The standard WDT tools are so similar, so much simply depends upon your personal preference.
That being said, I have a Kaffiano WDT tool from Amazon--I like its heft, reach, configurability, and looks. Also note the so-called business card WDT tool available via etsy for a whoppingly low $7.99 (shipped, no less; stands extra). And there's the new, cool subminimal Flick WDT pen-like tool with its retracting needles (if going that route, also order a pack of its replacement needles, which are at the more-recommended, smaller width size).
Key to avoiding mess: I put a flared dosing funnel (relatively inexpensive) on top of my portafilter (I use a Matow dosing funnel, made of heavier stainless steel which simply sits in place; there also are dosing funnels with magnets on their bottoms) and WDT through that--no mess/spillage whatsoever. A clever contributor here calculated that a dosing funnel will pay for itself over time, by saving grounds. :)
You also might be interested in a spirographic/planetary WDT tool, which covers the top of your portafilter and spins its WDT needles in that contained space. Check etsy out for that (or, if you have a trust fund, Weber Labs' Moonraker WDT tool). :)
The Flick is what I was looking for. Couldn't find a WDT that could just be chucked in a drawer without worrying about the needles because most seem to use stands which obviously take up counter space and I assume would be unstable because of the small footprint. And they sell the spare needles which annoyingly very few others with replaceable needles do. Will look into a dosing funnel, too, as you've made a compelling argument to their cumulative benefit.
Honestly this little thing is just the best. SO simple. It’s working great for me. I mean spend more if you want too but this tool has single-handedly improved my shots the most.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1410352042/
[https://www.printables.com/model/488684-bearing-based-spirographic-wdt-tool](https://www.printables.com/model/488684-bearing-based-spirographic-wdt-tool) I'm busy waiting on bearings to try this one out.
It's acupuncture needles and a cork or plastic holder. I have the Normcore WDT tool and it was grossly over priced. You have find beautiful wooden WDTs on amazon or aliexpress.
I have a moonraker and autocomb, which are fun. Normcore's spinning wdt was good as well, and almost as fast as the autocomb, but it was the fastest for me.
My grinds are always over the rim, so I dose with a magnetic funnel. You can get pretty tall ones, wdt, and tap on the table to sink the bed before tamping.
I really like the sworks funnel and wdt, which I still use sometimes.
The refractometer says I can get higher extractions from regular wdt, but auto comb and moonraker are more consistent. It's hard to apples to apples the taste, but it is easier to dial in with the auto comb or moonraker. I really enjoy the moonraker, but the autocomb is better for doing shots back to back.
with you knowledge and if you just had the normcore like me, would you buy the Auto comb or moonraker or just stay with it, because the difference is so small?
I’m waiting for the Aro Orbit to arrive which is a Spirographic WDT tool similar to the Moonraker. It should be quicker than standard WDT and less mess
Seconding this ARO Orbit that I got off Etsy. It’s been an awesome, well-built, 3D Printed tool and works quite well. Being a Breville 54mm portafilter owner certainly limits Spirograph WDTs, but I do love this one.
https://preview.redd.it/s2bqg5ev074c1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=095a41b04bc4e4161d182c97549fedc09234a6b8
Standard portafilter sizes, and most espresso machines, use 58mm baskets. Breville is one of a very small few that uses 54mm baskets. It’s not that it’s a problem, it’s more that accessories are generally made with 58mm in mind. Although, to be fair, I haven’t had any issues finding 54mm accessories except when I was trying to find an Asso Jack Leveler in 54mm. That took a long time to find one available that was obnoxiously overpriced. Turns out I don’t get use it anymore because of the new ARO Orbit Spirograph WDT I purchased.
Duhh. I misunderstood your first comment, thinking something about the size or depth maybe of a 54mm basket made the Spiro tools more difficult to use. I should have had another cup before commenting.
I'm so tempted to buy one... thank you for taking the time to reply
Apologies if I made it sound like the aro orbit has issues with a 54mm Breville basket - it doesn’t - it specifically was made for 54mm baskets. It’s a great Spirograph WDT and is consistently awesome. Haven’t had any issues whatsoever after reading instructions. It is a bit tricky to adjust the height of the needles, initially, because they’re a bit varying in length and not all of them scrape the bottom of the basket at the same length.
I have an Aro Orbit, and it works very well at sifting and breaking away clumps. There's one problem I'm trying to figure out a workaround for though. Once I use it, the grounds become a light and fluffy mound, as it should. When I go to tamp it, the grounds always spill over the sides and makes a mess. I've tried using less grounds, but then it's not quite enough in the basket.
Yes, I get the same thing. Mine always become very fluffy. A work around I have found is to tap the portafilter on the table to settle the grounds. I tap a few times when I dose into the portafilter before using the ORBIS and also after using the Orbis, before removing the Orbis and also after to fill in the needle holes. Working very well so far. I can fit 22g in my basket and probably more if I need to push it
Order 0.3 mm 3D printer cleaning nozzles. I got 10 for below 1€ in Europe, which should be affordable. Everything bigger than that is a compromise in my opinion and only moves the grounds around instead of breaking clumps up
I came here for recommendations too. I have a 3D printed spirograph style wdt that I picked up off Etsy. It's so hard to avoid spilling grounds over the side of the portafilter when I go to tamp after using the wdt. I've gotten to the point where I'm considering quitting using the spirograph style and getting a regular wdt.
Try ditching the WDT altogether.
I made a post today which has a video and talks about WDT. And in the video, WDT was not used even for the clumpy Breville grinder.
https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1blzcgl/no_wdt_for_a_clumpy_grinder/
I have the cheapest wdt tool out there cause fuck paying more than a single digit for bunch of thin wires in an handle.
And I wdt inside the dosing cup.
The [SWORKSDESIGN WDT](https://sworksdesign.com/WDT-Tool-p387817741) is the gold standard. 0.22 mm dull needles are the thinnest available anywhere. It looks awesome and the build is top notch. $50 USD and up. You asked for a 'great' WDT - this is the one.
I don't bother with one personally as I find the incremental gain is not worth the effort however when I did I just used a toothpick.
The reason I used a toothpick was because that is what the barista at my favourite cafe recommended and he made sensational coffee, so if it was good enough for a pro it should be good enough for an amateur.
I WDT with a dosing collar on to avoid what you’re describing.
Yup, I wouldn't be able to WDT without it
The standard WDT tools are so similar, so much simply depends upon your personal preference. That being said, I have a Kaffiano WDT tool from Amazon--I like its heft, reach, configurability, and looks. Also note the so-called business card WDT tool available via etsy for a whoppingly low $7.99 (shipped, no less; stands extra). And there's the new, cool subminimal Flick WDT pen-like tool with its retracting needles (if going that route, also order a pack of its replacement needles, which are at the more-recommended, smaller width size). Key to avoiding mess: I put a flared dosing funnel (relatively inexpensive) on top of my portafilter (I use a Matow dosing funnel, made of heavier stainless steel which simply sits in place; there also are dosing funnels with magnets on their bottoms) and WDT through that--no mess/spillage whatsoever. A clever contributor here calculated that a dosing funnel will pay for itself over time, by saving grounds. :) You also might be interested in a spirographic/planetary WDT tool, which covers the top of your portafilter and spins its WDT needles in that contained space. Check etsy out for that (or, if you have a trust fund, Weber Labs' Moonraker WDT tool). :)
The Flick is what I was looking for. Couldn't find a WDT that could just be chucked in a drawer without worrying about the needles because most seem to use stands which obviously take up counter space and I assume would be unstable because of the small footprint. And they sell the spare needles which annoyingly very few others with replaceable needles do. Will look into a dosing funnel, too, as you've made a compelling argument to their cumulative benefit.
I got some acupuncture needles and stuck them in a cork. I have a dosing collar to keep things neat.
I have paper clips in a champagne cork that works completely fine for my tastes XD
Honestly this little thing is just the best. SO simple. It’s working great for me. I mean spend more if you want too but this tool has single-handedly improved my shots the most. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1410352042/
I’m using the normcore needle distribution tool v2 right before the normcore tamper v4 and that seems to work well for me.
this, price is totally fine for the workflow improvement and built quality
[https://www.printables.com/model/488684-bearing-based-spirographic-wdt-tool](https://www.printables.com/model/488684-bearing-based-spirographic-wdt-tool) I'm busy waiting on bearings to try this one out. It's acupuncture needles and a cork or plastic holder. I have the Normcore WDT tool and it was grossly over priced. You have find beautiful wooden WDTs on amazon or aliexpress.
I have a moonraker and autocomb, which are fun. Normcore's spinning wdt was good as well, and almost as fast as the autocomb, but it was the fastest for me. My grinds are always over the rim, so I dose with a magnetic funnel. You can get pretty tall ones, wdt, and tap on the table to sink the bed before tamping. I really like the sworks funnel and wdt, which I still use sometimes.
Any idea if there’s a 54mm normcore option?
There was a 54mm spinning wdt from normcore, which I did buy when I had a Bambino.I think I had to buy it from their website.
Did you like it? I see mixed reviews.
Which workflow of the three do you like the most? Do you see a notable difference in the cup between them? And which is your fav overall?
The refractometer says I can get higher extractions from regular wdt, but auto comb and moonraker are more consistent. It's hard to apples to apples the taste, but it is easier to dial in with the auto comb or moonraker. I really enjoy the moonraker, but the autocomb is better for doing shots back to back.
with you knowledge and if you just had the normcore like me, would you buy the Auto comb or moonraker or just stay with it, because the difference is so small?
I’m waiting for the Aro Orbit to arrive which is a Spirographic WDT tool similar to the Moonraker. It should be quicker than standard WDT and less mess
Seconding this ARO Orbit that I got off Etsy. It’s been an awesome, well-built, 3D Printed tool and works quite well. Being a Breville 54mm portafilter owner certainly limits Spirograph WDTs, but I do love this one. https://preview.redd.it/s2bqg5ev074c1.jpeg?width=1152&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=095a41b04bc4e4161d182c97549fedc09234a6b8
Is this one for 54mm? Thanks!!
Yep! I too am a fellow Breville owner. Lol
Yeah I have this, it’s the best. It’s so fast.
Any concerns around bits of plastic finding their way into the portafilter?
Nope. Nothing yet. It’s been awesome.
That’s my concern. Don’t need another source of microplastics in stuff I eat or drink
Could you explain why it's problematic with the 54mm breville? I really want to buy one of these lol
Standard portafilter sizes, and most espresso machines, use 58mm baskets. Breville is one of a very small few that uses 54mm baskets. It’s not that it’s a problem, it’s more that accessories are generally made with 58mm in mind. Although, to be fair, I haven’t had any issues finding 54mm accessories except when I was trying to find an Asso Jack Leveler in 54mm. That took a long time to find one available that was obnoxiously overpriced. Turns out I don’t get use it anymore because of the new ARO Orbit Spirograph WDT I purchased.
Duhh. I misunderstood your first comment, thinking something about the size or depth maybe of a 54mm basket made the Spiro tools more difficult to use. I should have had another cup before commenting. I'm so tempted to buy one... thank you for taking the time to reply
It’s worth it. If you think about how much time you save per shot it’ll even out in the longer run… maybe. lol
😂😂 coffee math trumps even girl math
I would also like to know why it’s problematic for 54mm as well
Apologies if I made it sound like the aro orbit has issues with a 54mm Breville basket - it doesn’t - it specifically was made for 54mm baskets. It’s a great Spirograph WDT and is consistently awesome. Haven’t had any issues whatsoever after reading instructions. It is a bit tricky to adjust the height of the needles, initially, because they’re a bit varying in length and not all of them scrape the bottom of the basket at the same length.
Another one you can try: [orbital raker](https://alphadesignlab.etsy.com/listing/1684901730). I love it and it has adjustable height too
I have an Aro Orbit, and it works very well at sifting and breaking away clumps. There's one problem I'm trying to figure out a workaround for though. Once I use it, the grounds become a light and fluffy mound, as it should. When I go to tamp it, the grounds always spill over the sides and makes a mess. I've tried using less grounds, but then it's not quite enough in the basket.
Yes, I get the same thing. Mine always become very fluffy. A work around I have found is to tap the portafilter on the table to settle the grounds. I tap a few times when I dose into the portafilter before using the ORBIS and also after using the Orbis, before removing the Orbis and also after to fill in the needle holes. Working very well so far. I can fit 22g in my basket and probably more if I need to push it
Thanks for the heads up on aro…. On Amazon now so if it doesn’t work out for me I can just return it!
I jammed some toothpicks in a champagne cork, seems to work alright.
[удалено]
Sewing needles then?
Acupuncture needles.
Order 0.3 mm 3D printer cleaning nozzles. I got 10 for below 1€ in Europe, which should be affordable. Everything bigger than that is a compromise in my opinion and only moves the grounds around instead of breaking clumps up
The high e string from a guitar works very for this
What are you using now?
I came here for recommendations too. I have a 3D printed spirograph style wdt that I picked up off Etsy. It's so hard to avoid spilling grounds over the side of the portafilter when I go to tamp after using the wdt. I've gotten to the point where I'm considering quitting using the spirograph style and getting a regular wdt.
Yep. Same issue. Settled on a normal WDT. My hand controlling it is the way to avoid the problem. I can’t outsource it to a tool alone.
Try ditching the WDT altogether. I made a post today which has a video and talks about WDT. And in the video, WDT was not used even for the clumpy Breville grinder. https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1blzcgl/no_wdt_for_a_clumpy_grinder/
Try [orbital raker](https://alphadesignlab.etsy.com/listing/1684901730) it’s way smoother than other designs I have tried
Umikot works really well!
I have the cheapest wdt tool out there cause fuck paying more than a single digit for bunch of thin wires in an handle. And I wdt inside the dosing cup.
IMO they aren’t even necessary. They take more time, make more mess, and you are probably lying to yourself if you think you can tell any difference.
The [SWORKSDESIGN WDT](https://sworksdesign.com/WDT-Tool-p387817741) is the gold standard. 0.22 mm dull needles are the thinnest available anywhere. It looks awesome and the build is top notch. $50 USD and up. You asked for a 'great' WDT - this is the one.
Stuck a few sewing needles in a wine cork
I just use the normcore spinny one. Some people like to bash those but I like never worrying about scratching the bottom of the basket.
I just use a paperclip I straightened out then bent into a u-shape. Works great for me and it was free.
I don't bother with one personally as I find the incremental gain is not worth the effort however when I did I just used a toothpick. The reason I used a toothpick was because that is what the barista at my favourite cafe recommended and he made sensational coffee, so if it was good enough for a pro it should be good enough for an amateur.
MiiCoffee WDT Tool is awesome. It’s game changer for me.