Espresso accessories: what do you need first, and what can wait?
Accessory bundles can make an espresso machine look incomplete or expensive to finish. Start by checking the exact model’s box contents, then buy only what your routine actually lacks.
Check the box before making a shopping list
Breville’s US BES500 page lists a 54 mm tamper, Razor precision dosing tool, 480 ml stainless-steel milk jug, one- and two-cup single-wall and dual-wall baskets, cleaning tool, and cleaning disc. Other model or regional packages can differ. Some retailer bundles add a grinder or accessories; compare the included item names and model numbers, not just a bundle photograph.
The machine itself still needs freshly ground coffee for the normal espresso workflow, so include an espresso-capable grinder in your total budget if one is not already available. The included tamper and jug may be enough to begin; check fit and feel before replacing them.
Prioritize the accessories by job
| Job | Start by checking | When to add something |
|---|---|---|
| Grind coffee | Is an espresso-capable grinder included or already owned? | Budget for one if not; confirm espresso use and adjustment range. |
| Measure a repeatable dose | Does the grinder dose by weight, time, or another method? | A compact scale may help if you want to weigh coffee and output consistently. |
| Prepare the milk drink | Is a jug included, and does its size suit your typical drink? | Replace only if its capacity or shape does not suit your routine. |
| Clean the machine | Read the manual for the supplied cleaning disc/tool and required cleaners. | Buy manufacturer-approved consumables when the manual calls for them. |
| Keep the counter tidy | Try the included tray and your existing cloths first. | Consider a knock box or mat only if cleanup is awkward in your space. |
This is a buying order, not a claim that any accessory guarantees better espresso. Start with the machine’s manual and basket size before buying items marketed as “universal.”
What can usually wait?
Expensive tampers, custom baskets, dosing funnels, distribution tools, tamping stations, and branded cups are optional choices. Their value depends on compatibility and your workflow. The included basket and tamper let you begin; keep the original parts until you understand what problem an upgrade would solve.
Before adding a precision basket or replacement portafilter, verify the exact diameter, lug geometry, basket depth, and machine compatibility with the manufacturer. A part that looks similar may not fit. Avoid buying a second milk jug if the included one already handles the drinks you make.
A simple purchase check
- Write down the exact machine model and market.
- Compare the manufacturer’s current included-accessories list with the retailer’s offer.
- Subtract items you already own from your setup budget.
- Buy the grinder and any genuinely missing essentials first.
- Use the setup for a few weeks before deciding which optional tool would remove a real frustration.
Use the setup planner to add the machine, grinder, shipping, tax, and accessories you actually need.
Sources and limits
Included accessory details come from the Breville US Bambino Plus product page. Confirm current inclusions on the page and in the box for the exact BES500 variant you are considering.
We have not tested these products. No affiliate links or sponsored placements appear here. Bundles, accessories, and specifications may change.