If you’re like me, then you can’t imagine starting your day without a cup of coffee. And if you’re a fan of espresso, then you know that having the right gear is essential for making the perfect cup.
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you 10 of the best espresso accessories that you can’t live without. Keep reading to learn more!
Why Use Different Accessories For Espresso?
Different espresso accessories help to create different flavors and experiences. For example, using a different grinder can change the taste of your coffee.
There are a few key things that you’ll need in order to make espresso, including an espresso machine, a grinder, and coffee beans. However, there are plenty of other accessories that can help to enhance your experience.
From tamper tools to frothing pitchers, there are plenty of different espresso accessories on the market.
Important: Every espresso machine will come with its own set of accessories. Not all of the following accessories will be compatible with your machine. Check with your manufacturer to see which ones are compatible before making a purchase.
10 Best Espresso Accessories For The Perfect Cup
Now let’s get right into the good stuff – here are 10 of the best espresso accessories that you can’t live without:
| 10 Best Espresso Accessories |
|---|
| A High Quality Manual Burr Grinder |
| A Pitcher to Steam Milk |
| An Espresso Machine Cleaning Brush |
| A Knock Box |
| A Tamper Tool to Tamp Coffee Grounds |
| A Coffee Scale |
| A Timer |
| A Tamping Mat |
| A Descaling Solution |
| A Puck Screen |
1. A High Quality Manual Burr Grinder
One of the most important espresso gadgets is a grinder. If you want to make espresso at home, then you need to invest in a high-quality manual burr grinder.
There are two types of grinders – blade and burr. Blade grinders are less expensive, but they don’t produce a consistent grind. This can make it difficult to produce a good cup of espresso.
Burr grinders, on the other hand, are more expensive. But they’re worth the investment because they produce a consistent grind, which is essential for making espresso.
TIP: Choosing a manual grinder over an electric one gives you more control over the grind size. This is important because the grind size has a big impact on taste. If you 100% want to go electric, make sure to choose a high quality grinder like the Breville Smart Grinder Pro. Warning: It’s very expensive!
2. A Pitcher to Steam Milk
If you want to make espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes (for latte art fans out there!), then you’ll need a pitcher to steam milk.
If you don’t know what a pitcher does, it’s used to hold the milk while you steam it. It is made out of stainless steel so it will not break easily and it has a pouring spout so you can pour the milk into your espresso cup.
Go with any pitcher you want, just make sure it’s made out of stainless steel and has a good spout.
3. An Espresso Machine Cleaning Brush
An espresso machine cleaning brush is a must-have accessory if you want to keep your machine clean.
The brush helps to remove coffee grinds and other particles from the machine. This is important because it helps to prevent clogging and ensures that your espresso tastes great.
Expired grinds or even coffee oils can give your espresso a bad taste. So, it’s important to clean your machine on a regular basis.
4. A Knock Box
A knock box is a great accessory for espresso lovers. It’s used to collect the used coffee grounds after you make espresso.
They also come in different sizes and designs. Some are even made out of wood or metal. So, you can find one that fits your style and needs.
The best video out there on how to use a knock box is this:
Literally, 6 seconds is all you need!
5. A Tamper Tool to Tamp Coffee Grounds
A tamper tool is used to press the coffee grounds into the portafilter. This is important because it helps to extract more flavor from the coffee.
When you buy an espresso machine, the tamper that comes with it won’t necessarily be the best quality. So, it’s a good idea to invest in a separate tamper tool.
One high quality tamper tool that I recommend is the Rattleware Tamper. It’s made out of stainless steel and has a comfortable grip. Many people choose it because it’s easy to use and produces great results.
6. A Coffee Scale
A coffee scale is another essential accessory for making espresso. It’s important to use a scale because espresso is all about precision.
You need to use the right amount of coffee grounds and water. This can be difficult to do without a scale.
I recommend the Escali Primo Digital Kitchen Scale. Its small, cheap and does the job well. With the touch of a button, you can easily switch between grams and ounces.
7. A Timer
A timer is a helpful accessory for baristas because it allows you to time your espresso shots. This is important because espresso shots should be between 25 and 30 seconds.
If you don’t have a timer, then you can use the stopwatch on your phone. But it’s much easier to use a dedicated espresso timer.
As I said before, espresso is all about precision. So, a timer is a must-have accessory if you want to make great espresso. You can get a cheap one on Amazon for under $10.
8. A Tamping Mat
Who said that making espresso has to be messy? A tamping mat helps to keep your countertop clean when you’re making espresso.
It’s a small mat that you put your portafilter on when you’re tamping the coffee grounds. This way, any coffee that spills will be caught by the mat and not your counter.
I like the Espresso Parts Tamping Mat. Its made out of rubber (like most quality mats) and is easy to clean.
9. A Descaling Solution
Another essential espresso accessorie is a descaling solution. This is a product that you use to clean your espresso machine.
Descaling solutions help to remove calcium buildup from your machine. This is important because it can lead to clogging and a decrease in the quality of your espresso.
The truth is that you can create your own descaling solution with a little bit of white vinegar and water. However, if you want to make things easier on yourself, you can buy a premade solution.
Related Read: How to Clean A Breville Espresso Machine
10. A Puck Screen
The last essential espresso accessory on my list is a puck screen. This is a small screen that fits inside the portafilter.
Its purpose is to keep the coffee grounds from escaping when you’re making espresso. This is important because it helps to extract more flavor from the coffee and prevents clogging.
You can find puck screens online or at your local coffee shop. They’re relatively inexpensive and definitely worth the investment if you want to make the best espresso possible.
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Goes With Espresso Machine?
Espresso machines require specific types of coffee beans in order to produce a quality cup of espresso. In general, espresso beans are roasted for a shorter time and at a higher temperature than regular coffee beans.
This produces a bean that is oily and dark with a strong flavor. Many people like to pair their espresso with something sweet, such as sugar or chocolate. However, there are many other options available including syrups, creams, and even savory items like olives. Experiment and find what you like best!
What is The Thing You Put Espresso in Called?
The thing you put espresso in is called a portafilter. Cool, right? This unique tool has a variety of different functions, from capturing and brewing the intense and powerful espresso to helping create that rich and velvety crema on top.
Made from a variety of different metals, portafilters come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the type of espresso machine you are using.
Whether you like your drinks sweet or bold, frothy or smooth, there is no doubt that this little gadget plays a key role in making the perfect cup of espresso every time.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you learned something new from this article about espresso machine accessories.
Remember, having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to making a great cup of espresso.
So, if you are serious about your coffee, be sure to invest in the best accessories for your espresso machine. You won’t regret it!
Happy Brewing!
Evelina
Evelina’s passion for coffee could never been hidden. Having worked as a barista, she learned the true value of the coffee bean and its secrets. As she continued to evolve as a barista, so did her knowledge, techniques on making different coffee blends and most importantly how to operate every kind of gear when it comes to coffee. Having a degree in biomedicine and being a barista, allows her to provide our community with in-depth knowledge surrounding the topics of coffee.
Get this free cheat sheet to step up your coffee game and learn about the different grind sizes!
