Espresso guides · Accessories
Accessories guides.
The ecosystem around the machine — scales, tampers, portafilters, knock boxes, and coffee storage explained.
Do You Need a Coffee Scale for Espresso?
Whether you need a coffee scale for espresso, and what it actually changes about consistency and repeatability.
Choosing a Tamper: Size and Fit Explained
How to choose an espresso tamper: matching basket size, and what actually matters versus what does not.
What Portafilter Size Do You Need: 51mm, 54mm, 58mm, or 58.4mm?
Common espresso portafilter sizes explained: 51mm, 54mm, 58mm, and 58.4mm, and why the size affects your future accessory purchases.
Milk Frothers and Steam Wands Compared
Manual steam wands vs standalone milk frothers compared: control, texture, and which fits your routine.
Knock Boxes and Puck Disposal Explained
Knock boxes for espresso puck disposal explained: types, and why the simple accessory matters for workflow.
WDT Tools: What They Do and Why Baristas Use Them
WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tools explained: what they fix, and whether you actually need one.
Coffee Storage Containers: What Actually Keeps Beans Fresh
What actually keeps coffee beans fresh in storage: airtight seals, one-way valves, and what to avoid.
Cleaning Products for Espresso Machines, Explained
Espresso machine cleaning products explained: descaling solution, group head cleaner, and what each one is actually for.