Barista Tools

An even, level puck is the single biggest step towards consistent espresso. Water takes the easiest path through the coffee, so clumps or a tilted tamp cause channelling and sour or bitter shots.

WDT tools

A WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool uses fine needles to break up clumps and spread the grounds evenly before you tamp. It’s cheap, quick and makes a noticeable difference, especially with single dose grinders. Try the Airflow Magnetic WDT Tool or the Fellow Espresso WDT Tool.

Tampers

The tamper should match your filter basket closely so it presses the whole puck evenly. Calibrated tampers click or stop at a set pressure, so every shot is tamped the same. See the Fellow Guided Calibrated Tamper 58mm, the two-in-one Avanti Leveler and Tamper 58mm, or the Cobra Stainless Tamper. A tamp mat protects your bench and the portafilter spouts.

A dosing ring or funnel sits on top of the portafilter so grounds land in the basket instead of on the bench, and gives you room to use a WDT tool without spilling. Choose the size that matches your portafilter: the Airflow Dosing Ring 58mm, the Airflow Dosing Ring 54mm, or the magnetic Fellow 58mm Dosing Funnel.

Precision filter baskets have more consistent holes than most stock baskets, which gives more even extraction and makes it easier to dial in. Pick the basket that matches your usual dose:

• IMS Precision Basket 12g to 18g
• Pullman Precision Basket 17g to 19g
• Pullman Precision Basket 19g to 22g
• Pullman Precision Basket 22g to 25g

Weighing your dose and your shot is the easiest way to get repeatable espresso. Look for a scale with 0.1g accuracy, a built-in timer and a footprint small enough to fit on your drip tray.

• Avanti Digital Coffee Scale: a simple, affordable starting point
• Brewace Espresso Smart Scale: compact, made to sit under the portafilter
• Hario Polaris Coffee Scale: suits both espresso and pour over
• Subminimal Subscale Dosing Cup: weigh beans and grind straight into the cup

A knock box gives you somewhere solid to knock out used pucks without damaging the portafilter or your bin. Home baristas can choose from the Fellow Espresso Knock Box (also in Sesame and Cherry Red), the Avanti Large Knock Box or the Domestic Dump Box. For busier setups, the Bench Model Dump Box holds more pucks between emptying.

For silky microfoam at home without a steam wand, the Subminimal Nanofoamer (also in white) is cordless and rechargeable. If your machine has a steam wand, browse our full range of milk frothing jugs, including latte art and colour-coded jugs for alternative milks.

Coffee oils build up in the group head, portafilter and grinder burrs and turn rancid, which makes shots taste bitter. Backflush regularly, clean your steam wand after every use, and descale on a schedule that suits your water. Our coffee machine cleaning range includes Cafetto backflush tablets, milk frother cleaner and grinder cleaner.

What size tamper do I need?

Match the tamper to the inside of your filter basket, not the portafilter. Many home espresso machines with an E61 group use 58mm baskets, and some compact machines use 54mm. If you’re not sure, measure the top of your basket or bring your portafilter into one of our stores.

What are the must-have tools for a new home espresso setup?

Start with a scale, a tamper that fits your basket, a WDT tool and a knock box. Add a dosing ring and a precision basket once you’re dialling in more closely.

Do you supply cafes?

Yes. We supply cafes and commercial kitchens throughout New Zealand. See our commercial barista tools, or get in touch for trade enquiries.

Can I see the gear in store?

Yes. Visit us in Napier, Christchurch or Dunedin to try tampers and scales, and to talk to our team about espresso machines, grinders and servicing.