The AeroPress looks like a giant coffee syringe, but it really is a coffee brewer.  It is a unique design that uses a combination of pressure extraction, steeping, and paper filtration.  It produces a very smooth and clean cup of coffee that is reported by some to be easier on the digestive system than other brewing methods.  I have yet to meet someone who has tried the AeroPress that did not agree that it makes a super cup of coffee. The AeroPress is likely not in your local store, but you can purchase it online for less than $30.

Planetary Design Double-Shot Stainless Steel French Press Mug

A travel mug and a french press coffee brewer all in one! The lid has a plunger attached to it, you simply scoop some coffee right into the mug, add hot water, put the lid on, and push the plunger down 4 minutes later. Now you have a flavorful cup of coffee, and you don’t have to share 😉 This particular model has a compartment in the bottom with a little cup that you can store another cup’s worth of coffee grinds in. These mugs are available in many fun colors and will be sure to be a hit.  This is an updated version with a much improved handle and storage compartment.  The customer service at Planetary Design is super!  The handle fell off of my original mug a year after I had purchased it and they replaced it with the updated version NO CHARGE!  Now that is standing behind your product.

Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker

The Moka pot is yet another excellent, yet inexpensive, brewer.  You’ll find my instructional video here. The moka pot, also known as the stovetop espresso maker, brews a concentrated cup of coffee…not espresso.  I love the flavor filled cup that it makes and it is nearly dummy proof.  I’ve seen these in stores for almost $100, but it is much cheaper here.

TightVac Coffee Storage Container

Coffee freshness is impacted negatively by heat, light, moisture, and oxygen.  The TightVac coffee storage containers can help with all of the above (unless you store them in the oven).  What I found really cool about the TightVac is the pressure release valve, quite similar to what you find on bags of coffee.  This allows the CO2, produced by the roasted beans, to escape the container without allowing oxygen to enter.  These containers start a just a few dollars and can keep up to 5 lbs of coffee fresh!  See my post on this product.

GIFTS UNDER $100

Bodum Santos Stovetop Glass Vacuum / Syphon Pot Coffee Maker

I absolutely love this brewer, and everyone that comes over for a cup of coffee comments on the great tasting coffee that it creates…and that it looks like drug paraphernalia 😉   This coffee maker gets its name from the way the water shoots from the bottom chamber to the top, like a siphon, but then when it is removed from the heat source, the liquid is actually drawn into the bottom like a vacuum. This way of making coffee is similar to the french press in that the coffee steeps in the water, but you can use a finer grind, which produces a fuller taste profile.   There is a nylon filter between the two chambers that simply removes the grinds, without removing any of the flavorful oils from your brew.  Alternatively, you can purchase a glass filter rod.  You’ll save a bundle buying this brewer here.

Breville BCG450XL Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

The grinder is more important that the brewer!  If your grinder is not up to snuff, then your coffee will always be plagued by inconsistency and bitter flavors.  Only a burr grinder can produce the uniform sized coffee particles necessary for your selected brewing method.  I have owned 2 of these grinders, and purchased 3 others as gifts!  The Breville does a great job with every method from perc to syphon pot, the only exception being espresso.  While you can use it for espresso brewing, I really recommend the Baratza Vario (like I have) 🙂  Are there better grinders than the Breville BCG450XL?  Certainly…but not at this price point!

Bodum Colombia 8-Cup Stainless Steel Thermal French Press

So what do you do when you’ve owned 3 glass french press pots, and they have all been broken by your non-coffee snob family members?   You get a stainless steel one of course!  The Bodum Colombia has been my daily brewer for a year now.  It is easy to use, brews a sweet cup, and despite my 3 wild boys always running around, it is still intact (only 1 dent).  This pot is slick and easy to clean. (My video review/demo) NOW ON SALE FOR %50 oFF!

.