How To: The Jack Espresso Leveler Setup and Use

[@andyg3254]

I’ve had mine for over a month now...maybe even two months. Absolutely love it. No need to tamp and my shots are much more consistent. One of the best ‘coffee accessory’ purchases I’ve made. Using mine with an Expobar Office Lever and Ceado E6P.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Andy G Hi, Thanks for sharing your experience. Really does make a difference and ups consistency! Marc

[@s1l3ntgl1d3r]

Hi Andy & Marc I bought a Jack Leveller as well after seeing your video. At first I loved it, seeing those even coffee beds made me really happy. I did not use a tamper after using the Jack Leveller. The idea is great, because you take out one variable from espresso making, ie tamping, which I really like, because it makes things more consistent. This morning though I noticed that the "depth adjustement" was off by two "lines" from what I thought it would be. Then I checked the depth adjustement and noticed that when you turn the Jackleveller clockwise (the only way it can turn) when on the portafilter, if there is enough resistance, ue from the coffee grounds) it could turn and the depth adjustement can change, which can then change the compression of the coffee bed and thus changing the extraction... I noticed this because my extractions ratios where off by 1, instead of 1:2 they were 1:3 this morning... I will look into this, and I trust your opinion more than my skills, but could you check if your leveller does the same thing?

[@andyg3254]

@@s1l3ntgl1d3r I had that problem one time, shortly after I started using it. And when it happened to me, i could feel the 'click' happen as i spun the leveler. It turned out in my case that I had some extra grounds get wedged between the side of the jack and the inside of the basket (i use a VST 18g). Once I cleaned off the edges of the Jack, and the inside of the basket, it was fine. I have not had that problem again. It's takes a pretty solid amount of force for me to move my leveler up/down. So it really never moves on it's own (unless I jam the jack in the portafilter on an angle). If yours moves pretty often, just by spinning it on the bed of coffee, maybe there is a problem with the internals or not enough clearance between the jack and the basket?

[@s1l3ntgl1d3r]

Andy G OK I will keep an eye on the depth setting. I just bought my Profitec 600 2 days ago and have gone through 2 lbs of Coffee to get the right setting :-D I guess that is a stress test the leveller was not designed to do. The force needed to move the depth setting is pretty high on mine as well, so i must have moved it some other way. Anyway I love the idea of the JL, just wanted to get what happened to me out there. Thank you for your input its much appreciated.

[@aoalr]

Maximilian Mann Hi Maximilian, I’m about to place my order for JL. Can you let me know if you’ve had the problem since then? Appreciate your response.

[@michaelerbreviews]

I"m a few years late to the party but recently got a 58mm knock-off leveler/tamper. In my use of it so far I've realized that I get a good result just using the leveler. The game changer for me is that it reduces one variable in the process and enables me to focus on the grind which makes the process of dialing in the shot quite a bit easier. When you have to worry about correct grind, dose size, leveling, tamping pressure, and timing, taking one variable off the table simplifies things a lot.,

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi RT&T, Could not agree more! Thanks for the comment! Marc

[@brentroman]

Thanks for posting this video Mark! I just went to a Home Espresso workshop between La Marzocco and Counter Culture Coffee Education. I was talking with Zach Wright from La Marzocco and he was talking about using the leveler now instead of tamping. It was the first I had heard of it. In fact, I have a "distributor" that I have been using WITH a tamper as well. Zach was talking about doing double blinds in the lab and EVERYBODY thought the leveler made better shots than with tamps. He said that some guy had made a see-through portafilter and was showing how using a tamp only compressed the top layer of the coffee other than using the leveler producing a more consistent puck with distributed grinds. I'm gonna give it a shot and play around with it.

[@JasonAlexzander1q47]

Ty

[@boywhiz88]

We got an Asso Jack leveler recently thanks to Marc and WLL, we love it!!!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey bw, Thanks for the report sharing the love! Marc

[@mrfunkyjay]

Hi Marc, I found this Leveler very useful in terms of eliminating Tamping process in my espresso ritual. Thanks for sharing this, I purchased from Asso Coffee directly and have been using it for about more than a year now. Simplified brewing is one key to enjoy daily espresso without any stress. Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi KS, Thanks for sharing your experience with The Jack - it's a wonderful tool! Marc

[@WhalenTube]

Hey Marc! I've had my Asso Jack Leveler since I purchased my ECM Classika in 2020, and use it daily. I could not find any documentation online that described the setting marks on the side of the leveler, so I grabbed a caliper and measured it myself…. When fully retracted to the first mark, the minimum position is at 4.0 mm (0.15748"). It takes 5 clicks (0.2 mm each) to move to the next line which is at 5.0 mm. The lines are spaced 1.0 mm (0.03937") apart, and each click moves 0.2 mm (0.00787"). When fully extended, 3 clicks past the upper line (12.0 mm) the leveler is at 12.6 mm (0.49606"). If your jack is set to 7, the top of the puck should be 10.0 mm below the top of the basket. With an IMS shower screen and 8.5 mm gasket, I measured 7 mm from the gasket to the top of the screen. The top of the basket rests on the gasket, so the screen is 7 mm below the top of the basket, which translates to a headspace of ~3 mm. Hope this helps!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey WT, Thanks for the info and taking the time to post here - appreciated a whole latte! Marc

[@angrytomasz]

Marc, this is amazing thank you so much. Unfortunately I have watched so much of your content now that my wife officially thinks I am insane and can't figure out how I could be learning so much about "just coffee..." :P Really appreciate all these videos and wanted to thank you again for taking your time to explain everything! Cheers :)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi TP, You are welcome and thanks for your comment! Apologize to the wife for me - also not insane, just crazy about great coffee/espresso! Marc

[@2012enpassant]

@4:42 sweaty hand seasoning espresso grinds YUM! The Jack has significantly reduced my channeling. Result is smooth tasting espresso. Prior my espresso had a bite or kick. Mark your great, thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey 2012, Sweat is like bacon - makes everything better! Hahahaha. Thanks a whole latte for sharing your results using The Jack. Really makes a difference removing the tamping variable out of the equation. Marc

[@rodrigonitrini7144]

Thanks for the video! How much depth should I use with the leveler? Maximum possible? I wonder if otherwise it only levels the top of the puck, leaving the bottom untouched?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi RN, You are welcome. Take it as deep as you can go without leaving a mark of the leveling head on the top of your coffee puck or causing the leveling head to click to a different setting. Do clean the sides of the head and the part which contacts the top rim of the filter basket between uses. Excess coffee dust/powder after use can cause the leveler to bind against side of filter basket. Marc

[@thelawofthegun6237]

Sold ! This video convinced me to purchase one , thanks !!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Good choice! Marc

[@hammerhog22]

Hello Marc! I just bought an amazing setup from your Deals over the holidays and got myself a Jack Leveler. I love this video but I wish you could of showed us what the wrong way was and then show us what the right way is. What do you mean by not seeing the ridge marks in the puck? Do I set the leveler to the point that I see the lines and then slowly back off until no more lines? Theoretically this should be deep enough not to touch the screen correct? I have the 17 gram precision basket to go with the leveler I bought as a combo because of your awesome content! I bought a whole bunch of stuff actually. Hope to hear back from you! Thank you for everything that you do and thank you for all the maintenance tips and cleaning tips on most machines as well! this is going to make my Gaggia Pro last a lifetime which is what I want. Cheers!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hello Matt, Thanks for all your kind comments and question. Yes, if you are seeing ridge lines from the leveler head then you are either set to deep or far to shallow. Just adjust the depth as deep as you can without seeing lines in the coffee puck after leveling. You do want the coffee compressed as much as possible by leveler and you are correct, you do not want to see an impression of the shower screen in the coffee puck after an extraction. Marc

[@Jazzcat1980Rip]

Hi Mark regarding screen marks, I see the imprint of the holding screw but not the screen. Would it be better to reduce from 18g to 17.5g? Thanks, Kevin

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey KC Marc here from Whole Latte Love... Thanks for the question. A couple of options. Reduce dose a bit or go with a larger filter basket like this one: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-20g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket Marc

[@carp7697]

I was excited to hear you talking about using a lighter tamp. I've always felt I got more consistent pulls with a lighter tamp.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Carp, Thanks for the comment. Same here and over the years the trend has been to a slightly finer grinder and less forceful compression of coffee.

[@mattiamarelli437]

Thanks a lot for the very useful instructions. Could you please let me know if there are any Jack Leveler suitable for 51mm baskets? I only found bigger diameter options. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi MM, You are welcome. Unfortunately, the Jack is only available in 58mm standard commercial size. Marc

[@mattiamarelli437]

Hi Marc, thank your for your reply. This means I will have to wait for my next machine upgrade then! Mattia

[@shizzon]

So do I understand right that if you have the leveler set too deep, it will leave an imprint in the coffee? Other than that, what is the best way to tell that it's deep enough? I can imagine if you have it set way too shallow it might level it but not really compress the puck at all? Seems like there must be a big range between barely leveling it and having it so deep that it leaves marks in the coffee.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Sean, If you see an impression back off a few clicks in depth and level again. Repeat if needed until no marks. Then you are at a good spot. Use the same dose next time and you should be all set. Can also try gently knocking out a puck (dry - before extraction) once you think you have the right depth. It should come out in a single piece if compressed enough. Marc

[@chilimartini2076]

I love this man's passion for coffee

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Sergey, Thanks for the comment! Marc

[@MDo-ci9yr]

Will this work on the portafilters and baskets that come with the Profitec Pro 500? And, to confirm, the way to know the depth is sufficient is to not have marks on the coffee once leveling is complete?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi MD, Yes it will work with the Pro 500's stock filter baskets. Sufficient depth indicated by no marks in puck surface from the leveler or shower screen after an extraction. Marc

[@christ.3756]

Hi Marc - thank so much for sharing all this knowledge. You all are a amazing - great TEAM! May I encourage another experiment? Could you examine the extraction between tamping and leveling? What quality would result between this two methods? That would be very interesting and of course by using the new Ceado SD grinder please! I love this grinder! Second: I'm still wondering why so many people extract their espresso in 25 seconds to get 45 ml! In this constellation the espresso flows much too fast and tastes too watery! An espresso should extract in 25 seconds and spend 25 ml. For those who are skeptical, please try (25 seconds / 25 ml) then steam milk and create a flat white in a 200ml cup. I personally like my flat white strong and use 20 grams of coffee. So a double shot espresso, better said ristreto. Of course, the same can be done with a one shot espresso for those who like their flat white lighter. But 25 seconds for 25 ml remain for both variants! Thank you all

[@daviding78]

Couldn't agree more, I go for 30sec /30ml but same principle as urs. And sometimes I use a 120ml cup for my double shot flat white, ommph that flavour :)

[@dan_craig]

Hi Marc. I realize this video is 5 years old but I did just get the 58.5mm jack leveler from Whole Latte Love and I have the depth out as far as it will go but still seeing the shower screen impression on the puck. Using 17 grams (from eureka mignon libre grinder and Bezerra BZ13) Also, if I level and then tamp with my 30lb calibrated tamper it does push it down slightly further, and no longer get the shower screen impression. If the depth is out as far as it can go what am I doing wrong?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi dc, If depth is out all the way you are not doing anything wrong. There are variables between baskets and machines with leveled puck height and protrusion of shower screen which may cause screen impression in puck surface. Tamping after leveling as you did may result in slightly less puck height. If you want to avoid tamping for your setup you could go with a larger capacity precision filter basket. Precision baskets tend to not have tapered sides which results in less puck height for same weight of coffee. Another option with current basket is a lower coffee dose. Here's an 18g precision basket with non-tapered sides: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-18g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket?variant=19441711939638 Marc

[@dan_craig]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks so much for such a detailed reply. You’re super helpful. I don’t know how you find the time. I really do love the idea of just the leveler and not having to tamp and ever since I used the leveler I notice I get a consistent nine bar a lot more often so I will try the basket you recommend. Thanks again.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@dan_craig You're welcome!

[@steveniannelli2954]

I’m late to the game here. Got my leveler. Should I be extending it all the way for the deepest setting and using a courser grind or finer grind and more shallow depth. I’ve essentially traded tamper anxiety for leveler anxiety over here

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi steven, Thanks for the question. Yes, extended as deep as you can go without leaving any odd impressions in the coffee puck after use. If you were a forceful tamper in the past you may need to grind a hair finer. The leveler should reduce anxiety! Marc

[@YWeeJun]

Love plenty of your videos, as well as products from Whole Latte Love. Awaiting for the day when you folks ship outside of USA and Canada!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi A, Thanks for the comment on our videos and products! Wish we could ship to other regions as well. Marc

[@JohnyTechReview]

Just pull the trigger today on a Profitec 500 pid from wll. Marc all of your video is really educational and sucker me into one of these machine 😜

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi JTR, Thanks for the comment and your business! I'm sure you will love you new Pro 500 PID a whole latte. Be sure and bookmark the Whole Latte Love Support Wiki for the Pro 500 here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Profitec_Pro_500_PID Lots of great info/videos there. If you need more help you can always talk with our coffee pros via phone/chat/email here: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us Marc

[@C9O1X]

Hi Mark, I am looking forward to transitioning from a hard tamp to trying out a leveler setup. Would you recommend the Jack over the Bravo 58.4mmm Espresso Distributor? I am hoping to not use a tamp in the future, so the allure of the Bravo tamp/leveler duo isn't for me. Thank you for all of the incredibly informative and accessible videos, I have learned a lot from the WLL team!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi B C, You are welcome for the videos and thank you for your kind comment and question. The Bravo distributor tamper combo is what I use when I need a no questions asked perfect puck prep. I use it when doing testing or technical brewing but use the Jack for the majority of my brewing. It's difficult to quantify how much better the Bravo combo is compared to the Jack. The Bravo tools are designed to be used together as the distributor doesn't compress the coffee all that much. Marc

[@egcruzer]

What are your thoughts on WDT? I see you didn’t do that step in this video or others you’ve made, I’m guessing you don’t believe it’s necessary. Right now I’m doing WDT, then a distributor and finishing with a tamper. After this video I’m ready to stop tamping after using my distributor but want to hear your thoughts on WDT. I’m using a Sette 270 grinder.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi e, Thanks for the question! If I were using a grinder that produced a clumpy grind I'd reach for a WDT or maybe a dosing cup to shake and break! Feel as though that makes a big difference! But, I try not to use grinders that produce clumps. I've used the Sette 270 extensively and it's always produced a fluffy and well distributed grind straight into a portafilter. There are lots of opinions on WDT and some of my colleagues do use WDT even with higher-end grinders. They seem to enjoy the workflow process and would say it helps to remove a variable. I lean towards making things easier - especially for those newer to home espresso. We have a bunch of high-end espresso heads on staff here. A few weeks ago one dialed in a coffee for our break room. He put a Jack there along with suggested dose weight and output ratio. He advised more junior staff using his recipe all that was needed was the Jack. Marc

[@LumiLunar]

Tamping after distributing does make a difference. Today my first shot wasn't coming out. I had already grind enough for two shots. I used the distribution tool but didn't tamp and was perfect.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi lumi, Thanks for the comment. Marc

[@homecafecharlie]

Nice explanation. It's hard to know exactly what level the distribution tool should be at and it varies for every portafilter basket. I found it needed to be nearly twice as deep for the Gaggia I'm doing a video about now, compared to my Silvia which has a relatively shallow doubleshot basket (15g).

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi HC, Thanks for sharing your experience. Would love to see your video! Marc

[@josephmooney5723]

I just bought one of these. I’m not yet sure of how to use it best. I think that the most valuable item in the video was that it is important to pair basket and desired dose. I have a 20 g Barista Pro basket and the baskets that came with the machine (Profitec Pro 500 PID). I generally like 18g dose and find that the 20g basket is too big for the leveller..or so it seems as the same dose in the smaller basket comes out fine, but in the larger it is way too fast even at the maximum extension of the leveller. My friend who likes a 22g dose finds her leveller works great. I did find that the smaller basket that came in the kit works really well with the leveller. This seemed to be an afterthought in the video...but seems this issue may be a really important step to getting the most out of this product...or am I completely off base🤔 I do agree that in the smaller basket, with the 18g dose...the naked portafilter show a really good pour without any splattering ( a lot better than I could consistently do with tamping!! LOL!). Thanks again for their video as there are no instructions in the box😝!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Joseph, Thanks a bunch for the detailed comments sharing you experience! Matching dose and basket is critical! Marc

[@bryantwong140]

May I know where to buy jack leveler? It seems I am unable to purchase in Singapore!

[@nicholasroberti8049]

Hi Mark! I’m using a distribution tool with my new Sette 270. When the grinds come out, there is a bit of a mound in the middle. Should i place the distribution tool right on top, or, is it necessary to shake the portafilter around a bit in order to level the grounds. Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Nicholas, Thanks for the question. You can place a distribution tool on the mound. It should take care of smoothing things out. That said I'm not opposed to (and often do myself) giving the PF a shake to even the mound. So long as placing directly on the mound doesn't cause grinds to spill I don't think there will be any difference with or without the shake. Marc

[@nasser_almashjary]

A quick question Mark. I'm trying to couple an R58 Rocket machine with a grinder and I have two options: MDX on demand or Barazza sette 270W. Appreciate your efforts here

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi nasser, Thanks for the comment and question! I'd go with the Sette 270Wi for sure: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baratza-sette-270wi-conical-burr-grinder IMO It's the best appliance grade espresso grinder available. Marc

[@walkerck]

I've been using my Jack for about a week with a naked portafilter using the Baristapro Nanotech basket. I've been very impressed with the results. I've tried cheaper levelers but the Jack spins much easier and feels better in the hand.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Charlie Walker Thanks for sharing. Good tools help make great espresso! Marc

[@noelf3127]

Ok so one more thing I just want to comment on. At about 4:10 in the video, Marc talks about tamp pressure and how over the years he's been using less tamp pressure. A week ago I bought an ONA OCD v2 and much like the Jack Leveler in this video - it has dramatically improved the consistency of my shots. However, I thought I'd try a few comparison shots to see the difference between levelled only vs levelled + tamped. Using a Settie 270WI grinder, fresh roasted beans that are "bean of the month" from a roaster here in Brisbane, AU - I used a 20g VST shot basket with 20g in, 40g out in 25-30 seconds. Only using the OCD v2, I got 40g out in 25 seconds. Tasting the shot - it had just a touch of sourness at the back of the palate, and it was a little thin in mouth feel. I repeated the process this time tamping the shot with about 15kg (30lbs) of pressure and it compacted a further 3-4mm beyond just using the leveller. This also gave it a longer extraction time with 40g output obtained in 29 seconds. The volumetric amount was much higher though - a lot more crema. This shot tasted more well balanced with the slight sourness at the back of the palate completely gone. This shot also had a much better mouth feel. It would be an interesting experiment to play around with grind settings and only use the leveller to see if the need for a tamp could be offset. But they were my personal findings from a simple experiment of tamp vs no tamp when using a leveller.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Noel F Thanks a bunch for sharing in-depth details of your experience - awesome! Marc

[@Mobra_Music]

Cool observations 👍 Could the issue be the grinder, and the price difference in comparison with the pretty expensive grinder Marc uses in this video? Just a thought... I might be wrong.

[@chefe2152]

So you mention in your other video that you don't use tampers anymore. I'm new to espresso ,and I also don't like spending money for nothing. In your opinion, is it better just invest in good leveler ,instead tamper ,leveler ...?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Chef, I've found that my consistency improved using a leveler. You can only compress coffee so much. Inconsistency comes from uneven distribution of grounds and tamping that's not level. Both of those problems can cause channeling of brew water through the coffee puck. A precision adjustable tool like the Jack distributes the coffee and compresses it leaving a flat and even puck surface for even brew water flow.

[@bradtinbc140]

Hi Mark. I've recently started using a leveler (without tamping), and I've been quite happy. But one thing I'm curious about: when using the leveler, I've found that I need to grind quite a bit coarser than I did before when using a tamper - still within normal espresso range, but significantly coarser. Has this been your experience, and if so why might that be? I wonder if (imperfect) tamping was somehow resulting in channeling, in turn resulted in faster times (but poorer shots) with the finer grind.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Brad, Thanks for sharing your experience going from tamping to leveling! It's possible that imperfect tamping was causing channeling and is resulting in your need to grind coarser when leveling. My experience is a little different. For years I was a relatively hard tamper using an Espro calibrated tamper which clicks at 30lb of force. Before going to levelers exclusively about 18 months ago I shifted my technique using a finer grind and lighter tamp when I ditched the Espro tamper. I've stayed with what I believe is a slightly finer grind since starting with levelers. Marc

[@Luforge]

Hiya Mark, Its looks like a great little tool to use to get the precise tamp..would have liked to see you pour a shot.? and see the crema..

[@jjg19631]

Hi Mark. Any idea what the differences are between the Jack, the OCD or the Pullman Chisel? And why one says it’s not for tamping and the other says it’s perfect for tamping? Maybe the base of another video 😊? Also because one has other structure and the Pullman I saw that that one pushes coffee a bit to the edges and hey say that is better.

[@andersokhalvorsen]

I believe all these will work in a very similar fashion. I have the Pullman, which is great. Also, no need to tamp with that one.

[@jjg19631]

Anders Halvorsen Looking at several video’s, even from the creators of levellers, the jury is still out on that. How much finer did you grind to keep the same brewtime?

[@andersokhalvorsen]

Jeroen Geurtsen I am still going back-and-forth, experimenting a bit. I set the depth on the distributor so that the difference was not great. Maybe 2 to 3 seconds for the same amount of yield, using the Espro Calibrated tamper.In other words the difference in grinding between the two methods is minor for me.

[@MrTee3three]

Just bought the Motta Metallurgy leveler and it is brilliant and very cool looking w/ a cat on it. I think it's only 58mm, not 58.5 - do people have thoughts on whether a really tight fit is needed or not? So far my experience has been much better than tamping, and actually the remaining coffee on the upper edges of the basket seem to get pushed down into the puck and not as much is being left inside the grouphead after a pull. I really think the question is more about how much coffee from the basket walls ends up left up inside the grouphead rather than whether you're getting a level tamp (I think you are, even if there's .5mm leeway between the mass of the leveler and the basket)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the comment. I'm not familiar with the Motta so cannot speak to its actual size. I have used some off-brand knock off levelers that are not as precise as the Jack. Personally I prefer a precision fit and feel a level puck surface is very important. Marc

[@heiligerhelge]

Hey Marc. Thanks a lot for your videos, brilliant work. I've learned a whole latte lot over the last couple of weeks. 1) I am using the Jack Leveler (58.5mm) with a E&B Lab 18-20gr (B702TFH26NT). Are you also experiencing that this filter basket is slightly wider than other 58mm baskets and that the Jack does not fit exact-perfect as it does with other filter baskets? I am experiencing channeling on the very edge of my puck and I believe the slight difference in diameter between Jack Leveler and filter basket could be the reason. What do you think? 2) How's your experience with using the Jack with Single baskets? Maybe especially with the IMS Competition 8gr (H 21.5mm)? Thanks a mil

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Martin, You are welcome and thank you for the questions. I do not have EB basket to check fit with The Jack :(. I use mostly Baristapro filter baskets or stock baskets that come with machines. Using the Baristapro baskets fit is very nice - I have to be careful to keep the head of The Jack free of coffee grinds on the sides before use or fit can be too tight. Pulling singles is rare for me so I can't speak to using The Jack with a single. Marc

[@heiligerhelge]

​@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks a lot for your response. How would you tackle channeling on the outer edge of your filter basket/puck?

[@timmyf15]

Hi Mark, Nice video. I bought one of these from wll about a week ago as an upgrade from cheap ocd type knockoff. Very happy with it, but still not a no tamp convert yet. Surprised no one has mentioned the weight of these things. I was expecting it to be solid and hefty, but they're much lighter than they look.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi t, Thanks for the comment! I'm surprised you find it not solid and hefty! Def heavier than the aluminum knock offs I've run into and about the same as the real OCD I have. Marc

[@SteveSpeirs]

My Jack Leveler arrived today. Looking forward to trying it out later!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Steve, Thanks for the comment and I hope you enjoy the consistency! Marc

[@MichaelGreco]

I just received mine today, I'm just a bit confused how to use it. Are you saying that if you see marks on the coffee that it's not shallow enough for the depth?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Michael, Yes set the depth as low as possible without causing the leveler to bind when spinning. Also keep vertical side of leveling head clean of residual grind. Marc

[@Fredddoh]

I think it'd be great to do 2 shots, one with just the leveler and one leveler + tamp. Just for comparison's sake to see whether it does make a difference or not.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi RT, Thanks for the request. I'll see if I can squeeze a comparison vid in! Marc

[@glee7007]

Will these ever be available in 53mm?

[@kieranmckenney4275]

One can dream

[@kitc1234]

yes i have a 53mm one

[@Breyden79]

If you look on Amazon, you can find a few similar products between $19 to $50 in 53mm. Not as fancy and finely crafted I’m sure, but I do wonder if anyone would be able to tell the difference in the extracted espresso from the $19 vs the $130+ ones. I really couldn’t say, as I’ve never had either in my possession.

[@JohnDennery]

I have a BT Wedge (53.5mm) and a random amazon distribution tool for my Breville 54mm and they both work equally well

[@linusschutze7665]

Hello, i have a question about the leveler and puck preparation overall: I just bought a jack leveler und new precision tamper. I also built a little thing with small needles in it to mix through and break up the clumbs that come out of the grinder when grinding for espresso. With this puck prep im able to achieve a nice result even with my bottomless portafilter. But! The puck that comes out after the shot looks terrible. Very watery and unpleasant to clean. A friend of mine experienced the same thing: less puck prep-> cleaner puck after the shot. I wonder if you have similar experiences with puck preparation and am curious to find out. Dear Greetings Linus

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Linus, Thanks for the question and providing details! I have not experienced what you describe. Just to be clear you're saying the less puck prep you do the cleaner the puck after an extraction? In my experience how dry/clean the puck is has more to do with the machine, cleanliness of shower screen and headroom between coffee puck shower screen. Marc

[@linusschutze7665]

Ok, thank you. And the headroom should be as small as possible without touching the shower screen right ?

[@lubenzz]

Hey Marc, I would really want to see a comparison between the Jack leveler (with Barista pro basket) vs The Pullman system (BigStep, Chisel and precision basket). 🙏

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Luben Z, I'll see what I can do - need to get one in house. Marc

[@coffeeconversations7808]

Thanks Mark for another great video. I have been debating this purchase for while now and think I might take the plunge. I will be doing a review myself on my channel when I get it. Thanks for the great tips.

[@MarkPermann]

Like the click to adjust, nice feature if you like to try different beans. I see that the blades look sharper than some designs...wondering if this could make the Jack more prone to grinds sticking to it. What’s your experience been so far on that?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Mark, Thanks for the comment and question. IMO I like the sharper design. I have no evidence to support this, but feel like there's better or more opportunity for distribution prior to the coffee being compressed. As with any device touching the coffee there's always an opportunity for some sticking - especially if any moisture on the tool. But I have not had more of that with The Jack. Its business end is highly polished. Marc

[@xbaxdark]

So when dialing in the leveler, do we want it to be at a depth that is just barely deep enough to not have the shower screen impression on the puck? I've read some people who also use the Gaggia classic pro use the max depth setting on the jack leveler, I'm currently using a depth of 1cm which was the depth of my old tamper.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi x, Thanks for the question. Depth will depend on your coffee dose weight. If your coffee is compressing enough that you can knock it out in a relatively solid puck when dry (before extraction) you are deep enough. Marc

[@xbaxdark]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks for the reply Marc, I'm using 15.5 - 16g dosage as I prefer to over dose it a bit with the Super Crema beans, I get good results with the extraction @25-28 seconds, just wanted to make sure I'm as optimal as possible.

[@brandonb417]

So is the determination thing for depth just if its touching the screen or not? Also, what's the gram weight on the Brewtus? Thanks

[@The72Rabbit]

Thank you for sharing Mark and greatly appreciate it. You just taught me how to efectively level and practice it continuously before extracting. Eliminate coffee waste or overuse extractions.

[@JamesHartgraves]

Thanks for the video Marc! What dosing funnel are you using in this video?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi James, You are welcome. It's a Ceado dosing funnel which comes with their E37Z Hero grinder: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ceado-e37z-hero-coffee-grinder Marc

[@chavitavb]

Hey Marc from Whole Latte Love, I just got the Bravo Tamper and it really has made my shots A LOT more consistent, wow! How big of a difference is the Bravo compared to the Jack ? Do you think distributors really help Marc ?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi B, Thanks for the feedback! I do think distributors help - especially if your grinder isn't putting out a nice fluffy grind centered into your filter basket. The Jack is an all in one which distributes, levels and compresses the coffee in one go. Some will tamp after using the Jack but I don't. The Bravo distributor does require tamping after use. It is much lighter on the coffee when spun so does not compress like the Jack does which has adjustable depth. The Bravo Distributor + Tamper is a more precise tool set and more $$. With the Bravo there's just no question your distribution and tamp will be perfect everytime. Hope that helps! Marc

[@wastelandrebel]

Do you have a video how to avoid getting a mess around your coffee machine? That’s my biggest problem right now

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey waste, Well, it's a messy business isn't it? But good idea for a video - I'll see what I can come up with. Marc

[@sitiesito715]

Would love to try this if they make one that fits my La Pavoni 51mm baskets! I already barely push the tamper, I just use it as a leveler, as with the right grind it produces great results on the Europiccola machines. A tool like this would make my routine more consistent, and quicker to perform when I'm in a rush.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi s, Love the levelers! Sorry at this time have no options for 51mm baskets. :( Marc

[@JohnyTechReview]

They have some on amazon.

[@MDo-ci9yr]

I grind directly into my portafilter with my Sette and the coffee piles into a "volcano." Should I manually level the mound first with my finger? Or can I directly use the Jack? Will it distribute well enough starting with a mound?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi M. Do, Thanks for the question. Gotta love that fluffy grind from the Sette! I have used The Jack (it's all I use now) with grinds from the Sette. If you are not causing spillage on initial contact with the pile then you should be fine. Shouldn't be an issue if pre-leveling with a finger if needed. You might also consider a slightly larger filter basket. Most stock baskets max out at ~18g capacity. With grinds from the Sette so fluffy I know what you mean by the "volcano" when you start doing more than ~16g in stock baskets. Depending on how much you dose you might consider going to a 20g or even 22g basket. I like the BaristaPro baskets which have no internal ridging or taper like most stock baskets: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets Marc

[@jjg19631]

Hi Marc, have you guys measured the level of extraction from the coffee as I’ve seen other clips where the TDS was lower without tamping.

[@adcampo7601]

I have a depth leveler, but I also use a tamper. Is that overkill?

[@MrArdytube]

I have also switched to a leveler without tamping What I do is overfill the basket slightly instead of weighing Scrape off the excess Then adjust the leveler depth until it leaves a puck that will resist light finger pressure Then dial in the grind to get proper shot timing At that point, everything goes very quickly to pull a shot that is consistent every time

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Ardy, Thanks for sharing your technique - very similar to mine! Marc

[@MrArdytube]

Whole Latte Love Marc FWIW... while I agree that ideally we should weigh every dose and extraction.... The reality is that for many people, this level of effort is a significant disincentive that pushes many people away from the journey to better coffee For this reason, I suggest presenting shortcuts that will still achieve good results without obsessive attention to detail.... like for example overfilling the basket and scraping the excess as an alternative to weighing. That said, I would certainly agree that it is important to have and use a scale to check up on how many grams you get from the above short cut method... and what a 36 gram extraction looks like. But at that point, IMO the less obsessive among us can get good results without using a scale every time

[@khoang82]

Hi Marc, I just bought a distribution tool base on your recommendation. With the same dosage as recommended by basket maker, what height should I set the DT?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi KN, Thanks for the question and hope you are enjoying the tool! I try to set the depth as deep as possible without causing the depth setting to slip when used. There's no real setting based on dosage listed by basket maker. There is some variance in bean density so that would be near impossible. For instance higher altitude lighter roasted coffee is more dense than lower grown darker roasted coffee. Marc

[@nolanreed7090]

Are these going to be back in stock any time soon?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Nolan, They have been very popular and we do regularly sell out! We expect more stock 2nd week of June. Keep an eye out here: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/asso-coffee Marc

[@nolanreed7090]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the info! I'm going to grab one as soon as I see one

[@andrewberls]

Does the leveler rest on the rim of the portafilter, or does the portafilter itself have to be perfectly level for it to work properly? I don't have an angled portafilter...yet :-)

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, thanks for the question. It rest on rim so no need for PF to be level when using. Marc

[@Procent_]

Hello, What kind of spray did you use?

[@cdvax11]

I used about 1/2 pound of coffee dialing in Lavazza Dek to brew consistently ~38g in 27-29 seconds using 19g in a Barista Pro 20g basket with the Gaggia Classic. I was distributing with a knock-off OCD leveler at the minimum depth then tamping with the Espro calibrated tamper. The only change has been a switch to the Jack leveler. Now my brew volume is reduced to 25-26g in the same amount of time and the coffee is definitely sour. Is there something different I could be doing with the Jack? I am reluctant to blame the Jack, but nothing else has changed: same setting on the Sette, same coffee, same brewer. The Jack is adjusted to it's deepest setting; that is one click beyond where I could no longer see the imprint of the shower screen. Dropping it in and turning clockwise 6 times. H E L P! I really want to love this thing. It seems to be working for everyone else. Please help me make it work... Thanks.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi c, Thanks for the question and I will of course help. If I'm reading you right after using The Jack you are now getting less espresso in the same amount of time. I'm a little surprised that's the case. If anything, I would have thought you would have been getting a hair more. Espro tampers usually give at 30lb of force. While I do not believe there's much difference in extraction rates once the coffee has been compressed (tamped) to a certain point it's likely it was being compressed more by the Espro than what it would be with the Jack. That in turn would mean a sligthly slower extraction when tamping with the Espro. So I find what you're getting a little odd. So how to fix? From your comment I'm not sure if you are still using the Espro tamper after the Jack. If you are I do not believe you need to. Regardless the fix is to adjust your grind size slightly coarser to speed up the extraction and hit your desired brew ratio. Again your results don't make a lot of sense to me but when one changes tools/techniques odd things sometimes happen. Another option is to leave grind size the same, forget about timing and let the shot run to your 1:2 ratio. On paper with a longer extraction sourness should reduce. Hope that helps! Marc

[@blarblar5953]

tried it out....now ordered at Asso Coffee (i'm in Europe)! Added the comment that you inspired my to buy it!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi BB, That's awesome! Thanks for the comment. Marc

[@petercaddy]

Hi Marc, how about this vs the ECM distributor?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Peter, Thanks for the question. The ECM distributor is well made, adjustable depth with a locking ring and heavy. Unlike The Jack you do need to tamp the coffee after using the ECM distributor. Marc

[@nibuweb]

Will a 58.5 The Jack Leveler fit the standard portafilter of my gaggia classic pro ? or will I need to get à 58.0 ? Thanks for your help !

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Nicolas, Yes it will. The 58.5 leveler is the standard size for 58mm filter baskets. Stock 58mm filter baskets run about 58.7mm actual size. Here's a video in which I use this 58.5mm Jack: www.wholelattelove.com/products/asso-coffee-the-jack-leveler-color-waves In the stock filter basket of a Gaggia Classic Pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpjRdKZ5ipJ3iqc Only stock 58mm baskets I've run into which are too small for the Jack are from Rancilio Silvia. Hope that helps! Marc

[@nibuweb]

@@Wholelattelovepage thanks a lot I will check the availability.

[@IllaFoRilla]

Hi Marc, excellent content as always! My Jack Espresso Leveler (from WLL of course!) is arriving today and I'm trying to get a better understanding of how to set it up for proper use. My only question at this point is what is the best way to achieve an optimum depth for the leveler? Based on your instructions, I know to set it deep enough so that the puck doesn't make contact with the shower screen. I'm thinking the deeper the leveler, the more compressed the espresso puck will be. Any advice here would be super, my friend!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi J P, Thanks for the kind comment and question. I'd set as deep as you can without leaving a mark in the puck surface or causing the ridge of the leveler to not make full contact with the lip of the filter basket. One tip: Clean any residual grind on the leveling head and ridge between uses. Marc

[@IllaFoRilla]

@@Wholelattelovepage Many thanks, Marc! You would've been laughing at me - my first two attempts at using the leveler, I was twisting it backwards like a goofball and ending up with 4 ridges in the puck. I had to watch your video again, tho I'm on the right track now and working towards dialing in my shots better. Have a great weekend!

[@facadeyt]

Since tamper diameter is vital to prevent donut extraction, is leveler diameter just as critical? Especially when pulling with more unforgiving precision baskets?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AA, Yes, leveler diameter is critical. Unlike some knock off distributor/levelers The Jack is precision made. It's 58.5mm and has an excellent fit in 58mm precision baskets from IMS and Baristapro. Those basket are actually a bit over 58.5mm. Fit is so good one has to be careful to keep the side of the leveler clean of coffee particles. Hope that helps! Marc

[@jamesb.ofdesertdistrict567]

I’m personally a fan of dosing funnel, shake, classic tamp, but great video as always Marc!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi DD, Thanks for the comment. Shake, shake, shake...that booty! Marc

[@seang3101]

So how do you know how far down to adjust the depth on the leveler? I’m using a 18g barista pro double-shot basket.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Sean, Thanks for the question. I adjust mine as deep as possible without causing the setting to slip when leveling. Variables like coffee dose, coffee type play a role. A couple of tips.. Keep the leveler clean. Residual ground coffee on sides of leveling head can cause binding. If you see an imprint on the coffee puck after leveling adjust to a depth which leaves a smooth surface. Marc

[@martindesmarais7158]

Hi, can you tell what's the stuff you put in your beans ? (to un static I think...

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi MD, We mist with water sprayer or stir beans with wet finger to help reduce static if needed. Marc

[@martindesmarais7158]

@@Wholelattelovepage Don't you think it will jam the burrs faster ?! Tnx for your answers Marc.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@martindesmarais7158 You're welcome! No, very little water is used. Technique is called RDT - Ross Droplet Technique. Marc

[@bondfrenchbond]

My espro calibrated tamper broke when I dropped it and I got it replaced. Next time I accidentally drop it and it breaks I'll be looking into these. Thanks

[@big5astra]

Hi Mark, nice video! A question slightly off topic: I have a Profitec Pro 500 and I have found that the somewhat inaccurate casting (during manufacture) of the outlet spout at the bottom of the portafilter, the one that splits the coffee flow into 2 streams, makes for an unequal flow of coffee into the 2 cups. ie more coffee being directed into one cup than the other. Is this a fairly common issue, do manufacturers not pay too much attention to this fine tuning? I have ground down inside the spout to try to equalise the flow better. Still not quite right yet. Thanks again for all your great videos on coffee!!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi big5a, Thanks for the comment. Off-topic questions are welcome! Every once in awhile I'm pulling shots in a double spout PF and I get what you describe with one side flowing more than the other. Sometimes it's an odd surface tension flow thing where the espresso for a shot just seems to favor one side over the other. Guessing that's not what's happening for you if you're grinding stuff down to correct it. I've also had cases where my machine was not level and one spout gets more flow than the other. Feet on the Pro 500 can screw out a bit to adjust height on one side which has solved problems for me in the past. If your issue is a manufacturing defect that's another issue. Recent Pro 500s have open spout design and the spouts are a separate piece which can be replaced. If you purchased the machine from us and believe there's a defect I would contact our support dept: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us Marc

[@ahdootm]

What setting/depth do you recommend for an 18g basket for 18g of coffee using a rocket portafilter? Thank you.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, Depth setting depends on coffee used. High altitude coffees for example are more dense so weigh more for a give volume. It's best to adjust to the coffee being used. I'd set depth as deep as possible without causing the adjustment to change while leveling. Marc

[@joshtradezfutures]

@@Wholelattelovepage You almost had me until I read this. I was already questioning the need to constantly adjust to different doses, coffees, baskets, etc. Seems there are just as many variables to this as tamping and now there's also the concern of setting drift. I do own a $20 knockoff which I use to distribute followed by a tamp. Seems to work well but I'm concerned about consistency. I'm down to a decision between a calibrated tamp, which should in theory provide very consistent results, and the Jack. I think I'm leaning toward the calibrated tamp at this point. Am I wrong in my interpretation?

[@itsm3th3b33]

This guy is a good salesperson

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi JY, That's only a compliment if you purchased the leveler! :) Marc

[@itsm3th3b33]

@@Wholelattelovepage I did.

[@williamolenchenko5772]

If you do leave a mark, then how do you adjust?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi wl, Thanks for the question. Generally you will need to adjust the head so it goes deeper into the coffee.

[@cycleark]

Can you clarify the name of the dispensing cup you are using? I thought I heard "WZT" cup, but not finding anything on your sight by that name. Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi c, It's a WDT cup Weiss Distribution Technique. Cup in video is not sold separately from grinder but we do have this dosing cup from Acaia: www.wholelattelove.com/products/acaia-portafilter-dosing-cup Marc

[@davidmcgregor112]

Very interesting video - thank you. Love your content! I’m considering a leveller - have heard much chat about the OCD distributors - have you any thoughts on how these could compare with this model you have demonstrated?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi David Thanks for the comment and question. I have used OCDs - might have been one in this video ;). Just saw their latest model at SCA show in Boston over the weekend. The OCDs cost a little more than The Jack and have 4 flatter areas on the distributing head. Personally, I prefer the sharper ridges and quick click stop depth adjustment of The Jack to the OCD. The newer OCD does have variable depth adjustment. It works a little differently in that you loosen a lock ring, turn the head to adjust depth and then tighten the lock ring. Marc

[@petarrusev1259]

Dear Marc, greetings from Bulgaria! 😃👍 Have you made the following testing?. Let us suppose that we have 17 g dose. If you are not using the Jack, but only grind and tamp and you have a particular grind settings in order to gain, for example 34 g yield (1:2 brew ratio). Do you think that if you are using the Jack (without tamping) for the same 17 g dose you should set the grinder to grind coarser in order to gain the same 34 g yield (1:2 brew ratio)? Thank you!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Petar, Greetings from the US! I have not done specific testing on how grind size is affected if tamp only vs. using The Jack only. My gut says you might grind slightly finer if using The Jack only vs a hard tamp. But, as shown in the video The Jack when set properly does a good job of compacting the puck to the point it can by knocked out in one solid piece. Over the years I've tended to a slightly finer grind and less aggressive pressure when tamping. Other variables involved as well. When a machine is capable, I generally like some pre-infusion (depends on the coffee used). I also give little regard to shot timing and focus more on extraction ratio and flavor in the cup. Marc

[@thoughtcriminal7247]

Boom ROASTED

[@Pronuss]

Okay. I´m sold on it. Thank you :D

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Ben, I hope you enjoy it - get ready for more consistent extractions! Marc

[@AngelGMiranda]

Excellent video, as always! I am just curious of the espresso brewing state of the art tools. (Personal Opinion Incoming!) However, I will not trade off my skill for a tool that enables me to perfectly compress a coffee puck every time. I rather keep getting better at my craft. :)

[@DrDeusExMachina]

Hi Mark, what dosing basket and funnel were you using in this vid? Thanks!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Dr G, Thanks for the question. Dosing funnel was a Ceado which comes with the grinder and is not available separately. Filter basket was a Baristpro Nanotech: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-18g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket Hope that helps! Marc

[@wearetheparks7183]

Thanks for another killer video. Your presentations are spot on!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi WATP, Thank you for the comment! Marc

[@candilite]

wow lots of stuff there which would have made me so happy if i had all those there. thanks .

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Ahmet, Thanks for the comment! Marc

[@MurcielagoLP670SV]

Thank you for the video Mark. How about the cup and funnel you use ? I would love to buy them as well but could not find them on your website.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi M, You are welcome for the video and thank you for the comment and question. The dosing funnel and cup come with the Ceado E37SD grinder: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ceado-e37sd-single-dose-coffee-grinder At this time we do not have those parts available individually. We do have this Acaia dosing cup available individually: www.wholelattelove.com/products/acaia-portafilter-dosing-cup Marc

[@MichaelGreco]

Alright I'm totally back to the drawing board LOL four failed shots in a row. Doing the exact same grind size and amount of coffee I was doing before what does it mean if I keep getting much longer extractions like 10 to 15 seconds longer than usual?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hey Michael, Grind is too fine or maybe you had lots of channeling in previous shots. Marc

[@MichaelGreco]

@@Wholelattelovepage Just received the Gaggia Classic pro, finally dialed it in perfectly (I think :)). Nice 25 second extraction from the first drip that also yielded double the liquid volume as the dose and tasted great. Starting to think I tried to fix something that was not broken. :( Besides the grind size, could a longer extraction be due to the depth of the jack?

[@ahdootm]

How do you clean this leveler if it gets dirty? Can you wash it with soap and water? Thank you.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, Can use soap and water but do not submerge in water when cleaning. Marc

[@glichasasha750]

Does the jack leveller tamp too or I need the king as well?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi GS, Thanks for the question. No need to tamp. That's how I and many others do it. But you can tamp if you wish. Marc

[@jcjc4569]

Which type of leveler is better: the flat, 2 angled, 3 angled or 4 angled base?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi JC JC, Personally I prefer the 4 angled base like The Jack. Also like that there are no flat areas after the apex of the angles. The perfectly flat device shown in the video isn't really a leveler as it does not distribute coffee. Marc

[@yohanruiz1142]

Hello Marc, I just bought the bezzera hobby and the asso jack leveler, I’m still a bit confused on how deep the jack leveler setting needs to be at ? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi YR, Thanks for the question. I set mine as deep as I can. If the depth setting slips while spinning you are set too deep. When using make sure there is no ground coffee on the vertical edges of the leveling head as this can cause the depth setting to slip. Hope that helps! Marc

[@yohanruiz1142]

Thanks for all your help!!! 😃

[@Wholelattelovepage]

@@yohanruiz1142 my pleasure!

[@jomivo]

Hey! Thanks for the great video again. Never thought about an leveler. Ordered one just after I've watched this video. Takes away another variable.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Jonas Voß Please let me know what you think after using! Marc

[@jomivo]

@@Wholelattelovepage Hi Marc, just made some test shots with the leveler and had great results. No tamping involved there. It's easy, clean and most importantly consistant. Thanks for the tip!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Jonas Voß Thanks for the report 👍 Marc

[@armaniusmaximus]

Marc, you sold me on the Jack Leveler! I ordered one plus an Acaia dosing cup from WLL today. Hope they arrive soon! Can't wait to try them out.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi a, Enjoy your new toys! When using the Jack be sure and keep the sides free of coffee to prevent binding. May want to consider precision filter basket from Baristapro/IMS. Some stock baskets are kind of hit and miss with sizing if using a leveler. Marc

[@armaniusmaximus]

@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the reply Marc! I love how you actually respond to questions and comments ... unlike competitors whom shall remain unidentified! I have a Breville 58mm portafilter. Will the BaristaPro filters fit the Breville without any issues? I was also looking for an angled portafilter and a bottomless portafilter for the Breville Dual Boiler. Do you sell anything like that? Thank you so much. Love the videos! Stay safe and keep those videos coming!

[@armaniusmaximus]

@@Wholelattelovepage By "keep the sides free of coffee" are you talking about the sides of the portafilter where the leveler will be resting on?

[@armaniusmaximus]

@@Wholelattelovepage One more question -- what depth am I looking for when setting up the Jack Leveler? Also, should that depth change if I am using different doses in the same sized basket?

[@ahmedjamjoom1947]

Hi. Thanks for the great review. What kind of portafilter is that?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AJ, You are welcome. It's an ECM angled portafilter. The type you'd find on the ECM Synchronika machine: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-synchronika-dual-boiler-espresso-machine or available individually here: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ecm-double-spout-portafilter Marc

[@ahmedjamjoom1947]

Thanks Marc. I was looking at that portafilter on the Whole Latte Love website, however, I wasn’t sure if it was angled as it didn’t say that in the description.

[@rickyhartanto3841]

Hi Mark, thanks for this video.. i've got this question about how my coffee touches the showerscreen, which means my basket is too small, if so.. why should i change my basket?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Ricky, If your shower screen is making an imprint in the coffee puck you either need to dose less coffee or use a larger basket. When touching, brew water will flow more (or less) into parts of the puck. This leads to uneven extractions as well as a dirty shower screen. Marc

[@jjg19631]

Will a leveller without tamping not be inconsistent if the dose is inconsistent? Which it will if you don’t have a single dose grinder. So the grind must be way finer?

[@The72Rabbit]

Well I had different grind sizes and whatever I placed in the grinder, the acaia pearl gave me the same result every time with 0 to .1 retention. My problem is that if I don't tamp, I get channeling. But maybe I just need to level in a way that compacts the Grind. Need to try that.

[@jjg19631]

The72Rabbit Might be worth a video from the experts 😊. I wonder how much finer I would have to go to be able to get the same result without tamping as the guy from the OCD said that you should not tamp while levelling. So I wonder where the truth lies 😊.

[@bdr1414TV]

you forgot to take the shot mark .. I was anticipating 😭

[@khalid0790]

Was looking forward for a Comparison, tamper vs this leveler :-(

[@acorn1744]

How did you change Ceado grinder hopper. Can you add that black rubber top container to Ceado E5P?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Acorn, The black rubber top is a bellows used to blow out grinds remaining in chamber. Unfortunately it does not fit on the E5P. It's specifically designed to work on the single dosing Ceado E37SD grinder :(. www.wholelattelove.com/products/ceado-e37sd-single-dose-coffee-grinder Marc

[@bobbyomari5500]

Thanks so much for this. I guess I gotta get one when I get my Bezzera Hobby espresso machine!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi BO, You are welcome. It makes live easy and espresso consistent! Marc

[@bobbyomari5500]

Whole Latte Love just ordered it alongside the Fellow Prismo for my AP yesterday!

[@darkpandaaa-4213]

Hey Love your Videos Can you tell me how i know how deep i should set it?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi DP, Thanks for the comment and question. Set it as deep as possible especially if you will not be tamping. You are going too deep if the ridge of the leveler does not make contact with top lip of filter basket or the leveler clicks out of position when using. Hope that heps! Marc

[@benesteves736]

I have been looking for a tamper / leveler for some time now for my Breville Barista Pro which apparently has a 54mm Portafilter but according to most people takes a 53mm tamper. Can you confirm / check to see if the 53mm Jack fits well with the Breville Portafilter? They themselves are not able to verify this for me when I mailed them :(

[@amit687]

Were you able to get an answer? I just bought a Breville and am probably just going to blindly buy the leveler

[@benesteves736]

RabidRaccoon sadly not :( I went ahead and ordered the 53 from Jack but it fit the same as the breville tamper does (not well) and so I ended up sending it back. Because of high shipping costs I didn't attempt a 54mm (I believe that is also an option)

[@amit687]

@@benesteves736 Sorry to hear. Appreciate the reply. I went ahead and bought the Crema leveler/tamper just now. Hopefully it will do a good job. Happy brewing!