The 10 Best Espresso Machine Accessories You Need For Your Coffee Bar

UPDATED January 1, 2024

bottomless portafilter espresso extraction

Are you ready to take your coffee bar to the next level? We've curated a list of the 10 best espresso machine accessories that every coffee enthusiast needs for their at-home coffee bar. Don't have your bar yet? Take a look at our partnership with Marie Flanigan Interiors going over the 5 Secrets to The Ultimate Coffee Bar or our partnership with Matthew Encina for his incredible office coffee bar. From essential tools to elevate your brewing game to must-have Breville espresso machine accessories, we've got you covered. Join us as we explore the world of accessories for an espresso machine and unlock the secrets to a perfect espresso experience."


JUMP TO SECTION:

#1 Bottomless Portafilter - GREAT FOR IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS AND FUN PICTURES

#2 WDT Tool - GREAT FOR IMPROVING YOUR EXTRACTION

#3 Dosing Funnel - GREAT FOR KEEPING YOUR BAR CLEAN AND TIDY

#4 Grounds Distributor - HELPFUL FOR ACHIEVING AN EVEN, FULL-BODIED EXTRACTION

#5 Knockbox - HELPFUL FOR A QUICK, EASY CLEANUP

#6 Puck Screens - GREAT FOR IMPROVING SHOT FLAVOR

#7 Tamping Mat - GREAT TOOL TO HELP PERFECT YOUR TAMPING

#8 Shot Glasses - GREAT FOR MEASURING SHOT VOLUME

#9 Scale - HELPFUL FOR PERFECTING YOUR SHOT PREPARATION

#10 A High-Quality Tamper - NECESSARY FOR PUCK PREPARATION

WHY TRUST US?

Trusting the experts at Cliff & Pebble is a wise choice for coffee enthusiasts seeking reliable guidance and exceptional products. With our extensive knowledge and experience in the coffee industry, Cliff & Pebble has established a reputation as a trusted authority. Their team of experts carefully curates a selection of premium coffee equipment, ensuring that every product meets their stringent standards for quality, performance, and durability. Additionally, their commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized support sets them apart, making them a reliable source for all your coffee-related needs. Need help? Contact an expert today!


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GREAT FOR IMPROVING YOUR SKILLS AND FUN PICTURES

#1 A Bottomless Portafilter

A bottomless portafilter, also known as a naked portafilter, is a specialized coffee brewing tool designed for espresso machines. Unlike traditional portafilters, which have a spout at the bottom to direct the espresso into a cup, a bottomless portafilter lacks this spout, exposing the espresso puck and the extraction process entirely. This unique design offers several benefits for coffee enthusiasts and baristas alike. Bottomless portafilters serve as invaluable learning tools that facilitate the quest for the perfect espresso shot by providing immediate visual feedback on the extraction process. They offer insights into the quality of the coffee grind, distribution, and tamping technique, helping individuals hone their barista skills and achieve consistent, high-quality espresso shots.


Expect to spend - $19 to $250

Bottomless Portafilter
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Related: Top 5 Bottomless Portafilters For Your Breville Espresso Machine

GREAT FOR IMPROVING YOUR EXTRACTION

#2 A WDT Tool

A WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool is an indispensable accessory for coffee aficionados and baristas seeking precision in their espresso preparation. This specialized tool is designed to address one of the critical aspects of espresso brewing: ensuring an even distribution of coffee grounds within the portafilter basket before tamping. A WDT tool typically features fine needles or prongs that are used to gently agitate and level the coffee grounds within the basket, effectively eliminating any inconsistencies or clumps. This meticulous process plays a vital role in enhancing the overall extraction process, as it allows for a more uniform distribution of water during brewing.


Expect to spend - $8 to $99

Crema Products WDT Tool
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GREAT FOR KEEPING YOUR BAR CLEAN AND TIDY

#3 A Dosing Funnel

A grinder dosing funnel is an essential tool in the world of coffee preparation, particularly for those who are dedicated to achieving precision and consistency in their espresso shots. This handy accessory is designed to address the challenges associated with dosing coffee grounds from a grinder into a portafilter basket. Unlike traditional methods that can result in uneven distribution, wasted grounds, or spillage, a grinder dosing funnel provides an elegant solution. The primary purpose of a dosing funnel is to guide the coffee grounds from the grinder's chute directly into the portafilter basket without any mess or waste. Its conical shape and snug fit over the portafilter create a controlled channel for the coffee grounds to flow through. This not only minimizes any potential mess but also ensures that all the freshly ground coffee ends up exactly where it's supposed to be.


Expect to spend - $15 to $99

Dosing Funnel
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HELPFUL FOR ACHIEVING AN EVEN, FULL-BODIED EXTRACTION

#4 A Grounds Distributor

An espresso grounds distributor is a vital tool for achieving precision and consistency in the coffee brewing process. Its primary role is to evenly distribute and level coffee grounds within the portafilter basket, ensuring a uniform coffee bed. This tool plays a pivotal role in enhancing extraction consistency, minimizing channeling, and ultimately leading to better-tasting espresso shots, making it an indispensable accessory for coffee enthusiasts and baristas striving for excellence in their espresso preparation.


Expect to spend - $15 to $199

Grounds Distributor
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HELPFUL FOR A QUICK, EASY CLEANUP

#5 A Knockbox

A knockbox is an essential accessory for espresso enthusiasts and baristas, offering a convenient and hygienic solution for disposing of used coffee grounds. Shaped like a small container with a sturdy bar or rod across the top, a knockbox allows baristas to efficiently knock the puck of used coffee grounds out of the portafilter after brewing. This not only keeps the workspace clean but also prevents clogs in plumbing systems. The knockbox's simple yet effective design makes it a valuable addition to any coffee setup, streamlining the espresso-making process and maintaining a tidy coffee station.


Expect to spend - $19 to $150

The Arc Knockbox
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GREAT FOR IMPROVING YOUR SHOT FLAVOR

#6 Puck Screens

Puck screens, often referred to as shower screens or dispersion screens, are vital components within an espresso machine's group head assembly. These screens play a crucial role in distributing water evenly over the coffee grounds during the extraction process. Their perforated design ensures that the water flows uniformly, avoiding channeling and resulting in a more consistent and well-extracted espresso shot. Puck screens are essential for achieving the full potential of your coffee beans, enhancing flavor extraction, and maintaining the overall quality of your espresso beverages.


Expect to spend - $9 to $29

MHW-3BOMBER Puck Screen
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GREAT TOOL TO HELP YOU PERFECT YOUR TAMPING

#7 A Tamping Mat

A tamping mat is a practical accessory for anyone engaged in the art of espresso preparation. It serves as a protective surface and provides stability during the coffee tamping process. Typically made from food-safe, durable rubber or silicone, tamping mats feature a designated area for placing the portafilter, preventing any damage to countertops or surfaces while allowing baristas to apply consistent and even pressure when tamping the coffee grounds. This essential tool not only maintains cleanliness in your coffee preparation area but also contributes to the overall precision and consistency needed for crafting the perfect espresso shot, making it an indispensable asset for coffee enthusiasts and baristas alike.


Expect to spend - $12 to $29

Watchget Tamping Mat
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GREAT FOR MEASURING YOUR SHOTS TO PERFECT YOUR SHOT TIME

#8 Shot Glasses

Clear shot glasses are invaluable tools for espresso enthusiasts and baristas seeking precision in their coffee-making process. These transparent glasses serve a dual purpose, allowing users to both visually assess the quality of the espresso shot and measure its volume accurately. By providing a clear view of the espresso's crema, color, and texture, these shot glasses enable baristas to evaluate the extraction's quality, making adjustments to variables like grind size and extraction time as needed. Additionally, their measurement markings allow for precise tracking of espresso volume, helping users achieve consistent and well-balanced shots, ultimately contributing to the mastery of the perfect espresso brewing process.


Expect to spend - $12 to $49

notNeutral Clear Shot Glass
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HELPFUL FOR PERFECTING YOUR SHOTS

#9 A Scale (optional but helpful)

A scale is an indispensable tool in the world of precision coffee brewing, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect espresso shot. These digital scales provide accurate measurements of coffee grounds, water, and extraction time, allowing baristas and coffee enthusiasts to fine-tune their brewing process with precision. When used for espresso, scales help ensure the precise measurement of coffee dose, water input, and extraction time, all of which are crucial factors in achieving consistency and perfection in each shot. Whether you're focusing on the golden coffee-to-water ratio or experimenting with different variables, a reliable scale is an essential companion for anyone dedicated to the pursuit of the ideal espresso.


Expect to spend - $29 to $250

Acaia Lunar Scale
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NECESSARY FOR PUCK PREPARATION

#10 A High-Quality Tamper

A high-quality, upgraded tamper is a must-have for espresso enthusiasts and baristas who are serious about their craft. While many espresso machines come with tampers included, these stock tampers are often of low quality, featuring inconsistent materials and subpar construction. Upgrading to a premium tamper is essential for achieving consistent and even compression of coffee grounds within the portafilter. These upgraded tampers are precision-engineered, typically made from premium materials like stainless steel or aluminum, and are ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip. Their superior construction ensures that tamping is consistent and efficient, resulting in more uniform extraction and better-tasting espresso shots. Investing in a high-quality tamper is a small but significant step toward elevating the overall coffee brewing experience, making it an essential tool for those who demand the best from their espresso.


Expect to spend - $10 to $199

Normcore V4 Tamper
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