarke Drip Coffee maker, also from Amazon, which, while larger and more expensive, will keep undrunk coffee warmer for longer. Otherwise, the OXO model is the perfect effortless brew for busy households.

The OXO Brew 8-cup is designed specifically so that all parts of the appliance that make contact with the coffee or the water are BPA-free, too, making it one of the most practical tools for creating a non-toxic home.

It also makes cleaning a drip coffee maker super simple, as the brew baskets are dishwasher-safe in the top rack, and the carafe only needs a rinse out with soap and water, so you won't be wasting precious time before you start your day washing dishes.

Despite the relative 'lack' of features, the pot still comes with a descaling warning light, so you know exactly when to perform a deep clean to prevent damage.

It's perfect for keeping on the counter, with minimal sprawling setup, ready to hit start as you come downstairs each day. And with $22 off the OXO Brew 8-cup at Amazon right now, it's a no-brainer for peace of mind, and a healthier, stress-free start to each day.

What to Shop

We have tried and tested plenty of fantastic non-toxic coffee machines to suit every style and budget, in case the OXO Brew isn't quite for you.

Fancy something with a few more functions? We compared the OXO 8-cup and the OXO 9-cup and found the latter to add some convenience, but at the cost of some consistency.

Valentine's Day gifts can get pretty stale quickly. The standard rotation of stuffed toys, chocolate, and flowers doesn't exactly scream 'personal'. Luckily, if you have a coffee-lover in your life, we have the perfect alternative that they will actually use.

The AeroPress Original, available at Amazon, is a unique melting pot that takes all the best features of French press, single-serve, drip, and moka pot and combines them into one portable, easy to use devie that delivers an espresso-style shot that rivals some of the best espresso machines.

Our in-house expert barista gave it 4.5 stars for a reason, but if you need a little more convincing, here's why it makes the perfect treat for Valentine's, for your partner, or yourself.

The AeroPress Is the Valentine’s Gift Coffee Fans Want

Because the AeroPress Original can do so much with only one tool, it really is the gift that keeps on giving. Better still, the multi-functional design means it can, theoretically, take the place of an espresso machine, best drip coffee maker, and your best moka pot, freeing up valuable space in small kitchen storage and decluttering your kitchen countertops.

As Laura wrote in her AeroPress review, the 1.87"D x 1.87"W x 4.63"H size makes it small enough to fit in a mid-sized handbag, meaning kitchen cabinets should fair just fine.

On the multifunctionality, Laura added, 'The AeroPress has established itself as the coffee maker of professional, working coffee geeks. I don’t know how they feel about this reputation, but I think this is well-founded. Whether you'll be brewing from the hotel, office, Airbnb, ski lodge, or tent, you'll want the AeroPress with you.'

It really is the ideal gift for coffee lovers.

If that wasn't enough, the AeroPress is also one of the best non-toxic coffee makers, made with BPA-free Tritan (a curable copolyester material), meaning it is also perfect for those health-conscious brew aficionados looking to create a non-toxic home in 2026.

The one-of-a-kind brewing method can take a little getting used to, but there is a full manual included, and some great online tutorials, such as this video from coffee expert James Hoffman, that can help you on your way to acing the relatively uncomplicated process. It's well-suited to beginners, Laura notes, especially with the printed measurements making for an accessible tool.

Don't just take our word for it, either. One verified shopper, Juls, who picked up the AeroPress original at Walmart, commented in their review that, 'It's the best coffee I've ever made. I am so picky about my coffee. I don't like coffee from restaurants or the coffee shops (that I've tried). I just like straight, black coffee. I've been using a nice French Press over the last few years, and I have a good grinder. But it was losing flavor, or maybe my taste buds were petering out.

'Then I decided to give AeroPress a try. Oh my. It's the most delicious coffee I've ever made! There's a small learning curve, and my only complaint is that you really only get half a cup of coffee at a time, maybe a little more. It would likely be a fullish cup if you use something dainty. I still use my French press in the morning so I can have two to three cups. But I sure look forward to my afternoon treat, where I make a cup, then another. It's more work, but worth it.'

What to Shop

Want to try your hand at making the best treat for yourself or your loved one? Check out our guide to brewing the best coffee at home next, or really hone your skills with your new investment with our ultimate AeroPress recipe.

Picture your ideal cup of coffee. Does it require beans or a coffee pod? Is it iced or hot? Does it taste rich or smooth? No matter what you have in mind, it can be difficult to recreate using an one single home appliance – unless you invest in something like the Ninja DualBrew Pro Coffee System, which happens to be on sale right now at QVC.

This countertop hero can produce a café-worthy cup using either pods or coffee beans, with four different brewing modes, including hot and iced drinks. It's a real powerhouse, and our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, says it's one of the best iced coffee makers you'll find. But if you want to bring it home, you'll need to be quick: this QVC deal ends in a matter of hours.

After putting it to the test in her Ninja Dualbrew Pro Specialty Coffee Maker review, Lydia was thoroughly impressed. She was quick to praise the multiple brewing methods and the overall reliability of the machine, explaining that it 'brews a consistent cup of coffee every time'.

For me, the beauty of the Ninja DualBrew Pro definitely comes down to its versatility. I love a cup of coffee in the morning, but I often find myself craving a drink that's far beyond the bounds of my humble home setup. With the Ninja DualBrew Pro on my countertop, however, I can whip up everything from a classic brew to an iced coffee or a speciality latte. Plus, I can try out coffee beans from a local coffee shop, make a quick cup using a trusty coffee pod, or (thanks to a built-in hot water system) even make tea and hot chocolate. And, if you have a houseful of family members with different coffee orders, no problem! This machine will oblige. So there's no need for multiple specialist appliances.

Since it's rare to possess both the counter space and the budget for multiple coffee machines, the Ninja DualBrew Pro is a real winner. It's one of the most customizable coffee makers I've come across – and perhaps it goes without saying, but the Ninja DualBrew is also a game-changer when it comes to hosting. If you're entertaining a crowd, you can whip up a 12-cup carafe in a matter of minutes; and if unexpected guests drop by, you can easily serve up exactly what they're craving at the touch of a button.

My parents, for example, have a lengthy set of preferences when it comes to coffee, and it doesn't take long for them to start debating the merits of coffee beans or pods while I'm busy making their drinks in my kitchen. Naturally, it's a blessing to find a coffee machine that offers both – I'm certain that the Ninja DualBrew Pro would impress even the most coffee-obsessed people. In fact, I'm tempted to take advantage of QVC's discount as a gift for mom and dad, but I'm might just nab one for myself first.

Shop More Coffee Maker Deals

If you're a fan of drip coffee but still looking for a machine with versatility, try the Ninja DualBrew Prestige System. Accoridng to Lydia, it's one of the best drip coffee makers on the market right now.

The holidays tend to expose every weak spot in your kitchen setup, and in my house, coffee is always the first pressure point. You might own the best coffee maker for yourself, but when you have guests around, you'll find someone wants a strong filter brew, someone else wants a latte, and nobody wants to wait.

Enter the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System (sold as the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System in the US). At its core, this machine is about ease and flexibility. It brews drip coffee into a glass carafe and keeps it warm with a smart, adjustable hotplate. Switch modes, and it produces quick espresso from the original Nespresso capsules in around two minutes, with the option to foam milk for lattes and cappuccinos.

I wouldn’t say the results are barista-level (you’ll want to look at the best espresso machines for that), but it’s consistently smooth, quick, easy to use, and great for a family of coffee drinkers with different tastes. Here’s what I uncovered during two weeks of testing over the holidays.

Design

I tested the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System in our UK test kitchen, then I took it back to my family’s home to test over the holidays. The UK and US designs differ very slightly, but the performance and functionality are nearly identical.

Out of the box, the machine isn’t huge, but it does have a presence on the counter. It’s not suave or sophisticated like an Italian-style espresso maker. It's more about functionality than aesthetics.

I found the controls intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for drip coffee and espresso modes, and handy instructions taped to different elements. There’s a water tank at the back that slots in and out easily. At the side, you'll find the milk frother and measuring spoons. Finally, light-up controls that let you select the style of coffee you want to make.

On the drip coffee side, there’s a space for the glass carafe (which has a black plastic lid) and a hotplate to keep the coffee warm. There’s also a removable drip tray that makes it easy to switch between carafe and mug brewing.

On the espresso side, you can slot original-style Nespresso capsules (made by any brand of your choice) into the top, select your brew style, push the start button, and coffee pours straight out into your mug. You can adjust the height of the ledge depending on whether you're brewing an espresso, lungo, ristretto, or iced coffee.

Brewing Performance

For what it lacks in suave style, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew makes up for in functionality. On the drip side, it offers three coffee brew styles (Classic, Rich, and Over Ice) and can fill anything from a full 12-cup carafe to a single mug for yourself. Every cup I drank was balanced, hot, and never watered down or bitter.

I used the hotplate a lot to keep the coffee warm throughout the morning, so you can sip at your own pace instead of rushing through it. It has smart functions like Delay Brew, which helps you pre-program your morning coffee the night before.

I’m not the biggest Nespresso coffee drinker, but I like that you can pick up the pods at the grocery store and experiment with different flavors (the Rosso Café Holiday blends from Amazon were my go-to for the testing).

You can choose three espresso brew styles (Espresso, Lungo, and Over Ice). Every day, I popped in the capsule, and the 19-bar pressure system poured a smooth shot in little over 60 seconds. I’ve tested the best Nespresso machines, and none of them were as quick as this.

Another bonus that sets this Ninja coffee maker above a regular Nespresso machine is that it has a fold-away milk frother. It slides out from the side of the machine, avoiding the counter clutter of a separate appliance (see the photo below).

However, it's not perfect. You have to microwave the milk first before you can froth it and turn your espresso into a latte or cappuccino. I also found that the milk was very foamy and not that smooth to taste; I much prefer the quality from a proper milk steamer.

How Does it Compare?

Compared to traditional drip coffee makers, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew offers far more flexibility – but it doesn’t veer into gimmicks or sacrifice on quality for drip coffee lovers. It is certainly deserving of a place in our guide to the best drip coffee makers of 2026.

If you are cautious about the materials in your coffee maker, you might want to consider one of the best non-toxic coffee makers instead. I did notice black plastic on the lid of the glass carafe. Options like the stainless steel Aarke coffee maker if you are more cautious about material transparency.

If you are properly into espresso but still looking for ease, I’d consider the Ninja Luxe Café Pro instead. It is still quick and automated, but delivers a more authentic experience with a portafilter and freshly ground beans.

Our Verdict: Should You Buy it?

For me, the ease of use is one of the Ninja Prestige's strongest selling points. Switching between drip and espresso is almost effortless: choose your mode, select the size, and go. This is very well-suited to a family household where tastes vary, and patience is limited.

It’s not trying to replace a dedicated espresso setup or appeal to coffee purists. Instead, it excels at what most people actually want: reliably strong coffee, fast brewing times, and a calm start to the day. I loved testing it.

How We Test Coffee Makers

At Homes & Gardens, our product tests are standardized across each machine so that we can compare all of the products against each other, without bias. We’ve developed a barista-approved process for trialling coffee makes; you can read more behind-the-scenes detail on our dedicated page: how we test coffee makers.

If your mornings have been filled with disposable takeout cups, consider this your wake-up call. I’ve tested dozens of machines, and the best non-toxic coffee maker I’ve found is simple, safe, and creates delicious drip coffee on tap.

The Aarke Drip Stainless Steel Coffee Maker has been on my radar for a while (I first tested it back in February 2025). I always check when a sale drops – but unsurprisingly, the ultra-luxury, Scandinavian model is never discounted – until now. I spotted an $80 discount this week. You can thank me later.

If you’re on the hunt for the best drip coffee maker, the Aarke Drip Coffee Maker is hard to beat. From the moment I unboxed it, I was struck by the minimalist design and exquisite attention to detail.

Made from shiny stainless steel – my material of choice for the best non-toxic kitchen appliances – and die-cast aluminum, the Aarke is designed to look good, last decades, and brew pro-level coffee.

Taste is of paramount importance (a central criterion in how we test coffee makers at Homes & Gardens).

The Aarke Coffee Maker features a professional-grade boiler with a water sensor that automatically adjusts the temperature based on how many cups you’re making, so that you get a strong, balanced flavor, whether you brew two cups or a full carafe. The results are truly delicious.

I also love my morning coffee to feel effortless and convenient, which is all part of Aarke's design. It is minimalist and simple to use with your eyes half-closed (which mine are in the morning before I've had my caffeine fix).

The hot plate is ideal for when you have guests, too, since it keeps your coffee warm for hours without sacrificing flavor. The brand also makes a stainless steel thermal jug, which you can add to your clean coffee set-up.

More Tried-and-Tested Stainless Steel Coffee Makers on Sale

If you're wondering how to choose the best coffee maker, materials matter. Stainless steel is one of my best materials for coffee makers because it’s durable, resistant to high heat, rust, and corrosion, and won’t leach chemicals into your coffee

If you're as captivated as I am by this pro-level drip coffee maker, I recommend scrolling the Aarke range at Williams Sonoma – they also offer water purifiers and stainless steel carbonators.

If you need more guidance on whether drip coffee is right for you, start with our page on how to choose the best coffee maker.

At the start of fall, I stayed at a friend’s home, and she had thoughtfully placed a petite coffee maker in my room. I’m an early riser, and I loved the quiet indulgence of those mornings with a cup of coffee in bed.

It was the new Keurig K-Mini Mate – and it turns out, all the chicest hosts already know about it. With one of the smallest footprints of even the best coffee makers, it’s perfect for tight spaces – and it comes in chic shades that will blend seamlessly with your decor.

I’ve always loved the idea of a bedroom coffee bar. In fact, I’ve been begging my partner for years to move one of the best espresso makers into our room, but until now, we haven't had the space for this luxury.

The beauty of the Keurig K-Mini is that it is super slim and space-saving. I've tested some of the best Nespresso machines, and they can be bulky and not the prettiest to look at. The opposite is true of the Keurig K-Mini, which comes in subtle green and rose-tinted colorways.

It is suited to small kitchens (especially if you want to bring your coffee station ideas to life), your home office desk, and it even makes a very stylish dorm room idea.

Speaking of guest rooms, a coffee maker manages to instantly elevate the space, turning it into a private retreat that will help your guests feel relaxed and cared for.

Make sure to add some coffee bar essentials, like a small canister of Keurig K-Cups. There are literally hundreds of flavors to choose from, but I think the holiday-themed pods are especially charming this time of year.

And if your guests are staying for a few days, don't forget to empty the machine and refill the reservoir regularly to keep everything fresh.

More Chic Coffee Essentials for Guest Rooms

All the chicest hosts I know have taught me that hosting doesn't end in the kitchen and dining room. A few thoughtful touches in the guest bedroom are what keep guests talking long after they’ve left.

If you're a proper coffee addict like me, and you're staying away for the holidays, you can easily pack the Keurig K-Mini in your suitcase and plug it in at the destination. It's a pretty genius move!

If you're looking for a larger coffee maker to feed a crowd, I've tested some great drip coffee makers this year – you can read the reviews in my guide to choosing the best coffee maker for you.

I'm moving into a new apartment in a matter of weeks, and while I'm busy making sure I have a bed to sleep on and somewhere to hang my clothes, there's one more priority to address: coffee. Investing in one of the best coffee makers is at the top of my list, but as I'll be sharing my new space with friends, I need something that won't take over the bijou kitchen. After some hunting around I spotted the Keurig K-Mini for 30% off at Amazon, and I knew I'd finally hit the jackpot.

Thanks to their great value and versatility, a few of the best Keurig coffee makers were already on my radar, but I'll admit that the stunning evergreen shade of the Keurig K-Mini is what caught my eye. I can already envision it standing proudly on my kitchen countertop, ready and waiting to kick into action whenever I need a caffeine fix.

The Keurig K-Mini isn't just chic, it's slim; so slim, in fact, that I really will be able to keep it on display without worrying about how to make more counter space in my small kitchen. At just five inches wide, it's small but mighty – though it can hold mugs and travel cups up to 7 inches tall. The cord even fits right into the back of the machine, so I can move it around or tuck it away if I need to.

Since I won't have the luxury of a sprawling kitchen or the space to host more than a handful of guests, a single-serve machine is my best bet. The Keurig K-Mini boasts a no-nonsense one-cup capacity, with the option to brew any cup size between 6 and 12 ounces using Keurig K-Cup pods. It's exactly the kind of efficiency I crave when I stumble out of bed desperate for a morning coffee; plus, it automatically shuts down 90 seconds after the last brew, so I can go on with my day without a second thought.

After spending weeks hunting for budget-friendly coffee makers, it's a relief to find a chic option at such an unbeatable price. (Even the Keurig K-Iced Coffee Maker is discounted right now, if you fancy jumping on one of the biggest fall food trends and whipping up iced lattes with a seasonal twist.)

I might not have the keys to my new place yet, but I'm already dreaming about unboxing the Keurig K-Mini in my kitchen. Who needs a bed or a wardrobe as long as my morning coffee is sorted?

Shop more space-saving single-serve coffee makers

I might not have the counter space to bring my most lavish coffee nook ideas to life, but I'm still investing in some choice coffee bar essentials: a few handsome mugs and a milk frother will make all the difference.

You might have heard professional cleaners touting coffee grounds as a brilliant, natural way to clean, but how effective are they?

In a time when we're all looking to be more sustainable and seeking out ways to reuse and repurpose common household items, you've likely come across tips for reusing coffee grounds in the garden, but less so about repurposing them indoors.

Here, I spoke to professionals for their cleaning tips on getting more out of your morning brew.

How to use coffee grounds to clean around the home

1. Scrubbing pans

One of the main spots where coffee can come in handy is when cleaning a kitchen. For example, says Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, suggests that you can reuse coffee grounds to clean pans, which works as a natural degreaser.

Simply mix two to three teaspoons of coffee grounds with warm, soapy water, and scrub the pans with a soft sponge, such as the Great Value Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges available at Walmart. She explains, 'Coffee grounds are mildly abrasive and help scrub away stuck-on food without harsh chemicals.'

While this hack works well, it doesn't perform as well as the tried-and-tested baking soda and vinegar method of cleaning burnt pots and cleaning burnt pans.

2. Banishing bad odors in the kitchen

'The strong aroma of coffee grounds can help neutralize unpleasant odors in your kitchen,' explains Mimi Nguyen, founder of Cafely. 'I like to place small bowls of used grounds in areas like the refrigerator, freezer, or even in closets and drawers to absorb unwanted smells.'

We suggest using a small, decorative bowl for this, such as the Kori Ramekin available at Anthropologie, for a stylish solution that won't interrupt your decor.

You can also use coffee combined with salt to deodorize a fridge, which works in a similar way to the baking soda hack for closets. Just make sure that any coffee grounds are thoroughly dry, to avoid them becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

3. Cleaning surfaces

You can also remove stubborn stains and clean kitchen tiles or clean tile floors with coffee, by mixing a few teaspoons with soapy water and applying it directly to stains with a soft sponge or cloth, such as the Great Value Multipurpose Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart.

'The grit in grounds helps lift grease from stovetops or counters, but avoid on porous or easily scratched materials,' advises Karina. This would include natural stones such as marble.

4. Cleaning wooden furniture and reducing scratches

You may have seen some videos circulating online claiming that coffee grounds can be used to clean furniture and reduce the appearance of scratches on wood surfaces, notably wooden countertops and dining room tables. It's not an urban myth.

The method is straightforward: Apply moist coffee grounds to the scratched area and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Buff them away with a cotton rag, and once the area is fully dry, apply a layer of clear wood sealant such as Wood Master's Secret from Walmart.

While this doesn't remove scratches, it will do a good job of naturally staining the area, so that you barely notice them. 'When rubbed into small scratches, damp grounds darken the wood, making marks less noticeable,' says Karina, and it works well if you prefer to thrift vintage furniture for your home.

The only caveat is that this won't work very well on light wood – in those instances, you're better off using a professional stain, or lightly sanding and resealing the area to remove surface-level scratches.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

FAQs

Can you pour coffee grounds down the sink?

In general, it's advised against pouring coffee grounds directly down the sink or garbage disposal, says Mimi from Cafely.

'While small amounts may not cause immediate issues, larger quantities can potentially clog pipes or accumulate in the disposal over time. Instead, I recommend composting them or incorporating coffee grounds into your houseplant soil to enrich the nutrient content,' as coffee grounds are good for plants.

Meet the expert

There are a number of other kitchen items you should never throw out, instead reusing them, such as glass jars and old towels.

My biggest pet peeve about traveling? No, it's not the packing or the airport queues – not even the sunburn that happens to me on every summer vacation – it's being away from my coffee maker.

I don't like the plastic pod machines you find in hotel rooms, with the watered-down taste and risk of chemical leaching, and I can't get going without a cup of proper coffee in the morning. As soon as I wake up, I'm chomping at the bit to get out of the hotel room to the nearest artisanal coffee shop. But really, I would prefer a slower start to the day...it's supposed to be a vacation, after all.

Since I use one of the best non-toxic coffee makers at home, I've been eager to try the AeroPress Go Plus coffee system, which promises BPA-free, richly flavored coffee that you can enjoy anywhere. It comes with a coffee tumbler that houses all the equipment; it's small enough to fit in your bag and light enough to lug around. I tested it for a week, taking it around with me, sipping the coffee, and noting down all the pros and cons.

Specifications

Design

One thing I love about every AeroPress I've tested (I have already reviewed the AeroPress Original and the AeroPress Premium) is the packaging. They arrive in a cardboard cylinder which unfolds like a Christmas cracker.

Inside the AeroPress Go Plus box, there were more components than usual. The travel coffee system includes the AeroPress chamber, filter, stirring tool, coffee scoop, filter papers, and the coffee flask, which doubles as a storage container for the entire kit.

The actual 'coffee maker' part is near-identical to the AeroPress Original – I sat them side by side and couldn't spot a difference. Both are made from durable, BPA-free materials, but AeroPress Go Plus is made from a sturdier, shatterproof Tritan™ plastic, which safeguards it from wear and tear.

If you are already familiar with the brand and know how to use an AeroPress, it's probably the 'Russian doll' tumbler you'll be most interested in. It looks pretty utilitarian from the outside, which I suppose is on brand. No airs and graces, just some branding on the side, which I wasn't a big fan of (you'll see more pictures below).

The engineering is more exciting; it's double-walled, vacuum-insulated, and made from 18/10 stainless steel with a brushed matte exterior. It cleverly holds the AeroPress and all the accessories inside, while the lid twists on top and a magnetic slider seals the sip hole open and shut.

All in all, I found the AeroPress Go Plus lightweight and comfortable to hold. I couldn't wait to brew my coffee and take the kit out and about for a test drive.

Performance

To brew, it’s easy. First, I took all the nesting components out of the tumbler and gave everything a quick rinse. Then, I placed a filter paper inside the filter basket and slotted it into the chamber. I set the chamber on top of the flask. It sat comfortably, feeling well-balanced.

Next, I added my coffee grounds with the small scoop provided and poured over boiling water to my desired level (more water means less strength). I stirred gently for around 20 seconds, then waited a couple of minutes. Finally, I plunged the press down to pour the coffee into the flask, with a satisfying hiss.

On the taste test, it performed just like other AeroPress models I’ve tried – the coffee was rich, flavorful, and well-rounded. I could taste the specialty beans in my americano: a touch of nuttiness and deep bitter-chocolate notes, with a light crema sitting on top. The tumbler kept it warm and enjoyable to sip at a relaxed pace, too. It definitely has the edge in the French Press vs AeroPress debate for me.

Is it bag-friendly and spill-proof?

Yes and no. The AeroPress Go Plus system fit into my bag (and my car cup holder, for that matter), containing all the accessories and filters in the tumbler, which was very satisfying.

Once I got to my office, I brewed the coffee and enjoyed a warm americano at my desk. While the tumbler was in use, the AeroPress and components lay stacked on the side of my desk, which was a little inconvenient. I wished there was a separate pouch or something I could hide them away in.

I decided to make another brew and take it out on a walk at lunch, but before I did so, I checked the lid for leaks. I poured water into the tumbler and shook it around. Water trickled out of the drinking hole. It would be fine upright, but you do not want to jostle the AeroPress Go Plus in your bag if it's filled with coffee, unless you want to destroy your belongings.

Having tested some fantastic leak-proof designs on the best portable blenders, I was a little disappointed.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

While the AeroPress Go Plus is technically dishwasher safe, I’d probably recommend hand washing it. Coffee grounds can easily get trapped in small crevices, and if you don’t clean them out properly, they can leave a stale or slightly sour note in future brews (I've been there, done that, do not recommend).

Hand washing is super quick and easy to perform anywhere you go. Just pop off the base, remove the filter, and give everything a rinse with warm soapy water. It's over and done with in minutes; you can leave it out to dry or speed things up with a dish towel. The clear Tritan plastic doesn't fog up or mist, so it stays looking fresh for next time.

How does it compare?

The AeroPress Original and the AeroPress Go Plus both brew coffee the same way, so in terms of taste you won’t notice a difference – smooth and rich, with all the flexibility AeroPress fans love. The real distinction is in the design and how you plan to use it.

The Original is the classic version: simple, affordable, and made from durable, BPA-free polypropylene. It doesn’t include a mug or flask, so you’ll need your own. It’s ideal if you want a cheaper AeroPress for brewing at home without extra bulk.

The AeroPress Go Plus, on the other hand, is built as a full travel system. The brewer is made from tough Tritan plastic, and everything nests inside the stainless steel tumbler. The insulation means your coffee stays hot (or cold, if you're an iced americano person) and it’s convenient for brewing on the go. If it is obviously heavier and pricier than the Original, but the all-in-one design is hard to beat for travel.

Should you buy it?

I don't think AeroPress has thought of everything with this design, but it's certainly good. If you want delicious coffee on the go, without BPA or plastic cups, the AeroPress Go Plus is worth it.

The best part is that everything stacks inside the tumbler and that's very convenient for packing into your bag or suitcase. It makes a good gift for frequent travelers or a teen going to college or on a gap year.

However, if you already have an AeroPress Original, I might be tempted to stick with that and just invest in one of the best leak-proof travel mugs to go with it, instead. Although you'll have to reckon with your suitcase space.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers.

We start with our research. We're always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once we have found one with BPA-free components, we order it to the test kitchen or send it to one of our expert testers at home, where they can carry out the rigorous testing criteria.

Once we have the coffee maker in our hands, we get testing. This begins with unboxing, which might sound small, but it's an important tell of a brand's attention to detail. We'll let you know whether we get any extra accessories and what our first impressions are of the coffee maker. Here's where we'll talk about the size, style, build quality, and anything else that jumps out at us aesthetically.

Next, we'll get brewing. We make notes on how easy the coffee maker is to set up and start using. Then, we'll time how long the coffee maker takes to brew different quantities of coffee. We'll start at one cup (if the machine can do that) and work up to its maximum capacity. After each brew, we assess the flavor of each cup, the versatility of the machine, how long it keeps coffee warm for, the ease of cleaning, and the all-important price. Where applicable, we experiment with special features, such as integrated grinders and milk frothers.

Once we are happy that we've tested everything that we can, we'll take a step back and think about how the coffee maker compares to other models. We'll read through online reviews to get a sense of what customers are saying and then, bringing all that information together, our team will let you know who we think it suits and whether it's good value for money. As you can see, we leave no stone unturned.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

When it comes to coffee, I’m pretty picky – not just about flavor, but about what my machine is made from. After speaking to toxicologists and medical experts about plastic coatings and mystery metals, I've been on the lookout for the best non-toxic coffee makers made without BPA or PFAS chemicals.

I've found stainless steel French presses, glass Aeropresses, and BPA-free drip coffee makers, but until now, I've been struggling to find an espresso maker to add to the list. The journey led me to a conversation with Jeany from Casabrews, who broke down the materials used in their compact espresso machine, the CasaBrews CM5418, with reassuring clarity.

Jeany explains: 'The filter basket is stainless steel. The filter funnel is made from aluminum alloy. The heating block contains a stainless steel internal tube, encased in aluminum alloy. Both the water tank and internal tubing are BPA-free.' The only plastic part is the handle, and that is getting nowhere near your coffee. Now, only one real question remained – can the Casabrews CM5418 make a great cup of coffee?

Specifications

What is it like to use?

Using the CasaBrews CM5418 espresso maker is a relatively straightforward experience... once you get the hang of it. The control panel is minimal, featuring just a few clearly labeled buttons: on/off, one cup, two cups, and steam. There's also a milk frothing lever located on the side.

That said, there are a few quirks. The machine is somewhat slow to heat up, which can be a drawback if you're in a hurry and need a caffeine hit pronto. When the machine does get brewing, it’s noticeably loud and tends to vibrate a little on the counter. This is quite a contrast to more luxurious espresso makers I have tested recently, like the KitchenAid KF6, which is almost silent and far more suited to peaceful mornings.

The milk frother, while effective, also has its idiosyncrasies. It shoots out streams of water before it's ready to steam, so it's a good idea to keep a container nearby to catch the initial spray. The frothing process itself is a little on the slow side, but it gets the job done well enough. All in all, this is not a smooth and luxurious user process, but once you get used to the quirks, the Casabrews CM5418 is easy to use and the results are great.

Test 1: espresso

Once Casabrews CM5418 machine heated up and was raring to go, the espresso poured quickly. I poured a total of 25 shots over a week of testing, and I was really pleased with the flavor. Each espresso was consistently rich and full-bodied, without any bitterness or astringency.

The Casabrews CM5418 even produced a thick layer of crema. It was a little too frothy for purists (coffee snobs, look away) but perfectly satisfying for anyone who prioritises good taste and ease over technical perfection.

Test 2: cappuccinos & lattes

Next up: lattes. My drink of choice when I wake up in the morning. I started by pouring a double shot of espresso, then heating the milk with the steaming attachment on the side.

The milk frothing function was a bit slow and clunky, and I still need a proper pitcher to finesse the pour, but the drinks came out creamy, hot, and satisfyingly frothy. My partner trained as a barista, and even he was impressed by the café-quality taste of the lattes and cappuccinos I made throughout the week (even if they looked a bit amateur). The taste was smooth and deeply flavorful, thanks to those well-extracted espresso shots on the base.

Casabrews actually makes an affordable frothing pitcher that pairs with this machine, which I would recommend adding on for $9.99 at Amazon, if you want to match the taste with a professional latte art look.

Cleaning & maintenance

Cleaning the Casabrews CM5418 is refreshingly simple, compared to some nighmarish espresso machines I've owned. Just pop out the drip tray after each use, give it a quick rinse, and you're good to go. The portafilter is easy to wash by hand, and since every component is small and lightweight, the whole process is over pretty quickly.

Don't forget to clean the steam wand, too. A quick wipe after each use will keep it clean and prevent any milk buildup.

My only real frustration was the cloudy fingerprints and splashes that built up on the stainless steel body. I needed to wipe it with a damp cloth a couple of times during the week, but that’s par for the course with most steel coffee machines.

How is it rated online?

The top reviews for the CasaBrews CM5418 are full of praise for the strong, rich coffee it produces. They also appreciate its 'cute' compact size and well-designed appearance for small kitchens. They say the machine is easy to use for beginners and offers excellent value for money, gaining an average of 4.3 stars on Amazon.

One review said: 'Really pleased with this machine so far. It’s compact, looks smart on the counter, and pulls a decent espresso with a nice crema. The steam wand works well once you get used to it, and I’ve been enjoying making lattes at home without any fuss. The pressure gauge is a nice touch and makes it easy to dial things in. For the price, I wasn’t expecting café-quality results, but it’s honestly better than I thought it would be. Ideal for daily use and a good option if you don’t want to spend a fortune.'

However, some of the lower scoring reviews for the Casabrews CM5418 complained about the durability of the machine, with some having issues of loud noises, jolty vibrations, faulty milk steamers and the pressure gauge not working. One said: 'Super disappointed as it seemed like the perfect little coffee machine, but it stopped working just after 2 months...'

How does it compare?

If you want the very best espresso machine on the market, this isn't it. For the best performance, you'll want the Breville The Barista Pro Machine, which is extremely hard to fault. It's the most intuitive machine we’ve ever tested and has the technical ability to cater to the most sensitive coffee drinker's palette. It comes with a toppy price tag, but you won't be disappointed by any clunky features.

Also, if you are looking to serve coffee to a group of people, the Casabrews CM5418 won’t cut it. It is slow to brew a shot of espresso, and the milk frother can get fiddly; it started to irritate me when I was brewing coffee for three people. If you’re looking for something that can effortlessly cater for a group of coffee drinkers, try the Aarke Drip Coffee Maker. It has 10-cup capacity and is made of stainless steel and glass. Ideal for serving quality drip coffee for the whole family or a table of guests.

Or, if you are on more of a budget, we think the OXO Brew 8 Cup Coffee Maker offers a perfect balance of high-quality coffee, affordability, and non-toxic materials (stainless steel and BPA-free plastic). It is the overall winner of our best non-toxic coffee maker guide. It meets the industry gold standard and is SCA-certified for brewing great-tasting coffee in under six minutes.

Should you buy it?

If you are health-conscious and you want rich espressos, lattes, or cappuccinos on the daily, you will like this little espresso machine. The Casabrews CM5418 is far from perfect (clunky milk steaming and loud vibrations when brewing), but the coffee is really great – and the price is unbeatable. It's definitely worth a shot.

How we test espresso makers

We are always on the lookout for the market-leading espresso makers. Our team takes every espresso maker we recommend to our dedicated test kitchen, where they put it through its paces.

Using a series of standardized tests, we can judge every espresso maker against each other, so that you can decide which is best for you. Primarily, we want espresso makers to make a good espresso. If they can make cappuccinos, Americanos, and any other coffees, we will test those too.

Our team of experts has experience with the best appliances on the market. That way, they know what 'good' looks like and when it’s worth paying a little extra. For more information about how we test, we have a dedicated how we test coffee makers page.

If you’ve been dreaming of an automatic espresso maker that blends seamlessly into your kitchen design and busy lifestyle, you should definitely get acquainted with the KitchenAid KF6.

KitchenAid make fully automatic espresso machines, I hear you ask? Well, they do now. The brand has been a household name for decades, known for producing some of the sturdiest, most powerful, and best stand mixers on the market. Now, with the launch of their first, fully automatic coffee machine range, they’ve brought that same design flair to the world of bean-to-cup brewing – and I was excited to see how they’d measure up.

After testing the KitchenAid KF6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine for a week, I was impressed by the signature KitchenAid craftsmanship. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more luxury coffee specialists, but it's certainly a reliable, quiet and sleek machine. Plus, the espresso was delicious. Here are all the pros and cons I uncovered in my expert tests.

Specifications

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the machine radiates KitchenAid's signature quality: a solidly built structure, clean lines, and a professional-grade aesthetic. It's clear to see why this model was a Red Dot Design Winner in 2024. Setting it up was straightforward; the 2.4-inch color display screen that walks you through the process.

A small but thoughtful touch is the set of hidden wheels at the back of the unit, making it surprisingly easy to move around the countertop – a detail anyone with limited counter space will appreciate.

I tested the Porcelain White colorway, but it's also available Cast Iron Black and my personal favorite, Stainless Steel.

What's it like to use?

While the display screen is clear and colorful, it’s not touchscreen. You need to cycle through options with the arrows on either side of the screen. This feels a tad dated, especially for a machine at this price point.

Once you get used to the navigation, you can brew a range of drinks at the touch of a few buttons. The menu includes espresso, cappuccino, americano and latte macchiato. You won't find flat whites or specialty drinks, but it caters to most coffee preferences. You can customize your coffee strength, boldness, and temperature – which is my favorite feature, as I'm very particular about my coffee being piping hot. Temperature control isn't a feature on many coffee machines I've tested, but the KF6 delivers.

The quiet operation is another highlight. The KF6 is Quiet Mark-certified, which means acoustic experts have measured the noise during every step of the coffee-making process, from grinding the beans to resetting for the next cup. After comparing hundreds of appliances, Quiet Mark identifies the quietest options out there – and KitchenAid's range is at the top. So, rest assured, you can brew your morning cup without waking the household.

The ambient halo light is a very charming detail, creating a soft glow that’s easy on the eyes – and ideal for those 6am caffeine fixes in the dark days of Winter.

The water tank is well-designed. At first, I thought it was a 'lift out' mechanism – which I don't like, since it's not suited to low countertops. But you actually only need to lift it a little, then it slides out horizontally. That said, the omission of a milk container feels stingy, particularly given the price point. For those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos regularly, you'll need to purchase the milk container separately, or just use your own jug.

I was also impressed by the removable bean hopper, which also has an Auto Purge feature. This clears out any leftover grounds in the grinder between batches, so you can easily switch to decaf or swap in a new roast. I think this is a genius addition that I haven't seen before.

Taste test

Espresso: Rich, smooth, and full-bodied with a lovely crema on top. The shot is noticeably stronger compared to some competitors, making it a winner for espresso purists.

Americano: While pleasant, the flavor felt a bit thin and watery. I prefer a stronger Americano with less liquid.

Latte: The milk was a good temperature and a nice texture, the coffee had some good depth and boldness. I certainly felt awake after drinking it.

Clean-up, storage & maintenance

Maintenance on the KF6 is blissfully straightforward. The self-cleaning function for the milk tube is a small but mighty feature that makes a big difference for daily use.

For deeper cleaning, there’s a host of built-in features – from deep milk cleaning, discaling and bean purging – which keep the machine in top condition with minimal fuss.

How does it compare?

While the KF6 is an excellent entry into the world of the best coffee makers, it has stiff competition. If you’re in the market for a world-class automatic coffee machine, you’ll probably browse our guide to the best espresso machines and see the 5-star rated De'Longhi Eletta Explore at the top of that page. It won't be getting knocked out of place by the KitchenAid KF6. This premium machine offers 50 coffee options and we think it's the best money can buy, but it does cost $2000 (double the price of the KitchenAid).

KitchenAid do offer some more sophisticated machines in their fully automatic range, such as the KF7 and KF8. I'm yet to test these, but they have bigger screens, an included milk container and tonnes more coffee options on the menu – at a higher price point, of course.

If you're looking for something around the $1000 mark, you might like the De’Longhi Magnifica. It offers a more extensive drinks menu and it's the easiest coffee machine I've ever used, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen. However, the KitchenAid KF6 wins points for its temperature control and much sleeker, attractive design. It's really a matter of personal taste.

What do the customer reviews say?

The KitchenAid KF6 averages 4.3 stars on Amazon. Most reviewers loved how easy it is to clean and use. They appreciate the sleek, modern design. In the review pictures, you can see how well the KF6 blends into various styles of kitchen design. In terms of taste, reviewers admitted they weren't experts in coffee, but they appreciated the ease and strong taste of the espresso.

Should you buy it?

If you’re after a solid, reliable machine that brews excellent espresso and looks stunning on your counter, the KitchenAid KF6 is a strong contender. There's plenty to love: strong espresso shots with excellent crema, customizable temperature and strength settings, and soft, ambient lighting that enhances your kitchen's atmosphere. The uniquely quiet operation and removable bean hopper are features that you won't see on other brands.

However, the drinks menu is more limited than competitors at the price point, the display panel feels dated without touchscreen functionality, and the absence of a milk container at this price point felt disappointing. But if those aren't deal breakers for you, then absolutely go for it.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

We start with our research. As H&G’s kitchen appliance expert, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I order it to my home kitchen. I like to test at home, as it means I can use the appliance in my regular routine for around a month. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one hour session in the test kitchen.

Once I have the coffee maker in my hands, I’ll get testing. The first thing I make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue.

Then, I'll test other brews: including americano, latte, cappuccino and anything else the coffee maker has to offer. After brewing and tasting, I make notes on the clean-up process as well as how I would recommend storing and maintaining the coffee maker.

After a month of testing and evaluating, I round up my notes. Then, I take a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how they compare. I also look at online reviews to see what other experts and real-life customers thought, so that I could bring you more insight.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

If you’re ready to ditch cheap plastics in your kitchen, upgrading to a non-toxic coffee maker is a great place to start. The AeroPress has long been a favorite among coffee and health enthusiasts (including renowned neuroscientist and podcaster Dr. Andrew Huberman). While it has always been BPA-free, the AeroPress has now been reimagined with luxurious, plastic-free materials in the form of the AeroPress Premium.

I spent a month testing this new and improved version, admiring its handmade double-walled borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum design. Not only is it exceptionally well-crafted and a non-toxic coffee maker, but it also brews some of the smoothest, most full-bodied coffee I’ve ever tasted.

That said, with its high price tag, this isn’t a gadget for everyone. The AeroPress Premium is as much a statement piece as it is a coffee maker – ideal for those who are willing to invest in both style and health. If you’re looking to learn about all the pros and cons, this Aeropress Premium review is for you.

Specifications

First Impressions

Unboxing felt like opening a premium gift, thanks to the thoughtfully designed packaging. My first thought was: this would make a great present for the coffee lovers in my life.

Inside the box, the AeroPress Premium certainly lived up to its name in terms of aesthetics. The glass and stainless steel components look sleek and elegant; I was expecting them to feel fragile but they are actually sturdy and strong. The Premium upgrade also comes with a weighty, stainless steel stirrer and scoop – engraved with the brand logo. They feel like ultra-professional tools.

Setting up was refreshingly simple. With clear illustrations and straightforward instructions, I was brewing my first cup in minutes. There are also video tutorials on the website, if you need more guidance. Unlike some coffee gadgets that feel like they require a degree in engineering, the AeroPress Premium’s design prioritizes functionality and ease of use.

What's it like to use?

Once you learn the technique, it's incredibly easy. I've found it to be a calming morning ritual and it's so simple, you can do it basically half asleep.

Start by boiling a kettle, or heating water to 185°F (85°C) if you have a temperature-controlled kettle. Line the filter cap with filter paper and twist the glass chamber on top (it locks in and it's really satisfying). Place on top of a sturdy mug and add one scoop of ground coffee into the chamber. Pour hot water into the chamber to your required strength (there are numbers to guide you). Stir gently for 3 seconds using the stainless steel stirrer, then insert the plunger a half-inch into the chamber. Wait 60 seconds, then press the plunger down gently until you hear a hiss, signaling the brew is complete and your hot coffee is ready.

It’s also incredibly quick. I timed it to be less than three minutes from start to finish, including the time it took to boil the kettle. The included stainless steel filter cap, scoop, and stirrer (all plastic-free!) are very nice to use. The absence of plastic offers peace of mind for those concerned about microplastics and toxins, particularly when using hot water.

Taste test

From espresso shots to smooth americanos, the coffee was exceptional. Every brew is rich, full-bodied, and free from the bitterness that can plague other methods. I love how the filter paper catches the oils; you're left with a very refined, smooth taste.

Clean-up, storage & maintenance

One of the standout features of the AeroPress Premium is how simple it is to clean. After brewing, a quick rinse under cold water cools the stainless steel filter, and popping out the coffee puck is a breeze. A rinse and air dry are all that’s needed to have it ready for your next cup.

AeroPress recommend cleaning the gadget with 'lukewarm water, gentle soap, and a gentle cloth every week to preserve the life of your AeroPress Premium.'

In terms of storage, I found it can look slightly out of place without a dedicated organizer or coffee station. Right now, I have it on low a shelf next to my kettle and I keep the tools in my cutlery drawer. I'm tempted by the AeroPress stainless steel stand, as I have a small city apartment and I try to avoid clutter.

How does it compare?

Compared to the AeroPress Original (pictured above on the right), the Aeropress Premium is taller, weightier, and expertly crafted. It doesn't use any plastic whatsoever. It's also much more expensive. I found no real difference in the taste, but I did find that the double-walled glass kept my coffee slightly warmer.

If you're new to AeroPress and want to try the brand for just $30, the Original is a great choice. It's still BPA-free and FDA and EU-approved for contact. I also recommend the Original to anyone who wants a coffee maker to take traveling or to the office – the Premium is a bit too heavy for that.

If you want to eliminate all plastic in your kitchen and you're willing to pay for a luxurious upgrade, you won't regret the AeroPress Premium. It's beautiful, elegant, and designed to last.

Another direct comparison would be the more traditional Bodum Chambord French press. It is one of the most beautiful coffee makers, and in my opinion, is pretty enough for a permanent place on your countertops. Bodum as a brand utilizes entirely natural products, incorporating ethically sourced glass, steel, wood, and bamboo into their pieces. It produces an incredibly rich and silky cup of coffee. It's cheaper, but more fragile, slower and trickier to clean than the Aeropress premium – if speed and ease are at the top of your priority list. You can find out more in my Bodum Chambord review.

Who would it suit?

People who love functionality over fuss. If you love great coffee but dislike the mess and complexity of other methods, this is your match. It’s also a fantastic option for anyone looking to phase out plastic from their kitchen; every part of the AeroPress Premium (including the stirrer and scoop) is crafted from health-conscious materials, like glass and stainless steel. If you value craftsmanship, you'll enjoy the look and feel of this coffee maker. It's lovely to use and handle.

What I loved:

• Delicious coffee: Smooth, rich, and free from grit.
• Quick: Ready in under three minutes.
• Health-conscious design: Handmade glass and stainless steel. Plastic-free and perfect for hot brewing.
• Easy to use and clean: No fuss, no mess, and simple to clean.
• Reliability: I've used it daily for a month, without a hitch.

What I didn't like:

• Cost: It’s significantly more expensive than the AeroPress Original. For the price, I'd like to have seen a steel filter included, so you can save on buying paper filters.
• Capacity: If you’re brewing for more than one, you may need a larger French press.
• Station clutter: While beautiful, it can look slightly out of place without a dedicated organizer, caddy or the AeroPress stainless steel stand.
• Heavy: This is fine for home use, but you can't really travel with it, like the plastic version.
• No frothy coffee: If you don't own a separate milk frother, you can't make a creamy latte or cappuccino. If you're spending upwards of $100 on a coffee maker, you might want more versatility.

What do the customer reviews say?

They love how sturdy and industrial the Aeropress Premium is. Like me, they were surprised by the weight and thickness of the glass and metal, which makes it feel very high quality.

One reviewer said: 'It makes the same great coffee, and you can feel a little more secure knowing that you've eliminated one potential source of microplastics from your life.'

Other reviewers felt that it's a bit expensive compared to the original, which they know and love. They wish it came with a steel filter and a funnel for smaller-mouthed mugs.

Should you buy it?

The AeroPress Premium is a beautiful, well-crafted upgrade for anyone seeking an elegant, non-toxic coffee maker. I have knocked it down from 5-stars due to the high price and lack of versatility. While it may not be for those on a budget or those who want to create a variety of special drinks, it’s a great choice for anyone who values simplicity, functionality, premium craftsmanship – of course, delicious americano or espresso.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

We start with our research. As H&G’s kitchen appliance expert, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I order it to my home kitchen. I like to test at home, as it means I can use the appliance in my regular routine for around a month. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one hour session in the test kitchen.

Once I have the coffee maker in my hands, I’ll get testing. The first thing I make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue.

Then, I'll test other brews: including americano, latte, cappuccino and anything else the coffee maker has to offer. After brewing and tasting, I make notes on the clean-up process as well as how I would recommend storing and maintaining the coffee maker.

After a month of testing and evaluating, I round up my notes. Then, I take a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how they compare. I also look at online reviews to see what other experts and real-life customers thought, so that I could bring you more insight.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

Christmas is undoubtedly one of the busiest times for our kitchens. From socializing to cooking a turkey, the heart of the home sees it all – therefore quickly becoming dirty.

So, what can you do ahead of time? While it will still be necessary to wipe down surfaces and sweep away crumbs, your appliances that work overtime throughout the festive period could do with a little love before the chaos of Christmas sets in.

Here, Lydia Hayman, our in-house kitchen editor and appliance expert, shares her cleaning tips on getting your appliances ready for festive use. And, as a trained chef, Lydia assures us you'll thank yourself later.

7 appliances to deep clean before Christmas

1. The oven

The all-important Christmas dinner simply wouldn't work without an oven. After all, you can't exactly fit a turkey into even the best air fryer. But if you're wondering if you should clean your oven before or after Christmas, now is the time, says Lydia.

She explains, 'The oven has worked hard for you all year round, and now it's going to be doing overtime for all that festive cooking. You'll need to tackle any grease buildup which can cause smoke and affect the flavor of your food.'

So, to deep clean your oven, start by cleaning the oven racks, by soaking them in hot soapy water. We recommend using Dawn Ultra Liquid Dish Soap available at Walmart to do so, as the powerful formula cuts through grease and grime without the need for scrubbing. Neglecting to do so is a common Christmas clean up mistake.

Lydia says, 'While they soak, scrub the oven walls with a paste made of baking soda and water, or oven cleaner.' The Great Value Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner available at Walmart will do nicely if you're happier with a commercial cleaner.

'Let it sit for a while to loosen grime, then wipe everything down with a damp cloth to finish,' Lydia continues. 'Don't forget to tackle cleaning the glass oven door for a clear view of your Christmas party recipes, holiday feast or Christmas cookies, to prevent overcooking or burning.'

Importantly, one thing that Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids, warns against is using the self-cleaning oven feature, if you're in a rush or prefer not to get your hands dirty.

He says, 'I can not stress enough that you never use the self-cleaning feature on your oven. The high-temperature settings will cut the life span of your oven in half. Never use it.

'If you have a particularly tough stain, use a degreaser, let it sit for an hour, and scrape off the gunk with an oven scraper,' such as the number one bestselling Razor Blade Scraper Tool available at Amazon, which doesn't scratch surfaces.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

2. The fridge

Much like your oven, your fridge works hard over the holiday season, storing all your delicious treats and tipples for friends and family alike. Therefore, Lydia points out, it's just as important to clean your refrigerator.

She says, 'I find that a clean, organized fridge makes life so much easier when cooking for a crowd. It helps you keep track of ingredients and ensures nothing gets forgotten – like those carrots shoved to the back of the drawer!

'I start by removing everything. Toss anything that has expired (using a sturdy trash bag, such as the Hefty Strong Large Trash Bags available at Amazon), and stack the rest on your counters or island. Wipe down the fridge shelves and any sticky jars or sauce bottles (using a natural cleaning spray such as the Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner available at Walmart) before putting them back.'

It's also important to remember to clean your fridge drain hole, to prevent blockages, odors and get rid of fridge smells.

Lydia adds, 'Once the fridge is spotless, double-check the temperature settings to keep your food fresh for longer – this is super important! The ideal temperature is 37-40°Fahrenheit. Then, restock and enjoy your tidy, organized space, ready for your Christmas groceries.'

You might also like to invest in some of the items pros say every fridge needs to stay organized, such as stackable boxes or airtight containers.

3. The microwave

They're the hero of Christmas leftovers, but when was the last time you cleaned your microwave?

Vanessa Bossart, founder of GreenTerra Cleaning Services, says, 'Over time, microwaves get splattered with sauces, grease and crumbs. A dirty microwave not only looks unappetizing but can also affect the flavor of reheated food.'

To clean it, fill a microwave-safe bowl with water, and add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. We recommend cleaning with vinegar or cleaning your microwave with lemon, such as the Great Value Lemon 100% Juice available at Walmart as both are natural alternatives without any harsh chemicals. Then, depending on the condition of your microwave, heat the bowl for three minutes or more to loosen grime with steam.

'Wipe down the interior with a soft cloth sprayed with Method All-Purpose Cleaner available at Amazon to remove residue and leave a streak-free finish,' advises Bossart. 'Don't forget the exterior – use the same cleaner to polish handles, buttons, and the door.'

To prevent splatter and to heat up your food in the microwave without losing moisture, use a microwave-safe BPA-free splatter lid, available at Amazon.

4. The range hood

Forgetting to clean your range hood isn't just unsanitary – it's unsightly too, says Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning.

She says, 'I forgot to clean this when I had guests over! Since then, I have never skipped it. If you can remove the filter, do so and soak it in hot, soapy water. While that's soaking, use a degreaser (such as the Method Lemongrass Cleaning Products Kitchen Degreaser Spray Bottle available at Target) to scrub the hood and fan, especially those awkward corners.'

Then, rinse everything and dry thoroughly, before reassembling the filter. For the exterior of the hood, simply wipe it with a microfiber cloth, such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon, Wilson advises.

Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden has a stainless steel hood and cleans with a homemade essential oils cleaning spray for a streak-free finish. She says, 'Just add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential to about two cups of water, and a tiny dab of dish soap and it'll give you a brilliant cleaning mix that cuts straight through the grease that accumulates on a hood.'

Punteha prefers 100% pure geranium oil from Amazon and keeps her DIY cleaning solutions in durable ambler glass spray bottles, also from Amazon.

5. The coffee machine

If you reach for your best coffee maker everyday (and you might need it more than ever over the exhausting run to the holidays) it's important to clean your coffee maker ahead of time, says Lydia.

She admits, 'Deep cleaning my coffee machine is my least favorite task, but it actually doesn't take very long. And, if you have overnight guests, they'll appreciate a delicious coffee in the morning.

'Mineral buildup can affect both the taste and efficiency of brewing. While I'm at it, I actually like to descale my kettle too, so it's clean for making herbal teas or boiling water for cooking over the holidays.'

To clean a Nespresso machine, clean a Ninja coffee maker, or indeed, any other kind of caffeine appliance, run a brew cycle with equal parts water and white vinegar to descale the machine, advises cleaning expert Bossart. Then, rinse it through thoroughly with two cycles of plain water.

'Wash the carafe and removable parts in warm, soapy water,' she adds, 'and use a descaling solution like Urnex Dezcal Coffee and Espresso Machine Descaler available at Amazon to maintain peak performance.

If you need to clean a drip coffee maker or clean a coffee percolator, our expert-led guides dive into the details for a squeaky clean appliance.

6. The dishwasher

Don't neglect your dishwasher, either, says Lydia. 'A dishwasher that goes wrong can be the most frustrating thing to happen at Christmas, when you’re stacked with washing up,' she warns.

So, to make sure yours is running smoothly in time for the big day, take the time to clean your dishwasher, paying particular attention to cleaning the dishwasher filter.

Alessandro Gazzo, professional cleaner from Emily's Maids of Dallas, says, 'Place a cup with white vinegar (such as the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar available at Walmart) and run a full cycle. Remove the filter from the bottom of your dishwasher, grab a soft brush (or old toothbrush) and wash with soapy water, before rinsing with cold water.'

If your dishwasher is particularly in need of a clean, you might prefer to use a commercial dishwasher cleaner to tackle limescale and odors, says cleaning expert Bossart, and don't skip wiping down seals, edges and the interior of the door to prevent mildew buildup, as this is an oft-forgotten hidden moldy spot in the kitchen.

'Don’t forget to poke out the holes of the spray arms with a toothpick or a tiny paperclip,' adds professional cleaner Wilson.

To keep it fresh over the holidays simple pop a couple of lemon halves in with dishwasher cycles. Our writer tried lemons in her dishwasher and says she'll never load it without them again.

7. The blender

Finally, deep clean your blender before Christmas, says cleaning expert, Bossart.

'These holiday workhorses often see action for soups, sauces, and smoothies, but leftover residue can dull flavors and harbor bacteria,' she warns.

Begin by disassembling your blender, before washing the parts in warm, soapy water. 'For stuck on-residue, fill the blender with warm water, a drop of dish soap (such as the Seventh Generation Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap available at Target) and a splash of vinegar, then blend on high for 30 seconds, adds Bossart, which is Courtney Cox's blender cleaning hack.

Then, rinse thoroughly and use a small brush to scrub around the blades to ensure they're spotless.

FAQs

How often should I deep clean kitchen appliances?

While we have listed the appliances to clean before Christmas, it is, of course, important to continue the cleaning into the New Year and beyond.

Aim to clean your dishwasher once a month, and your refrigerator and range hood every three months. Every thing else should really be cleaned weekly, or even daily, after use. After all, they are the dirty things professional cleaners always notice in people's kitchens, and you won't want guests noticing them too.

Next, why not try polishing your stainless steel appliances with olive oil? It might sound unusual, but Chiana Dickson, H&G Solved content editor tried it recently, and was shocked by the remarkable results.

Kitchen corners are rife with decorating opportunities. While it can be tempting to leave an empty corner vacant, you would be surprised at how easy it is to decorate this unloved space and turn it into a beautiful and practical setup.

Above all, a kitchen should be a functional area that makes the best use of space, while ensuring it is elegant and sophisticated. It is also crucial to adapt this function depending on who will be using it. For interior designer Joanna Gaines's kitchen in her recently-designed Lake House home, the HGTV star wanted to curate a cozy seating area for informal and everyday dining as well as a great space to cook in.

Shop the look

One of the big surprises in an open-plan kitchen can be just how little space you need to add to gain enough useable room for a dining area in your existing kitchen – often a mere matter of feet is all you need to fit a compact solution such as banquette or bistro-style seating.

Consider a corner kitchen seating arrangement when it’s important to fit as many friends or family members around a table as possible – a small circular table with two folding chairs is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. One trick to borrow from this scheme is to use a table with a curved shape to make it easier for people to move in and out of their place.

‘People tend to congregate in the kitchen so giving them a place to perch, especially if positioned in front of an expansive window, is a wonderful way to make the most of an otherwise redundant corner,’ explains interior designer Fiona Duke.

When kitchens have expansive views of the garden, take inspiration from that and bring some of the colors inside. Joanna Gaines has done just that with the design of this mid-century kitchen space.

Choosing the woodwork and windows in a rich brown color helps to frame the garden views, while the veined marble on the walls beautifully mimics the branches on the trees. Be sure to consider what happens after dusk settles. Here, Gaines has introduced additional interest and color with pretty home decor ideas, such as orange coffee glasses and verdant foliage.

Whether you’re looking to create an intimate spot for two (similar to Gaines's) or for room to fit a table large enough for the extended family there is always a solution to suit your space.

As a latte obsessive, I never thought I'd find myself moving away from my automatic coffee machine. I own a sleek, $900 machine by De'Longhi, which creates café-quality lattes at the push of a button. For ages, my mornings started with a perfect, vanilla soy latte.

But during a recent doctor’s appointment, I received a wake-up call. I’ve been navigating hormonal imbalances, and my doctor advised that soy milk might not be the best choice for my health. My body would benefit more from cutting it out or choosing organic full-fat dairy instead (but I don't like the taste).

This prompted me to reevaluate my coffee routine. I have to admit, I was also getting tired of cleaning my automatic machine anyway – it needs descaling every month and filling with endless, expensive coffee beans. After looking into hormone disruptors, I decided I wanted a new, non-toxic coffee maker that could make good americano.

With all things considered, here's what I'm using instead.

The Aeropress

I'm a kitchen shopping editor, and this weekend I've been covering the best Black Friday & Cyber Monday coffee maker deals that have been tested and approved by our resident barista.

That's where I found this Aeropress Cyber Monday deal for just $29. Praised its ability to brew rich, smooth coffee with minimal effort, it seemed too simple compared to my fancy machine, but simplicity was exactly what I needed.

As soon as it arrived in the post, I loved the red box – I took a picture below. It's almost like a Christmas cracker, unfolding beautifully to reveal what's inside. I think it could be a lovely gift, if you're shopping for loved ones on Cyber Monday.

Why I prefer it

• Delicious americano: The Aeropress brews the smoothest, most flavorful Americanos I’ve ever tasted. The paper filter catches the oils, resulting in a rich, aromatic cup that's better than my automatic coffee machine.
• Easy to clean: Every morning, my partner turns to me as he's washing up in the sink and says: 'This thing is so easy to clean.' It's got me feeling pretty smug about my purchase. We simply pop out the coffee puck and give it a quick rinse. No descaling, dirty milk containers or coffee grinds spilling everywhere.
• Simple to use: One of the reasons I loved my automatic machine was the ease; I barely had to turn my brain on to use it. Once you get the hang of it, the Aeropress is equally easy.
• Non-toxic materials: One of the biggest selling points for me was the fact that the Aeropress is made from BPA-free plastic. As someone who’s cautious about endocrine disruptors, this was a huge relief. Many high-end coffee machines are vague about the materials they use, but Aeropress is transparent. They say: 'All materials used in AeroPress coffee makers are free of BPA and phthalates, and are FDA and EU approved for use in contact with food.'
• Portable design: I only have one coffee a day in the morning now, but my partner travels for work. He could pop this in his luggage, along with the filters and ground coffee pouches to enjoy rich americanos.