CoffeeGeek Holiday Gift List - Over $60 Suggestions
We've already done our Under $30 / Under $60 lists, so now it's time to present those really big gift suggestions for you! If you're a regular visitor to CoffeeGeek, you're most likely someone who loves coffee and the processes involved in turning a bean into a beverage. Your reputation gets around. Relatives see you as the coffee guy or gal. Your office co-workers come to you for advice on the best brewer to buy. You get asked about Kopi Luwak... all the time.Christmas comes around and your buddies, relatives and loved ones are most likely struggling to find the perfect gift for a true CoffeeGeek - and they end up buying you Nespresso pods or something. Hey, bless their hearts, at least the thought is there! But this list exists so that you can easily point them to the kind of things a true Geek About Coffee would want.
This is the second of at least four Holiday Gift lists. The other two we plan include a full Espresso Machines and Grinders listing, and what we're tentatively calling "The Impossibles". Our Under $30 / Under $60 List is already online and has been updated several times already (with maybe a few more additions to come).
Some of these products are linked to CoffeeGeek's Amazon Affiliate Link (use this link when shopping at Amazon!), which helps offset the costs of running this website. For the entire month of December, we'll be donating 100% of the income generated from these holiday gift suggestion links to our favourite charity - CoffeeKids.
We encourage all our readers to make CoffeeKids your charity of choice too and consider donating money directly to this great organization. More than ever, they need your help.
And here we go - our holiday gift suggestions for items over $60!
Ernesto Illy Foundation Espresso Cups - Donation 100Euro+
These are the Ernesto Illy Foundation espresso cups. The idea for these cups came from Ernesto Illy himself, who said that coffee should never be drunk alone, always in company. Coffee is a beverage that encourages conviviality and conversation: enjoyed in the company of others it can lead to the kind of encounters and discussions from which great ideas are born.
This is why the Ernesto Illy Foundation has used the metaphor of a bird?s eye view of two coffee cups with a logo created by a Dutch designer for illycaff? during the1960s. The limited-edition, numbered pack contains two espresso cups and a single saucer. You get the cups by making a minimum 100 Euro donation to the Ernest Illy Foundation, donations that go to:
Research, preservation and development project of the native coffee plant in Ethiopia;Pilot project in Colombia, dedicated to adverse communities, to introduce beekeeping and honey production in coffee plantations, as a new source of income and environmental sustainability;
Scholarships for the Masters degree in Coffee Economics and Science, that will give qualified students coming from coffee producing countries the opportunity to study in Italy, to improve their knowledge and to transfer this experience to their families and community of origin. Product LinkHario CaffePresso 2 Cup Press Pot - $65
Here's why. This is an insulated press pot, but unlike Bodum's efforts, this one pours nicely (Bodum's double walled presses make a mess when pouring). Also, unlike the Freling stainless steel presses, this one is all glass, which for many is a better contact area interaction for coffee than steel is. The Frelings also keep the coffee almost too hot. We tested the Hario Cafepresso (4 cup model) against a Freling and a Bodum Shin Bistro to see how the temperatures dropped - the Freling, preheated, only saw a 5F drop over the brewing time; the Shin about 18F, but the Hario was around 10F, and we found it lead to slightly better overall extraction.
The filter on these Hario presses is awesome. It is a much tighter weave than any other press pot filter we've seen, and that results in less sediment in your cup.
And while we don't advise leaving coffee in a press for more than 5 or 10 minutes after a brew, this one keeps coffee a lot warmer, a lot longer than traditional glass presses.
Product Link (in Canada only, ships to US)
Krups Moka Brew Coffeemaker - $130Well even if you normally don't, trust me when I say this - if you are into coffee and espresso, you want to get this brewer. And get it before it's discontinued (again). After all, it's been discontinued twice in the last several years, only to be brought back because of overwhelming niche market demand. Krups is a company that normally thinks about 10s and 100s of thousands of units. The Moka brew is in the 10s and 100s of one hundred units. It's niche, but probably the best coffee device Krups makes.
I could go on and on, but I already did: Here's my quickshot review of the brewer. Go read, then put this at the top of your must-want Christmas list. And if Jolly Saint Nick doesn't come through, there's always the post Christmas sales!
Illy Art Collection Cups - Kentridge Set of Two - $90
Possibly the most striking art series cups to come along from Illy in some time, these cups were designed by South African artist William Kentridge for illy's 75th Anniversary. They sold out incredibly quickly but Illy has released two new boxes - a set of two cappuccino cups (linked below) and also a set of two espresso cups and saucers? (available on Illy's website).The cups have a silver coated mirror finish, and are meant to reflect the art presented on the saucers. The saucers contain a variety of images, including moka pots, espresso cups, a naked man and woman, coffee pots and more. Godshot espresso looks very much at home in the espresso cups.
Technivorm Moccamaster Thermo Coffee Brewer - $265Technivorm has made much ballyhoo about being the only auto drip coffee maker to pass the SCAA's auto drip certification testing but there's a semi-dirty little secret here - very few companies have actually submitted their products to the SCAA for certifying! That's not to diminish the Technivorms, because after all, they do brew at very good temperatures - nearly ideal according to the SCAA.
This thermal unit includes a very well made tall thermal carafe but still includes Technivorm's patented brew flow system, which delivers the just-brewed coffee to the bottom of the carafe.
Mypressi Twist Portable Espresso Maker - $150Posted by Anthony Diopoulos, 12:20pmIn a lot of ways it is quite different from the Handpresso. The Mypressi lets you brew a true double shot, getting as much as 16g or more coffee into the basket. It also uses those little NO2 cartridges you normally use for making whipped cream, and one cartridge gives you 8 shots of espresso - you don't have to bicycle pump and the pressure is much more even. And unlike the Handpresso which only comes in a ground coffee version or a pod version, the Mypressi comes complete with a pressurized filter basket, a non pressurized basket and an ESE pod adapter. This makes the Mypressi much more versatile in how it can be used.
I think the biggest advantage over the Handpresso is the ability to use a lot more coffee. More coffee means more forgiving in brewing style. Hey, rockstar baristas can't be wrong, right?
Nez du Cafe Aroma Set - $350 / $275
Wine folks have the Nez du Vin sets in a variety of sizes, and we in the world of coffee have the Nez du Cafe set made by the same people. Many folks in the world of specialty coffee consider this kit de rigeur in their training of palates and sensory skills for the tasting and testing of coffee. We consider it essential in the CoffeeGeek Lab.Designed in conjunction with the Specialty Coffee Association of America, this kit consists of an amazing 36 aromas comprising the most common (and uncommon) scents found in coffees. ?All thirty-six aromas in a wooden presentation box complete with descriptive cards, the set of four 'Art of Aroma' posters, and Jean Lenoir's bound book which contains a tasting sheet and coffee classification chart.
This kit will help you train your sense of taste with flavors that mimic the specific nuances found in coffee. You'll be a rock star of the coffee cupping world in no time - watch out Ken Davids!
The included aromas are: earth, potato, garden peas, cucumber, straw, cedar, clove-like, pepper, coriander seeds, vanilla, tea-rose/redcurrant jelly, coffee blossom, coffee pulp, blackcurrant-like, lemon, apricot, apple, butter, honeyed, leather, basmati rice, toast, malt, maple syrup, caramel, dark chocolate, roasted almonds, roasted peanuts, roasted hazelnuts, walnuts, cooked beef, smoke, pipe tobacco, roasted coffee, medicinal, rubber.
Price is $350, or $275 if you're an SCAA member.
Product Link
Another one of those trendy things you see the top-tier cafes in North America doing is iced coffee, using brewers just like this one. And why not - it brews what is probably the best non-espresso based cup of cold coffee you can have.These brewers are both complex and simple, and they're often seen as a 'showpiece' in asian-oriented cafes - I've seen versions standing over 6 feet tall, with multiple globes and flow paths. But how do they work?
Brewing in an ice drip coffee device is a slow, 6 hour process that involves loading up the top globe with heaps of ice, and letting ambient temperatures slowly melt that ice. Iced water flows through a central chamber where ground coffee is, and slowly saturates through, producing brewed coffee out the bottom. The result is nice, mellow, acid free coffee for cold drinks. A lot of the special, delicate flavours in some coffees may not show when using this product, but the bonus you get is even, mild tastes extremely pleasing to the palate.
Illy Crystal Espresso Set by Matteo Thun - $170Posted by Shawn Craig, 12:35pm
The successor to Illy's famous Crystal Nudes espresso cups is this new design by Matteo Thun. Where the original Crystal Nudes were very thick crystal, these are of a thinner design, a bit more delicate but still very sturdy and quite suited for espresso.These cups feature a frosted finish on most of the cup, with clear vertical bands striped the height of the cup on two sides. Inside the middle of the saucer (visible through the cup) is a laser etch of the coffee flower. The weight is really good with these cups, and espresso looks spectacular in them. They aren't cheap, but with the original Crystal Nudes fetching as much as $500 for a set of four (and $250 or so used), these are sure to be a collectors' item once Illy discontinues them.
There are six cups and six saucers in this set.
Hario Technica 2 Cup Siphon - $75 / $80Posted by Shawn Craig, 12:45pm
The much lusted, very difficult to find siphons from Hario are considered amongst the world's best, at least out of all the siphons currently manufactured. This two cup (240ml capacity) siphon brewer is also one of the most desired of the most desired - siphon experts believe this smaller size produces a superior brew compared to larger units (ed.note - I'm not entirely sure about that).The Technica line from Hario includes very nice detailed finishes on the handle and stand part, quality heat-safe hario glass parts, a denatured alcohol cloth wick burner, cloth filter assembly (buy spare filters!), stirring stick / measuring spoon and of course the lid, which doubles as a siphon stand.
Our Canadian source for this also has a full range of Hario products, many of which not available from US vendors (the Canadian company does ship most items to the US).
Product Link Canada - $79
Product Link US - $75
Quoting from our chosen vendor, "The Behmor 1600 is a great value... ?It just blows the doors off of the competition. The Behmor takes a while to dial in but it is worth it. ?The Large drum turns before 2 'quartz' heating elements."
The smoke removal system keeps the smoke out of your roasting but the aroma of fresh roasted coffee is still strong in your roasting area. The unit will set off most smoke detectors so keep that in mind.
The Behmor can roast up to a pound of coffee at a time, and has five preprogrammed "profiles", but you can also adjust and control the roasting profile on the fly. It's a nice, quiet roaster with legions of fans.
Macap Dynometric Tamper - $295Posted by Anthony Diopoulos, 1:05pmThis is the Macap Dynometric Professional tamper. It is adjustable, going up to 55lbs of consistent tamping pressure. It is fast, reliable and literally a beast to complete your home espresso setup.
Capresso H20 Schott Glass Kettle - $60We've had used the H20 extensively in our old Lab as cupping kettles - two of them in fact.? This is one of the most beautiful and functional kettles we've ever seen or used. It's made of Schott glass which makes it very durable, and it's small size and unique design make it stand out.
Capresso redesigned the kettle slightly to address a problem with steam hitting your hand as you pour the hot liquid, and this updated design just adds to the overall package. It's a fast kettle, but small (48oz capacity).
Krups XP7260 Super Automatic - $584Mark has tested many super automatics over the years, and has done some private consultations on various models; I knew this so when our office was looking for a super auto solution, I asked him for advice. He pointed me to the Krups XP7000 lineup. He said that the XP7000s were the lesser of most (super auto) evils. They had short brew paths short grinder paths, a zero-grinds retention system, proper brewing temperatures and nice auto controls. It all seemed quite good.
We've had this model in our office all fall and I have to be honest - it produces better espresso than every cafe we have within 6 blocks of our workplace. It even does a decent job auto frothing milk (there's no manual frothing option unfortunately). It is small, relatively quiet, and easy to use and clean. If I had to recommend any super automatic, this is the one, and this price is $400 cheaper than the price we paid locally!
Chopped 58mm Portafilter - $70Seattle Coffee Gear's chopped portafilter is a bit different. After the cutting process, these ones are re-chromed, giving them a very professional, clean finish that looks almost factory. I've seen it up close, and it looks absolutely cherry. This particular model is an E61 version, which will fit most E61 machines as well as the ever popular Rancilio Silvia. This is the chopped PF to buy if you're in the market for one.
Vienna 16oz Museum Replica Balance Brewer - $225This Vienna model is small - a 16oz, "2 cups" brewer, but the price is actually cheaper than the balance brewers we have in the Lab. The detail work on it is quite nice and again, surpasses the models we have.
Balance brewers do their thing much in the same way a siphon brewer works, but the process is side to side instead of top to bottom. Kettle's on the right, counterweight and brewing vessel on the left. When the kettle is full of water, it sits lower and keeps the cloth wick alcohol burner lit. As the kettle loses its water due to steam pressure, the kettle gets lighter and lifts. Eventually, the counter-weighted lid for the alcohol stove will clear the bottom of the kettle, and snap, closes over the flame to extinguish the heat source. The brewed coffee is then drawn back over to the kettle automatically via the vacuum formed inside by the contracting water vapour. Wallah - the 1850s version of an automatic coffee brewer!
Handpresso Wild "Dome" Espresso Maker - $100Posted by Anthony Diopoulos, 1:50pm
The CoffeeGeek Lab has had one of these for informal testing since last summer, and we were quite surprised at the quality of beverage it was capable of producing after you work it a bit. The Handpresso is a self-contained, single shot espresso "machine" that unlike earlier models, uses your own fresh ground coffee to make a shot of espresso out in the "wild" as it where.It's important to note this is a single-shot espresso machine, meaning it can hold up to 8grams of ground coffee per brew. Those used to their 22g triple basket 25ml ristretto shots won't be happy with this device. Those who want authentic espresso brewed with up to 9+bar of pressure (via a hand pump built into the device) will find the resulting shots quite satisfying. It's a unique product, and substantially cheaper competing products or last year's $150 pricetag for the pod version.
Amazon Kindle International Edition - $259Posted by Jim McIntyre, 2:00pmThis is the modern, 21st century version of hitting a cafe with a book and reading the afternoon away. The only difference this time around is that I carry my favourite newspapers (NY Times, Intl Herald Tribune and the Globe & Mail) all the time, along with a half dozen on-the-go books depending on the mood I'm in. Some of my favourite blogs are auto-downloaded to my Kindle as well, though I wish CoffeeGeek had a blog, I'd read that one every day.
I'm in my early 50s; I fondly remember time I spent in Europe in the early 1980s spending much of my day in cafes reading the paper or reading a book. This is my modern day version of that experience but I don't need a backpack full of heavy books or need to carry around bundles of dead trees in the form of newspapers to get my afternoon, reading at the cafe experience.
Oh and my latest book on the Kindle? Instaurator's "Espresso Quest"!!!
Almod?var Espresso Cups Set - $150
A set of the latest illy collection cups that appeal as much to women as they do to the traditional collectors of these cups - men!These colourful espresso cups would make any girl happy. I especially like the iconic images on them. Designed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Pedro Almod?var , he takes inspiration from six of his most admired films; Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988), Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990), High Heels (1991), The Flower of My Secret (1995), Bad Education (2004) and Volver (2006). The individually decorated cups depict his signature themes of love & women, including his favorite lead actress Pen?lope Cruz, desire, passion and family.
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