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Espresso Equipment Essentials: What You Need
Tampers
Most espresso machines will not come with a quality tamper. So, here are some design choices that may pique your
interest while improving the quality of your shots. Sweet Maria’s online offers commercial quality knob top
tampers, the aluminum Italian ergo tamper, in 53 mm and 57.5 mm, a 55 mm flat top stainless steel tamper, a
stainless steel knob top tamper in 53 mm and 58 mm, and a knob top turned Rosewood handle tamper in 53 mm, 55 mm,
and 58 mm. These are all flat bottom tampers. If cool is definitely important, then you’ll want to check out
Espresso Part’s Torani tampers in red and blue and an assortment of sizes. Also in the way cool line of tamper
products is the Deluxe Lava tamp that looks like lava lamp in an assortment of colors and sizes featuring a convex
or flat tamping surfaces.
Knock Boxes
The knock box is a fast way to dispose of a puck, expended espresso, in preparation for another 7 mm scoop for the
portafilter. These can be built-in to lift out of the counter, fitted across the garbage can, or can simply sit on
top of the counter. Basically, the knock box is a square box with a bar that crosses the center and is used as a
surface to tap the portafilter against and discard the expended grounds. There are a few variations on the shape
and size of knock boxes, and there are also gaskets to fit around the top which minimizes the sound of the
portafilter as it meets the knock box. Customers will appreciate the quiet discarding of pucks rather than the
annoying pounding of each puck meeting its destiny.
Espresso Bean Grinders
Bean grinders will surprise you with the wide selection and choice of features available. You can get your grind
on with this commercial grade grinder, the Mazzer Mini. It is suitable for small businesses, the office, or even
the espresso stand-like corner of your home. This grinder features a heavy duty 1/3 horsepower motor and 58 mm
steel grinding plate. There is a chrome-plated fork to rest the portafilter on for loading. The most amazing,
extra-special feature of this grinder is the built-in timer. That’s right, it can be set to grind at a certain
time. The retail price for this grinder is about $750. The Capresso Burr Grinder 565 and 560 has 16 grind
settings and a 5-60 second automatic stop timer. The price of this grinder begins at about $99. The Braun
Aromatic Coffee Grinder can grind up to 2.5 ounces of beans at once, is available in black or white, and is a
small, portable grinder that retails for about $25. So, there is a grinder in every price range for every need.
A bean grinder is one of the most important pieces of espresso equipment.
Steaming Pitchers
Steaming pitchers are available in a variety sizes that range from 12 to 66 ounces and are usually stainless steel
with pour spouts. Although you’ll probably find countless uses for steaming pitchers, they are primarily used to
froth or steam milk for cappuccino or lattes.
Doser Spoons
This long handled spoon is designed to provide an accurate measurement of fine ground espresso for each shot of
espresso. It measures 7 mm and is available in either plastic or stainless steel.
Espresso Shot Glasses
The espresso shot glass is at home around the espresso machine to measure out flavorings for drinks and to measure
shots of espresso. There are one, two, and 4-ounce measuring shot glasses that have lines for each shot. These are
available from several online espresso stores.
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