“Before you balk at the price, hear me out: I get it. For coffee? But if you’re anything like me, a good cup of coffee doesn’t just improve your morning; it can alter the outlook of your entire day. I’ve been using a sub-par coffee maker for years, and after finding myself actively seeking reasons not to make a cup at home—not to mention enduring the disappointment of any coffee-loving guests who’ve stayed in my apartment—I finally let the internet recommendations lead me someplace better. After hunting around for ‘how to make an at-home latte that I’ll actually love’ (ideally, a dirty chai), I came upon Breville’s acclaimed espresso makers. The Touch Impress is for when you want to pull out all the stops: It’s one of the most sophisticated models in the Breville lineup, so it comes with a steep price tag, but its ease of use and customizability make it a barista-quality appliance you’ll use every single day. But if you’d prefer not to blow your holiday gift-giving budget on one present, there are plenty of other excellent options, such as the much-less-expensive but coffee-fanatic-beloved Breville Bambino. Your house guests, or your gift recipient, will thank you.”—Lauren Puckett-Pope, culture writer
