Teachers don’t really get time for a Starbucks run during the school day, but they definitely deserve great coffee! These coffee station ideas will ramp up your java game, whether in the teachers’ lounge or the back corner of your classroom. From the best coffee makers and mugs to creamers and accessories, you’ll find so many great ways to make the very best cup of joe without leaving campus.
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Coffee Makers
Whether you’re making coffee for one or need to supply the teachers’ lounge, these are some of the best coffee station ideas.
Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
If you want a coffee maker to keep right in the classroom, this is the one. It’s super small (less than five inches wide) and makes a cup of coffee in a flash using standard K-cups, including a reusable filter cup. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun colors!
Buy it: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker on Amazon
Image Source: @yourteacherbestie
Best Coffee Maker for a Crowd: Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (CE200)
Need a new coffee maker for the teachers’ lounge? This is the one to get. It makes 12 cups at a time, but you can also choose to brew a smaller amount. There are two settings (Classic and Rich), and the warming plate keeps coffee hot for up to four hours.
Buy it: Ninja 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker (CE200) at Walmart
Best Bargain Coffee Maker: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker
Looking for an inexpensive coffee maker that can stand up to repeat use? This one is highly-reviewed and comes in at under fifty bucks. You can adjust the brew strength, and even program it to be ready first thing in the morning when the earliest teachers arrive.
Buy it: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker at Target
Best Iced Coffee Maker: Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker with Reusable Tumbler
Some like it hot, but others prefer their coffee on the rocks. The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee maker includes its own insulated tumbler and reusable filter. All you need to do is add water and grounds to the machine and ice to the tumbler. In four minutes, you’ve got iced coffee!
Buy it: Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker with Reusable Tumbler on Amazon
Coffee Mugs
Teachers usually have plenty of mugs, but they tend to reach for the same favorite over and over again. Here are the ones they’ll love best.
Best Teacher Coffee Mug: Born to Teach 15 oz. Mug
Your favorite teacher mug might be whichever one lets you sip the most caffeine at once. Luckily, this 15 oz. option can do that while also showing off a super cute message!
Buy it: Born to Teach 15 oz. Mug on Etsy
Image Source: @affirmationsandaccessibility
Best Travel Coffee Mug: Swig Life 18 oz. Travel Mug
This insulated lidded mug holds a whole lotta java! Plus, it comes in a huge variety of patterns, so you can be sure your mug won’t get confused with anyone one else’s.
Buy it: Swig Life 18 oz. Travel Mug on Amazon
Best Insulated Coffee Mug: YETI Rambler 14 oz. Insulated Mug
Teachers rarely get to sit down and enjoy a whole cup of coffee in peace. That’s why insulated mugs are such terrific coffee station ideas. This YETI mug is a top-notch choice, keeping your brew hot for as long as it takes you to get to the bottom. It comes in a whole selection of cool colors, so you won’t have to worry about someone else walking off with your mug!
Buy it: YETI Rambler 14 oz. Insulated Mug on Amazon
Best Heated Coffee Mug: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
This is definitely a bit of a splurge, but the Ember coffee mug not only keeps your coffee hot—it holds it at the exact right temperature. Set your desired temp using the app, and Ember will ensure your coffee or tea is perfect from the first sip to the last.
Buy it: Ember mug on Amazon
Best Mug Warmer: VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer
If you don’t want to spring for the pricey Ember mug, a mug warmer is a good way to go. This one has lots of positive reviews, though users note it’s most effective with flat-bottomed mugs.
Buy it: VOBAGA Coffee Mug Warmer on Amazon
Coffee Add-Ins
Sweeteners and cream are standard coffee supplies, but the best coffee stations have more creative options. Coffee add-ins like creamers and syrups are terrific coffee station ideas. Here are some of the best to try!
Best Powdered Creamers: Coffee Mate Non-Dairy Creamers
Coffee Mate is the standard when it comes to non-dairy powdered creamers. We love this set that offers several yummy flavors as well as the original.
Buy it: Coffee Mate Non-Dairy Creamers on Amazon
Best Sugar-Free Creamer: Nutpods Original Almond + Coconut Creamer
This shelf-stable creamer is non-dairy, zero sugar, plant-based, and only 10 calories per serving. It’s perfect for keto, Whole 30, and paleo diets—or anyone just trying to cut down on sugar and dairy.
Buy it: Nutpods Original Almond + Coconut Creamer on Amazon
Best Creamer Cups: Coffee Mate Liquid Creamers Variety Pack
Snickers flavored coffee? Yes, please! This variety pack has something for everyone when it comes to coffee creamers. You get 36 cups in nine different and delicious flavors.
Buy it: Coffee Mate Liquid Creamers Variety Pack on Amazon
Best Coffee Syrups: Amoretti Premium Syrups Classic 3 Pack
These flavored syrups can fancy up your cup of joe any time. This well-reviewed set of bottles comes with a pump just like the ones coffee shops use.
Buy it: Amoretti Premium Syrups Classic 3 Pack on Amazon
Best Sugar-Free Flavors: SweetLeaf Sweet Drops
Need sugar-free sweetener options? These are made from stevia and include a variety of flavors. You only need a drop or two, so the petite containers last longer than you think.
Buy it: SweetLeaf Sweet Drops on Amazon
Best Coffee Toppings: Upouria Coffee Topping Variety Pack
Cap off your ideal cup with a sprinkle of these tasty coffee toppings. They come in a set of four with flavors for every palate.
Buy it: Upouria Coffee Topping Variety Pack on Amazon
Coffee Station Accessories
Keep your coffee station organized and add the finishing touches with these ideas.
Small Coffee Cart: Coffee Station Rolling 3-Tier Cart
The solid top on this rolling cart is the ideal spot for your coffee maker. Use the bottom shelves for coffee, creamer, cups, and other accessories.
Buy it: DTK 3-Tier Rolling Cart on Amazon
Image Source: @schoolgirlstyle
Coffee Station Organizer: Mind Reader Coffee Station Organizer
A place for everything and everything in its place! This coffee station organizer has room for pods, packets, cups, and more.
Buy it: Mind Reader Coffee Station Organizer on Amazon
Best Coffee Grinder: Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder
Coffee aficionados will tell you that the best brew comes from fresh-ground beans. This Hamilton Beach model is small enough to fit any station, but grinds enough beans for a 12-cup coffee maker.
Buy it: Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder on Amazon
Coffee Pod Organizer: Nifty Solutions Coffee Pod Carousel
If your coffee machine uses pods, you need a good way to store and organize them. This carousel holds 35 pods and swivels so you can find the one you want in a snap.
Buy it: Nifty Solutions Coffee Pod Carousel on Amazon
Best Milk Frother: Zulay Original Milk Frother
Make your DIY cappuccino or macchiato more authentic with this highly-rated electric milk frother. It’s battery-operated and comes in a whole selection of bright colors.
Buy it: Zulay Original Milk Frother on Amazon
Disposable Coffee Cups: Avant Grub Biodegradable 12 oz. Paper Coffee Cups
For the occasional visitor who doesn’t have their own mug, keep these eco-friendly disposable cups on hand. The cup itself is compostable and biodegradable, and you can toss the lid in the recycling bin.
Buy it: Avant Grub Biodegradable 12 Oz Paper Coffee Cups on Amazon
Reusable Coffee Stirrers: Jsdoin Stainless Steel Coffee Stirrers
You can pick up wood or plastic coffee stirrers pretty much anywhere, but if you’d like a greener option, try these metal stirrers. Just keep a cup marked “To Be Washed” nearby to drop used ones into, then give them a good cleaning at the end of the day.
Buy it: Set of 10 Jsdoin Stainless Steel Coffee Stirrers on Amazon
Your coffee station needs treats too! Check out the best shelf-stable nut-free snacks for your classroom snack stash.
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