I've Worked Behind Espresso Bars for 20 Years. These Are the Tools I Use at Home

Pulling espresso requires managing many variables across grinding, tamping, and forcing hot water through a portafilter. Technique and know-how remain the primary drivers of rich, nuanced shots, even when using more approachable, affordable machines. A well-chosen accessory toolkit can help bridge the gap between beginners and experienced baristas by making the process more calculated and efficient. Using a small rechargeable scale with a timer helps track shot speed and final volume while dialing in a fresh bag of beans. Features like auto-tare and retained digital readouts support note-taking on final shot specifications during adjustments. Magnetic add-ons can extend the scale’s usefulness beyond espresso, including pour-over brewing.

"Pulling the perfect shot of espresso is equal parts art and science. It's expressive, yet exacting. There's an endless list of variables you must manage and account for as you grind your beans, tamp your puck, and force hot water through your portafilter, so it's no surprise that a vast and overwhelming cottage industry has sprung up to help aspiring baristas make the process more calculated and efficient."

"Technique and know-how are still number one when it comes to dialing in a machine and brewing rich, nuanced shots. After nearly two decades of on-and-off work as a barista in both crusty second-wave cafes and trendy third-wave coffee bars, I'm still seeking knowledge, refining my technique, and going to great lengths to coax delicious shots out of more approachable (and affordable) machines like the Casabrews 5700PRO or the Gevi Espresso Machine."

"Tiny scales with a USB-C rechargeable battery and a built-in timer are pretty much the norm these days, and for good reason: Closely tracking both the speed and final volume of your shot is essential when you're dialing in a fresh bag of beans. The Laybird MagAttach Coffee Scale does exactly that, with an auto-tare option and one-minute digital readout retention so you can take notes on your final shot specs while you make adjustments."

"It also includes a trio of handy add-ons that attach to the scale via magnets, providing an all-in-one option that covers most scenarios, including pour-over brewing. A flat pi"

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