What I actually use
My setup
The machine, kit and small habits behind every review on this site. Nothing fancy — but enough to pull a genuinely good shot of decaf.
This page is a running list of what I've got in the kitchen. If you've read a review and wondered "yeah, but on what?" — here's the answer. I'll update it whenever something changes.
Espresso machine
The machine I actually pull shots on most mornings.
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Breville Barista Slimline
Sunbeam EMM5400BK outside the UK
Single-boiler, built-in grinder. Not fancy, but capable of properly good espresso once you learn its quirks.
Grinder
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To be purchased
A dedicated grinder is on the wishlist.
Measuring & workflow
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Scales
Any small kitchen scales that read to 0.1 g are fine to start with.
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Timer
Phone timer — no need for anything fancier.
Espresso accessories
The small bits of kit that make dialling in a 58 mm portafilter a lot less messy.
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58 mm dosing funnel
Sits on top of the basket and stops grounds ending up on the bench during WDT.
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WDT tool
Fine needles to break up clumps and even out the puck before tamping — makes a bigger difference than I expected.
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58 mm espresso filter papers
A paper disc under the puck helps with channelling and keeps the shower screen cleaner between shots.
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MHW-3BOMBER 58 mm tamper
Flat-base tamper with a bit of heft — comfortable in the hand and a proper upgrade on the plastic one that came in the box.
Cups & glassware
A trio of Acme Roman cups in Kokako — enough range to try latte, flat white and cortado on the same morning.
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Acme Roman Cup Mini — Kokako
110 ml
Cortado-sized. Small enough to keep the milk-to-espresso ratio tight.
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Acme Roman Cup Small — Kokako
150 ml
The flat white cup. My most-used of the three.
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Acme Roman Cup Medium — Kokako
250 ml
Latte territory — a bit more room for milk and a proper pour.