Barista Tools

In the specialty coffee world, barista tools are instruments that improve extraction consistency and reduce the human factor’s impact on espresso quality. The WDT tool, distribution tool and cleaning tools have become essential in a professional café’s workflow. BHS offers barista tools to HoReCa businesses across Europe.

WDT tools — even coffee grounds distribution

The WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool is a fine-needle instrument inserted into the coffee grounds in the portafilter and rotated to break up coffee grounds clumps and ensure even distribution. Coffee grounds clumps cause uneven extraction — water flows through the easiest paths, creating channels and resulting in under- or over-extraction. The WDT tool is available in various needle count and shape options — fine needles from 0,3–0,5 mm are most commonly used for espresso grounds. BHS helps select a WDT tool based on grind coarseness.

Distribution tools — puck preparation

A distribution tool (leveler) is an instrument for vertically leveling coffee grounds in the portafilter before tamping — different rotation mechanisms even out the grounds’ height, ensuring a horizontal and uniform surface. Magnetic mounting on portafilter edges provides convenient and precise height adjustment. Combined tools with WDT and distribution functions in one. Flat base distribution tools — a flat base with adjustable height rotates over the grounds. BHS helps select a distribution tool based on portafilter size.

Coffee puck screens

A coffee puck screen is a fine mesh placed on top of the coffee grounds in the portafilter before attaching the portafilter to the group. The screen prevents group head contamination with coffee oils and loose grounds, extending group filter cleaning cycles. Available in 58 mm and 54 mm diameter. Regular puck screen cleaning (after several coffees or daily) maintains group filter hygiene. BHS helps select a puck screen based on portafilter size.

Cleaning brushes and group cleaning

A barista cleaning brush (group brush) is a stiff-bristle brush for cleaning the group head after removing the portafilter. It removes coffee grounds residue from the group filter and group head surface between beverage preparation. Its compact shape allows quick cleaning with one motion without cluttering the workstation. Regular group head cleaning with a brush reduces coffee oil buildup, which affects the next espresso’s taste. A portafilter brush is a separate brush for cleaning the portafilter’s interior between tamping. BHS helps select a cleaning brush for barista work.

HoReCa use scenarios

In a specialty coffee café, a WDT tool for each espresso preparation allows the barista to consistently improve grounds evenness, directly impacting the espresso’s taste profile and crema quality. In a café with trainee baristas, a distribution tool helps standardize the puck preparation procedure, reducing the impact of inexperience on the final result. In a high-volume bar environment, a group cleaning brush between coffees ensures a clean group head and prevents residual coffee oil flavors from affecting the next beverage.

Frequently asked questions

Is a WDT tool necessary for a professional café? In specialty coffee and high-quality cafés — yes, a WDT significantly improves grounds evenness. In high-volume, fast-service cafés where espresso throughput is the main goal — less critical, but it still improves consistency. BHS advises on WDT selection based on the café’s concept.

How to clean a WDT tool? After each use, remove coffee grounds from the needles — you can use a fine brush or quick flicking. Rinse regularly with warm water. Store in a protected place to prevent bending the needles. BHS advises on WDT maintenance.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.