What You Need to Make Espresso at Home
Buying an espresso machine is the start, not the finish. A few other pieces make the difference between frustrating shots and good ones. Here's what you really need.
The essentials
1. An espresso machine
Look for steady temperature control and a gentle start to each shot. The Breville Bambino Plus has PID temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion in a small body. See our home espresso machine comparison for five options.
2. A grinder that can grind for espresso
This is the part people skip, and the reason many home shots taste bad. Espresso needs a fine, even grind and very small adjustments. Pre-ground coffee is usually too coarse and goes stale fast.
Either buy a machine with a good built-in grinder, or a separate espresso grinder. Our espresso grinder comparison covers five.
3. A scale
A small kitchen scale that reads to a tenth of a gram lets you weigh the coffee going in and the espresso coming out. That's how you repeat a good shot instead of guessing.
4. Fresh beans
Buy whole beans roasted within the last few weeks, ideally labeled for espresso. Store them sealed, away from light and heat.
Nice to have
- A better tamper. The plastic one many machines include works, but a solid metal tamper that fits your basket makes even tamping easier.
- A milk pitcher with a spout, if your machine doesn't include one, for lattes and cappuccinos.
- A distribution tool or needle tool to break up clumps before tamping.
- A knock box for used pucks.
What you can skip at first
- Fancy baskets and upgrades. Learn on the basket that came with the machine.
- Expensive accessories until you know what bothers you about your routine.
- Latte art gear. A basic pitcher is plenty to start.
Water
Very hard water leaves scale inside the machine. If your water is hard, use filtered water and descale as the manual recommends. It protects the machine and improves taste.
Start simple
Machine, grinder, scale, fresh beans. That's the setup that makes good espresso. Add the rest once you've pulled a few dozen shots and know what you'd like to improve.