Espresso is the most precious thing to me in the world and scope of coffee. For me at least, it's the ultimate expression, not to mention extraction, of what high end specialty coffee can offer. In 20 years, we've had many variants of our "How to Make Espresso" guide up on CoffeeGeek. It was revised again this summer, putting more focus on WDT and how even just using a paperclip can make your coffee better.
Oh, Coffeegeek, I am so glad to discover you… and I never would have if you hadn’t migrated over to this lovely Mastodontic community! Welcome!!!!
@coffeegeek when I first understood that I really like to make coffee and not just simple, but perfect espresso, I started to read what kind of coffee machine I want (before I had non of such devices) and found out that simple fully automatic is not for me, so Braville Barista expres was my best choice for beginner. But I’m not still sure about WDT if it’s really needed
@Aliohateveryone @coffeegeek I doubt I can taste the difference between WDT and non-WDT shots. I’m not *that* discerning.
What I use WDT for, mostly, is to get a level puck. Every time I tap the portafilter on the counter I get an uneven puck, so I WDT then tamp with no tapping. Works great. I finish the WDT process with a side-to-side motion while turning the portafilter, making sure to keep the WDT device level but using a shoulder motion, not my wrist. Kinda like spray painting.
@Aliohateveryone Ciao Aliona!
It took me some time to come around to the WDT myself. Two main grinders I used for espresso for a long time: a Baratza Sette 270Wi, and a Versalab M3, both output a super fluffy, un-compacted and even grind.
But the WDT is a benefit for most grinders. The Barista Express' grinder output is a bit clumpy, so it would see benefit.
One of our bloggers wrote recently about "discovering" WDT:
https://www.coffeegeek.com/techniques/the-weiss-distribution-technique-changed-my-espresso-game/
@coffeegeek nice! It's been 10+ years since I read this guide. Now I need to go find some paperclips! Wdt seems like a step I need since my vario just sometimes has clumpy days that make it hard to dose and I end up with a bit of channeling. That may get the consistency I'm sometimes missing.
@patricklang The Vario is such an excellent grinder, but retention and a slightly clumpy output are its two main issues. This will definitely help. One of our bloggers had that journey:
https://www.coffeegeek.com/techniques/the-weiss-distribution-technique-changed-my-espresso-game/