WDT: A critical tool for better espresso at home
Disclaimer: this article contain affiliate links. They are purple. Clicking and buying through them helps us earn a little money. Thanks for your support.
Hi. Rob here. Want to level up your espresso game quick-style? Meet the WDT tool. After a quality grinder, it's probably the best (and cheapest) way to make your espresso better.
What's a WDT Tool?
Picture a thick-sharpie-sized handle that’s a couple inches long with 5-7 thin needle sticking out – basically a tiny rake for your coffee grounds.
WDT is easy and worth the effort.
How WDT tools help you make better espresso
When your coffee comes out of your grinder, it ends up in a mound and gets clumpy. If you just tamp those grounds as they are, you're setting yourself up for trouble. Those clumps lead to uneven extraction, which means your espresso won't taste as good as it could.
That's where the WDT tool comes in. The WDT acts as a rake, helping you break up those pesky clumps and distribute your espresso grounds evenly throughout your portafilter basket. The technique is super easy: just stir gently with the WDT about 5-10 rotations, making sure your grounds are level and even distributed. You'll immediately notice:
Less channeling in your shots
More even extraction
Much tastier espresso
It’s really that simple of a tool and that simple of a technique.
Which WDT to choose
1. Buy a Premium Tool: I recommend the Subminimal Flick WDT tool for its quality construction and precise needles. Plus it’s really satisfying to flick open and closed. There are tons of great options at different quality levels and price points. (Full list of recommendations linked below)
2. DIY Solution: If you're feeling crafty, you can make your own. All you need is:
Wine cork - I bought mine at Ace Hardware.
Guitar G string - This string has the stiffness you need. Don’t use a different string.
Wire cutters - To cut the guitar string into (5) 3 inch sections.
Super glue - Poke a hole with the guitar string. Put a dot of Super glue over the hole and press the guitar string in.
Let it dry for 30 minutes. Done.
Either way you go, you’re going to make better espresso instantly.
Want to dive deeper into espresso basics? Read my Espresso Tamping 101 article.
Recommendations
Whether you choose to buy or DIY, a WDT tool is one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades you can make to your espresso setup.
WDT Tools
Dosing funnels (for a cleaner WDT)
Note: Make sure you get the right size for your portafilter.
Watch the TikTok video I made about WDT. (And follow me - rob_mcgee)
@rob_mcgee Improve your espresso immediately with a WDT tool. Check out the @Subminimal Flick or DIY if you don’t want to buy one right now. #espresso #coffeetiktok #homebarista ♬ original sound - rob_mcgee
