How To WDT: The Key To Great Espresso! (feat. AutoComb)

[@aramse]

🔴 IMPORTANT: This is a detailed video that covers a niche within a niche so we've added a bunch of CHAPTER MARKERS for you to be able to jump straight to the parts that interest you. If you gain anything from this video then a like and sub really helps the channel grow.

[@brentroman]

Thanks for you review (and videos as usual). Been following you for a bit. I appreciate the quality of the review, as well as the sound quality, camera quality, lighting, editing, etc. Also , I appreciate your wit and dry delivery. Keep up the continued great work! Cheers (from Chicago). Oh - yeah, I also WDT. But don't mind doing it manually. It's all part of the ritual at home in the morning.

[@Thetache]

Honestly all these expensive over engineered gadgets are the emperors new coffee tool. A Prosecco cork (free) and some acupuncture needles (pennies) do the job just as well and the time taken manually wiggling some needles in your coffee is just as quick as the extra time peeing about with a clunky gadget. Plus the whole point of espresso as a hobby is in the rituals and the satisfaction of using a very cheap tool you made yourself is priceless.

[@aramse]

Some tools yes, others not so much. Also, while a cork with needles definitely does the job not everyone wants a DIY tool lying around when they’ve invested a lot of time and money on a beautiful coffee bar. It’s a hobby and these tools are definitely more “wants” than “needs” buts that’s the case with most hobbies. Take watch collectors for example. A $10 Casio is actually more accurate than a $$$$$ Patek. Coming to this specific tool, it’s definitely not targeting the home user but more the cafe owner. And lastly espresso brewing is absolutely a ritual and I think it’s the individuals choice how they choose to perform it. For you it’s the satisfaction of using a cheap tool to brew great shots for someone else it could be using really nice tools to do the same thing.

[@scottintexas]

Just like a Lamborghini, an overly engineered gadget.

[@Thetache]

@@scottintexas Also bought by people from the "All the gear no idea" group who don't know how to use them😜

[@khungreen9773]

This channel is just pure bliss every video

[@mauort6870]

Your thoroughness is impressive. Excellent attention to detail. Great evaluation overall. Reviews like this help make decisions with confidence.

[@wazzup105]

Speaking about crazy.. I don't even make espresso and still watched this :-)

[@kubenoz]

If you plan on testing the planetary tools it would be nice to include the umikot as the actual budget option.

[@mashles]

I've tested so many different tools at this point and Umikot is the absolute best imo, which is crazy as its so cheap if you know someone with a 3d printer :)

[@aramse]

The Umikot looks great and we've been trying to get a hold of one for a bit.

[@guiwood]

There is also a 3d printed version that uses metal bearings. It is cheap to make, and looks and feels very close to the moonraker.

[@justinbouchard]

you just download the files and have it printed :) @@aramse

[@marcoandremartins]

+1 for umikot the GOAT for planetary gears wdt. V2 also protects needles, only looses on speed

[@AlexZapata-]

I own one and personally I do love it! Its just makes the experience all the more enjoyable!

[@TheArgetho]

Received this a week ago and result is amazing

[@Stan_sprinkle]

10:19 I find that doing sort of a stabbing up and down and zigzag motion gets a good result, slowly, raising up on the Z axis

[@SirKibblestein]

Dropped everything and came right here!

[@BBB_025]

Thank you for providing a solid resource for WDT! there honestly are not that many good WDT videos

[@weskirk]

Thanks for the thorough review! I'm going to buy one for my cafe based on your insight. You're the only review I've found so far

[@dabougi8063]

The extra dry delivery if his puns is awesome.

[@DancingSpacePotato]

I WDT with Sofi and sometimes when I do certain immersion brews. I don’t have an espresso machine at home so I literally just watched this video because I love your videos

[@AlbertoRestifo]

I needle so much help that I pre-ordered this thing months ago, it should finally arrive next week

[@shawnshamgar6864]

Awesome video. First timer… thank you from Canada

[@guidoandreoli]

Ok, but can this be one of the best hooks that you guys ever made? Short, straight to the point, great shots and a banger! loved it ♥

[@8jibaro8]

Great review! And equally Great is the general information and tips!!!!

[@jeffmattel7867]

By FAR the best technique explanation of WDT.

[@MrSudomacho]

I needle help! Watched cause the end cause it was entertaining and informative, jokes are subtle but good.

[@acebacker1]

What a great presentation. Informative, professional, and amusing. New subscriber here 👍

[@aramse]

Thank you!

[@fabiomalheiro8152]

I needle help! Would love to see something like this for other sizes, like the robot (deeper) or 53 or 51mm (smaller) baskets.

[@danndm4512]

Great video! Definitely an excellent tool for a cafe, and a must-have for a gadget person.😊

[@FF-rr8fp]

This is a great tool and very well engeneered, gets the job done perfectly. I also agree with the sometimes slippery handle, i found two lego tires that are the perfect size in inside and outside diameters for the purpose of sliding them over the handle of the tool. They are amazing on there, no slip at all now. Im sure bh will come up with a solution for this in future releases and maybe offer a free ruberized sleeve for already owners of the tool. Im sure anything ruberized can be used such as cable heatshrink sleeves or even the rubber sleeve part that comes on some pens..

[@mvadu]

I made my own wdt tool with a 3d printed handle and I am happy to do it manually. It's kind of refreshing to see the needles doing their job. That said if I want to go with moving needles, I will try another 3d printed design.

[@assai74]

Great video. Especially the manual WDT part. I wonder how manufacturers try to eliminate human skill or error by automated tools. If you want automation, why portafilter machines in the first place? I love the engagement and control over all steps and like to be proud of the results of my learning curve

[@aramse]

It’s definitely a delicate balancing act of human and machine especially at a cafe. There’s something special about interacting with the person making this drink for you and with specialty coffee becoming more prevalent people care more about their drink both in terms of information and the quality. So I guess we’ll see automation at the points where the learning curve is very steep or it’s too time consuming. It is an interesting debate though.

[@judgemint5374]

Whether I like a new toy or not. Your videos are always funny, informative and witty. Thanks

[@aramse]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@Pekz00r]

I would be great with a comparison between these spinning tools. This one, the moonraker, nomocore and some cheap 3d printed ones from Etsy or similar. I would like to know if you get the same result with the cheaper ones and how the work flow is.

[@snowsnorry]

Great video! Thank you for sharing it. I use the Moonraker at home, and I agree that the needles are pretty delicate and can get damaged easily if you are not careful. I was about to pre-order the AutoComb, but you convinced me to hold off as I currently use the Unifilter. Thank you once again for the helpful information!

[@LuckyBuns]

Great review. Informative, yet entertaining! Bonus points for comparing the MOONRAKER® with this product as well 👌

[@peterfraunhoffer7126]

Great video, thank you. I use a plain WDT Tool and I am happy with the results. I would not spend $ 200 or 300 for such a tool, nevertheless I like them very much. Such a tool would make a great gift (Xmas is coming) for a home barista!

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

I have the moonraker and the bed is never level. The needles are so prone to bending…esp at 5 am. Haha!

[@alanrobertson8626]

I use a hybridised approach with puck screen, bottom filter and cursory manual wdt with a savage's 3.5 array. This tool seems too fiddly for me as a morning master fumbler.

[@GotirisLp]

I needle help. Going to start my needle meditation tomorrow with extra care.

[@joemccall8991]

I'm going to put these auto-WDT tools up there with the Acaia Ion Beam as products I will both mock and never buy

[@gro967]

I prefer the Weber Moonraker over the AutoComb, because of the spirographical pattern. According to my measurements, the extraction is a bit higher and subjectively, I like the taste better.

[@TobiLobi]

I needle HELP! But for real this is the perfect timing since my WDT will arrive tomorrow now I at least know how to use it properly. You probably saved me from a few mediocre shots before I would get frustrated about it not working as advertised and probably throwing it out of my daily Prep routine again thx

[@jaimeflores1842]

I needle help! Jeeeezzzz!!!!! Thank you for the awesome vids. ARAMSE

[@Gk2003m]

The most common channeling occurs at the edges. So when I use my cheap (wine cork, printer needles) tool to distribute, I make the effort to ensure the edges are completely filled in. That IMO is far more important than breaking up every tiny clump. Are we not, after all, creating one giant clump when we tamp?

[@aramse]

This has 2 needles positioned far out to do just this. But like I said in the review, if you know what you’re doing and don’t mind the extra time then manual is always >>> auto. :)

[@stephenwilliams4406]

I disagree that it's not for Home use. In Life, ANYTHING you use EVERYDAY, not to mention 4, 5, 6 times a day is worth extra money if it is important and does a good job. Most Reviewers on this product agree with you that it is very important, essential to a great Espresso. So Yes, cheap at this price for Home use. Good video.

[@martinhansen6142]

Autocomb or moonracker? I am leaning toward Autocomb due to the protection af the needles and the workflow seems nice.

[@somborn]

I would buy 10! But where's the power version?

[@sowbirsome8744]

14:33 makes me realise the fact that Benki people actually didnt see this before this being published

[@Witjes]

Use the Umikot 3d printed WDT tool also a great "budget" alternative (similar to the moonraker) love the vids keep them coming...any new findings on the sculptor? Saw it in your video

[@Stan_sprinkle]

I was at a shop called Proud Mary in Austin over the weekend, and they were using one of these. I asked one of the baristas about it and he told me it was custom-made, but now that I’m seeing this video, I’m realizing he might not have heard my question correctly, and may have been talking about something else that was custom, because this looks the same as what he was using. Funny that I happen to see this video two days later

[@aramse]

This was just released. Us and many others got pre-release units so the barista probably said custom instead of pre-release? Is my guess at least.

[@Avarage.Joe-David]

They just lied to you 😂 To sound fancy and exclusive

[@BaristaOnBike]

This is amazing !!!

[@yukinohinata]

i needle help! no money and cannot afford this autocomb to join a competition soon. looks like i have to stick to manual wdt. anyway, one question, i should not use the distributor after wdt-ing my coffee bed, as far as i observe it leads to channeling. correct or not?

[@AxelZein]

Great video. Thank you!

[@JPC326]

Did you use a distribution tool or WDT only ?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Great review :) I agree on the 0.3mm needles, it's a pretty good balance I found. Does The Autocomb work with the Weber Buck portafilter, because I got one of those coming, eventually... Been waiting on it :)

[@aramse]

Says the unifilter is unsupported currently so the Buck may not work. Not sure.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

@@aramse I guess I'll let you know when I get it!

[@CannedLaughter00]

This tool is amazing for cafes and the only thing missing are some mounting holes and maybe a motor to spin the tool 😂

[@CharlieLui]

I needle help. I want something for 51mm filters. Any suggestions other than 3d printing my own?

[@chrisg1631]

have you dont any extraction yield testing with using the tool vs just side tapping? with for example X number of shots vs just tapping. Is it higher EY and less variability?

[@nicolasfortin4216]

yep I really needle help 😊

[@WhatsInAName222]

“Ribbed for extra pleasure”. Bravo!!!!!! That one brought back memories of watching ads on Doordarshan while watching Chitrahaar (is my age showing?) with family as a kid and then asking anyone who would dare to make eye contact after yet another ad for Kohinoor or Fiesta what “ribbed” means. Or what condoms are for. Or why the 2 people in the house who actually have sex, refuse to talk about it?!!! Good times! Also, strokes.

[@blutcherama]

I wonder why it won't work with the Unifilter. Can you explain? Do they plan to release one that will? I bought an Etsy version and it is almost impossible to use and gets grounds everywhere. The bed is never flat after using it.

[@KNURKonesur]

I needle help! Now waiting for a review of the Normcore one :D

[@BensCoffeeRants]

If they add some notches or steps to the Autocomb you could get multi level distribution, like you have with manual WDT, but it might be annoying for people who just wanna do one level and have it pop right back up as it currently does. Those tips for troubleshooting you should note are covered in their own instruction video / manual! It's cool they're aware and sharing with others it's potential limitations and how to overcome them!

[@munhoy2053]

I needle help! Honestly interested to explore how wdt surface level for filter would do .

[@samuelpearson]

I noticed you are using the Timemore 078S, how have you been finding it since seasoning it fully? I'm still waiting for the shipping of mine. I can't wait! Wanted to know your most recent thoughts on it?

[@aramse]

Great grinder. Just needed a little extra seasoning to come into it's own. We have a full review on our channel.

[@samuelpearson]

@@aramse Thank you for your reply! Yes I have seen your review, I was coming from the angle of how you find the grinder since the review. You made the review 2 months ago, so I was wondering if your opinions of it have changed much since then? Sorry for not explaining properly.

[@davidb7723]

I think you need a rimshot after your wonderfully terrible jokes 🤣 Love your videos!! Y'all are killing it. And I needle help 😅

[@thestringquartetcompany]

I notice the needles are spring loaded as well on the AutoComb, which should help avoid a needle becoming bent.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

For a commercial setting, I'd want this mounted to something so it doesn't move. I'd also rather it be $400 and have a faster way to lock the portafilter in and remove it.

[@fernandoefraintiradogonzle4409]

Donde comprar

[@florianretzlaff7035]

I actually do needle help. I'm using the WDT tool, that came with SoFi (thanks for that) and I have a Flair signature setup, where the basket feels a little too small to do lots of WDT. I tried doing smaller circles, but then I end up having channels most of the time. Any tips on that?

[@aramse]

The WDT that comes with SOFI has too wide of a spread for the signature basket. Ideally you'd want one that has 4 or 5 needles that do angle outwards. Alternatively you could try removing a few needles from one side of the SOFI WDT and see if that helps.

[@DanielACroft]

One factor that I don’t think you mentioned with these expensive WDT tools is that it’s much easier for anyone in your house to WDT. There’s no skills gap there, or at least a lot less. I have a moonraker btw. My biggest issue has been that the needles are super thin and bend easily. I’ve made a mental note to order .3 needles based on your video. Thank you!

[@aramse]

Absolutely. We did mention the issue with learning curve and human error with fully manual WDT which these newer tools greatly help reduce. But yeah could have maybe mentioned it more explicitly. :) Thanks for watching. Oh and regarding the 0.3 in the moonraker, that may not work well as the needles don't move as fast on that device. It's worth a try though and quite and inexpensive experiment.

[@DanielACroft]

@@aramse Thanks, appreciate the comment. New subscriber here. :-)

[@Fitz557]

There are people who use a 200€ machine to achive the best distribution, and then there is me, who uses a self made thing made of old guitar strings and a square of foam.

[@benjaminbutton3476]

Would have liked to see a taste test between WDT shot and not

[@tobiasbouma4071]

You missed a reason why the AutoComb might be better: volatile aromas. If your palate is particularly sensitive to these, I think the Moonraker is simply too slow (and manual WDT is way, WAY too slow). I own both tools and the shot times are within margin of error so there's really no reason to go for one over the other from that perspective.

[@tommihommi1]

it was really funny how a competitor using the moonraker on stage bent a needle putting it back on the stand

[@mihir1997]

I Needle Help!

[@coronasean88]

Damn, I seriously needle help!

[@emadalvi3006]

Need some shelving for all the coffee gear I want 😂

[@ivanprisco2525]

Thanks

[@pavelgrebnev3868]

I'm so needled help

[@MrDragon77]

I NEEDLE HELP

[@s96822]

puck prep gadgets getting out of hand. please attach a variable speed electric drill and determine what RPM creates the best distribution and see if alternating clock and counter clockwise makes it better.

[@EmileeBryant]

Casually out here making a condom joke mid review... Are we long lost family?

[@aramse]

Haha, I think it might be time to order some kits from ancestry.com

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

Great overdose joke!😂

[@idiotsofbangalore]

You said dropping at 0:15 😅 hence the lens dropped. I would have cried if i dropped. 😅

[@laidbackabood8114]

"Ribbed for extra pleasure" 😂😂

[@PeterNagy-km9bb]

I needle help! :)

[@sujenmaharjan2106]

I needle help

[@Timberjagi]

its always cute to disclose that they send it to you without any money being exchanged and no say in the show etc etc. But try a few negative reviews and see if they still send you stuff.... This is unfortunately always the case unless you actually spend money yourself to review it really unbiased.

[@aramse]

Your scepticism is justified. This is a tricky line to straddle and we're actively working towards buying all the equipment we review, but that's going to take some time. For now we try and stay completely transparent and if you've watched our reviews then you can hopefully see that we don't shy away from pointing out negatives. Also, we don't sign any contracts. We've turned down some big companies because we refused to work without full creative freedom. And lastly, we don't share any direct affiliate links to products to eliminate any incentive to try and sell the product to our audience.

[@Timberjagi]

@@aramse Don't get me wrong, I fully understand if from your side as well (spending all that money to buy stuff to do a honest review has to come from somewhere as well) and indeed I'm happy to see negative comments being made as well, as some products are more dodgy then some reviewers are mentioning. So please keep up with the work, I like it!

[@carlossanchez8534]

"I needle help!"

[@ColdCoffeePhotography]

I needle help! 🤣

[@rasmusa380]

I needle help ☕️

[@fakhrulhilal]

Who is this for? Please add "Coffee Nerd"🤣

[@abul7uss]

I needle help in Dubai!

[@piyushrajesh6687]

i needle help☕️

[@coreycannon4511]

I needle help! So badly, that I spent $35CAD on a MHW3-Bomber WDT tool for my $36CAD Moka Pot!!

[@randyrose6625]

I needle help!

[@ColtonVanderVliet]

Are you down with WDT? yea you know me!!

[@xbhollandx]

I needle help!

[@edunamura]

I needle help 🤪🤪🤪

[@Niikolaii]

I needle Help!

[@Niikolaii]

In case you missed my question about the 078 Sculptor, how many KG of beans it needs to season the turbo burrs?

[@mysticode]

I half expect to see a 3D printable knockoff version of this tool for WDT's very soon...

[@joshk528]

There have been several for a while.

[@justinbouchard]

Anyone broke with access to a 3d printer can download an umikot.

[@mccrispy]

Clearly, I needle help! Why? 'cos I pour-over only and yet, I can resist a gadget (even if I have no - realistic - intention of owning one. As I said: I needle help 😄