At the age of 24, an individual experienced their first cup of coffee during an impromptu cupping session organized by a former employer. Initially, they found the taste of black coffee unappealing, but since their employer did not cover the cost of more flavorful drinks like the Minty Mocha Freeze, they had to adjust their palate. Over time, they began to enjoy the morning coffee-brewing ritual and looked forward to having coffee with their father during holiday visits, often while watching television reruns.
Eventually, this individual moved to Portland, Oregon, during the peak of coffee’s “third wave,” and took a job at a busy café and bakery. Their coffee consumption evolved from a necessity to a more refined experience. Roasters such as Stumptown and Coava introduced them to extraction principles, Black Rabbit educated them on how to maintain their café’s La Marzocco machine, and a now-closed Seattle Coffee Gear location deepened their interest in various coffee-related equipment.
Regardless of budget constraints, there are numerous innovative coffee gadgets available, making perfect gifts for different occasions, from family gatherings to competitive gift exchanges. The products and accessories mentioned have been personally tested, vetted, and used by the team for their coffee-making at home.
Readers can explore additional purchasing guides, including ones focused on cold-brew coffee makers, espresso machines, portable espresso makers, and cappuccino machines.
The guide was last updated in October 2024, with some old selections replaced with new ones, and links and prices were refreshed. Jaina Grey contributed to this guide.
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