Baristas are always in need of their gear when training for a competition, or a world class championship. Here is a list of some of the tools of the trade:

• Apron ---wearing an apron is professional and hygenic.
• Additional 58mm Tamper --why carry one when you could have two, good to have another as a backup.
• Ballpoint Pen -- some fan is always going to want your number, or you may want theirs, you never who may be in the line up.
• Blind Filter --good tool to have on hand for the cleaning the machine.
• Brushes --good for cleaning inside the grinders and for wiping off coffee grounds from hard to get to places.
• Cleaning Detergent --always clean the machine before you use it.
• Cloths -- cleaning cloths are ideal to have on hand.
• Flashlight -- a light is always handy to have for looking inside machines and grinders.
• Leatherman type of tool --a tool with all the gadgets that you may need.
• Knife -- for opening bags of coffee.
• Martini Shaker -- good to have a shaker along for mixing iced espressos and other cold beverages.
• Pour Spouts --practical to have these for pouring syrups
• Scotch-Brite Pad ---for scrubbing portafilters and for washing the dishes afterwards.
• Screwdrivers --bring along a multi driver that includes a flathead and a Philips head.
• Shot Glasses -- much needed for tasting different shots
• Steaming Pitcher --a 12 oz and a 23 oz are good sizes of pitchers to have for steaming machattos, cappuccinos and lattes.
• Tampers -- 58 mm seems to be the preferred size.

POSTED: Monday, June 19, 2006