1Sage Bambino Plus espresso machine
The Bambino Plus is the small espresso machine coffee fans recommend most often. It heats up in about three seconds, pre-infuses the coffee gently for an even shot and has an automatic steam wand that textures milk for a flat white at the press of a button. In the UK it's sold under the Sage name.
Pros
- Ready in seconds.
- Automatic milk texturing.
- Small enough for any kitchen.
Cons
- They'll need a good grinder to get the best from it.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Breville product page ↗
2Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2 coffee scale
Great espresso is about weighing the coffee and the shot. Timemore's Black Mirror is a slim coffee scale accurate to 0.1g, with a built-in timer and a flow-rate display for pour-over. It's rechargeable and small enough to sit under most espresso cups.
Pros
- Accurate to 0.1g.
- Built-in timer.
- Rechargeable.
Cons
- Check it fits their drip tray.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Timemore product details on Amazon UK ↗
3Rhino Stealth milk pitcher
Latte art starts with the right jug. Rhino's Stealth pitcher has a sharp pouring spout for hearts and rosettas, and its 360ml size is right for a single flat white or cappuccino at home.
Pros
- Spout made for latte art.
- Right size for one drink.
- Smart matt finish.
Cons
- Coated finish needs gentle washing.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Rhino Coffee Gear product page ↗
4Normcore compact knock box
Every home barista needs somewhere to bang out the used coffee puck. Normcore's compact knock box sits neatly on the counter with a matt finish and non-slip feet, so it won't skid when tapped.
Pros
- Tidy home for coffee pucks.
- Non-slip feet.
- Smart compact design.
Cons
- Small, so it needs emptying often.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Normcore product page ↗
5Sage Dose Control Pro coffee grinder, silver
A good grinder makes a bigger difference to espresso than most machines do. The Dose Control Pro has stainless steel conical burrs and 60 grind settings, from fine espresso to French press. Its timer adjusts in one-second steps, so they get the same dose every morning, and it grinds straight into the portafilter.
Pros
- 60 grind settings.
- Timer for consistent doses.
- Grinds straight into the portafilter.
Cons
- Not as fine-tuned as high-end espresso grinders.
- Takes up worktop space.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Sage UK product page ↗
What to buy someone who loves espresso
Espresso lovers often own a machine already, so precise tools and accessories make great gifts. The best gifts for espresso lovers are a good grinder, a scale, a milk jug and a knock box. A compact machine suits someone ready to start. Check what they already own first.
How we picked these gifts for espresso lovers
We picked each product for what espresso lovers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
