FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Precision Coffee Tools products, coffee grinders, tampers, WDT tools, dosing accessories, coffee scales, orders, shipping and warranties.
Whether you are setting up a home espresso station or upgrading equipment for a café, our FAQ can help you choose the right coffee tools and understand how to use them.
Coffee Grinders
What coffee grinder should I choose for espresso?
Choose an espresso grinder with a suitable fine grind range and precise grind adjustment. Your choice should also consider your daily coffee volume, preferred workflow, dosing method and available bench space.
What is the difference between an espresso grinder and a filter grinder?
Espresso grinders are designed to provide the fine grind range and adjustment control required for espresso. Filter grinders are designed around the coarser grind ranges commonly used for filter brewing.
What is a single-dose coffee grinder?
A single-dose grinder is designed around grinding a measured amount of coffee beans for each brew rather than storing a large quantity of beans in a hopper. This can be useful when changing coffee beans frequently or when you want greater control over each dose.
How do I adjust my coffee grinder?
Start with the manufacturer's recommended settings and adjust gradually according to your brewing method and extraction. For espresso, make small grind adjustments while keeping your dose and recipe consistent.
Coffee Tampers
What size coffee tamper do I need?
Choose a tamper that matches your espresso basket. 58mm is a common size for commercial-style espresso equipment, but smaller baskets require different tamper sizes. Always check your basket specifications before purchasing.
What is a calibrated coffee tamper?
A calibrated tamper is designed to provide a more consistent tamping action by helping control the pressure applied during tamping.
Does tamping pressure affect espresso?
Tamping helps create a level and consistently compressed coffee puck. Consistency is more important than simply applying maximum pressure.
Should I tamp as hard as possible?
No. Tamping harder does not automatically produce better espresso. Focus on creating a level, evenly prepared and repeatable coffee puck.
WDT & Distribution Tools
What is a WDT tool?
WDT stands for Weiss Distribution Technique. A WDT tool uses thin needles to break up coffee clumps and distribute ground coffee more evenly inside an espresso basket before tamping.
Explore WDT & Distribution Tools
Should I use WDT before tamping?
Yes. WDT is normally performed before tamping. The purpose is to distribute loose coffee grounds and break up clumps before the coffee is compressed.
What is the difference between WDT and a coffee distributor?
A WDT tool uses thin needles to break up clumps and distribute coffee grounds. A coffee distributor is generally used to help level and distribute the coffee bed. They perform different functions and can be used separately or together.
Do I need both a WDT tool and distributor?
Not necessarily. A WDT tool may be enough for your workflow. Some baristas also use a distributor as an additional levelling step before tamping.
Coffee Dosing
What is coffee dosing?
Coffee dosing is the process of measuring the amount of coffee used for brewing. For espresso, the dose generally refers to the weight of ground coffee placed into the portafilter basket.
How much coffee should I use for espresso?
The appropriate dose depends on your espresso basket, coffee, recipe and setup. Rather than using one universal dose, start with the basket capacity and maintain a consistent dose while dialling in your espresso.
What is a coffee dosing ring?
A dosing ring, also called a dosing funnel, sits around the top of the portafilter basket and helps keep coffee grounds inside the basket during grinding or transfer.
What is a dosing cup?
A dosing cup is used to collect and transfer coffee beans or ground coffee during the preparation process. It can be particularly useful with a single-dose coffee grinder.
Coffee Scales
Why should I use a coffee scale?
A coffee scale allows you to accurately measure your coffee dose, water and espresso yield. This makes it easier to follow a repeatable brewing recipe.
Do I need a coffee scale for espresso?
You can make espresso without a scale, but using one makes it easier to measure your dose and espresso yield and reproduce a consistent recipe.
What is an espresso scale with a timer?
An espresso scale with a built-in timer allows you to monitor both weight and extraction time from one device. This can make espresso preparation more convenient and repeatable.
Can I use the same coffee scale for espresso and filter coffee?
Yes. A suitable coffee scale can be used for both espresso and filter brewing. When choosing one scale for both methods, consider its size, maximum capacity, accuracy and timer functionality.
Espresso Preparation
What is the correct espresso workflow?
A basic espresso workflow is:
- Weigh the coffee dose.
- Grind the coffee.
- Dose into the portafilter.
- Distribute the grounds.
- Use WDT if required.
- Level the coffee bed.
- Tamp the coffee.
- Extract the espresso.
- Measure the espresso yield.
- Taste and adjust the recipe.
Read the Espresso Workflow Guide
Why is my espresso running too fast?
A grind that is too coarse can allow water to pass through the coffee more quickly. Try making a small grind adjustment and evaluate the result while keeping other variables consistent.
Why is my espresso running too slowly?
A grind that is too fine can restrict water flow. Try a small adjustment toward a coarser grind and evaluate the extraction again.
What causes uneven espresso extraction?
Uneven extraction can be influenced by several factors, including grind consistency, coffee distribution, puck preparation, dose, grind setting and brewing variables. A consistent workflow can make these variables easier to control.
Orders & Shipping
Where does Precision Coffee Tools ship?
Precision Coffee Tools serves customers in Australia. Please check the shipping information available during checkout for the latest delivery options and costs.
How can I track my order?
Once your order has been dispatched, tracking information is provided when available. Use the tracking details supplied with your order to check the progress of your delivery.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery times can vary depending on your location, shipping method and courier. Please refer to the shipping information provided at checkout for the latest estimated delivery details.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact Precision Coffee Tools as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel an order. Once an order has been processed or dispatched, changes may no longer be possible.
Warranty & Support
Do Precision Coffee Tools products come with a warranty?
Warranty coverage depends on the product. Please check the specific product page and warranty information for the applicable terms.
What should I do if my product arrives damaged?
Contact Precision Coffee Tools as soon as possible if your order arrives damaged. Include your order details and photographs of the packaging and product so the issue can be assessed.
How do I get help with my coffee grinder?
If you need assistance with a grinder, provide your product model and describe the issue as clearly as possible. This will help the support team provide the most relevant troubleshooting information.
Choosing the Right Coffee Equipment
What coffee equipment do I need for a home espresso setup?
A basic home espresso setup typically includes an espresso machine, coffee grinder, tamper and coffee scale. Dosing, WDT and distribution tools can then be added to improve workflow and consistency.
What coffee tools should I buy first?
Start with a suitable coffee grinder and tamper, then add a coffee scale for accurate dosing and extraction measurement. WDT and dosing tools can be useful additions as you refine your espresso workflow.
Do I need expensive coffee equipment to make good espresso?
Expensive equipment is not the only factor that determines espresso quality. Consistent grinding, dosing, distribution, tamping and extraction are all important. Choosing equipment that suits your workflow can make the preparation process more repeatable.
Helpful Coffee Guides
- Coffee Grinder Guide
- Coffee Dosing Guide
- WDT Tool Guide
- Coffee Tamper Guide
- Coffee Scale Guide
- Espresso Workflow Guide
Still Have a Question?
If you cannot find the answer to your question above, please contact Precision Coffee Tools and our team will be happy to help.