Coffee Accessories
Essential and premium coffee accessories to elevate your brewing game. From scales and tampers to milk frothers and storage solutions.
About Coffee Accessories
Coffee accessories can make or break your brewing experience. We test everything from essential tools like scales and tampers to specialty items like distribution tools and milk pitchers. Whether you're building your first setup or upgrading existing tools, our expert reviews help you invest wisely.
Our testing process includes real-world use and durability testing to identify which accessories genuinely improve your coffee. Each review includes performance assessment and value comparison to help you choose the right tools.
What to Consider When Buying
✓Essential vs. Optional
Scales are essential for consistent brewing. Distribution tools matter for espresso. Fancy pitchers are nice but not necessary. Start with fundamentals before specialty tools.
✓Build Quality
Stainless steel lasts longer than plastic. Precise scales need quality load cells. Tampers benefit from solid, flat bases. Quality accessories pay for themselves over time.
✓Compatibility
Tampers must match your portafilter size exactly. Pitchers should fit under your steam wand. Scales need to fit your brewing setup. Measure before buying.
✓Precision Requirements
Espresso demands 0.1g scale accuracy. Pour-over works with 1g accuracy. Timers should read to 0.1 seconds. Higher precision isn't always necessary.
✓Ease of Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe accessories save time. Smooth surfaces clean easier than textured. Avoid hard-to-reach crevices that trap coffee residue.
✓Storage & Portability
Compact tools save counter space. Travel accessories should be durable and portable. Consider where and how you'll store each accessory.
Expert Tips
💡A quality scale is the single most important accessory for consistent coffee. Measuring by weight, not volume, transforms your brewing consistency.
💡Don't overspend on tampers—a flat, level base matters more than exotic materials. A $30 quality tamper performs as well as a $200 one.
💡Invest in proper cleaning supplies. Backflush detergent, descaling solution, and group head brushes prevent expensive repairs and maintain flavor.
💡Storage containers with one-way valves preserve coffee freshness far better than regular jars. Airtight isn't enough—you need CO2 release.
💡Buy a distribution tool and WDT tool if you make espresso regularly. They're inexpensive and significantly improve extraction consistency.
Need Help Choosing?
Check out our comprehensive buying guides for expert advice