It’s safe to say that coffee culture in Australia is thriving. In fact, for many people, the love of espresso extends far beyond the walls of their local café. Crafting the perfect shot of espresso at home requires more than just a quality machine; it demands the right espresso accessories to get the job done.
No matter how many cups of coffee you have or haven’t made, whether you’re a seasoned barista or brand new to the world of coffee, the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to your brewing game.
In this guide, we’ll prepare you to make the perfect cup of coffee by exploring the essential espresso accessories we know every home barista needs to achieve café-quality coffee in their own kitchen.
Tamper
For a perfect cup, a tamper is indispensable. By compressing the coffee grounds evenly in your portafilter, you create the necessary resistance that allows for consistent extraction. The water flows through at the right speed, a delicious crema graces the top of your coffee, and all is right with the world.
What to look for in a tamper: When in doubt, opt for a tamper with a flat base for a balanced shot every time.
Grinding Scale
Espresso brewing is as much science as it is art. A precision coffee scale allows you to measure both the amount of coffee and the weight of your shot to ensure consistency. This accessory is especially helpful when you want to experiment with different grind sizes and ratios to brew your signature cup (also great for when you change out your beans).
What to look for in a scale: Accuracy, every single time. A high-quality grinding scale has a small footprint on your counter, but plays a huge role in brewing the perfect cup.
Knock Box
A knock box is a sure sign you’ve graduated in the ranks of coffee makers everywhere. Saving your coffee pucks can help for a variety of reasons, and you can use the grounds for anything from fertilising your garden to whipping up some all-natural skincare.
Most importantly, a knock box makes it easy to keep your station clean by providing a convenient place to dispose of used grounds. What’s not to love?
What to look for in a knock box: A sturdy base is a must on a knock box. You’ll be hitting the top of it to knock the puck out, so make sure it’s not going anywhere!
Grinder
Your espresso machine is the most important piece of the equation when it comes to making coffee… but your grinder is a close second. In the world of espresso accessories, the grinder reigns supreme. A high-quality grinder allows you to enjoy fresh coffee at the drop of a hat, which is critical for making great espresso.
What to look for in a grinder: Make sure you’re on the lookout for a grinder with adjustable settings, a consistent particle size, and minimal heat transfer to preserve the quality of the beans.
Stainless Steel Milk Jug
If you’re not satisfied with a long black or an Americano and need steamed milk, a stainless steel jug is a must-have. Velvety microfoam does more than add a splash of dairy to your coffee; it’s your avenue to café-quality brews every single time.
Knowing how to steam and froth milk perfectly is a badge of honour for any home barista, and a stainless steel jug will help you practice your skills. The steel is easy to clean, but it also ensures you can feel the temperature of the milk through the pitcher easily, helping you to judge when you’ve hit microfoam.
What to look for in a jug: If you want to learn latte art, pick up a pitcher with a pointed spout to create those precise lines.
Distribution Tool
Finally, if you’re seeking a way to make your coffee unforgettable, a distribution tool is a great purchase. This is one of the more advanced espresso accessories, helping you to air out and evenly distribute your espresso grounds before tamping them. It’s a small but mighty tool that helps to reduce channelling, ensuring water flows evenly through your coffee to create the perfect shot.
What to look for in a distribution tool: Seek out a distributor with fine stainless steel prongs for the best experience.
As you can see, you can choose from several espresso accessories. Don’t get overwhelmed! It’s tempting to feel like you need it all right away, but most of the time, it’s just as satisfying to build up your collection as it is to sip that home-brewed coffee.
When in doubt, always start your journey with a high-quality grinder. From there, it’s a matter of figuring out which aspect of your coffee you want to refine and lean in.
There’s nothing like a perfect cup of coffee.
Experience what it’s like to make coffee with espresso accessories trusted all over the world for their quality. For everyone from experienced baristas to complete beginners, we make creating the perfect cup of coffee easier. It’s just that simple.
Browse our range of accessories today, or pick out the perfect machine to get you started.
