Buying Guide: Barista Tools and What Each One Is Used For
If you want to make coffee at home or in your shop like a professional, the machine alone is not enough. There are a few small but miraculous tools that make the difference between an average and a perfect espresso.
Measuring Spoon
What it is: A simple spoon (usually metal or plastic) with a specific capacity.
What it's used for: It helps you easily scoop coffee (beans or ground) from the bag or container. It's practical for quick use, especially for filter coffee, but if you want absolute precision for espresso, it's best to combine it with a scale.
Dosing Cup
What it is: A small cup or a "ring" that fits exactly on top of the portafilter (the handle of the coffee machine).
What it's used for: It's the savior of cleanliness! When you grind coffee, it collects it inside without any grounds spilling left and right on your counter. Afterwards, you simply flip the coffee into the portafilter easily and cleanly.
Barista scale
What it is: A digital pocket scale that measures with great accuracy (usually in 0.1 gram increments) and often has a built-in timer.
What it's used for: It is perhaps the most important tool for a barista. The secret to perfect coffee is consistency: you need to know exactly how many grams of coffee you used, how many grams of beverage ended up in your cup, and in how many seconds. The scale does all of this!
Espresso cup
What it is: A small glass or metal cup. Many of them have measurement lines (ml) on the side.
What it's used for: You place it under the machine to catch the espresso during extraction. It helps you clearly see the "crema" (the coffee's foam), measure the volume of the drink if you don't have a scale, and then easily pour it into the final cup, especially if you're making a freddo.
Coffee Distribution Tool
What it is: Tools that resemble stirrers (they have fine needles) or are shaped like a flat disc.
What it's used for: When coffee falls from the grinder, it often forms small "clumps." This tool stirs and "combs" the ground coffee inside the portafilter, so it is spread absolutely evenly everywhere. This way, the water will pass evenly through all the coffee and you won't get a bitter or sour taste.
Garnishing Container
What it is: A small metal container with a lid that has small holes (like a salt shaker) or a fine mesh.
What it's used for: It's for the finishing touch! You fill it with cocoa, cinnamon, or grated chocolate and "sprinkle" it over your cappuccino foam or the whipped cream on your drinks, easily and with a professional look.
Be the first to leave a comment!