7 Espresso Tools You Need, and 6 You Really Don’t!

[@homecafecharlie]

Hey everyone, if you liked the video and want to help me keep doing this, get the Brew Ledger and support this channel while receiving a very useful dial in log book: shop.homecafebycharlie.com/

[@kg-Whatthehelliseventhat]

Hey man, Just wanted to tell you I really appreciate the personal attention you gave me via email. I'm still learning Japanese and miss chatting with people especially about coffee. I imagine you empathise. As for those beans... the company has yet to respond so my wife left a scathing review. As is, after sorting I'll pull about 25g from a 230g sample and my roaster holds approximately 200gm. That is far from 7 bad beans out of a 350gm sample. I guess this company doesn't follow the SCA for speciality coffee. Idk... I'll try to see if the local Roasters will sell me green beans. Thank you again for the help. 😊

[@thepowerofchris]

"having to cup your hands at the edge of the table" It's called a dustpan & brush and they don't cost £70.

[@Clynikal]

Or a cleaning cloth $1.50

[@robertusga]

Portafilter screen is a must have for me. Reduces head space and keeps things super clean.

[@UltiMogr]

Its good to have a milk thermometer to "dial in" your hand's sensitivity to heat. Not everybody has the same sensitivity. I found out that I stopped way earlier than needed, especially if I touched the bottom and not the sides of the pitcher

[@Chasik]

yes! also it can be useful in proving wrong your colleagues who think u are overheating milk

[@homecafecharlie]

@@Chasik In that case, that's a good enough reason to get one!

[@topjets5616]

I like my cheap Blind Shaker $17 U.S. , for me it is easier to use, less messy, you don't need a portafilter funnel, I see no channeling, and coffee is good as if using WDT needle and you don't have worry about poking yourself

[@Selfdev-fc6dl]

what brand you are using?

[@topjets5616]

@@Selfdev-fc6dl Bought my blind shaker through Walmart, by Kawaku was $16.99 U.S. with free shipping, now $16.23 U.S. sliver color still shows free shipping works great with my Mara X 58mm basket, hope this helps, have a great coffee day :)

[@Selfdev-fc6dl]

@ thanks i was worried that cheep ones wont work and make coffee stick to much but now i will buy one and try

[@topjets5616]

@@Selfdev-fc6dl some grinds do stick to it, mainly the lid after shaking but I just tap the top with brush handle then brush what remains into portifilter, for me it's faster, cleaner and taste as good if not better than WDT needles and I was a big doubter of blind shaker think it was a big gimmick, best of luck :)

[@ziptiefighter]

A distribution tool is a WDT. That's what the 'D' is for. Calling that "distribution tool" a "distribution" tool is a misnomer. Of course it doesn't distribute. It cannot reach the depth of the grounds. Call it what it is, a leveler. I use one daily and love it. It can also negate the need for a tamper (Yes, I've done this) because its depth is adjustable, and thus can control for tamping amount without the need for a sprung tamper or one of those fancy PUQ tamping stands. Also, a hockey puck is dirt cheap, virtually unbreakable, portable, and works wonderfully for tamping. Keep it simple by keeping the gear to a minimum. Cheers!

[@RegrinderAlert]

Levelers are stupid because you are effectively introduce a new variable (set depth) that is completely unnecessary. And while in the best case they do nothing positive, you are usually just introducing uneven compression before tamping. Just use a leveling tamper without any fancy spring-release mechanism and compress fully every single time. Bad advice from your side.

[@TheSannor]

Supposedly using a doser cup/shaker and shake it is better than using WDT. I imagine that when moving the WDT in the ground coffee it leaves valleys and compressed walls of coffee behind it specifically if the needles were relatively thick😅. I believe Lance has video favors the shaker over the WDT

[@mikepiscitella8715]

Thanks for the video, how you liking that VS6?

[@jianguoZhang-f5g]

Really recommend MHW-3BOMER, especially the WDT. Much fun though. Big fan of this brand.

[@homecafecharlie]

I use some of their stuff, it's good! I also like Normcore, Ikape and Pesado for different things.

[@kktpp]

those kruve cups are 🔥🔥🔥

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I know you didn't recommend it, but The MHW Bomber Cyclone is not only handy for WDT, but fun, too!

[@homecafecharlie]

It's fun for sure! I have that and the iKape Mantis as well, and generally I find the effectiveness of the manual ones to be much better, cheaper and generally faster if you already use a dosing funnel ;)

[@tawfiqabuahmad6884]

What is the coffee machine you use? It looks very aesthetic

[@homecafecharlie]

It's the Meraki, I did a video about the pre-launch unit a little while ago.

[@kitcraft9516]

I just won't ever be able to claim a wdt as essential. Shots with and without, for me, fall within the same shot window +/- a few seconds when pulling back-to-back and I can't taste a difference. There may well be a difference on a refractometer but that doesn't do much for me in reality. There might also be people who can taste a difference, but I am not one of them. That isn't to say I have stopped using my completely, but I normally don't unless I get a wild hair, as they say. I'm still a Stockfleth kind of guy. It is just engrained into my workflow and works well enough for me. I totally get that everybody has preferences and that some people chase the numbers, but I go by taste. Maybe I don't have a good palate, but I accept that, lol. Oh and I am also clumsy so maybe I suck at wdt. I know that is why I like my palm tamper. I have tried two different self-leveling tampers, and my coffee bed has a slant. If you watch the collar lifts up, on both, in the front when I tamp. If I hold the collar with one hand and really pay attention when tamping, I don't have that issue, so I know it is a me problem. But a palm tamper really takes away the fuss. Anyway, as always enjoyed your video and seeing your takes. Enjoy your coffee!

[@RegrinderAlert]

If you are brewing with medium or darker beans, it doesn’t matter too much. Less flavor potential but also less potential to go wrong. I agree that WDT is not trivial to do correctly by hand. Palm tampers are nice if you are referring to spring loaded ones - because they make holding the “collar” while tamping easier than classic level tampers. But avoid the “solid” palm tampers that need depth adjustment.

[@Grandier]

airtight coffee canister sounds great, but resealable coffee bag with one way valve is the true superior method of storing coffee

[@Lizard-of-Oz]

I don’t remember if you mentioned scales. On your needed tools for espresso, also towels to keep them handy to clean the surface, espresso machine and porta filter after every shot.

[@homecafecharlie]

It's not an exhaustive list 🙂

[@Avruthlelbh]

Great video idea, but I have a few problems with the items listed. (Mild essay inbound, I promise I'm not crazy, I just have a lot to say.) The first list: Item 1: Can be replaced by damp rag. Not really a "First item on list of things you need"-worthy choice, if that makes sense. Item 2: The item basically everybody knows about, and is being somewhat replaced by blind shakers (because they produce better and more even extraction than WDT, based on data that has come out on them). Item 3: A good item, but somewhat over-hyped as people don't usually fully understand what they're seeing, so they tend to chase a 'prettier' shot over a better tasting one. Item 4: An extension of Item 3, and barely a "need". Item 5: Fair, no complaints here. Item 6: Applies more to being a hobbyist as a whole than it does coffee. Not a bad item, just doesn't really fit on a coffee item list when so many other items come to mind. Item 7: Also fair, no complaints. Item 8: Fair. No complaints. Second list: Item 1: "Distribution tool" is so vague it applies to nearly half the items on the first list. Referring to the NCD-style tools is a fair statement, but not all distribution tools are of that style. Again, blind shakers are objectively better than WDT, as an example. Item 2: Overall fair, but I imagine many people get fancy milk frothing cups for aesthetics more than functionality. Item 3: Fair, no complaints. Item 4: Fair, but the "Leveling system needed" CANNOT be understated, in my opinion, and most people get force tampers specifically for that exact function, so putting it on the list almost feels misleading. Item 5: Fair, no complaints. Item 6: Most espresso machines come with a dosing spoon. Anyone who's getting one is almost definitely doing it for aesthetics, so really doesn't make sense on this list, to me. The idea is there, but the list feels like there was little thought put into how much value an item brings, or in some cases, why people would even get them. It feels more like "What do I need?" More than "What do YOU need?"

[@homecafecharlie]

It's just a bunch of things I thought of that I have and really can't live without. But it's fine if you disagree, make your coffee however feels comfortable for you!

[@Oroshamo]

Yeah the impact tampers won’t upgrade the experience much, but they sure are neat.

[@BigBenAdv]

IMO, you missed out a good weighing scale - it doesn't have to be exactly accurate like a jeweller's scale, it just needs to be repeatable (e.g. if it weighs +0.1g off the actual, it's always that +0.1g off).

[@homecafecharlie]

It's not an exhaustive list 😉

[@davignon3058]

Many greetings from Germany ;-) Thank you for this great video! I think that an espresso scale should also be recommended, right?! .

[@homecafecharlie]

Yes I did a scales video recently. It goes without saying you need one. This video isn't an exhaustive list haha

[@oscargr_]

Wow, looking for subjects to create content huh? A mini vacuum cleaner and an electric screwdriver are NOT tools you need if you make coffee at home. If you "hot start" your grinder because it is better for the motor... I have a bridge in the Sahara for sale. Or you spend that money on a better grinder.

[@Clynikal]

The only thing of any actual use is the coffee canister. There hand vacuum canister that are better for cheaper. Number one should have been a pre screen. Number two scales. End list.

[@RegrinderAlert]

Coffee canister is bad because everytime you open it you introduce Oxygen again and again. The best option is to divide the beans into multiple small doses or ideally, single-dosing them.

[@yagoaraicoplatero6612]

Love the video. But no mention of puck screen?, just saying

[@homecafecharlie]

Ah I had to stop the list somewhere 🤣

[@rioriggs3568]

1) If you have a single dose grinder, you don't need a vacuum, it's simply not messy 2) Most fancy DWT don't work... I use the manual version 3) I never use my bottomless portafilter 4) I don't have a shot mirror 5) I go from the grinder cup to the portafilter 6) I don't use an electric screwdriver but I did buy a wide screwdriver for the filter head 7) I like my distribution tool ($10-15 on Aliexpress) 8) I always use a milk thermometer even if at this point I can feel it with my hand 9) I use a coffee scale... how else are you suppose to measure 18g, 19g or 20g of coffee per shot.

[@battlemorph]

20% of the population will feel it's too hot before it really is. Use a thermometer.

[@Chasik]

you need a fancy pitcher beause then you'll HAVE TO get good at latte art for ur dignity's sake

[@AdastraRecordings]

WDT was a disaster for me, blind shaker all the way and now Lance has the data to back me up. Just no, sorry Chaz it's not the panacea you make it out to be.

[@BananaChipzzz]

Cool story bro.

[@gazzercat]

I agree. Doesn't make any difference at all....like a lot of the other recommendations.

[@Natalia-f6j]

Even lance says you need to wdt after shaking, to distribute

[@keithjohn1650]

lmao the fact u paid $80 for a metal funnel is crazy 😂. the things marketing can do

[@RegrinderAlert]

You clearly don’t understand lances data if that’s the information you take from his video 😂

[@PAD32]

you lost me at "cordless vacuum"

[@MrAnno1366]

I refuse to bellieve you spent any of your own money on all that god awful ugly MH3bomber gear. And I know they give away their tat to anybody with more than 10 subscribers.

[@jacquesguillotte3270]

Sorry but you do need a Blind Shaker and review the necessity of you WDT.

[@homecafecharlie]

"Need" is a strong word 😝

[@AdastraRecordings]

I chewed Lance out 2 years ago and he banned me for it, then he did the research and I was vindicated, they're literally magic.

[@homecafecharlie]

@@AdastraRecordings I did say they are effective, I just don't like them ;)

[@keithjohn1650]

need is crazy. the marketing these people do for you to buy essentially $80 funnel is hilarious to me.

[@xxxleamgxxx9656]

​@@homecafecharliebut you said that you need a small expensive vacuum cleaner, that no one needs.

[@ondrejmalon1984]

lots of bullshits (sorry for my french...)

[@homecafecharlie]

I'm sorry I don't speak French 😜

[@UltiMogr]

You forgot to add the rdt and the puck screens to the useless things everyone uses

[@camdencantwell846]

how is a puck screen useless? It’s so much easier to clean than the group head!

[@Chasik]

distributor is rdt, no? puck screens are helpful but only if you have a peeing cat for a grouphead shower like i do xd

[@camdencantwell846]

@@Chasik I believe rdt is the “Ross droplet technique” aka spritzing the beans with water prior to grinding. seems like it helps reduce clumping?

[@Clynikal]

You couldn’t be more wrong about a puck screen.

[@UltiMogr]

@@camdencantwell846 flushing or backflushing is a one second job. quicker than trying to fish out the puck screen out of the moldy pile of pucks and trying to clean it with god knows what