Best overall
Normcore
Spring Loaded Tamper V4
8.7Excellent
A $47 self-leveling, spring-calibrated tamper with three swappable springs in 10 sizes; level, repeatable tamps for home espresso.
Accessories3$46.99
The best accessories
Milk frothers, matcha whisks, canisters, tampers and other tools, scored on whether they earn their counter space.
- 6
- products scored
- 8.2
- average score
- 16
- video reviews
Top rated
The podium.
Accessories are the small tools that solve specific problems: frothers for milk drinks, bamboo whisks for matcha, canisters that keep beans fresh, and tampers, distribution tools and knock boxes for espresso. The best ones do one job well and last; the weakest duplicate something you already own.
Buy for the gap in your routine. For milk, handheld wands foam warm milk cheaply, jug frothers heat and foam in one step, and an espresso machine's steam wand gives the most control. For matcha, a bamboo chasen (100-tip is a common choice) whisks the fine foam a spoon can't; rinse it with water only and let it dry fully, because storing it damp invites mold. For beans, an opaque, airtight canister protects against air, moisture, heat and light, the four things that stale coffee, while clear jars let light in. For espresso, a tamper has to match your basket's diameter, such as 54 mm on some Breville machines or the common 58 mm, to compress the coffee evenly.
Our Gear score weights performance 30%, build and reliability 20%, value 20%, ease of use 15%, and community love 15%. For accessories, performance means doing the job better than the tool it replaces, and build covers materials and how they stand up to daily use and washing.
All accessories
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6 products
Great for beginners
Nespresso
Aeroccino4 Milk Frother
8.3Great
A one-touch, dishwasher-safe jug frother with four milk textures, hot or cold; easy and consistent, but little control and $129.
Accessories3$129
Subminimal
NanoFoamer Lithium
8.2Great
A $50 rechargeable handheld foamer whose mesh NanoScreens make real latte-art microfoam; you heat the milk and practice first.
Accessories3$49.95
Community favorite
Fellow
Atmos Vacuum Canister
8.1Great
A twist-to-pump vacuum canister for whole beans with a seal indicator; simple and well liked, but not for grounds or the dishwasher.
Accessories3$39.95
Best value
Zulay Kitchen
Milk Boss Milk Frother with Stand
8.1Great
America's Test Kitchen's top handheld frother: an $11 AA-powered wand that makes rich hot and cold foam and rinses clean in seconds.
Accessories2$10.99
Jade Leaf Matcha
Complete Matcha Ceremony Set
7.5Good
A $45 six-piece traditional matcha kit: stoneware chawan, bamboo chasen, whisk holder, chashaku, sifter and guide; matcha not included.
Accessories2$44.99
Buying guide
How to choose accessories.
- 01
Match the frother to your drinks
Handheld wands are fine for occasional foam but don't heat milk. Jug frothers heat and froth in one step and suit lattes without an espresso machine; look for adjustable temperature and a jug you can wash easily. For plant milks, 'barista' versions are formulated to foam better.
- 02
Care for a bamboo whisk
Rinse a chasen under running water right after use, with no detergent and no dishwasher, and let it dry fully out of its case. Ippodo advises replacing it once the tips break.
- 03
Store beans in opaque, airtight canisters
Air, moisture, heat and light all stale coffee, and clear containers let light through. Vacuum or valve lids are nice extras, but a well-sealed opaque canister in a cool cupboard does most of the work.
- 04
Size espresso tools to your basket
Tampers, distribution tools and dosing funnels must match your portafilter's diameter. Check the manual or measure the basket, and choose a tamper that fits snugly so the coffee is compressed evenly to the edges.
- 05
Sift your matcha
A fine sieve breaks up matcha's clumps before you add water, which is the first step in Ippodo's usucha method. It's one of the cheapest upgrades for smoother matcha.
- 06
Skip tools that duplicate others
Before buying, ask what problem the tool solves. A scale with a built-in timer replaces a separate timer, and a temperature-control kettle replaces a thermometer.
Video reviews
Watch before you buy.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Do I need a bamboo whisk for matcha?
You don't strictly need one, but a chasen makes the fine, even foam of usucha far more easily than a spoon or fork. Electric frothers work for lattes but give a coarser foam. Bamboo whisks need gentle care: rinse with water only, let them dry fully out of the case, and replace them when tips break. Resin whisks are an easy-to-clean alternative.
How should I store coffee beans at home?
Use an opaque, airtight container somewhere cool and dark, away from the stove and sunlight. The National Coffee Association names air, moisture, heat and light as coffee's main enemies and notes that clear canisters let light in. Buy one or two weeks' worth at a time; if you freeze extra, use a truly airtight container and take out about a week's supply at a time.
What size tamper do I need?
It has to match your portafilter basket. Many commercial-style machines use 58 mm, while some Breville models, including the Barista Express, use a 54 mm portafilter. Check your manual or measure the inside of the basket; a snug tamper compresses the coffee evenly and leaves no loose grounds at the edge. Distribution tools and dosing funnels need the same size.
Can a milk frother foam plant milk?
Usually, but results depend on the milk. Plant milks labeled 'barista' are formulated to foam and hold texture, while regular versions may foam thinly or separate. Frothers with temperature settings help you avoid overheating, which can make some plant milks split. Try a few brands, since performance varies even within one type, such as oat or soy.
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