Is a WDT tool worth it?

Improve your espresso at home

If your daily schedule allows it, using a WDT tool as a step in your espresso puck prep routine can really improve your coffee at home.

What is a WDT tool?

A WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool is a small accessory that you can use when you make espresso at home. It refers to a needle or a set of needles used during the puck prep routine to evenly distribute and de-clump the coffee grinds in the espresso basket prior to tamping.

Benefits of using a WDT tool

After grinding, your coffee will present clumping, sometimes more excessive than other times, which happens naturally due to static and oils in coffee. The purpose of the WDT tool is to break up those clumps of coffee in the espresso basket and make the coffee fluffy and even before tamping. Doing so is proven to increase espresso extraction and reduce espresso channeling, as well as get more consistent results from shot to shot.

How to choose a WDT tool

I had the chance to test and work with two different WDT tools:

• one has 10 needles at 0.4mm width

• the other has only 4 needles at 0.5mm width

A WDT tool with more and thinner needles, I experienced, makes my home espresso routine more consistent and effective. And so, based on the results I achieved, I definitely prefer the first WDT tool, the one with 10 needles at 0.4mm width.

Of course, instead of buying one, there’s always the option of a DIY. A short Google search will reveal plenty of useful information to help you in the process.

I hope you find these tips helpful and, if you’d like to dive deeper, you may consider our espresso and latte art home barista workshops. Happy brewing!

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, you might find this blogpost here interesting too – Espresso channeling on Sage or Breville home espresso machines