Coffee station essentials: bring the café home with these 5 buys

Coffee lover? You NEED these coffee station essentials in your life. Because we're all missing our morning takeaway brews right now...

Coffee station essentials: Whaline 2 Pack Chocolate Shaker + Stencils
(Image credit: Whaline)

Whether you like your coffee steaming or ice(d) cold, we're here to help jazz up your coffee station at home, just to make lockdown that little more bearable. Not all of us live within walking distance to a Pret...

Some of us love a morning espresso, while others can't say no to a latte at any time of the day *guilty* but no matter your preference, these buys will be sure to make your morning (afternoon, or evening) coffee a little more exciting while stuck at home. Even if you don't already have a coffee machine – some of us just don't have the worktop space for one! If you do have room, check out our best coffee machines guide for some great suggestions, though.

Keep scrolling for five top coffee station essentials (or just stuff you need in your cupboard) to make barista-style beverages from home – thanks, lockdown 2.0.

1. Buy one of these espresso machines for high-quality shots from home

Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine |£89.99  £84 at Amazon

Swan Retro Pump Espresso Coffee Machine | £89.99  £84 at Amazon
We'll be watching out for more price drops on this one, but we don't blame you for wanting it now. This coffee machine is just so gorgeous, but it's not style over substance. The star of the show here is the milk frothing wand, praised by lots of happy cappuccino and latte drinkers. Milky coffee fans, this one's for you. There's a choice of hues to opt for, too.

Lavazza Idola Espresso Coffee Machine | £139

Lavazza Idola Espresso Coffee Machine | £139 £99 at Lavazza
Save £40 off this coffee machine which is intuitive and easy to use. It has four different coffee preparation methods with temperature boost and a touch screen interface. Plus it's available in red, grey and black.

  • See more coffee sales – early Black Friday deals, too! – at our dedicated page

2. Treat yourself to some new (and cute) mugs to enjoy your brew in style

Le Creuset Mugs | 3 for 2 – £30 for 3 mugs

Le Creuset Mugs | 3 for 2 – £30 for 3 mugs
Le Creuset currently have an offer on – three for two on their mugs. With several colours to choose from, these mugs are great for coffee and they're seriously stylish. They also come in three sizes – espresso (100ml), stoneware (350ml) and grand (450ml).

3. Invest in a milk frother for next level lattes 

Dualit Milk Frother | £49.99 at John Lewis & Partners

Dualit Milk Frother | £49.99 at John Lewis & Partners
This highly-rated milk frother makes creating foamy drinks – mocha, latte, cappuccinos – a very easy task. It takes just 70 seconds to work, and it's an easy way to liven up an instant coffee drink. For if you don't have space for a machine (or the large budget for one).

4. Add these coffee syrups to your basket for barista-style creations

MONIN Premium Coffee Syrup Gift Set | £9.49 £7 at Amazon

MONIN Premium Coffee Syrup Gift Set | £9.49 £7 at Amazon
Buy this coffee syrup gift set and give each one a try – whichever ones you like, you can then purchase full-size versions. A tasty addition to iced coffee or an americano, this is the stuff they use in top-quality coffee shops.

6. Use these coffee stencils to cheer yourself up with coffee art

Whaline 2 Pack Chocolate Shaker + Stencils | £10.99 at Amazon

Whaline 2 Pack Chocolate Shaker + Stencils | £10.99 at Amazon
It's still coffee art when it's made using dusted chocolate, right? This is an easy way to brighten up your morning, especially when it's so easy. This set comes with 16 stencils – from a sunshine one to a Christmas tree and even some coffee beans –  as well as two chocolate shakers. Fill them with cocoa powder and get shaking! Your guests will be wowed...

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Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

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