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What do you need for an espresso machine

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In short

Beyond the machine itself, the essentials are fresh whole beans, a burr grinder that can grind fine enough for espresso (unless the machine has one built in), digital scales that read to 0.1 g, a tamper that fits your basket, a milk jug if you make milk drinks, and descaler and cleaning tablets. A knock box, distribution tool and tamping mat are useful extras that can wait.

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Unboxing a new espresso machine is exciting, but most machines come with only the basics: a portafilter, baskets, perhaps a plastic tamper and a milk jug. To make consistently good espresso you need a few more things, and the right grinder matters more than anything else. This guide lists what is essential, what is helpful and what you can skip, so you spend money in the right order.

The essentials

ItemWhy you need it
Espresso-capable burr grinderFine, consistent grind is the key to espresso
Fresh whole beansStale or pre-ground coffee gives weak, fast shots
Digital scales, 0.1 gWeigh dose and yield to dial in
Tamper that fits your basketEven, level tamp prevents channelling
Milk jugFor steaming milk, if you make milk drinks
Descaler and cleaning tabletsProtect the machine and keep shots clean
Must-have kit for manual espresso

A grinder comes first

If your machine has no built-in grinder, a good espresso grinder is the most important purchase. Espresso needs a very fine, even grind with small steps between settings. Blade grinders and many cheap burr grinders cannot do this. Without a suitable grinder, shots run fast and sour no matter how good the machine is. Our espresso grinder guide lists strong options, and burr vs blade grinders explains why burrs matter.

If you would rather not buy a separate grinder, an all-in-one machine solves it. See our espresso machines with a grinder guide.

Scales and tamper

Scales that read to 0.1 g let you weigh the coffee going into the basket and the espresso coming out. That turns dialling in from guesswork into a simple process. Our espresso dose and ratio guide explains the numbers to aim for. Slim scales that fit under the portafilter and include a timer are most convenient.

Many machines come with a light plastic tamper. A solid metal tamper that matches your basket diameter makes it easier to tamp evenly. Check your portafilter size first: common sizes are 51, 54 and 58 mm. Our portafilter sizes guide lists them by machine.

  • 51 mm

    De'Longhi manual

    single 7 g

    double 14 g

  • 54 mm

    Sage

    single 9 g

    double 18 g

  • 58 mm

    Gaggia and Rancilio

    single 7 to 9 g

    double 14 to 18 g

Circles drawn to scale. Example machine families and doses are typical values; check your basket for its stated dose.

51, 54 and 58 mm baskets to scale, with single and double doses.

For milk drinks

A stainless steel milk jug with a pointed spout makes steaming easier and lets you pour latte art. A 350 ml or 600 ml jug suits most home drinks. A thermometer that clips onto the jug helps while you learn to judge temperature by touch. Our steam wand guide covers technique.

Keep a damp cloth just for the steam wand and wipe it straight after every use.

Useful extras

  • Knock box: somewhere to bang out used pucks without damaging the bin.
  • Tamping mat: protects the worktop and portafilter spouts.
  • Distribution tool or WDT needle tool: breaks up clumps for more even shots.
  • Bottomless portafilter: shows channelling clearly, useful when learning.
  • Group head brush: cleans grounds from the shower screen and gasket.
  • Water filter jug: helps in hard water areas.

What to buy first, and what can wait

If you are working to a budget, spend in this order: grinder, beans, scales, tamper, milk jug, then extras. A good grinder and fresh beans make the biggest difference to taste. Scales come next because they make every other change measurable. A better tamper and milk jug improve consistency and ease, while knock boxes, mats and distribution tools make the routine tidier rather than the coffee better.

It is also worth reading your machine's manual before buying accessories. Some machines include a metal tamper, a milk jug, a cleaning disc and both pressurised and unpressurised baskets, so you may already have more than you think. Check basket sizes before buying anything that has to fit the portafilter, as sizes differ even within one brand.

Cleaning and care

Plan for regular cleaning from day one. Backflush machines with a three-way valve using a blind basket and espresso machine detergent, rinse the portafilter and baskets daily and descale with the maker's recommended product. In UK hard water areas this matters a lot; see our hard water guide. Our how to use the Gaggia Classic and how to use the Sage Barista Express guides show machine-specific routines.

Choose an espresso grinder →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate grinder for an espresso machine? Yes, unless your machine has one built in or you use pressurised baskets with pre-ground coffee, which limits quality.

What size tamper do I need? Match it to your basket's inner diameter. Sage machines commonly use 54 mm, many Italian machines 58 mm, and some De'Longhi machines 51 mm.

Do I need scales? Not strictly, but they are the cheapest way to make your shots consistent.

What beans should I buy? Fresh espresso blends or medium roasts are easiest to start with. See what beans to use.

What you need