Tea & Coffee

The longest-lasting coffee and tea accessories tend to be made from stainless steel, heatproof glass or ceramic, with minimal plastic parts. Look for ones with replaceable bits or repairable designs to keep them ticking for the long haul. A French press with a stainless steel filter, for example, generally outlasts plastic versions. Manual grinders and stovetop brewers are also famously robust. And if you spot a lifetime guarantee or access to spare parts, that’s a solid sign. With a bit of care, these gems can keep pouring for decades. More on our Buy for Life Research Process.

To keep a French press going strong for years, steer clear of the dishwasher - hand wash gently with warm water and mild soap. Take it apart regularly to clean around the filter and plunger. If it’s glass, skip the metal spoons to avoid cracks. Stainless steel versions benefit from a good dry-off to stop water spots. Replacing the mesh filter now and then also helps things along. With a bit of routine care, your press can outlive a fair few fads. More tips over on our Product Care & Repair page.

The coffee makers that produce the richest-tasting brew are usually manual types - think French press, pour-over kits and stovetop moka pots. These give you more say over factors like brew time and temperature, which can make all the difference. French press gives a bold, full-bodied flavour, while pour-over offers cleaner, more delicate notes. Stovetop pots brew with espresso-like intensity, without needing a plug socket. Add freshly ground beans and you’re in business.

Yes, you can often use a coffee maker for tea or hot chocolate, but a bit of caution helps. A French press is handy for steeping loose leaf tea or frothy milk drinks - just clean it properly between uses to stop flavours mingling. Drip coffee machines aren’t ideal for tea, as the brew time isn’t quite right. For hot chocolate, go with a stove-friendly jug or manual milk frother, which warm and mix more evenly. Best not to double up if any lingering tastes will spoil your cuppa.

Manual coffee grinders work using hand-cranked burrs to crush beans, which often gives a more consistent grind than some budget electrics. They’re quieter, easier to carry and usually made with fewer things that can break - ideal if you're in it for the long run. Electric grinders are faster, but motors can wear out and cheaper models use blades that chop unevenly. For those chasing brew perfection (or camping with style), manual grinders with steel or ceramic burrs are a durable favourite.

Some kettles are more expensive because they’re built to last and offer better control. Long-lasting kettles are often made from stainless steel or cast iron, with durable parts you can replace if needed. Pour-over fans favour models with precision spouts and variable temperatures. You’re also paying for safer, efficient heating elements and generous warranties - some last up to a decade. Cheaper ones might include plastic parts or poor insulation that give up the ghost early. Read more in our guide to the most reliable kettles.

In a stovetop coffee maker, sturdiness is key - look for stainless steel or aluminium with a well-balanced base for even heating. A tight seal and built-in pressure valve are must-haves for safety and proper brewing. Check for replaceable gaskets and filters too, which make maintenance easier. And do make sure it works with your hob type, especially if you’re on induction. With a simple, solid design, stovetop brewers are classic keepers - many last for decades with just the occasional wash and gasket swap. See our collection of durable tea and coffee gear.