If you’ve got a home coffee machine, then you likely have almost everything you need to start making the best coffee of your life. That said, there are a few coffee machine accessories that will help you really nail it.
Here’s the thing: any amount of research has likely bombarded you with options on options on options. Parsing out the best coffee machine accessories from the bunch can feel tough, because there is pressure – as a new at-home barista – to know it all, get it all, do it all.
So today, we’re going to clear the way. We’ll focus on the fundamental coffee machine accessories that will genuinely make your coffee better, separating them from the accessories a truly dedicated hobbyist might have in their arsenal.
Let’s begin, as they say, at the beginning.
1. A quality grinder.
Ask any barista, and they’ll tell you: your grinder might matter even more than your machine. Freshly ground beans make all the difference, which is why you might have noticed that café espresso tastes smoother and richer than home-brewed versions. With a good grinder, you can dial in your shots, experiment with the grind size, and achieve that perfect balance for yourself at home.
If you’re seeking a first upgrade in terms of coffee machine accessories, this should always be your go-to option. A coffee grinder is one of the best accessories for a coffee machine, and it will always elevate your espresso.
2. A reliable tamper and mat.
Once you’ve sorted out the quality of the grind on your beans, the next step is to handle the tamp. One of the best coffee machine accessories you can bring home is a proper tamper, which helps you to press your coffee grounds evenly into the portafilter to create resistance for water pressure.
There’s a classic lightweight plastic tamper you might already have, but it helps to invest in a heavy, stainless-steel one that fits your portafilter snugly. It’ll feel balanced in your hand and allow for consistent, even pressure.
Pair it with a tamping mat or station to protect your benchtop and keep things tidy.
3. A solid milk jug.
If you love a simple black coffee, a milk jug might not be for you. But if you’re a fiend for a good cappuccino, then a good milk jug is a must-have. Look for one with a narrow spout and a comfortable handle; ideally, it should fit into the curve of your hand. This is ultimately what gives you control for texturing your milk, and even experimenting with latte art if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Generally speaking, stainless steel is your best bet for durability and temperature control. If you’re looking, you’ll find options in multiple sizes (350ml for single drinks, 600ml for doubles).
4. Cleaning tools.
Finally, we can’t overstate the importance of having the right cleaning tools for your machine. If you don’t have the appropriate cleaning tools, the inside of your espresso machine can quickly become a haven for a build-up of oils, residue, and scale from hard water.
At a minimum, you’ll want to make sure that you have:
- A group head brush for scrubbing out the portafilter area.
- A reputable espresso machine cleaner or tablets to backflush regularly.
- A microfibre cloth to wipe down the steam wand and group head between uses.
While this is one of the best coffee machine accessories you can invest in, it’s not necessarily one of the most glamorous, so it often goes overlooked. That said, consistency is what will keep your coffee tasting as it should, so take a moment to pick these up and extend the life of your gear. You won’t regret it.
Some extras (for the enthusiasts).
A knock box for spent grounds.
Your kitchen bin will suffice for the most part, but if you’re looking for a way to keep a perfectly clean benchtop, then a knock box helps you stay firmly on the side of ‘tidy’.
It’s a simple container with a bar across the top for tapping out used coffee pucks. Clean, quick, and oddly satisfying if we have any say in it. This keeps your sink free of coffee grounds, not to mention it makes composting or gardening much easier if you’re the eco-friendly type.
A digital scale and shot timer.
If you’re serious about refining your coffee craft, a small digital scale and timer are worth their weight in gold. They take the guesswork out of brewing by helping you track dose, yield, and extraction time. Once you’ve found your ideal ratio (say, 18g of grounds for a 36g shot in 27 seconds), you can replicate it every time.
Ultimately, buying every single coffee-related gadget that crosses your feed might do you more harm than good. Begin at the beginning, focusing on the best coffee machine accessories that truly elevate your brewing routine; in other words, a great grinder, a sturdy tamper, and a few quality maintenance tools.
From there, you can grow your collection over time as your skills and tastes evolve. Quite honestly, that’s half the joy of becoming an at-home barista.
Nail that perfect first cup with help from Segafredo Zanetti.
We believe in great coffee, which means we believe in providing world-class espresso machines as well as the coffee accessories that accompany them. Browse our range of the best coffee machine accessories to stock up on the necessities today.
