Distribution tools, worth it or no?

[LeroyC]

I over filled the basket tapped a few times, spread the mount to the edges, tapped a few times again, used my finger as a scraper, tamped. When I tap the coffee visibly sinks into the filter. I can go several times until the coffee stops sinking

I would stop the vertical tapping that you’re doing as that has been shown to cause migration of fines and poor top to bottom distribution. A single vertical tap on the bench to settle the mound followed by a few taps on the side with your hand is recommended to get the best distribution with adding to the process with a distributor or the WDT or something. Most of the latest research is showing that the best distribution involves stirring the grounds using WDT or similar so there’s some new distribution tools out there and due to be released that will attempt to systemise this method. Other than minimising the vertical tapping the other things you should avoid are touch the grounds with your hand/finger or over filling then swiping the top off the mound with a finger or knife. Both of these have been shown to create uneven distribution.

[crazyhakins]

Dave Corbey ( well respected reviewer of all things coffee in uk) did some comparisons with a vibratory distribution tool gadget and a more normal twisty one on another website. ( I won't post link just in case it is not permitted in our forum rules. )He sprinkled a line of salt on top of his mound of coffee in the portafilter. The twisty distribution tool did very little, the new prototype gadget both distributed and collapsed the mound very well to the extent he even tested a few shots untamped.. I won't be getting a normal type of distribution tool on my benchtop but if the prototype vibrating tool comes onto the market i would be tempted.

I’ve seen that or a similar video, they’ll be the new craze for sure.

[Rami]

I over filled the basket tapped a few times, spread the mount to the edges, tapped a few times again, used my finger as a scraper, tamped.

When I tap the coffee visibly sinks into the filter. I can go several times until the coffee stops sinking

[FNQ]

Dave Corbey ( well respected reviewer of all things coffee in uk) did some comparisons with a vibratory distribution tool gadget and a more normal twisty one on another website. ( I won't post link just in case it is not permitted in our forum rules. )He sprinkled a line of salt on top of his mound of coffee in the portafilter. The twisty distribution tool did very little, the new prototype gadget both distributed and collapsed the mound very well to the extent he even tested a few shots untamped.. I won't be getting a normal type of distribution tool on my benchtop but if the prototype vibrating tool comes onto the market i would be tempted.

[crazyhakins]

I’ve never used one, so maybe that disqualifies me from commenting. I have considered one though and done a lot of research. They will only be useful if you don’t already have a replicable distribution technique in your workflow. They are cleaner than hand distribution and maybe quicker depending on your method, so if they’re qualities you’re after the it could be useful to you. They are not a magic fix though and you won’t automatically start pulling ‘god shots’ just because you have a $300 distribution tool. You still need to have decent distribution into your portafilter. Some people swear by them, some people would never use one. You will see most people who recommend them have heavy disclaimers that they ‘may or may not make a difference’.

[sam678]

To get more consistent shots requires examining your workflow and controlling the variables. Only change one variable at a time. Usually the grind is the variable that needs adjusting.

I don’t know the Breville Touch but there are Breville users on the forum who may be able to address specific issues related to your setup.

Yes, a distribution tool will help control your distribution variable. That may or may not be an issue with the consistency of your shots, but one less variable to worry about.

[Rami]

Their worth can only be measured by knowing if there is a problem with your distribution you are trying to solve.

I have seen 54mm CDT on Amazon.

I don’t know. That is the issue. I don’t get consistent coffee and it taste on par or a notch less than the one at the cafe. It is one of many variables that can be the reason

[sam678]

Their worth can only be measured by knowing if there is a problem with your distribution you are trying to solve.

I have seen 54mm CDT on Amazon.

[Rami]

I’m not sure that there’s any 54mm ones available.

Assuming there is.

are they worth it?

[LeroyC]

I’m not sure that there’s any 54mm ones available.

[Rami]

Sheesh. For some reason I can’t navigate this place at all.
thanks for the repoint.

[Javaphile]

Lol, General discussion it is.

coffee distributors.

worth it or no? Any specific recommendations?

i have a breville touch, so would be looking at 54 mm.

Hhhmmm, Based on that I'm going to assume you're asking about tools used in distributing ground coffee around the basket. That being the case there's a more appropriate area for that discussion.


Java "Waves his digital wand" phile

[Rami]

Go to the homepage, scroll down the list of the different areas taking note of their descriptions. Pick the one most appropriate for your question, and then...


Java "Ask away!" phile

Lol, General discussion it is.

coffee distributors.

worth it or no? Any specific recommendations?

i have a breville touch, so would be looking at 54 mm.