Espresso machine brush

This percolator brush is for cleaning the portafilter and basket of an espresso machine: after extraction, a pass of the brush removes the grounds left stuck in the basket and under the rim, where a sponge cannot reach.

Oiled beech handle, firm nylon bristles; 10 cm long with a 6 cm diameter head, enough to cover a portafilter in two or three passes. It is made by Redecker, in Germany.

Brush dry or under a trickle of hot water, without detergent. Then shake it, stand it head down and let it air dry. Oiled beech tolerates damp but not soaking: do not leave it at the bottom of the sink and keep it out of the dishwasher.

It also works for the filter of a stovetop moka pot.