When it comes to making the perfect espresso, there is always room to up your game. In addition to the main brewing process, there are a few additional tools that can greatly enhance your espresso-making experience. These tools are all used before the actual brewing, setting the stage for the best extraction possible. Let’s take a closer look at each tool and how it can contribute to the overall espresso-making process.
The Fellow Atmos Canister for Coffee Beans is an excellent tool for storing your coffee beans. Priced at $40, this vacuum canister helps slow down the degradation of the flavorful oils and chemical compounds present in freshly roasted beans. By removing all the air from the chamber every time you close it, the Fellow Atmos preserves the freshness of your coffee beans for a longer period of time.
When it comes to grinding your coffee beans, the Oxo Conical Burr Grinder is a top choice. Priced at $99, this grinder offers a fine and consistent grind, which is essential for making espresso. With a burr grinder, you can easily achieve the desired grind size for your espresso. One of the advantages of the Oxo Conical Burr Grinder is its easy maintenance. The bean bin can be easily removed and cleaned, ensuring that your grinder stays in optimal condition.
If you are serious about improving your espresso brewing, a bottomless portafilter is a must-have tool. The Bezzera Bottomless Portafilter, priced at $80, allows you to see your mistakes and inconsistencies in real-time. When your grind is off or you’ve over-tamped your grounds, the bottomless portafilter lets you see how the espresso coats the bottom of the filter and pours into the cup. It helps you become more aware of your technique and allows room for improvement. Just make sure to check the circumference of your espresso machine’s group head before purchasing a bottomless portafilter to ensure a proper fit. The most common sizes are 53 mm and 58 mm, and most bottomless portafilters are available in these sizes.
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After you’ve ground your coffee and loaded it into the portafilter, the next step is tamping. The Crema Distributor & Tamp is a great tool to ensure an even tamping surface. Priced at $44, this tool has a distribution side and a tamping side. It allows you to level off your coffee grounds before flipping it over to give them a good tamp. Tamping with the right pressure is crucial for a balanced extraction. By using the distributor and tamp, you can easily achieve a consistent tamp pressure, leading to better tasting espresso. Just remember to choose a distributor and tamp that fits the circumference of your machine’s portafilter.
When it comes to serving your espresso, the right shot glasses can make a difference. The Duralex Picardie Shot Glasses, priced at $21 for a set of six, are an excellent choice. These shot glasses are tall and narrow, allowing for a wonderfully aerated crema to form on top. Made of tempered glass, they can withstand the heat of the espresso. These shot glasses are also versatile and can be used for serving smaller drinks like macchiatos, which consist of a shot of espresso with a dollop of froth on top.
In conclusion, these additional tools can greatly enhance your espresso-making experience. From storing your coffee beans to grinding, brewing, and serving, each tool plays a specific role in achieving the best extraction possible. By investing in these tools and paying attention to the details of the espresso-making process, you can elevate your coffee game and enjoy a truly exceptional cup of espresso.
