by Furnishly | Dec 30, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
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New Year’s Resolutions are around the corner, and trying out new recipes are on top of the list. There’s no better way to kickstart 2023 than by purchasing a few kitchen items that we know will be needed in the new year. After all the holiday dinner parties and travel, staying home for a bit and whipping up a home-cooked meal never sounded so good. And, with the Williams Sonoma end of year sale in full swing, we’re also taking it as a sign that we may need a little kitchen refresh. That’s why we took a deep dive on the website to bring you a comprehensive list of some of the best deals and products to shop right now. From fry pan sets to nonstick roasters, we’ll be cooking with the best gear on the market in 2023. Keep on reading to see what must-have items you should add to your cooking collection this season.
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by Furnishly | Dec 27, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’re like me, then coffee is everything. I’m talking a minimum of three to four cups of joe a day — and don’t talk to me until I’ve had my first. So, when I heard about a French coffee brand launching in the U.S., I was listening. L’OR Coffee was born in France and the name means “gold” in French — hence their commitment to providing the gold standard of coffee. I got to test out their brand-new BARISTA system (it’s on sale both on their site and on Amazon right now!) as well as their coffee and espresso capsules. It’s really important to me to note that this is a … sexy coffee machine, which are not words I ever thought I’d type. It’s also slim, sleek, minimal, and doesn’t take up a lot of space on your countertop! But it’s not all about looks: This machine is also super functional and built to last.
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Arguably the coolest thing about the coffee maker is this: The machine is compatible with different-sized capsules! Whether it’s a Nespresso original pod, a Keurig cup, or one of their coffee and espresso capsules, this BARISTA machine will instantly recognize it. Plus, you can choose six different beverage sizes, three for each type of pod (coffee or espresso). This machine basically combines the best of a Keurig and Nespresso into one!
Another special aspect of this machine is that this is a high-pressure system that is supposed to extract more flavor from each pod. For each capsule that I tried, the flavor really came through; each drink was smooth, and had a layer of crema, which is the “delicate top layer of luxurious golden foam that enhances flavors and aroma in every cup for a velvet-smooth drinking experience.” Aka, it was good.
The only drawback to this otherwise great coffee machine is that there isn’t a milk frother attachment, which is the only reason it didn’t immediately replace my Nespresso machine. I tend to prefer espresso drinks (lattes namely) over coffee so, for me, it’s hard to beat the convenience of having a milk steamer already integrated into the machine. Also, I am lazy in the A.M. so doing the extra step of heating and frothing milk is a little too much to ask of me personally. (Luckily, there are plenty of great, affordable frothers out there.)
Overall, this is definitely a machine worth investing in, since it can take the place of two of the most popular coffee pod machines for a comparable price, and it looks good doing it. If L’OR ever releases a new BARISTA system with a milk steamer, it’d instantly be on my wishlist. Now, BRB — I need more coffee.
by Furnishly | Dec 16, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
It is no secret, us AT folk are no strangers to a good cup of joe. In fact, some of us love the stuff so much that we’ve incorporated coffee drinking into our personalities, insisting on showing up everywhere with a latte in hand (yes, I am included in that clan). I think it’s fair to assume that between all the members of our team, we’ve tried our hand at a plethora of beans and brewing machines. This year, we discovered more than a handful of gadgets, techniques, and bags of coffee that have earned permanent spots in our kitchens. So, we figured we’d be remiss if we didn’t share our findings with anyone and everyone we know. Life is too short to be drinking bad coffee! And, if we can help people upgrade their daily dose of bean juice, well, then we’ve done our job right.
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Check out our coffee making non-negotiables below:
Coffee: Beans, Instant, and Otherwise
Gadgets, Glasses, and Mugs
by Furnishly | Jun 3, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Ever Meister
Contributor
For the past 20 years, Ever Meister has been a journalist and a specialty-coffee professional, focusing on making great coffee more accessible to everyone. She is currently the director of education for the green-coffee importing company Cafe Imports, the author of New York City Coffee: A Caffeinated History, and the host of the podcast In Good Taste. She lives and brews in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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by Furnishly | Jun 3, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When it comes to coffee, I’m not usually very picky. Espresso drinks, cold brew, drip coffee — I’m pleased with it all. However, I’ve realized I’ve been overcomplicating things when it comes to my morning cup of coffee, especially now that I work from home. Over the past few years, I’ve tried plenty of coffee makers to find one that’s just right, whether it’s a pod machine or a large classic drip coffee maker, but ultimately what I’ve really longed for is something simple. That’s why I finally stopped my search for the perfect machine and realized that what I needed all along was right in front of me: a single-serve French press.
This Bodum French Press 12-Ounce delivers the ideal size for my morning cup without wasting any leftover coffee (or tempting me with a second serving). And as one of our favorite French press coffee maker brands, Bodum delivers a classic model that has held up after years of constant use. This reliable mini French press is all I need to start my day!
For any caffeine fiends who need two or three cups to get their day going, this tiny coffee maker might not be for you. However, if you’re like myself and only need one cup in the morning, then I’m here to tell you that this personal-sized coffee maker is just what you need. For some reason, brewing just one cup feels a little luxurious in the morning after going through the ritual of boiling water and letting the grounds seep. The result is smooth, rich coffee made easily with any grounds of my choosing (often from another Apartment Therapy favorite, the coffee subscription service BeanBox!).
The French press itself features a glass heat-resistant body that has remained sturdy and durable even after I’ve used it for years. It also includes a stainless steel filter and plunger that work impressively well at keeping grounds out of your coffee — especially at this price point. The simple design also means that this French press is easy to take apart and clean. The lightweight body requires just a simple wipe with a sponge, rather than having to deal with too many parts or a heavy, cumbersome carafe.
Over 12,000 5-star Amazon reviewers have also attested to this no-fuss French press, praising this size in particular for keeping on hand at the office or using it as a travel coffee maker for hotels or camping. And like myself, many have used it for years with no issues.
Overall, this small French press has been a surprising winner when it comes to making coffee in the morning. Because I only drink one cup, I genuinely don’t need any over-the-top machines. And a huge bonus is that it’s a waste-free method because it doesn’t require any filters or coffee pods. As an under-$20 French press, this handy Bodum produces the exact amount of silky smooth coffee I need every time.
Erin Cavoto
Commerce Writer
Erin writes about all things shopping-related for The Kitchn, including highlighting small cookware brands, testing cool products, or scoping out need-to-know sales. She’s also a regular at the Trader Joe’s cheese section and has a never-ending supply of tea at home.