Barista Tools Explained
Essential tools for espresso
More Than Just a Machine
Great espresso requires the right tools. Here are the most important barista tools and what they do.
Essentials
- Tamper: Compresses coffee evenly. Must exactly fit the basket
- Scale (0.1g): For precise dosing - both coffee and water/espresso
- Dosing cup: For clean transfer from grinder to portafilter
- WDT tool: Needles for breaking up clumps in ground coffee
Nice to Have
- Distribution tool: Evenly distributes coffee before tamping
- Milk pitcher: Various sizes for different drinks
- Shot glass: For observing the espresso extraction
- Blind basket: For backflushing and machine cleaning
- Timer: For reproducible results
For Advanced Users
- Refractometer: Measures extraction percentage - for perfectionists
- Precision basket: Baskets with exact hole sizes (VST, IMS)
- Naked portafilter: Shows channeling immediately