We’ve made lists for several “best-ofs” when it comes to our catalog this year, but this list is going to be a bit more personal. If you’ve still got a coffee lover on your list this holiday season, why not check out some of our staff’s personal favorite items from this year. From branded shirts to espresso machines, we run the gamut between fun to functional, so check it out!
Renée: Fuego Coffee Roasters Crewneck
Come for the Coffee, Stay for the Community
Perfect for colder climates like Fuego and Whole Latte Love’s hometown of Rochester NY, the Fuego Coffee Roasters Crewneck lets you show your love for Fuego while keeping your arms warm. Featuring an artistic rendition of Fuego’s logo, this shirt is both subtle and stylish
100% Cotton
“I was already a fan of Rochester’s coffee scene before joining the team at Whole Latte love. When we launched our apparel collection there were more than a few worthy contenders, but when you own as many graphic tees as I do, you have to be discerning. Black and long sleeves for winter and supporting local? I'm in!"
AJ: Rocket Espresso Appartamento
Compact, Stylish, Sexy
The Rocket Espresso Appartamento features a heat exchange boiler, E61 group head, and an integrated dual pre-infusion system. Powerful steaming pressure, a large reservoir, and cutout panels help the Appartamento stand out as stylish and efficient.
“I’ve learned more than a lot about espresso in my time at Whole Latte Love, including which products stand out from the crowd. This is the perfect machine for someone looking to graduate from the ‘entry-level.’ The Appartamento’s performance is matched only by its impeccable style.”
Kayla: JURA ENA 8
Impeccable Asymmetrical Design
JURA's remarkable ENA 8 is a compact home espresso machine with a menu of 10 one-touch coffee specialties and an eye-catching asymmetrical design.
“I don’t have a ton of room in my kitchen so it’s great that this machine doesn’t eat my entire countertop. Making drinks is basically pushing a button and then bliss a moment later. Definitely get the Smart Connect and the J.O.E. app with Siri integration. I was like ‘Finally! An espresso machine that’s almost as cool as I am!’”
Marc: ECM Synchronika with Flow Control
The Undisputed King of Prosumer Espresso Machines
The ECM Synchronika with Flow Control is a powerful upgrade over an already adept dual-boiler machine. Impeccable build quality is complemented by Flow Control, giving you further access to the nuances hidden in your coffee.
“It took flow control to make the best espresso machine even better. The ECM Synchronika was already best in class with its temperature stability, steaming performance, and impeccable craftsmanship. But now you can tame brightness, enhance sweetness, and pull juicy shots. All with flow control.”
Mark: Ceado E37S
The Most Reliable Espresso Grinder
The E37S takes programmability to the next level with its touchscreen display and Ceado’s Portioning System Selector. Program and dose three personalized presets with this powerful, doserless grinder with stepless worm gear adjustment and impressive 83mm burrs.
“Having worked at Whole Latte Love for more than a decade, I’ve seen and sold my fair share of grinders. The E37S is quiet, durable, and easy to adjust and has minimal retention. I love to recommend it because it has a proven record of success and has helped me form countless friendships with satisfied customers.”
Jen: Gaggia Cadorna Prestige
Quality Meets Convenience at an Unbeatable Price
The Gaggia Cadorna Prestige is a remarkable bean-to-cup machine with 14 customizable beverages, the option to create 4 user profiles, and an integrated milk carafe for making top quality milk drinks.
“It’s safe to say that more people are ordering in when it comes to coffee these days. That is to say that they’re making it at home! You can make better and cheaper lattes than anything the drive thru gets you. The Cadorna Prestige has so many drinks, not to mention so many profiles that everyone in my house has a favorite. Americano, frothed milk, double espresso, latte macchiato… you get the idea.”
Anna: Fellow Stagg Kettle in Copper
Gorgeous to Look At, a Pleasure to Use
Fellow Stagg 1L Pour-Over Kettle Overview
The Stagg 1L Pour-Over Kettle is the epitome of pour over coffee perfected. The minimalist kettle holds 1 liter of water and comes with a base that fits c...
“Pour-over brewing is a ritual, and needs to be treated with some reverence. This beautiful kettle is a perfect addition to any coffee bar. Fellow designed a kettle with even weight distribution, a comfortable handle, and the convenience of a built-in thermometer. Being a stovetop kettle, it’s a nice bit of low-tech meets high tech-synergy.”
Todd: Profitec Pro 600
Incredible Value in Dual Boiler Performance
The Profitec Pro 600 is a dual PID, dual boiler espresso machine that separates itself from the crowd, thanks to its high steam power, E61 group head, and 1 liter water reservoir.
“The Pro 600 is the perfect machine if you don’t plan on connecting to a water line. It’s got incredible steam power, precise temperatures, unique design, and proven Profitec engineering. At this price, it’s hard to look the other way when it comes to performance and features. I think that anybody who loves milk drinks and wants precision temperature control will love this machine.”