You need to tick the coupon box to get these prices (10% discount).
Not as good a deal but adding the 53mm here for $25.99 - 10% with coupon
CamelCamelCamel.
These are dual purpose, distributor and tamper. most likely you'll see a benefit, especially with that inbuilt grinder.
Not really, the stock tamp is good enough if you’re not having any issues.
I would actually recommend the V shaped palm distributor/tamper over this shape as it reduces certain channeling issues, all this simply does is make the grounds flat. It’s very lacking as a distributor.
In terms of accuracy, a palm tamp can be (surprisingly) inaccurate because of how the tamp depth works.
Distributors in general (the spinny ones, whether wedge or cross) have been debunked. WDT (or spinny wires, if done well) are superior.
Having said that, "spinny spinny" is fun to do, so go for it if it sparks joy! (It's just not very effective, and in the worst case it would actually be bad because it is masking bad puck prep!)
Spinny spinny.
Love it.
And yes, you are right this is more of a myth than an actual benefit.
I use the palm of my hand to tap the bucket.
Seems this is suffice for every barista I’ve seen or known for avoiding channeling.
I have a 878. The stock distributor and tamper came with it can't provide a constant tamp result. This one can ensure a constant result, especially when adjusting for different beans.
I think the 53mm is a good deal, bought it yesterday, assuming it works as well as the $30, we'll see
Apparently these distributors don't really do much distributing other than make the top flat.
That's true. You wouldn't want to just use it with a mound in the middle because you would get uneven pressure. I use the back of a knife to level the grinds beforehand.
I found the main advantage was it eliminates variables because I was never any good at using a normal tamper.
Nah, they don't actually eliminate variables. Proven in testing. It's placebo at best - check the most recent research (pretty much unanimous).
WDT is the way.
Just to clarify, the set depth tamping part of it is OK, I guess. In terms of distribution, it is ineffective, I mean (and simply hides bad puck prep). Using WDT to distribute, and THEN using one of these is probably OK.
At the end of the day, do whatever works for you! But tbh, the knife is probably doing more for consistency than the distribution tool! :)
My 2nd paragraph was in relation to the tamper side which was the main reason for buying this style. It has a rebate around the edge & depth adjustment so you get the same pressure and a level puck every time.
Note - If you don't level the grinds with a straight edge (back of a knife) the pressure will vary.
@WatchNerd: FWIW, set depth tamper is a bit questionable as well (in terms of the actual benefits it provides). Firstly, it only "works" if you are using the exact same bean and dose (and even then, as the bean ages, the beans will change with time anyway). Any time you change the bean or dose, the "calibrated" depth becomes meaningless - you're not really applying the same amount of force. The actual consistency you get from using a set depth tamper is completely over-exaggerated - a force calibrated tamper (eg. spring based) would provide actual consistency, fwiw (which is not much - see below).
Secondly, more importantly, consistent pressure itself is not actually important (beyond a point). The up to date research is that, as long as you tamp to a certain force (sufficient enough to compact the grinds and remove air pockets), which is actually a pretty low amount, anything more than that is unnecessary. As long as you meet the (low) bar of minimum sufficient tamping force, then being consistent with tamping force is really a bit of a furphy…
The actual benefit of the set depth tamper is that, if properly adjusted, will be self-levelling. That is really the only benefit to be honest. I actually have a spring-based self levelling tamper myself that is force adjustable…but tbh, the only reason I got it was for the self-levelling part really (I don't really bother with the adjustable force part).
As I said, this is all backed up by current research - check it out if you can be bothered. :)
Have one…doesn't really distribute or tamp properly. Doesn't do a proper job of either function which is a shame because I really wanted to like this product.
I didn't believe James Hoffman and went against his advice and bought one anyway.
Now already looking to replace with a needle distributor and proper tamper.
Lesson learned
Can easily create a diy needle distributor with a wine cork and sewing needles.
Yeah, I got some free sample acupuncture needles and just used a cork. Unfortunately the bottle of wine cost $30 though… haha.
Where you get the free sample from? Keen yto get some too
@zintill: Can't remember, I think I just searched for free acupuncture needles or sample accupuncture needles or something. Otherwise it was going to be about $10 from a shop I think.
@zintill: Not exactly free, but last time I bought replacement nozzle for 3d printer, it came with a pack of acupuncture needles, enough to make a distributor.
Something akin to this would suit https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/324471387767
Its nice to get a flat tamp but the "distributor" is hot garbage.
Grab yourself a dosing funnel and a needle distributor (I use some 3d nozzle cleaning needles 3$ on ebay) and the stock tamper will do you just fine.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10pcs-0-4mm-Extruder-Nozzle-Dril…
and a dosing funnel (so I don't spill coffee everywhere)
something like 15-20$ total
It depends, if the distributor prevents channeling like I've seen on some YouTube videos, then it might be worth it.
Needles I would guess work better.
One might not need a dosing funnel if they can use the distributor where the grinds are collected (such as with my hand grinder) which apparently is better for coffee distribution anyway.
I just have the dosing funnel there so I don't spill coffee grounds everywhere when I'm poking at it with the needles 😅
And yea I'd imagine that hand grinders don't clump up as much as an electric grinder
these things are hefty. about >400g I think. quite good
You had me at duel head!
Too early to say for sure but I just received mine and I like it, will need some time to configure it but first shot, the Mrs said it was one of the better coffees.
If you have a really good grinder and are a professional at dosing and tamping then this may not help at all.
53mm version weighs 485g.
I started with nicely levelled coffee grounds in the basket (making sure the coffee is all the way around including the edges), popped the tool on, 3 spins then used my own tamper.
It's obviously hard to tell what the puck looks like below the surface, but this tool made the surface beautifully smooth. I did get some channelling so I will have to adjust the depth of the tool, hopefully it's worth it in the end.
I am using the one that came with the breville 870, any idea if I have to upgrade? Not sure what I am missing out