At this level in my life, espresso has develop into a part of my id. I really like the odor, the style, the ritual. I would like at the least two cups a day to operate, and testing espresso machines has even develop into part of my job (how’d I get so fortunate?). But I’ve shortly discovered {that a} correct espresso station setup requires area. So, the restricted room in my small house kitchen means I must get artistic.
Put merely, I haven’t got the room for many of the luxurious espresso bar concepts I get to put in writing about. Until now. When I noticed an Instagram reel from San Francisco-based industrial designer Chengfu, the place he designed a delegated drawer in his kitchen to retailer all his espresso gear, it felt simply as design-forward as the entire benchtop alternate options I’ve seen. It obtained me considering — are ‘espresso drawers’ the brand new nook for flats and small kitchens?
But in fact, it would not be a Livingetc-worthy thought and not using a little stylization concerned. A espresso drawer would not simply imply throwing all of your espresso instruments into an empty compartment (howdy, ‘junk drawer’) and calling it a day; no, you want the fitting organizers and extras to raise this concept. Here’s what I’m considering…
A espresso drawer works superbly in additional minimalist kitchen designs, because it retains the counterspace clear and clutter-free.
(Image credit score: Aaron Leitz. Design: Lucas Interior)
The key to curating the proper espresso drawer is first about figuring out your go-to espresso machine equipment and designing round them. You’ll want to choose a drawer someplace near your espresso machine for simple entry, and from there, it is all about storing the necessities in an organized (learn: elevated) method.
So, what stays on the counter and what goes within the espresso drawer? I’d say preserve the machine itself, and a grinder or milk frother (if you happen to personal one) out, and purpose to retailer every thing else — group head, tamping mat, brushes, measuring scoops, and so on. — within the drawer.
Granted, Chengfu created his personal customized drawer inserts, however that is most likely not real looking for everybody. Thankfully, there are many kitchen drawer group instruments that may lay the groundwork for an elegant and streamlined espresso drawer in seconds.
Below are some items that may assist you to construct your personal espresso drawer.
A tamping station is important for any espresso aficionado’s step-up. It provides your group head a spot to stay and helps preserve spilled espresso beans to a minimal. Plus, it is crafted from anti-slip silicone rubber, so that you gained’t have to fret about this tamping mat slipping mid-tamp (or sliding round in your espresso drawer). Just you should definitely measure your drawer earlier than shopping for — this piece is 6.7 inches lengthy x 5.9 inches extensive x 2.35 inches excessive.
St Anthony
Industries Bloc Tamping Station
If you desire a tamping field that’s barely smaller, then this piece from St Anthony is a good selection. It acts as a relaxation in your espresso tamping instruments, doubling up as a knockbox, as effectively. Plus, the darkish pure wooden will immediately elevate your espresso drawer. Once once more, be cautious of your drawers depth — the Origin Coffee website lists it as 58.3mm.
Clearambient
Extendable Cutlery Tray
A very good drawer tray organizer can type the bottom of any espresso drawer. I like that this one is extendable, as cool instruments usually are available in all completely different sizes; with a number of dimension choices, you may be much less anxious about your equipment becoming within the tray.
Joseph Joseph
Viva 12-Piece Makeup Drawer Organiser Set
You can even discover drawer organizers which can be removable for an much more customizable fashion. Though this piece is listed as a make-up drawer organizer, it will work completely in a espresso drawer. There are 12 items in numerous sizes and styles, with the bigger ones sufficiently big to suit a hairbrush (feels like the proper unit for the group head). And the tonal coloration scheme will look good within the drawer.
A espresso brush is at all times a good suggestion to do away with pesky espresso grounds on the counter. However, one that’s barely bigger (like this one) is right for when it comes time to scrub out the drawer itself. Plus, the darkish picket deal with will look fashionable in your kitchen. However, for cleansing the moist espresso grounds from the recent group head, I’d advocate a coarser bristle brush (like this one from Borough Kitchen) as an alternative.
The Cafetiere
Drinks Frother Stainless Steel
All my latte lovers know {that a} milk frother is a must have. However, a countertop one is just not completely important (although they usually produce smoother milk). If you desire a milk frother that may slot in your espresso drawer, then this handheld one from La Cafetiere is a good different.
Coffee drawers are nice for small kitchens, however additionally they mix superbly with minimalist kitchen designs, the place staying modern and clutter-free is a should. Will you be attempting this space-saving hack?