Vertical-Striped Gravity Espresso Distributor, 51/53/58mm

$15.99: level grounds with gravity, not technique

After grinding, your coffee bed is a lumpy mound — and tamping a mound gives you an uneven puck. A gravity distributor (also called a self-leveling distributor) solves this with its own weight: set it on the grounds and spin, and the weighted base settles and levels the bed for you. No technique to learn, no pressure to calibrate.

Key features

• Self-weight leveling — the weighted base does the work; just set it down and spin
• Vertical-striped grip — textured handle that's easy to hold and turn
• Three sizes — 51mm for DeLonghi Dedica, 53/54mm for Breville Barista Express / Bambino, 58mm for standard prosumer machines
• Two finishes — black or silver, $15.99; also available in a combination set ($41.99)

How to use it

1. Grind into your portafilter (a dosing ring helps keep it tidy).
2. Set the distributor on top of the grounds and give it a few spins.
3. Lift it away — the bed should look flat and even.
4. Tamp as usual.

Pairs well with

• Gravity distributor vs WDT needle distributor: which do you need?
• How to fix espresso channeling