What Coffee Gear Do I Need?

Welcome to our coffee-guide to get some insight into the coffee gear world.

When it comes to barista equipment, we like to keep it simple. As with every hobby, you do not want to be the guy who spends 10k+ on his gear and clearly does no know what he is doing. On the other hand, if you have the skills, you have my blessing to go fancy.

What you will need: 

Coffee machine?

While you can make great coffee on a cheap machine, it is great to invest a little bit here. They last forever if you treat them well and it just feels great to have some quality. You definitely want whatever size portafilter and relatively consistent brew and steaming pressure. 

Grinder?

I love grinders and in my opinion grind consistency is the most important factor. I prefer a $200 coffee machine combined with a $1000 grinder over a cheap grinder with the best coffee machine. I like a timing function and a hopper, however single dosing has its advantages too. 

What else?

Everything else is less important, I recently had to tamp with a plastic tamper which was certainly not 58.55mm for a while and probably got the same results. Everything else a good barista could leave away if neccessary.

Weight Scale?

You need one, at least to dial it in and check from time to time. Does not need to be fancy, 0.1g accuracy and a relatively secure and straight forward tare function. Scales freak me out sometimes. I allow a timer.

Tamper?

Size should match your portafilter, that would by my only requirement. I like to keep it simple there too. Just hold it straight or as crooked as you hold your portafilter.  I also do not see a benefit from a overly heavy tamper.

Tamper Mat?

Any. Get the size and design you like. I do not use tamping stations, mostly for the clean look purpose.

Portafilter Cleaner?

Nokki Portfafilter Scraper of course. At least as an addition to the knock box for the wet pucks or noise sensitive moments. Details here click

Cloth?

Any. Can be any rag you find in the kitchen, or a good looking barista micro fiber cloth.

WDT Tools?

Definitely not a absolutely must have. Two taps on the side of your portafilter usually work too. With bottomless baskets I like them and it is a quite calming process.. Especially combined with a funnel.

Milk Jugs?

Get the size you need depending on your drinks. Other than that, up to you. No need for temperature indicating stickers, just steam as hot as you feel comfortable drinking it.