The beginner home espresso setup checklist

1. Decide your style

• Mostly milk drinks? Prioritize easy milk steaming.
• Mostly straight espresso? Prioritize temperature control and a good grinder.
• Learn the craft, or keep it easy?

2. The core four

• Machine — note its basket size (54 or 58 mm). Compare machines
• Espresso-capable grinder (or a built-in one)
• 0.1 g scale with timer
• Tamper that matches your basket

Baratza Encore ESP

Good fit for: A first espresso grinder from a brand with good parts support.

• 40 mm hardened steel conical burrs (Etzinger, Liechtenstein)
• Steps 1–20 are fine espresso micro-steps; 21–40 are for filter
• Dosing cup fits 54 mm baskets, 58 mm with included adapter; quick-release burr
• Wirecutter: "a significant upgrade from the Encore"; also covered in James Hoffmann's under-£250 grinder video

Sources: Baratza Encore ESP product sheet (PDF) · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026) · James Hoffmann: The Best Espresso Grinder Under £250 (YouTube)

Timemore Black Mirror Basic 2.0 scale

Good fit for: Weighing dose and shot output — the most useful first accessory.

• 0.1 g resolution, 0.5 g–2 kg range
• Built-in timer and flow-rate display; USB-C rechargeable 1600 mAh battery

Sources: Timemore Basic 2.0

Tamper: Normcore Spring-Loaded Tamper V4

Good fit for: Anyone replacing a stock plastic tamper.

• Spring-loaded with 15/25/30 lb springs and a leveling plate for level, repeatable tamps
• The linked Amazon listing is the 58.5 mm size for 58 mm baskets (Gaggia Classic Pro). For Breville 54 mm baskets choose the 53.3 mm size
• Wirecutter tried it with the Gaggia and found it effective

Sources: Normcore Tamper V4 · Wirecutter: The Best Home Espresso Machine (updated Mar 17 2026)

3. Nice to have

WDT tool, 12 oz milk pitcher, knock box, filtered water.

Distribution tool: Normcore WDT Tool V3

Good fit for: Breaking up clumps before tamping to reduce channeling.

• Anodized aluminum body; swappable 0.25 mm and 0.3 mm 304 stainless needles (9 each)
• 50 mm needle length; stand included

Sources: Normcore WDT V3

Milk pitcher: De'Longhi DLSC060 (12 oz)

Good fit for: Steaming milk for one or two drinks.

• 12 oz (350 ml) stainless pitcher with spout
• A 12 oz size reduces milk waste for single drinks

Sources: De'Longhi DLSC060 search

Knock box: Dreamfarm Grindenstèin

Good fit for: Knocking out used pucks without mess.

• Shock-absorbing knock bar; 445 ml bin
• ABS with steel core and rubber sleeve; dishwasher safe (per listing)

Sources: Amazon listing (Dreamfarm Grindenstèin)

4. Your first shot

• Fresh whole beans with a roast date.
• Weigh your dose (use your basket's recommended dose).
• Weigh the output; a common starting ratio is about 1:2.
• A common starting time is roughly 25–30 seconds.
• Too fast or sour: grind finer. Too slow or bitter: grind coarser. Change one thing at a time.

General guidance only. Always follow your machine's manual.

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