by Furnishly | Nov 8, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
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We like to keep things simple in the morning. And when we think about easy mornings, the first kitchen brand that comes to mind is Keurig. Known for their popular single-serve coffee machines that give you a fresh cup of java in seconds, Keurig has quickly become a morning must-have, especially if you live alone or don’t like the hassle and cleanup that comes with a typical drip coffee maker. They’ve even expanded their line of coffee makers over the years to include more options like the Keurig K-mini or the Keurig K-Supreme (which is also expert-approved here at the Kitchn!).
As an early holiday treat to us all, Keurig has just announced their sitewide early Black Friday sale, taking place this week. They’re taking an amazing 20 percent off when you use the code HOLIDAYCHEER21 at checkout, including bestselling Keurig machines, beverages, and accessories. To help you narrow down your picks, we’ve selected our favorite items included in the sale that’ll make great gifts for coffee lovers — whether that’s someone on your holiday list or a special treat for yourself!
by Furnishly | Nov 8, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
If I had to name one simple, unassuming gift I’ve received that ended up becoming an item that I use every single day, it would undoubtedly be the mug warmer that sits on my desk. While there are tons of mug warmers out there to choose from at all different price points, including the Kitchen editor-favorite, splurge-worthy Ember Mug, this no-frills gadget comes out on top for me. Without realizing it, the Vobaga Mug Warmer quickly became one of the most-used gifts I’ve ever received, as it comes in handy multiple times a day.
As someone whose first coffee in the morning usually stretches into the afternoon, I’m quite familiar with the song and dance of having to reheat the same cup over and over again in the microwave. And as anyone else who also sticks their coffee in the microwave knows, it always tastes a little off after and much more bitter.
Having had a Mr. Coffee mug warmer in the past that I lost after moving, my mom bought me this Vobaga mug warmer instead last year to use while working from home. I hadn’t been impressed by the Mr. Coffee warmer as it didn’t keep my coffee very warm (which I didn’t mind since it was only $10!), so I didn’t expect much from this tool that only cost a bit more. But I have been pleasantly surprised!
While there are mug warmers that cost over $100, this under $25 pick does exactly what I need it to do. I’ve noticed that it works best when you place your hot coffee or tea on it right away, rather than halfway through sipping when it’s already gone lukewarm. I think people expect these gadgets to bring their drinks back to a steaming hot temperature — but many are built to slow down the cooling speed. When I place a hot cup of coffee on it fresh from my French press, I can sip it well into the afternoon and have it still be warm. Later in the day, I usually switch to tea, which means that this tool is on basically all day and has yet to show signs of wear or tear.
The Vobaga warmer has three settings, although I always keep mine at the highest setting. I recall being able to touch the plate of my Mr. Coffee warmer when it was on, but this one certainly heats up much higher (aka: Don’t touch the burner!). I also like that it’s touch-enabled and doesn’t have bulky buttons, which contributes to its overall sleek look. While I have it in black, it also comes in several colors like Sky Blue, White, and Wood Grain that make it look like a much more expensive warmer.
Now, I can leisurely sip all my warm beverages and not have to worry about a trip to the microwave. It’s safe to say that I’m ready for winter, thanks to my favorite desk accessory. And clearly, it makes for a great gift for coffee lovers (or tea and hot chocolate) that they’ll use almost constantly!
by Furnishly | Nov 3, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
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I’ve loved coffee since taking my first sip from my father’s cold mug when I was seven. In fact, as I write this, I’m taking my time with a cup of hours-cold coffee. The only change (besides twenty years) is that now I’m drinking it from a Stagg tasting glass from beloved kitchen brand Fellow. It’s made all the difference when it comes to how I start my days and enjoy my favorite simple pleasure.
I’ll start by saying that, as much as I wish I could call myself a connoisseur, I’m merely a coffee fanatic. I have my go-to blends and am always trying new ones, but I just about always have a fresh(ish) cup of coffee nearby at any given time. I have a French press for hosting, a moka pot for espresso, a pour-over set for everyday, a Mr. Coffee for nostalgia, a Chemex for special blends, and about 6,000 “favorite” mugs. The mugs, though, became understudies when the Stagg glasses came into the picture. I began experiencing coffee for all of those little tasting notes that had previously (and quite embarrassingly) been lost on me.
The Stagg glasses, which come as a set of two because they’re an experience worth sharing, have a flared lip that delivers your coffee to the entirety of your palette. In all of my years of unintentionally searing the center of my palette with gulps of hot coffee, I took a sip with this glassware, and as warmth spread across my palette from edge to edge, I tasted new impressions of a coffee I’d had countless times before. I became obsessed. With my Stagg pour-over kettle (aka the coffee tool that started it all for me and heats water to the perfect brewing temperature every time) in tow, I was able to brew coffee really well. And with the Stagg glasses, I was finally able to get those pleasant, formerly mysterious notes of raisin, tobacco, chocolate, berries, and even citrus.
My brewing routines are no more complicated than they were before I found the Stagg set, yet my personal coffee journey has taken a huge leap. So if you’ve been looking for a way to up your coffee game, this is it. Just keep in mind one consequence of trying them out: The amount of time you spend shopping for coffee may increase dramatically.
by Furnishly | Aug 20, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Building a collection of real-deal glassware can take years, not to mention tons of cabinet space. Juice glasses, tumblers, and wine glasses are often sold in large sets, which can be helpful for those who entertain often. But what if you don’t have the budget — or the space — for a full set of every type of glass and cup known to mankind? Enter: The Drinks Way Kit from Leeway. We’re seriously crushing on this kit; it’s perfect for starter apartments or anyone with minimal kitchen storage.
The editors at The Kitchn have written about their love for Leeway’s Entry Way Kit (which boasts everything you need for at-home dining and entertaining), and The Drinks Way is just as great. The kit, which retails for $60, comes with five total pieces, including one 14-oz glass, an 18-oz glass, a wine glass, a flute, and a coupe glass. Each piece is streamlined, elegant, and modern, with a refreshingly timeless aesthetic that would look amazing on any bar cart.
The two tumblers in the kit are serious workhorses — they’re the perfect size to handle everything from your morning orange juice or water to a sudsy cold beer for happy hour. However, unlike those random mason jars or plastic cups used in college, these have a definite glow-up appeal.
One of the things we love best about Leeway is their commitment to quality, and The Drinks Way Kit hits the mark, per usual. The glasses are designed in Brooklyn and hand-blown to be delicate yet durable — they’re even dishwasher safe. Plus, your glassware collection can easily be added to, by way of another Drinks Way Kit, or the brand’s glass-specific collections (For example, if you find yourself regularly having friends over for wine and cheese, you can supplement your drinkware with four more wine glasses).
Leeway is founded by two former NYC apartment dwellers, so you better believe they know a thing or two about making the most of a cramped space. They also know how easy it is to accumulate a lot of mismatched kitchen junk. Their small-but-curated collection of dinnerware and drinkware is a super smart way to build up your collection with pieces you’ll actually love. Cheers (literally!) to that.
Rochelle Bilow
Contributor
Rochelle Bilow is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute, the former social media manager at Bon Appétit Magazine and Cooking Light Magazine. She has also worked as a cook on a small farm in Central New York, and a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City. Connect with her @rochellebilow.
by Furnishly | Aug 19, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
Britt Franklin
Contributor
Britt is a stargazer and sunrise-chaser with a collection of magic erasers, and a fascination with the fantastic. A storyteller at heart, she finds inspiration in all the small things, and can likely be found singing show tunes, catching up on K-dramas, or going on adventures to satiate her natural-born wanderlust. (Sometimes even all at the same time.) An all-around creative, Britt has worked in various facets with Scene Louisiana, The Nerd Machine, and The Daebak Company, Inc.
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