Does it seem like no matter what you do or how hard you try, you just can’t seem to replicate a café-quality coffee at home?

We have all felt that way at some point in our journey to make the perfect cup of coffee.

The other day, I was scrolling through Instagram and I stumbled upon a famous quote that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about:

“If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 6 hours sharpening my axe.”

Abraham Lincoln

What did he mean by this? And what on Earth does making coffee have to do with chopping down trees?

Well, what he meant is, preparedness and the best tools are the key to accomplishment for any challenging task.

Many moons have passed since Lincoln coined this famous adage, however it could not be any more true today.

As a coffee lover, having a home barista setup can be an exciting experience. It provides the opportunity to craft delicious coffee drinks without having to leave the comfort of your own home. However, having just a coffee machine is not enough to make the perfect coffee. In this article, we will be discussing the 7 best accessories that every home barista should have to enhance their coffee making experience.

What Accessories Does Every Home Barista Need?

1. Bean Grinder

A good grinder is essential for making the perfect coffee. It is crucial to grind the coffee beans just before brewing to ensure that the coffee is fresh and flavorful. There are two main types of grinders: blade and burr. Blade grinders chop the coffee beans, while burr grinders crush them, resulting in a more consistent grind. Burr grinders are the preferred choice of baristas, as they provide a more uniform grind, which results in a better-tasting cup of coffee.

2. Milk Frother

A milk frother is a must-have accessory for any home barista. It allows you to create a creamy and velvety foam for your cappuccinos and lattes. There are various types of milk frothers available, including manual, electric, and handheld. Choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

3. Tamper

A tamper is used to compress the ground coffee in the portafilter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and compacted. This results in a better extraction and a more flavorful cup of coffee. Tampers are available in various sizes and materials, including stainless steel, wood, and plastic.

We love this 2-in-1 tamper/distributor combo tool which ensures your coffee grounds are evenly spread inside your portafilter basket before compressing it to give you a consistent perfectly extracted coffee every time.

Ensure that you choose the right diameter tamper for your basket. Most household coffee machines are compatible with the 53mm, however check your owners manual to find the correct size.

4. Scale

A scale is an important accessory for any home barista. It allows you to accurately measure the coffee and water, ensuring that the right proportions are used in your coffee. This results in a consistent cup of coffee every time.

5. Thermometer

A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the water being used to brew the coffee. This is important because the right water temperature is crucial for a good extraction and a flavorful cup of coffee. There are various types of thermometers available, including digital and analog.

6. Portafilter

The portafilter is where the ground coffee is placed and then tamped. It is important to choose a portafilter that is the right size for your espresso machine and one that is made of high-quality materials to ensure the best extraction.

Just like with tampers, it’s important to select a portafilter that is the correct diameter for your espresso machine, as each espresso machine uses a variety of different sizes. If you are unsure which size is compatible with your machine, contact us with your machine make and model and we can help you choose the correct size.

7. Coffee Beans

Of course, the most important ingredient in making a great espresso is the coffee beans. When choosing coffee beans, look for high-quality, fresh beans that are roasted within the last two weeks. Dark roasted beans are best for espresso, as they have a stronger flavor and are less likely to taste bitter.

Check out some delicious coffee from our partner, the guys at Bulletproof Coffee – Whole Bean, Ground, Pods & Cold Brew | Bulletproof

In conclusion, these 7 accessories are essential for every home barista. By investing in these tools, you can ensure that you are making the best espresso drinks possible. Whether you prefer lattes, cappuccinos, or just a simple espresso shot, these accessories will help you achieve the perfect drink every time.

FAQs

What is the best type of grinder for a home barista?

The best type of grinder for a home barista is a burr grinder, as it provides a more uniform grind and results in a better-tasting cup of coffee.

Is a milk frother necessary for a home barista setup?

A milk frother is not necessary, but it is a great accessory for those who want to make cappuccinos and lattes. It allows you to create a creamy and velvety foam, enhancing the overall coffee drinking experience.

What is the purpose of a tamper in a home barista setup?

A tamper is used to compress the ground coffee in the portafilter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and compacted. This results in a better extraction and a more flavorful cup of coffee.

Why is a scale important for a home barista?

A scale is important for a home barista because it allows for accurate measurement of the coffee and water. This results in a consistent cup of coffee every time, as the right proportions are being used.

What is the purpose of a thermometer in a home barista setup?

A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of the water being used to brew the coffee. The right water temperature is crucial for a good extraction and a flavorful cup of coffee, and a thermometer helps ensure that the correct temperature is being used.