If you’ve just started making espresso at home like me, you must be seeing numerous videos of people using WDT to prepare their pucks. This is a method of using a thin tool to evenly distribute coffee grounds in the portafilter, and many people sworn by its benefits. I was curious and gave it a try to see if it is really worth it.
The Setup
I am using the Breville Barista Express Impress in this test. I pull two shots using 18 grams of fresh medium-roast coffee and aim for a 36-gram yield in about 30-35 seconds. For the first shot, I used WDT to stir the grounds, then a distribution tool to level the bed, and finished with a spring-loaded tamper for consistent pressure. For the second shot, I skipped all that and only used the built-in tamper of my Breville, I pressed down twice for a clean puck.
The Visual Test: Flow Through a Bottomless Portafilter
With a bottomless portafilter, you can see the espresso extraction in real time; golden streams of coffee converging into a steady flow. Surprisingly, both shots looked almost the same. The flow started as a few drips before joining into a single, steady stream. There were no obvious signs of channeling in either case.
The Taste Test: Any Noticeable Difference?
Now, it’s time to test the taste. The first shot (with WDT and extra tools) was smooth and balanced, with caramel sweetness, a hint of fruitiness, and a clean finish. The second shot (just the built-in tamper) was… well, pretty much the same. If there was a difference, it was so subtle that I couldn’t tell in a blind test. Both shots had a decent crema, good body, and no bitterness or sourness to suggest an uneven extraction.
The lack of a clear difference probably comes down to the machine itself. The Breville’s grinder produced fluffy, clump-free grounds straight into the portafilter. Therefore, there’s little for WDT to fix. Besides, the built-in tamper applies enough pressure to create a decent puck.
If you’re using a lighter roast or a finer grind, WDT might help ensure consistency. Or if you use older beans or your grinder burrs are wearing down, you might see more clumping and WDT would be useful in that case. For home baristas looking to simplify their routine, it is ok to skip WDT and it’s one less gadget to clutter the counter.
