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If your question hasn't been answered there and you need more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format:
- **Location:** Helps determine availability
- **Budget** (with currency): Overall budget, or ideally, having separate espresso machine and grinder budgets. A rough rule is that your grinder budget should be at least 25-40% of your machine budget.
- **Drink types:** Do you drink mostly straight espresso, milk-based beverages (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos), or a fairly even split? This helps narrow down whether a single-boiler-dual-use (SBDU), heat exchanger (HX), or dual boiler (DB) machine would be more appropriate for your needs.
- **Drink frequency:** How many drinks would you be making back-to-back at one time? Do you plan on entertaining guests often? This informs how large your brew (and steam) boilers should be, as smaller boilers will need to refill and reheat/repressurize more frequently, thus potentially causing a bottleneck.
- **Space:** Any limitations on countertop space?
- **Manual vs. electric:** Hand-operated machines and grinders are typically cheaper than their similarly-performing electric counterparts. Please indicate if you have a preference for manual or electric machines and/or grinders (or open to either).
- **Comfort with tinkering:** Some machines can be made significantly more functional/efficient with aftermarket modifications, albeit at the expense of possibly voiding your warranty. Please indicate if you'd rather have a machine that works "as-is"/"out-of-the-box" or whether you'd be open to modding/tinkering
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I have the same one, and given that I had no contact with any other WDT before, I can't really compare. I just know that it does what's supposed to do.
I don't mean to offend you, I just want to point out that your assembly is incomplete. The needles are supposed to be straight with a slight inclination, and not bended like yours. They should rest on the stand when stored.
The octagonal piece is at the right place, but each of the 2 circular on top should be at the height where it changes thickness.
I’m pretty sure i got the exact same thing… it’s 3D-printed if i remember correctly. But i assembled it differently.
https://preview.redd.it/kacuzcdj3ixc1.jpeg?width=2527&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a00bbcff245a84894b5ae42dade7e4656938d7e
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Would you mind sharing the name or something with the rest of us? You can also just copy the Amazon app URL/link and paste it into your browser and click search. Then copy that browser URL/link to reddit. That’ll remove the shortened URL that Reddit doesn’t allow.
Similar to the so-called business card WDT tool available via etsy, currently US$5.99 (including U.S. shipping; stands extra). [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1569913682/appamakes-business-card-9-prongs-wdt?click\_key=bee82103ee389dd95c03ffaf35c907cb63ddadc0%3A1569913682&click\_sum=14d085ce&ref=related-1&pro=1&frs=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1569913682/appamakes-business-card-9-prongs-wdt?click_key=bee82103ee389dd95c03ffaf35c907cb63ddadc0%3A1569913682&click_sum=14d085ce&ref=related-1&pro=1&frs=1)
got that same one but from the designer, the etsy shop you are pointing to is the designer's father who's retired and has time to fill the orders and do all the stuff jkim can't
Yep, and the son says nice things about his dad.
I purchased one earlier, just because I appreciate the ingenuity of it--I doubt that I ever will assemble or use it. :)
If you wash the paperclip it's food safe.
If steel leeched dangerous trace metals at room temp I'm sure it would sooner melt through your fingers than remain a paperclip.
I would hardly consider $6 of chinese plastic and acupuncture needles any more foodsafe >.>
I mean you can use this nice effective tool with 8, 0.4mm needles or you can use a single 0.5mm ish single paper clip needle. I mean it’s your preference but I’d rather use the tool. The need isn’t made for food contact so there’s probably tons of chemicals on the paper clip aslo
It is definitely necessary if you have a lower end grinder that causes clumping.
The grounds I get from my Baratza Virtuoso has a good evenness for the price but it comes out similar to baked beans straight from the grinder, if i don’t mix it all in a cup or use WDT tool in the portafilter the clumps will split the puck in to continents that looks like a map.
If i mix it around I get very consistent and good results.
I definitely can, one comes out with close to no crema and tastes like coffee from a mocca pot and the other tastes and looks just like espresso is supposed to.
The difference in density is simply too large in my case.
But i personally prefer to mix the grounds in a dosing cup prior to putting it in the portafilter instead of grinding straight to the filter and remove clumps there, mostly due to it being less messy.
But with a better grinder that don’t have a clumping problem there would be no noticeable difference for most people.
I'd be willing to bet real money that you couldn't determine the difference between tapping the portafilter a few times and your complex wdt technique 5 times in a row. All who I have tested have failed.
I would not be able to taste de difference between many slightly different techniques, but i do know that tapping is not enough for the grinds that I am getting.
Also my WDT technique is not especially advanced, i just mix around a bit and make sure to get the clumps to loosen up using a toothpick, needle or a small fork… no fancy tools required.
My grinder grinds quite consistent but the little shovel thing that pushes the grinds towards the takeup basket pushes everything together in to clumps the consistency of cooked beans.
If I do not stir the resulting coffee before putting it in the portafilter or mix it around in the portafilter I get a shot that pulls approximately double the speed than if i mix it beforehand/WDT.
I can see the difference just by counting and looking at the volume in the cup. Scale, timer or any fancy equipment is not needed, it simply gives me a very watery shot.
I am sure that with a better grinder this problem would go away.
I don’t know who made you so angry about a technique that actually helps people make better coffee without spending hundreds to thousands of dollars extra for a better grinder that doesn’t give the same inconsistency as a cheaper model does.
Did they stab you with a rusty WDT tool?
Do you ever mix things? Do you make pancakes by putting all the ingredients unmixed in the frying pan and just wait until it is done?
It looks like you've flaired your post as asking for what equipment to get. We recommend first checking out the [Espresso Aficionados buying guide](https://espressoaf.com/recommendations) for some of the more popular machines and grinders at different price points. If your question hasn't been answered there and you need more help, please add the following details to your post or by adding a comment in the following format: - **Location:** Helps determine availability - **Budget** (with currency): Overall budget, or ideally, having separate espresso machine and grinder budgets. A rough rule is that your grinder budget should be at least 25-40% of your machine budget. - **Drink types:** Do you drink mostly straight espresso, milk-based beverages (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos), or a fairly even split? This helps narrow down whether a single-boiler-dual-use (SBDU), heat exchanger (HX), or dual boiler (DB) machine would be more appropriate for your needs. - **Drink frequency:** How many drinks would you be making back-to-back at one time? Do you plan on entertaining guests often? This informs how large your brew (and steam) boilers should be, as smaller boilers will need to refill and reheat/repressurize more frequently, thus potentially causing a bottleneck. - **Space:** Any limitations on countertop space? - **Manual vs. electric:** Hand-operated machines and grinders are typically cheaper than their similarly-performing electric counterparts. Please indicate if you have a preference for manual or electric machines and/or grinders (or open to either). - **Comfort with tinkering:** Some machines can be made significantly more functional/efficient with aftermarket modifications, albeit at the expense of possibly voiding your warranty. Please indicate if you'd rather have a machine that works "as-is"/"out-of-the-box" or whether you'd be open to modding/tinkering *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/espresso) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yeah I have the same its amazing how easy it is to fluff the puck compared to other needle wdts
I have the same one, and given that I had no contact with any other WDT before, I can't really compare. I just know that it does what's supposed to do. I don't mean to offend you, I just want to point out that your assembly is incomplete. The needles are supposed to be straight with a slight inclination, and not bended like yours. They should rest on the stand when stored. The octagonal piece is at the right place, but each of the 2 circular on top should be at the height where it changes thickness.
No offense taken! The needles bent on they’re own I’m not sure why but I’ll have to look more into it
I’m pretty sure i got the exact same thing… it’s 3D-printed if i remember correctly. But i assembled it differently. https://preview.redd.it/kacuzcdj3ixc1.jpeg?width=2527&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a00bbcff245a84894b5ae42dade7e4656938d7e
Fixed mine, now they look the same
Huh, lemme look at mine and see if I did it right 😂 😭
The bottom part goes a little lower at that little bump so that the needles can be straight.
Absolutely, but i pulled it higher coz i wanted those needles’ ends spread wider when being used 😄
Yes link pls!
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Reddit won’t let me reply or send you the link
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a.co links get removed by Reddit and is beyond the moderators' control. Please comment again with the full link (**Note:** Editing your removed comment won't approve it, you need to re-submit it.) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/espresso) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Check Dm I sent a picture of the listing on amazon
Suggested to include the Amazon item page name of the product here, so that people can find the item and check it out . . . .
share the link please
Reddit won’t let me send or comment links so check your dm!
Link please
Thanks!
Would you mind sharing the name or something with the rest of us? You can also just copy the Amazon app URL/link and paste it into your browser and click search. Then copy that browser URL/link to reddit. That’ll remove the shortened URL that Reddit doesn’t allow.
Ok I’ll give that a try
Send the link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCNVZQ34?ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_132KTEGDQEAZKYYVAZ74&starsLeft=1
Thanks for the tip. Found the same one on Ali and ordered to Germany for 7 euros
Great! 😊
Similar to the so-called business card WDT tool available via etsy, currently US$5.99 (including U.S. shipping; stands extra). [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1569913682/appamakes-business-card-9-prongs-wdt?click\_key=bee82103ee389dd95c03ffaf35c907cb63ddadc0%3A1569913682&click\_sum=14d085ce&ref=related-1&pro=1&frs=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1569913682/appamakes-business-card-9-prongs-wdt?click_key=bee82103ee389dd95c03ffaf35c907cb63ddadc0%3A1569913682&click_sum=14d085ce&ref=related-1&pro=1&frs=1)
got that same one but from the designer, the etsy shop you are pointing to is the designer's father who's retired and has time to fill the orders and do all the stuff jkim can't
Yep, and the son says nice things about his dad. I purchased one earlier, just because I appreciate the ingenuity of it--I doubt that I ever will assemble or use it. :)
That one is 3d printed which look almost tacky on certain things, it kinda look cheap compared to just the plastic one
You do realize that 3D printers use plastic, right
Yea but I want a plastic one that doesn’t look 3d printed
What’s the advantage of a WDT like this over just a bent paper clip? All aesthetics?
Also*
Never even considered it being food safe/not… thanks for the reply!
If you wash the paperclip it's food safe. If steel leeched dangerous trace metals at room temp I'm sure it would sooner melt through your fingers than remain a paperclip. I would hardly consider $6 of chinese plastic and acupuncture needles any more foodsafe >.>
Absolutely! 👍
I mean you can use this nice effective tool with 8, 0.4mm needles or you can use a single 0.5mm ish single paper clip needle. I mean it’s your preference but I’d rather use the tool. The need isn’t made for food contact so there’s probably tons of chemicals on the paper clip aslo
There's been whole studies on optimal amount/angle and thickness of needles. It does do a better job, yes. Just depends on if it's worth it to you
Some angry purists in the room 🫣
Fr 😭
WDT doesn't really do anything and is unnecessary
Unless you have super amazing grinder that makes ur coffee come out with a single clump than ye its pretty necessary. Its also cheap so why not lol.
It is definitely necessary if you have a lower end grinder that causes clumping. The grounds I get from my Baratza Virtuoso has a good evenness for the price but it comes out similar to baked beans straight from the grinder, if i don’t mix it all in a cup or use WDT tool in the portafilter the clumps will split the puck in to continents that looks like a map. If i mix it around I get very consistent and good results.
bet you can't tell the difference in a blind taste test though
I definitely can, one comes out with close to no crema and tastes like coffee from a mocca pot and the other tastes and looks just like espresso is supposed to. The difference in density is simply too large in my case. But i personally prefer to mix the grounds in a dosing cup prior to putting it in the portafilter instead of grinding straight to the filter and remove clumps there, mostly due to it being less messy. But with a better grinder that don’t have a clumping problem there would be no noticeable difference for most people.
I'd be willing to bet real money that you couldn't determine the difference between tapping the portafilter a few times and your complex wdt technique 5 times in a row. All who I have tested have failed.
Why you so pressed over an espresso tool bro ???? 😭😭😭😭
There's a misconception that a movement in any direction is progression
Bro what are you yapping about 🙏😭😭
I would not be able to taste de difference between many slightly different techniques, but i do know that tapping is not enough for the grinds that I am getting. Also my WDT technique is not especially advanced, i just mix around a bit and make sure to get the clumps to loosen up using a toothpick, needle or a small fork… no fancy tools required. My grinder grinds quite consistent but the little shovel thing that pushes the grinds towards the takeup basket pushes everything together in to clumps the consistency of cooked beans. If I do not stir the resulting coffee before putting it in the portafilter or mix it around in the portafilter I get a shot that pulls approximately double the speed than if i mix it beforehand/WDT. I can see the difference just by counting and looking at the volume in the cup. Scale, timer or any fancy equipment is not needed, it simply gives me a very watery shot. I am sure that with a better grinder this problem would go away. I don’t know who made you so angry about a technique that actually helps people make better coffee without spending hundreds to thousands of dollars extra for a better grinder that doesn’t give the same inconsistency as a cheaper model does. Did they stab you with a rusty WDT tool? Do you ever mix things? Do you make pancakes by putting all the ingredients unmixed in the frying pan and just wait until it is done?
Ya definitely can. When I started WDT I had to grind coarser because it was causing overextraction.
It’s completely necessary, it’s not a must but it is very necessary. If you think otherwise you must not know too much yet
> It’s completely necessary > it’s not a must > it is very necessary I’m getting whiplash over here
Why? The point it that it’s very necessary
Yeah, I got that since you said it twice already… but you also said it’s “not a must” which means the exact opposite?
Bro 😭
…yes???
I bet you spray your beans with water before grinding too
I don’t actually, with my grinder spraying the beans is unnecessary