Stainless steel filters are on the surface very similar to Aeropress steek filters. However, they have a smaller diameter and are designed to fit your basket. They offer a couple of advantages over mesh filters: First, the effect of straining out the oils, lipids, and heavier fines. This improves clarity and makes for a perceived sweeter shot, as discussed earlier.

We see this time and time again the coffee industry ‘steals’ ideas and concepts from the wine industry. So, similar to wine-tasting glasses, there are tasting cups for coffee, ideal to taste coffee and identify unique features of different coffee beans.Replace the screen: If the screen becomes damaged or heavily corroded, it's important to replace it to ensure the quality of your espresso.

One approach is to use a calibrated tamper, which allows you to apply a consistent amount of pressure. Another technique is to use a distribution tool, which helps to evenly distribute the coffee grounds before tamping. WDT Some people think they are less efficient at dispersing the water stream than the mesh filters and more prone to channeling. Soak your filter in a coffee-specific cleaner like Cafiza for a deep clean, once in a while to remove nasty oils. Proper cleaning and compatibility are crucial for optimal coffee extraction, regardless of the filter type.A good way to detect any issues with your coffee extraction and whether it’s channelling or not is to use a naked portafilter. It’s a relatively recent innovation in specialty coffee. I think the tiny brand Bplus from Taiwan may have been the first one to introduce the concept, although I may be wrong. No matter how well you did your tampering, if the coffee basket is damaged (which happens due to excessive usage or when not following the best practices the manufacturers recommend). As a result, the water finds the easiest way to run through the coffee grounds and (as you might have guessed it) this leads to espresso channelling. Make sure you follow the guidelines for brewing espresso with your coffee machine to avoid damaging the coffee grounds basket in mint condition. Portafilters Not necessarily, but there’s no harm in buying one, especially if you’re into trying different coffee beans. Books about latte art

The ability to increase extraction with a paper filter is an interesting find and worth exploring for home baristas. Distributors are equally important and will help you spread the coffee grounds more evenly and enjoy better coffee. Mesh filters are the original choice. They are easy to buy online and can be found in various sizes and densities. You can use paper instead of a screen. Use scissors to cut baking paper in the shape of the coffee basket and once you’re done with tamping you can put it above the coffee grounds. If you read our guide on how to make espresso, we mention a few espresso accessories there, but we deem the accessories optional. However, this article is an advanced technique, for the home barista who want to pull the perfect espresso shot. A Bit of HistoryAdding a paper filter underneath the coffee grounds is an easy way to make brighter, sweeter shots. That brighter flavor may work against you if you prefer richer, more full-bodied shots or like making milk-heavy drinks like lattes. Best of all, paper filters can be thrown away with your ground coffee, so they don’t add any maintenance. The third change with a paper filter is cleanliness. I have less spraying on my bottomless portafilter using a paper filter. I love bottomless filters to see the flow and easier cleaning, but the spraying is constant issues. Many consumer espresso machines, like Breville, are set to high pressure, which inevitably causes spraying. The more even flow of a paper filter greatly reduces this spraying. WDT, or Weiss Distribution Technique, is a method of evenly distributing the coffee grounds in the portafilter basket. This technique involves using a fine needle to stir the coffee grounds, ensuring that they are evenly distributed and free of clumps. With a relatively low price point compared to so many things in the jungle that is espresso accessories, it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your workflow and shot consistency.