10 Barista Supplies You Need to Make Better Coffee in Your Cafe
Running a cafe is about more than great beans and a reliable espresso machine. Consistency, workflow, and attention to detail are what turn good coffee into great coffee. The right tools not only elevate cup quality but also help your barista’s work smoother and more efficient.
Here is our list of top 10 essential barista supplies every cafe should consider adding to their coffee bar.
This is predominantly an espresso gear related list of products, let us know in the comments below if we should make a pour over version of this list!
RDT Spray Bottle
Static can wreak havoc when grinding coffee, particularly when in a busy cafe, having to stop what you're doing to clean your work station is lost money. Clumping grounds that result in channeling all reduce espresso quality, increase wasted coffee and wastes your barista's time.
Ross Droplet Technique (RDT) refers to spraying a fine mist of water onto your coffee grounds before grinding your coffee, this helps to reduce static buildup inside your coffee grinder which lowers your grinders coffee retention and makes coffee grinding less messy.
Another recent element to RDT is the improvement it has on how your coffee extracts! This is a rabbit hole in itself but if you're interested you can read more here: How RDT Can Increase Coffee Extraction.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
| 50ml capacity ( over 500 doses per refill ) | Improves grind distribution | Adds one extra step to workflow |
| Fine mist spray nozzle | Reduces grinder mess & retention | Must be kept clean to avoid clogging |
| Replaces need for cup of water + spoon RDT method | Inexpensive way to boost consistency |
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| Delivers a consistent amount of water per spray |
Airscape Coffee Canisters
The Airscape range of coffee bean canisters are unique in the sense they use a system known as 'Air Displacement' this is done by placing the beans into the canister, forcing the extra air out using the plunger insert and then placing the lid on top. Air, light, moisture and temperature are all variable that effect how quickly your coffee goes stale.
Cafes in particular love the Airscape 8" Large Kilo size as these are perfect for storing single origin coffees or for having the beans kept fresh overnight (a much better solution than keeping them inside your hopper).
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
| Keeps coffee beans fresher for longer by removing air. |
Preserves flavours and aroma. |
Slows coffee from ageing, sometimes you want this for really fresh roasts. |
| Able to cater for smaller sizes of coffee |
Caters for different amounts of coffee beans. |
Has a maximum capacity but not a minimum. |
| 3 Sizes available (250g / 500g / 1kg) | Durable build and tough enough for daily cafe use. |
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Acaia Ion Beam
The RDT Spray Bottle we mentioned earlier's biggest draw back is that it adds an additional step to your workflow. This is where deioniser's such as the Acaia Ion Beam come in to play.
The Acaia Ion Beam neutralises static electricity in ground coffee using ionisation technology, resulting in fluffy, clump-free coffee grounds. This translates directly into more even extractions and better flavour clarity. Best of all it has a built in IR sensor that can detect coffee grounds and turn it on / off when the coffee grinder is in use. This means it's completly hands free and isn't on all day, only when you're grinding coffee.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
| Reduces static in grinders without using water. |
Improves grind flow and consistency |
Premium price point |
| Activated with infrared sensor, you don't need to press any buttons to turn device on. |
Reduces channeling & mess |
Requires charging / plug-in |
| Can be mounted onto the Acaia Orbit grinders or positioned under the head of any coffee grinder nozzle using a tripod. | Hands free activation - just grind normally |
May feel overkill for low volume cafes |
Barista Hustle AutoComb
Distribution is crucial, and the AutoComb makes it almost effortless. By spinning multiple ultra-fine needles through the coffee puck, it breaks up clumps and levels the bed for a more uniform extraction. With its simple twist-and-go design, baristas can prepare perfect shots at speed
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
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Includes 38 extra spare ultra-fine needles for replacing. |
Fast and repeatable distribution |
Premium price point |
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Designed specifically for fast distribution for cafes. |
Easy for all baristas to use with minimal practice |
Bulkier than a simple WDT tool |
| Quickly and evenly distributes coffee with minimal effort or movements. |
Reduces clumps and channeling |
Excessive for home baristas |
Subminimal Flick WDT Pen
A more hands-on take on Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT), this tool gives baristas precision control when de-clumping and distributing coffee. Lightweight, ergonomic, and fitted with fine needles, it’s the perfect everyday companion for dialling in espresso and minimising the chances of channeling.
The Subminimal Flick Tool is known for being incredibly satisfying, press the button on the top to extrude the needles and when you're finished simply flick your wrist back up and the internal magnets hold the needles inside the chamber until your next espresso.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
| WDT reduces channeling espresso shots, a common issue with making espresso. | Very easy to use in a cafe / at home. | May not be suitable if using WDT on every shot. |
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Includes 6 spare needles for replacing. |
Reduces clumps and channeling |
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| Super satisfying opening / closing sound. |
Perfect for travel espresso and home baristas |
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| Includes a magnetic stand to have your flick attached to your machine, wall or coffee grinder. |
Coffee Dosing Cup Matte Black
A simple but game-changing workflow tool. The dosing cup lets you grind coffee directly into it, then cleanly transfer grounds to the portafilter.
This reduces waste, improves consistency, and keeps your bench clean. The 58mm size fits standard commercial baskets, making it a no-brainer for cafes.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
|
58mm size fits standard baskets. |
Reduces waste and mess |
May not fit non standard coffee baskets |
|
Durable matte black finish. |
Keeps bench cleaner |
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| Lightweight, compact design. |
Improves workflow efficiency |
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#7 NCD Pulse
Created by World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic and the Nucleus team, the Pulse Distributor ensures perfect horizontal distribution before tamping. Its weighted, calibrated design helps baristas achieve repeatable puck preparation, improving extraction and reducing shot variability — exactly what you need in a high-volume café environment.
Buy NCD Pulse Distributor
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Calibrated, weighted design. |
Extremely consistent puck prep |
Premium price point |
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Smooth distribution action. |
Trusted by world champion baristas |
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Reduces shot variability |
Slight learning curve for beginners |
#8 Rhino Coffee Brewing Scales (3KG)
Scales are an essential, they improve repeatability and consistency across the entire venue / company. By creating and sharing recipes baristas can continue to make great tasting coffee or have more insight into what isn't working and how to change it.
These scales are budget friendly, lightweight and durable enough to be thrown around a cafe without stressing (unlike some $300+ scales).
Best of all they have a weight load of up to 3kg, most coffee brewing scales will tap out at 2kg and you'd be surprised with how many times I've needed to weigh something over 2kg.
#9 VST Precision Baskets
Not all baskets are created equal. VST baskets are laser-cut and quality-tested to ensure every hole is uniform. This leads to superior flow, reduced channeling, and greater repeatability between shots. For cafes chasing competition-level espresso quality, upgrading baskets is one of the highest-value moves you can make.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Laser-cut, quality tested |
Extremely consistent extractions |
More expensive than stock baskets |
|
Fits standard 58mm portafilters |
Reduces channeling |
Requires proper puck prep as well to shine |
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Used in competitions worldwide |
Elevates cafe espresso quality |
May expose grinder/technique flaws |
#10 Self Levelling Coffee Tamper
Possibly the best innovation of the coffee tamper, calibrated and self-levelling coffee tampers are the most consistent way to tamp at the same weight every time. Unlike regular espresso tampers, calibrated coffee tampers have a built in spring and a locking system that let's you set how deep you want to tamp your coffee.
By removing another variable, self levelling coffee tampers allow you to make more consistent coffee with minimal interference and without adding any extra steps to your baristas workflow.
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
|
58mm self-levelling base |
Perfectly flat tamps every time |
Slightly heavier than basic tampers |
|
Built-in calibrated spring |
Reduces shot inconsistency |
Slightly higher cost compared to regular tampers |
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Stainless steel construction |
Easy to use for all baristas |
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