What Typically Comes With an Espresso Machine and What Does Not?

The typical accessory bundle

Most espresso machines arrive with the essentials needed to pull a shot: a portafilter, filter baskets, a tamper, and a measuring scoop. This baseline lets you go from unboxing to your first espresso, provided you already have ground coffee on hand.

The exact bundle varies by manufacturer and machine class. Some machines include only a single double-wall basket, while others include both single and double baskets, and both pressurized and unpressurized options. The Specialty Coffee Association maintains standards for espresso equipment, but those standards do not mandate a specific accessory list, so you'll need to read the product listing carefully.

Machine type also plays a role. Semi-automatic espresso machines generally come with a portafilter and baskets, while super-automatic machines often include a milk carafe or a steam wand cleaning tool. Portable and capsule machines keep the bundle minimal, sometimes just a capsule holder and a drip tray. Understanding your machine type helps you set expectations for what you'll need to purchase separately.

• Portafilter
• Filter baskets (single, double, sometimes pressurized)
• Tamper
• Measuring scoop
• Drip tray (always included)
• Some machines add a cleaning brush, a milk pitcher, or a set of cleaning tablets

Baskets: what you get and what it means

Baskets are the metal cups that hold ground coffee during extraction. They come in two main sizes: single and double, with triple baskets appearing on some prosumer models. The size affects the dose and the volume of your shot, so it's helpful to know which baskets are in the box.

The more important distinction is between pressurized and unpressurized baskets. Pressurized baskets have a small hole that builds pressure and creates crema even with a coarse grind, making them forgiving for beginners. Unpressurized baskets are open and let water flow freely through the coffee, but they require a consistent grind and proper tamping. Many starter machines include pressurized baskets, while more serious machines come with non-pressurized ones or let you swap them out. If you're unsure, see our comparison of pressurized vs unpressurized portafilters and the single-wall vs double-wall basket guide.

What you often need to buy separately

The biggest accessory you'll likely need to buy is a coffee grinder. Many espresso machines do not include one, and even those with a built-in grinder may not offer enough adjustability for different beans or brewing styles. A separate grinder gives you control over grind size, which is critical for espresso extraction. If your machine lacks a grinder, you'll want a machine from our list of best no grinder espresso machines, or consider a best built-in grinder espresso machines if you prefer the convenience.

A milk pitcher is another common missing item, especially if you plan to make cappuccinos or lattes. Some machines include a small pitcher, but many do not. You'll need a pitcher with a capacity that matches your drink size and the steam wand's tip. See our guide to milk pitcher size.

Other items you may need to supply: a knock box to eject spent pucks, a cleaning brush or backflush disc, descaling solution, and a water filter if your machine doesn't have a built-in one. Cleaning supplies and filters are almost always sold separately. Some manufacturers, such as Breville and Profitec, sell these as accessory categories on their websites, so you should budget for those extra purchases. Our cleaning and descaling guide explains what to look for.

For super-automatic machines, you might also need a separate water filter or a specific cleaning tablet for the brew group. These consumables are rarely included in the box, so factor them into your ongoing costs.

Why the included accessories matter for your first shots

The tamper is a small but crucial tool. It must match the inner diameter of your basket. If the included tamper is too small, you'll get uneven extraction because the coffee bed won't be compressed evenly. Check the tamper size against your basket's diameter; our tamper size match guide explains how to measure.

The basket type also changes your results. Pressurized baskets make it easy to get decent crema, but they limit your ability to fine-tune flavor. As you improve, you may want to switch to a non-pressurized basket. The choice also affects your dose and grind. A well-fitted tamper and the right basket are the two most important factors for consistent shots.

How to verify what's in the box before you buy

Before you buy, look for the 'what's in the box' section on the product page or in the manual. Many listings list only the portafilter and baskets, while others include a tamper and scoop. If the listing is vague, try the manufacturer's website or the manual PDF.

Pay attention to basket types. If you're a beginner, a pressurized basket can be a helpful safety net. If you're experienced, you might want a machine that includes both or only non-pressurized baskets. You can also check our spec sheet reading guide to understand what specifications matter.

Remember that even if a machine includes accessories, they may be of basic quality. Many users upgrade the tamper or baskets later. The included accessories get you started, but they don't limit your potential; you can always buy better parts. For a more detailed breakdown of what to check, see our feature checklist.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do all espresso machines come with a tamper?

Not always. Some machines include a basic plastic tamper, while prosumer models may omit one entirely because the correct size depends on the basket. Check the accessory list before buying.

Are pressurized baskets better for beginners?

Pressurized baskets are more forgiving because they create crema even with a coarse grind and uneven tamping. They're a great starting point, but you'll outgrow them as you improve your technique. See our guide on basket types for a detailed comparison.

What is the most important accessory to buy separately?

A coffee grinder. Even if your machine includes a grinder, a separate one often offers more grind settings, which lets you dial in your shots more precisely. You can browse best built-in grinder espresso machines and best no grinder espresso machines to see the tradeoffs.

Do super-automatic machines include everything needed?

Many super-automatics include a milk carafe or frother, and some include cleaning brushes. But you'll still need to buy descaling solution and replacement water filters as consumables.

Can I use the included accessories indefinitely?

Yes, they're functional. But you may want to upgrade the tamper for a better fit or replace a pressurized basket with a non-pressurized one as your skills grow. See precision basket vs standard for advice.