Perfecting your home espresso routine requires more than just a good machine. The right accessories can dramatically improve your workflow, the quality of your final shot, and the overall enjoyment of your daily ritual. From essential grinders to precision tools and durable serveware, equipping your coffee station with purpose-driven gear is the key to barista-level results.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’ve curated a list of essential espresso accessories that deserve a spot in your kitchen. This roundup covers everything from the foundational gear for beginners to expert-level upgrades, ensuring you can build the ultimate espresso setup tailored to your skills and passion.
Essential Espresso Gear for Your Home Setup
- Duralex Made In France Amalfi 6 Oz Clear Espresso Mug, Set of 6
- Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder ZCG495BLK, Black
- Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder – All Purpose Electric
- WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker, Upgraded Version
- Flair UPDATED PRO 3 (Black) – All manual lever espresso maker
- Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
- Rechargeable Mini Coffee Scale with Timer, Maestri House
- Rancilio Silvia M V6 Espresso Machine (White)
- IMS Competition Precision Shower Screen For Rancilio
- Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
Duralex Made In France Amalfi 6 Oz Clear Espresso Mug, Set of 6
Serve your perfectly pulled shots in these classic and incredibly durable French-made glasses. The clear glass allows you to appreciate the rich color and beautiful crema of your espresso, while the 6-ounce capacity is also ideal for cortados and macchiatos.
Duralex glassware is engineered for longevity, being 2.5 times more resistant to breakage and chipping than standard glass. It can also withstand sudden thermal shocks, moving safely from -4°F to 212°F, making it perfectly safe for dishwashers and daily use.
Baratza Encore ESP Coffee Grinder
As an award-winning grinder recognized by the Specialty Coffee Association, the Baratza Encore ESP is built to handle the precise demands of espresso. Its innovative dual-range adjustment system provides the fine-tuning necessary for dialing in shots, with micro-steps specifically designed for espresso grinding.
This grinder simplifies the process of achieving a consistent grind. With a simple one-handed twist to adjust the grind size and a conveniently located pulse button, it removes the guesswork and frustration often associated with entry-level grinders. It’s a user-friendly tool that delivers professional-grade performance for your home setup.
Fellow Opus Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
The Fellow Opus is designed to be a truly all-purpose electric grinder, capable of handling everything from fine espresso to coarse French press grinds. With over 41 easily adjustable settings, it offers the versatility needed for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy multiple brewing methods without sacrificing counter space.
At its heart are 40mm stainless steel conical burrs and a powerful motor that provides outstanding consistency across the entire grind spectrum. Hailing from Fellow’s San Francisco design studio, the Opus combines a minimalist aesthetic with maximum functionality, helping you brew better coffee with a machine that looks as good as it performs.
WACACO Nanopresso Portable Espresso Maker
For the espresso lover on the move, the WACACO Nanopresso is a game-changer. This manually operated device requires no batteries or electricity, using a patented pumping system that can reach up to 18 bars of pressure for a quality extraction with a dense crema layer, all powered by your hands.
It’s designed for simplicity and portability. The Nanopresso is 15% easier to pump than previous models and all components are easily disassembled for thorough cleaning after your trip. It’s the perfect companion for camping, travel, or simply having great coffee at your office desk.
Flair UPDATED PRO 3 Manual Lever Espresso Maker
The Flair PRO 3 offers complete manual control over your espresso extraction, allowing you to produce professional-quality shots without the need for a bulky, expensive machine. This 100% human-powered press gives you the tools to handcraft espresso with precision, from your home or anywhere else.
It includes a custom pressure gauge with a visual “Espresso Zone” (6-9 BAR) for immediate feedback as you pull a shot. The PRO 3 features several key upgrades, including a no-preheat cylinder for a better workflow, an integrated shot mirror, and a preheat funnel, making it a top choice for manual espresso purists.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Espresso Machine
A legend in the home espresso world, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro continues its legacy with a solid steel housing and professional-grade components. Made in Italy, this machine is built to last and is the foundation for countless home barista journeys.
Its core performance comes from a commercial 58mm portafilter and a robust pump system that delivers a proper 9 bars of pressure for authentic espresso extraction. This machine provides a classic, hands-on experience that is both rewarding and capable of producing excellent coffee.
Maestri House Rechargeable Mini Coffee Scale
Precision is non-negotiable in espresso, and the Maestri House scale delivers with 0.1g accuracy. Its ultra-compact design is specifically made to fit on the drip trays of most espresso machines, ensuring it doesn’t get in the way of your workflow.
This rechargeable scale offers three measurement units (g/oz/ml) and features both automatic and manual timing modes. The ability to simultaneously measure weight and time your shot is critical for replicating your perfect brew, making this an essential tool for any serious coffee maker.
Rancilio Silvia M V6 Espresso Machine
The Rancilio Silvia is a benchmark for prosumer espresso machines, known for its commercial-grade build quality and reliable performance. The M V6 model continues this tradition, featuring the robust components that have made it a favorite for decades.
This iteration includes thoughtful updates like a new matte-black group cover and redesigned icons for improved usability. It’s a machine that rewards skill and can produce truly exceptional espresso, making it a long-term investment for those dedicated to the craft.
IMS Competition Precision Shower Screen For Rancilio
For Rancilio Silvia owners looking to optimize their machine’s performance, the IMS Precision Shower Screen is a simple yet effective upgrade. This screen is engineered to provide an exceptionally even water distribution across your coffee puck.
An even dispersion is critical for a balanced extraction, preventing channeling and ensuring all the coffee grounds are utilized evenly. With its integrated membrane and 98-hole perforated disc, this shower screen is a professional-grade component that can help you achieve a more consistent and flavorful shot.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The Breville Barista Express is an all-in-one solution that integrates a grinder directly into the machine, streamlining the espresso-making process. It’s designed for those who want a convenient yet capable system without the need for separate components cluttering the counter.
This machine gives you control over the grind size, dose, and water pressure, allowing you to manually fine-tune your shots. Its built-in grinder with a hopper means your beans are ground on demand, which is a significant advantage for preserving freshness and flavor in every cup.
What to Look For in Your 10 Roasty Reviews 11 Espresso Accessories You Need in 2025
As someone who spends a lot of time dialing in shots, I can tell you that the right gear makes all the difference. It is not just about having a fancy machine; it is about the small tools that give you control and consistency. Before you start adding items to your cart, think about your routine and what frustrates you. Are you tired of messy, uneven tamping? Is your grinder letting you down? Your pain points are the best guide for what to buy first.
First, consider your grinder. This is the single most important accessory after the machine itself. A high-quality burr grinder that offers micro-adjustments is non-negotiable for pulling a good shot. If your grinder cannot produce a consistent, fine powder, you will struggle with channeling and sour or bitter espresso every time. Look for grinders known for their uniformity and minimal retention. Your goal is to get all the beautiful, freshly ground coffee into your portafilter, not stuck inside the grinder.
Next, focus on your puck preparation tools. This is where the magic happens for a balanced extraction. A good, heavy tamper that fits your portafilter basket perfectly is a great start. From there, think about a distribution tool, or WDT tool, to break up clumps in the grounds. These simple, needle-like tools are a game-changer for creating an even coffee bed and preventing those frustrating channeling spots. A leveling tamper can also help ensure you are applying pressure evenly across the entire puck.
Do not forget about the water you are using. The quality of your water directly affects the taste of your espresso and the longevity of your machine. If you have hard water, scale buildup will become a real problem. Using filtered water is a simple fix, but for the truly dedicated, getting a water testing kit or using third-wave water packets can refine your flavor profile dramatically. Finally, think about your workflow. A sturdy, knock box saves counter space and makes cleaning up swift. A precision scale with a timer is essential for measuring your output and dialing in your recipe with repeatable accuracy. By focusing on these core areas—grinding, prepping, water, and workflow—you will build a setup that works for you.
FAQ
What is the single most important espresso accessory I should buy first?
Hands down, a good scale. You can have the best machine and grinder in the world, but without a precision scale that measures in 0.1-gram increments, you are just guessing. Espresso is all about ratios, and a scale lets you consistently measure your coffee dose and your final shot output. It is the fundamental tool for understanding and replicating a good shot. Before you invest in anything else, get a reliable, fast-responding scale that fits on your drip tray.
I see a lot of people using WDT tools. Are they really necessary?
They are one of the most effective and affordable upgrades you can make. A WDT tool is essentially a set of thin needles you use to stir the coffee grounds in the portafilter. This breaks up clumps and distributes the grounds evenly before you tamp. An uneven bed of coffee is a primary cause of channeling, where water finds the path of least resistance, leading to a sour and under-extracted shot. For a few dollars, a WDT tool gives you a huge boost in extraction quality.
How often should I descale my espresso machine?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends entirely on your water hardness and how often you use your machine. If you use filtered or soft water, you might only need to descale every few months. With harder water, it could be as often as every few weeks. The best practice is to check your machine’s manual for specific recommendations and to pay attention to your machine’s performance. If the steam wand seems weaker or the brew time is slowing down, it is probably time for a descale.
Is a bottomless portafilter worth the investment?
A bottomless, or naked, portafilter is a fantastic diagnostic tool. Because it has no spouts, you can see the bottom of the coffee puck as the espresso extracts. This allows you to clearly see if you have channeling, uneven extraction, or other issues with your puck preparation. It will not make your espresso taste better on its own, but it will show you exactly what you need to fix to make it taste better. It is a must-have for anyone serious about improving their technique.
Do I need a special espresso mug?
While you can technically use any cup, a proper espresso cup or demitasse does make a difference. They are designed to be preheated, which helps maintain the temperature of your shot. A cold cup will cool down your espresso quickly, muting its aromas and flavors. The shape of a demitasse also concentrates the crema and aroma, enhancing the overall tasting experience. For a complete setup, checking out a guide like the 10 Roasty Reviews 11 Espresso Accessories You Need in 2025 can point you toward some great preheating tools and cup options.