Starbucks began in 1971 as a small coffee shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. It was founded by three partners – Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker – who were inspired by entrepreneur Alfred Peet’s passion and knowledge of coffee. The founders wanted to bring high-quality coffee to Seattle, sourcing premium arabica coffee beans from around the world.
Over the next decade, Starbucks began to expand beyond Seattle, opening stores across the west coast. In 1987, Howard Schultz joined Starbucks and helped transform the company into a national brand. Schultz had a vision to make Starbucks into a “third place” between work and home, creating comfortable spaces for people to enjoy high-quality coffee drinks.
Today, Starbucks has over 32,000 stores globally and is known for its signature drinks, premium roasted coffee, food offerings, and coffee-centric retail merchandise. Starbucks sells a wide variety of coffee makers, grinders, milk frothers, and accessories for at-home use. Customers can recreate the Starbucks experience with pour over drippers, drip machines, espresso machines, French presses, and cold brew coffee makers. Starbucks also offers an array of coffee mugs, tumblers, grinders, filters, syrups, and more. Their coffee gear helps bring the Starbucks flavor into any home or office.
Coffee Makers
Starbucks offers a wide selection of coffee makers to brew your perfect cup of coffee at home. Whether you prefer the convenience of an auto-drip machine, the control of a pour over dripper, or the simplicity of a French press, Starbucks has you covered.
Auto-Drip Coffee Makers
Auto-drip coffee makers are the most popular and convenient choice for brewing coffee at home. Starbucks’ auto-drip coffee makers allow you to brew multiple cups at once with the press of a button. Models like the Starbucks Verismo System brew Starbucks coffee pods for an authentic taste. Other options like the Starbucks Barista Aroma Grande Coffee Maker have a shower head design for optimal flavor extraction. Programmable features let you wake up to a fresh pot.
Pour Over Drippers
For coffee purists who want maximum control over the brewing process, pour over drippers are an excellent option. The Starbucks Pour-Over Coffee Dripper Set provides a hands-on manual pour over brewing experience. You can control variables like water temperature and flow rate to highlight certain flavor notes. Paper filters result in a clean, bright cup. Pour over produces a smooth coffee perfect for sipping and appreciating the subtle flavors.
French Presses
French presses are loved for their simplicity and full-bodied coffee. The Starbucks French Press comes in 3 sizes, with double-wall construction to keep coffee hot. Coarse grounds are steeped in hot water, then a plunger separates the grounds from the brewed coffee. The metal filter allows for coffee oils and sediment to pass through for a richer, bolder taste. French press is a great option for those who like intense coffee with robust mouthfeel.
Coffee Grinders
Coffee grinders are an essential tool for any coffee enthusiast looking to get the most out of their beans. With two main types of coffee grinders available – blade and burr grinders – there are important differences to understand when choosing the right grinder for your needs.
Blade coffee grinders use a fast spinning metal blade to chop and grind the coffee beans. They tend to be more affordable and compact in size. However, blade grinders often produce an inconsistent grind size which can lead to poor extraction and bitter tasting coffee. The lack of grind size control also makes blade grinders less suitable for brewing methods like espresso and pour over that require a very specific grind.
In contrast, burr coffee grinders use two abrasive surfaces called burrs to crush the coffee beans. Burr grinders produce a much more uniform and consistent grind size which is critical for brewing optimal coffee. There are two types of burr grinders:
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Flat burr grinders: Use two flat disk-shaped burrs to grind the coffee beans. Great for everyday brewing methods like drip coffee makers. Often found in more affordable burr grinder models.
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Conical burr grinders: Use a cone-shaped burr that rotates within a ring-shaped burr. Produce a very consistent grind ideal for espresso and pour over. Found in higher-end burr grinder models.
Burr grinders also offer more control over the grind size, with stepless or preset grind settings to choose from based on your preferred brew method. High-end burr grinders allow for a huge range of grind sizes from superfine espresso to coarse French press.
In terms of operation, burr coffee grinders can be manual or electric. Manual coffee grinders require more physical effort to grind the beans but offer simplicity and portability. Electric burr grinders make grinding easier and faster, with some high-end models offering preset one-touch grinding options. However electric grinders require a power source and tend to be bulkier and more expensive.
When it comes to Starbucks branded coffee grinders, they offer a range of burr and blade grinder options. Their Barista Burr Grinder provides 39 grind settings for ultimate control over grind size. It uses stainless steel conical burrs for uniform grinds. For something more compact and affordable, Starbucks also offers a manual JavaPresse Hand Grinder and several electric blade grinders like the Starbucks Coffee Blade Grinder.
Overall, burr coffee grinders are considered superior to blade grinders due to their grind consistency and flexibility. Investing in a quality burr grinder can elevate your daily coffee experience. Consider your budget, grinding needs, and preferred brew methods when deciding between blade vs burr and manual vs electric grinders.
Milk Frothers
Milk frothers are an essential tool for making foamy, creamy milk to top espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Starbucks offers both handheld and stand-alone milk frother models to suit different needs.
Handheld Milk Frothers
Handheld milk frothers are lightweight, portable options powered by batteries. They usually have whisk attachments to quickly foam milk in a cup or pitcher. Benefits of handheld frothers include:
- Compact and easy to store
- Cordless for easy mobility
- Quickly froth small amounts of milk
- Affordable price point
Starbucks sells both manual and electric handheld frothers. The manual versions like the Starbucks Milk Frothing Pitcher require pumping a plunger to create foam. Electric models like the Starbucks Barista Electric Frother have an internal motor and button to turn on and off.
Handheld frothers are great for making a single serving of foamed milk at a time. They may not create very thick or stable foam compared to stand-alone frothers.
Stand-Alone Milk Frothers
Stand-alone milk frothers are countertop appliances that use electric power. They have larger, more powerful motors and attachments than handheld versions. Benefits include:
- Make larger volumes of thicker, creamier foam
- More control over foam texture and temperature
- Sturdier base for stability during frothing
Starbucks stand-alone frothers come in automatic and manual versions. The automatic frothers like the Nespresso Aeroccino4 Milk Frother have settings to make hot or cold milk foam with the push of a button. Manual stand-alone frothers like the Starbucks Barista Milk Frother require holding down an operation switch during frothing.
Stand-alone frothers deliver cafe-quality foam for lattes and cappuccinos. They take up more counter space and are less portable than handheld options. Overall, choosing between handheld or stand-alone milk frothers depends on individual needs for portability, quantity of milk to froth, and desired foam quality. Starbucks offers options at various prices to suit all budgets and use cases.
Coffee Accessories
Starbucks offers a wide variety of coffee accessories to enhance your coffee drinking experience. This includes mugs, tumblers, thermal cups, serving carafes, and coffee filters.
Mugs
Starbucks has mugs in various sizes, shapes, and designs. They have simple white ceramic mugs, colored mugs, mugs with artistic designs, and mugs with logos and sayings. Mug sizes range from 8 oz to 20 oz capacity. Some popular mugs include the white Starbucks logo mug, the color-changing hot/cold mug, and the You Are Here collection mugs featuring city designs.
Tumblers
Starbucks tumblers come in stainless steel and plastic. They have lids with openings for sipping and straws. Tumblers keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Some tumblers have double-wall insulation to maintain temperatures even longer. Popular tumblers are the stainless steel designs with different colored lids and patterns.
Thermal Cups
Thermal cups have double-wall insulation like tumblers and come in plastic or stainless steel. Starbucks’ thermal cups can keep drinks hot for up to 2 hours. The plastic thermal cups often have artistic designs like patterns, city scenes, or artistic shapes.
Serving Carafes
Starbucks has insulated stainless steel carafes for serving coffee. Their thermal carafes come in 3 sizes – small (8 cups), medium (12 cups), and large (16 cups). The carafes have flip top lids to keep coffee hot and prevent spills. These are great for serving coffee at large gatherings.
Coffee Filters
Starbucks sells #4 cone coffee filters for use with their coffee makers. The filters are made of oxygen-bleached paper. They come in 100-count packs. Starbucks filters help brew flavorful coffee free of any paper taste.
Coffee Beans
Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee beans that are sourced from around the world. The company works directly with farmers to ethically source coffee through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program. Starbucks offers a wide variety of coffee beans in its stores and online.
Varieties Sold
Starbucks sells many different varieties of coffee beans including Arabica and Robusta. Some popular options include:
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Pike Place Roast – A smooth, medium roast coffee. This is Starbucks’ signature house blend.
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Veranda Blend – A lighter roasted coffee with mellow notes.
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Caffe Verona – A darker roasted coffee with bold, rich flavor.
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Espresso Roast – A dark, full-bodied roast perfect for espresso drinks.
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Decaf Pike Place – The decaffeinated version of the signature Pike Place roast.
Roasting Process
Starbucks carefully roasts its beans to bring out the optimal flavor and aroma. Beans are roasted in small batches using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure consistency. Lighter roasts like Veranda Blend are roasted for a shorter time at lower temperatures compared to the darker espresso roasts.
Fair Trade and Organic
Starbucks is committed to ethical sourcing and offers many fair trade and organic coffee options. Over 99% of Starbucks coffee is ethically sourced through C.A.F.E. Practices. Fair trade beans are sourced from farmer cooperatives to promote sustainability. Organic beans are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Popular options include Organic Yukon Blend and Fair Trade Certified Espresso Roast.
Tea Products
Starbucks offers a wide selection of high-quality loose leaf teas, tea bags, and tea accessories like presses and infusers.
Some of Starbucks’ most popular loose leaf teas include:
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Emperor’s Clouds & Mist® Green Tea – This green tea blend has a delicate, smooth flavor with notes of spinach and subtle citrus. The leaves are hand-picked each spring in China.
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Mint Majesty Herbal Tea – A refreshing peppermint and spearmint herbal tea, blended with lemon verbena. It’s caffeine-free and perfect for after dinner.
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Royal English Breakfast Black Tea – A full-bodied black tea blend with hints of caramel and a smooth, mellow finish. The leaves are sourced from Asia and Africa.
For ease and convenience, Starbucks has a line of packaged tea bags. Flavors include chai tea, green tea, black tea, herbal teas, and more. The bagged teas are expertly blended and high-quality.
To brew loose leaf tea, Starbucks sells a variety of tea accessories. They have simple tea infusers, tea presses, tea pots, electric kettles, and more. Their tea presses allow you to brew the tea right in the cup. Infusers let you steep loose tea and then remove the leaves easily.
Starbucks takes tea as seriously as they take coffee. They offer premium teas and helpful tea accessories for the ultimate tea drinking experience.
Comparison to Competitors
Starbucks faces stiff competition in the home coffee gear market from several major brands like Nespresso, Keurig, Breville, and DeLonghi. However, Starbucks brings its own strengths and advantages to consumers looking for high-quality coffee gear.
Nespresso is known for its convenient pod-based system that brews espresso and coffee with the push of a button. While convenient, Nespresso locks consumers into its own pod system which can get expensive over time. In contrast, Starbucks coffee makers use standard ground coffee so there’s more flexibility.
Keurig pioneered the single-serve coffee pod concept but again, locks consumers into its K-cup system. Starbucks offers more versatility with reusable filters compatible with any ground coffee. For espresso, Starbucks machines use standard Nespresso-compatible pods as well.
Breville and DeLonghi are leading brands when it comes to espresso machines. However, their focus is mainly on semi-automatic and super automatic machines that lack Starbucks’ signature features. Starbucks machines offer one-touch operation, milk texturing, and custom drink recipes at more affordable price points.
At the end of the day, Starbucks gear competes by focusing on convenience, quality, and versatility all in sleek, modern designs. Unlike other brands, Starbucks coffee makers let you brew Starbucks beans and recipes at home while using any coffee you like. For coffee lovers who want Starbucks quality without the lock-in, Starbucks home gear delivers.
Gifting and Promotions
Starbucks is known for its seasonal and holiday-themed offerings, making it a popular destination for gifts and spreading holiday cheer.
Each holiday season, Starbucks releases special gift sets and tumblers adorned with festive designs. These often include festive Starbucks coffee mugs, a bag of seasonal Starbucks coffee beans or ground coffee, hot cocoa mixes, baked goods, candies, and other treats. Popular gifts sets for Christmas include the Holiday Coffee & Cocoa Collection with a reusable red cup, Holiday Blend coffee, peppermint mocha sauce, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and more. Starbucks also offers menorah-themed gifts for Hanukkah.
For Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Starbucks has offered heart-shaped mugs, chocolate truffle boxes, floral Starbucks gift cards, and more for gift-giving. Customers can order customized Starbucks gift baskets online with their choice of coffee, tea, and food items. Seasonal Starbucks tumblers in summer designs and colors are also popular for birthdays and holidays.
Starbucks loyalty program members can earn free drinks, food, and other rewards to gift to friends and family. Members can directly gift rewards to other members by using the mobile app. During the holidays, Starbucks often offers special promotions where members can earn bonus stars and free holiday drinks when purchasing gifts sets and seasonal beverages. Sending Starbucks eGifts through the app is another way to surprise loved ones with coffee and treats.
By leveraging seasonal offerings and promotions, Starbucks has become a go-to for finding festive and unique coffee-themed gifts for loved ones throughout the year. The customizability and gift rewards options make gift-giving easy for any occasion.
Conclusion
Starbucks offers an extensive range of high-quality coffee gear for home brewing. From sleek and stylish espresso machines to grinders, milk frothers, kettles, and pour-over equipment, Starbucks has something for every coffee lover. Their product range allows you to recreate the Starbucks cafe experience at home.
Some of Starbucks coffee gear bestselling includes their Barista espresso machine, which allows you to make restaurant-quality espresso drinks. For traditional drip coffee, the Starbucks Verismo system is a top choice that uses Starbucks coffee pods to brew a perfect cup. The Barista Milk Frother is great for making foamy, creamy milk to top off drinks. And the Starbucks coffee bean grinder ensures you have freshly ground beans for optimal flavor.
When it comes to coffee gear, Starbucks is a top brand that combines performance, style, and convenience. Their products allow anyone to brew cafe-style coffee drinks at home. For the ultimate Starbucks coffee experience, be sure to check out their line of high-end coffee makers, accessories, beans, and more.
