accessories
Espresso Accessories
Reviews of espresso accessories. WDT tools, calibrated tampers, Acaia scales, puck screens, knock boxes, cleaning gear. Real picks from a working barista.
Espresso accessories are the cheapest path to better shots once you have a decent machine and grinder. A $25 WDT tool fixes more channeling than a $300 machine upgrade. A calibrated tamper stops you from over-tamping. A scale lets you actually replicate yesterday's good shot. We review every accessory we have used at home, at the shop, or both.
Puck prep: WDT, distribution, leveling
The cheapest single upgrade you can make to shot quality.
Reviews coming soon. Bookmark this page.
Tampers and tamping mats
Calibrated tampers prevent the over-tamp that ruins extraction.
Reviews coming soon. Bookmark this page.
Scales and timers
If you do not weigh, you do not actually know your ratio.
Reviews coming soon. Bookmark this page.
Cleaning and maintenance
Backflush detergent, descaler, knock boxes, brushes.
Reviews coming soon. Bookmark this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a WDT tool?
Yes, if you grind fresh into a portafilter and see clumps. A WDT tool breaks clumps and redistributes grounds, which is the number one fix for channeling. The cheapest version costs $10. A hand-made one with sewing needles works as well as a $50 commercial one.