Naturally, your coffee shop needs to be prepared with choice varietals, grinders, and coffee and espresso machines.
But what about the more elemental barista tools that let your staff’s skills really shine?
Don’t be without these seven essentials!
Shot Glasses
Almost no explanation is warranted here; be prepared with spares.
Espresso shot glasses are essential for checking volume, splitting shots, or, more simply, if you have limited space under your espresso machine and a mug won’t fit.
Tamper
Don’t think you’re done once you’ve ground the coffee and filled the portafilter. If you don’t tamp it, the water will flow through too quickly and create a disaster.
Tampers are the tool used for compressing espresso in the portafilter, ensuring perfect flow and extraction.
They also come in a wide range of sizes for every need, so before you get one, measure the size of portafilter baskets. (You might as well get a tamping mat that will protect your counter, too!)
Steaming Pitcher
How are your baristas going to steam milk without a steaming pitcher?
Pitchers, like tampers, come in a variety of sizes and finishes. Modern steaming pitchers, such as those made by Revolution, are also available in matte black Teflon finishes.
These are not only aesthetically pleasing but easy to clean and durable enough to stand up to commercial use.
Whisks
Perfect for drink preparation, whisks can be used to mix powders and syrups effortlessly. Use those made from stainless steel in your shop, as these are easier to clean and will not impart flavors.
A Thermometer
Low, slow, controlled heating is necessary to develop the sugars in milk. An eventual temperature of 140℉ to 150℉ is ideal, resulting in smooth, even, sweet milk that can make or break a latte, cappuccino or flat white.
Nothing’s worse than scorched milk, either – but to achieve perfectly steamed milk, you’ll need a high-quality thermometer, making it another essential barista tool.
Espresso Knock Box/Bin
Espresso knock boxes are also essential for coffee shops and espresso bars.
Most espresso knock boxes consist of a stainless steel body with a steel “knock bar” and rubberized cover.
When you’re done pulling a shot of espresso, you knock the portafilter against the knock bar, dislodging the spent puck of grounds.
This will enhance your baristas’ workflow and help prevent drips across the floor.
They’re also great for those that like to compost their grounds and don’t like wastefully tossing them into the trash.
A Cleaning Brush
High-quality cleaning brushes with stiff bristles (like boar bristles) will help prevent grounds from accumulating in hard-to-reach places, making cleaning easier and improving the cleaning protocols in your shop.
Where Can You Find These Barista Tools (and More) at Great Prices?
Looking for high-quality barista tools and coffee shop essentials online, from top brands like Revolution and Pallo?
Visit Visions Espresso online at VisionsEspresso.com to see a full collection of tools as well as grinders, coffee machines, parts, and accessories.
If you have any questions about their products, get in touch with them at 800-277-7277.
