The barista world is full of gadgets, but few have sparked as much interest in recent years as distribution tools.
What is distribution, and why is it important?
Distribution refers to the process of evenly spreading out the ground coffee in your filter basket before tamping. When coffee comes out of the grinder, it often forms clumps. If those clumps aren’t broken up, you end up with an uneven coffee bed, leading to uneven extraction and a less-than-perfect shot. A well-distributed coffee bed helps water flow through the grounds more consistently, improving both flavour and quality.
How do you distribute coffee?
There are a few different ways to achieve even distribution, each with its pros and cons:
Manual (The Stockfleth Method)
This involves using your fingers—usually your forefinger and thumb—to move the grounds around the basket. It’s simple and effective, especially for home use, but not ideal in a busy café setting due to hygiene concerns.
Wedge-Shaped Tools
These are circular tools with wedge-like fins on the bottom. You place them on top of the coffee bed and spin them to level out the surface. They’re easy to use but mainly affect the top layer of grounds, leaving the lower portion potentially uneven.
Whisk-Type Tools (WDT Tools)
Resembling a bundle of thin needles, these tools “whisk” the coffee, breaking up clumps throughout the entire basket. They’re highly effective and becoming increasingly popular among professionals and home baristas alike.
Tap and Settle
The old-school approach: tap the portafilter with your hand or knock it against the bench to settle the grounds. It’s quick, but can lead to channelling—where water finds cracks in the bed and flows unevenly.
Final thoughts
Whether you're brewing at home or in a café, getting distribution right is a small step that makes a big difference in the cup.
Curious to try it yourself? We stock wedge-style distribution tools on our website - easy to use and a great place to start.
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