I’m a College Student and This Simple Tool Saves Me Serious Cash on Morning Coffee

I’m a College Student and This Simple Tool Saves Me Serious Cash on Morning Coffee

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Calling all caffeine addicts! If there’s one thing I’m guilty of, it’s taking a daily trip to the coffee shop for a cozy, foamy latte the second the leaves start to turn. But this fun little ritual can add up — fast. On my college budget, shelling out $6 for a latte every day just isn’t an option, but I’m still not willing to give up my daily cup of comfort. Luckily, I’ve found the solution to all of my caffeine needs: the Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother. This handy gadget upgrades my sad cup of pour-over coffee to an inviting cappuccino or latte, and it’s sure to be my right-hand man before all of my 9 a.m. classes this fall.

The Aeroccino3 froths your milk of choice to perfection with just the press of a button. Simply plug this easy-to-use machine into the wall, then whip up either hot or cold froth, depending on your desired beverage. Nespresso guarantees that any dairy milk will froth up just fine, and I can personally attest to its almond milk- and oat milk-frothing capabilities. (You can even use this versatile tool to make scrambled eggs and frothed egg whites for whisky sours.)

One of the Aeroccino’s main advantages is how compact it is. Measuring just 3.5 inches by 6.7 inches, it can easily be stored in a drawer, on a shelf, or on the counter. Unlike large coffee machines that instantly prepare lattes and other elaborate drinks, this small frother can be paired with any coffee machine (even a tiny AeroPress!) to enhance your morning cup of joe, saving precious counter space, which is at a premium in my college apartment.  

While $96.75 might seem like a hefty price tag at first, the amount of money this frother has saved me in the long run is no joke. As a daily coffee drinker, the Aeroccino3 started saving me money after just two weeks, and as a college student without a meal plan, that is a major bonus. Personally, I’m looking forward to a fall full of chai tea lattes and creamy macchiatos without the upcharged coffee shop price tag. 

Who needs a barista when you’ve got the Nespresso Aeroccino3 Milk Frother? Skip your daily trip to the pricey coffee shop down the street — and sleep in a few extra delicious minutes — with this handy machine. It’s made my mornings so much better.

Phoebe Sklansky

Editorial Intern, Kitchn Commerce Team

Phoebe is the Editorial Intern for the Kitchn Commerce team. You can usually find her crafting a charcuterie board or making the most out of her tiny apartment kitchen. She is a student at Vanderbilt and is based out of Nashville and New York.

KitchenAid Just Launched New Coffee Products That Are Sure to Make Your Mornings So Much Better

KitchenAid Just Launched New Coffee Products That Are Sure to Make Your Mornings So Much Better

KitchenAid

$109.99

For those who love a back-to-basics approach, KitchenAid included a traditional drip coffee maker in their collection. Just know this isn’t your grandma’s old-school brewer, though — the innovative product combines classic coffee preparation with state-of-the-art technology, including a spiral showerhead that evenly saturates your grounds and a strength selector to allow you to choose between “just a bit” and “juice me up.” Plus, thanks to 24-hour programmability, you can wake up each morning to the smell of freshly brewed beans… so much better than your iPhone alarm, wouldn’t you say?

This Cute Le Creuset Find Is Perfect for Gifting (and It’s on Sale Right Now!)

This Cute Le Creuset Find Is Perfect for Gifting (and It’s on Sale Right Now!)

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Picture this: You’re curled up on the couch, a good book in hand, warm throw on your lap, and it’s a blustering autumn day outside. You’ve probably lit a candle that smells like pumpkin spice or apple pie — because hello, it’s fall. The only thing missing in this dreamy scenario? A cup of something comforting and cozy in your hand.

With our latest find from Le Creuset, that basic-in-the-best-way daydream can very easily become your reality. For a limited time only, the brand is offering their signature enameled Demi kettle — and a charming set of matching mugs — on super sale, knocking the price from $115 to $75.

If you’re unfamiliar with the total upgrade that is the Le Creuset kettle, allow us to enlighten you. It’s made of durable carbon steel and finished with a saturated coat of porcelain enamel in one of the brand’s vibrant signature shades (including classics like Marseille, Flame, and Cerise), giving it both brains and beauty, so to speak. The superior material construction means it retains heat like a boss and will have your water boiling and ready for your tea (or pour-over coffee, or hot toddy) in no time.

However, the addition of two mugs (in a shade that corresponds perfectly with your chosen kettle) is what really sets this pick apart as a perfect gift to yourself or the tea lover in your life (the holidays are coming up fast, after all!). The timeless mugs are crafted of dense stoneware, which retains heat and resists chips, stains, and scratches, so they’ll be your coffee companions for a long time to come. Together, the kettle and mugs are the dream team you need on your side now that cooler fall days are upon us.

This Top-of-the-Line Coffee Maker Is Worth the Splurge — and It’s on Major Sale Right Now!

This Top-of-the-Line Coffee Maker Is Worth the Splurge — and It’s on Major Sale Right Now!

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My morning cup of coffee might be my favorite part of my day, and I’m not ashamed to admit that. I’m not sure if it’s the rich, roasted beans themselves or more the act of self-care it provides. A chance to slow down, ease into my morning, and get a few moments to myself before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

Before moving out of New York City, I used to head out to my neighborhood coffee shop for my daily cuppa. It’s not that I loved spending the money (listen, I’m all for supporting small businesses but there are definitely better ways to manage my money than that a $6-a-day coffee habit), but more so that I just… couldn’t make it as good. No matter what method I tried or expensive varietals I bought, I just couldn’t nail a cup of coffee that tasted as rich and dynamic as the one my local joint was brewing up. That is, until I met the Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine.

If you’re unfamiliar with Breville’s workhorse espresso machine, allow me to introduce you to the appliance that will turn you into the barista of your dreams. The top-of-the-line gadget allows you to enjoy a variety of brewed beverages at home, boasting the ability to make everything from flavor-packed espresso shots to creamy cappuccinos and frothy flat whites.

The key lies in the machine’s conical burr grinder, which has the ability to grind your choice of beans fresh with each use, tailoring the size to your preferences and the drink you’re mixing up. A swivel steam wand whips milk up to foamy perfection, while precision temperature controls deliver your sip at the optimal temperature for immediate enjoyment.

At $700, the machine is definitely a splurge, but it’s a worthy one. In fact, Kitchn contributor Sholeen names Breville’s Barista Express Espresso Machine the best thing she bought during quarantine. But here’s the best part: For a limited time, you can score $100 off Breville’s Barista Express Espresso Machine at Sur la Table, bringing the price down to $599.96. If you’ve been considering upping your coffee game ahead of the fall grind (pun intended), there’s no better time to snag this coveted gadget. Trust me — you won’t regret it.

Add Big Style to Your Small Space with These Mini Keurig Coffeemakers (They’re on Major Sale)

Add Big Style to Your Small Space with These Mini Keurig Coffeemakers (They’re on Major Sale)

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Fact: Every coffee lover deserves a quick, delicious cup of joe, no matter the size of their space. And if you lack room but don’t want to lack quality, Keurig has got the solution for you. Perfect for dorm rooms and small kitchens, the Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker is compact, easy to use, and serves a consistently fresh brew. For those on the hunt for a great deal, there’s not one, but two (!!) chances to snag this space-saving model for a steal. Normally $99, the K-Mini is available in a range of colors at Bed Bath & Beyond for just $60, while Keurig’s site has a super stylish Jonathan Adler model for just $50. Honestly, the hard part will be choosing which color coordinates best with your space.

Let’s go over the basics just in case you aren’t already a Keurig aficionado. Pour six to 12 ounces of water into the reservoir, pop in a standard K-Cup, place a regular or travel mug on the drip tray, and voila! Two minutes later, a fresh cup of coffee (or tea or hot cocoa!) is yours, and the machine automatically shuts off after 90 seconds. All the benefits of a regular Keurig, but only 4.6 inches wide. Think of all the nooks and crannies this little powerhouse can fit into without taking up your precious counter space.

And just because you need to save space, doesn’t mean you have to skimp on being chic. This sleek little machine comes in so many gorgeous colors, it will suit pretty much any décor. Choose one of the six solid options at Bed Bath & Beyond or go full statement piece with Jonathan Adler. (You can say a lot with something so small! ) It also has a matching K-cup canister, sold separately, FYI, in case you’re all about the matching. Either way, the model is easy to clean with parts that pop into the dishwasher, so it will also stay chic.

Since the K Mini Plus is meant to be portable (it’s under five pounds!), you can bring it to that end-of-the-summer vacation rental before heading off to school, renting that new apartment, or trekking back to the office. So get ready to show up and show off — perfectly caffeinated, of course.