Weigh beans to dose (or a close as I can get, then chuck in 1 or 2 more beans.

Grind into polished steel grind cup.

No RDT.

Reweigh dose & trim if desired (I use 0.01g scales for dosing as it’s faster & easier to get to 0.1g increments).

Shake in the cup then transfer to PF via a wide mouthed funnel. level the dose with downward & side taps, then tamp.

Prior to next dose, run the grinder & clack the lid to clear the chute.

Weigh beans to dose
Grind into Niche container
Pour ground coffee into gravy boat and check weight
WDT
Pour into Portafilter
Tap and level with Chinese device
Tamp

I grind into the cup, put the pf on the cup, invert, slide the funnel over the top, remove the cup, wobble the tamper around to distribute, remove the funnel and tamp. I used to have one of those things that you spin round to distribute then turn over to tamp, can’t say I noticed any difference when it went into the cupboard and I just wobbled the tamper except it was a lot less faff.

My process is:

  • weigh beans into dosing cup
  • put beans in top and then grind into the dosing cup
  • lock dosing ring onto portafilter put on top of dosing cup and invert
  • give it a bit of shake and remove the cup (brush in any grinds retained due to static)
  • tap the bed level with my palm
  • wdt
  • tap down to settle the bed
  • remove dosing ring
  • tamp

I weighed the grinds a few times when I got, but quickly stopped as it was pretty much always spot on. Now the only time I weigh the grinds is the first time after I’ve cleaned the grinder, as I know it’ll retain a very small amount.

I weigh my daily coffee into tubes and then:

  • empty dose into the grinder
  • grind straight to portafilter with dosing ring on a stand
  • very lightly WDT the top
  • remove ring and tamp

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Probably 3 steps more than it needs to be and a good job I don’t make too many but here goes:

Weigh dose, Grind into cup, Chopstick stir, Into portafilter, WDT, Leveller, Tamp

My process is the same as Alpesh, except that I replace the leveller stage by a single tap down

Thanks all! Alot of different approaches. Here are some topics that arise from your posts:

Why not just grind directly into the portafilter basket?: I see that a number of folks grind into the cup. Some stir the grounds, then transfer into the portafilter/basket, then WDT. Question: Why grind into cup? Why not just grind directly into the portafilter/basket, and skip that step? Then distribute, potentially using WDT. Personally, I have found that I get inferior distribution or even channeling if I handle the grounds too much or WDT too vigorously; less is more. Thoughts?

Is Using the Cup As a Distribution Device Sufficient?: Some use the cup for distribution, by grinding into it, then placing the portafilter/basket on top and inverting (once or twice). Is this sufficient to eliminate clumping and evenly distribute the grounds? Or do we still need to WDT at the end?

Most Do Not Shake or Swirl the Cup to declump. Any reason why or why not? Is this a good idea?

Some Tap the Portafilter Down Once or Twice, to settle the grounds. I suppose that this creates a more even and level tamping surface. But it also compacts the grounds, which some use to allow updosing. So to tap or not? Why or why not?

Is Clumping An Issue or Not?: I am getting a sense (from these posts) that clumping is just not an issue with the NZ. What’s your experience?

To WDT or Not to WDT? - Is this step necessary? Still a good idea? Followed by WDT grooming? I use the 0.35mm needles. WDT with these needles was a game changer for me. It really improved distribution consistency. I rarely get uneven distribution or channeling. I am loth to give it up. But if I don’t need to anymore … Thoughts?

So - Basket Inversion or WDT for Distribution? Tap or Not?

Btw, interesting that I did not see much mention of either side tapping or the Stockleith maneuver (if I spelled that right).

    JHCCoffee The answer to most of these is ‘it depends’. Basically, whatever works for you is whatever works for you.
    Clumping depends a lot on the beans and the weather. I would add that clumping has improved noticeably now it’s had a few tens of kilos through it.
    I WDT with a cocktail stick before adding to the portafilter to break up any residual clumps and it does make a difference. I know this because I forget sometimes. I do tap the side to get a basic level before using the leveller.
    I don’t grind straight into the portafilter because 1) it’s messier and 2) I like to weigh the grounds after grinding.
    I believe it’s “Stockfleth” and I don’t bother, the leveller does a better job.

      I just watched @DavecUK ‘s Youtube video on preparing, using and maintaining the NZ when it arrives. Fantastic video @DavecUK, most appreciated!

      One key takeaway is to definitely NOT do RDT, as the moisture apparently impedes/defeats the zero retention performance of the machine. Most of you in any event say its not needed.

      Yea! One more step eliminated.

      I put weighed beans into Niche, grind into cup, invert on to portafiler and horizontal mamba shake….then tamp.

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      JHCCoffee My thoughts:

      • Why not just grind directly into the portafilter basket?
        • It’s less messy and works well
      • Is Using the Cup As a Distribution Device Sufficient?
        • Possibly for some. In my experience I never managed to get it level. I found WDT is just easier and more consistent.
      • Most Do Not Shake or Swirl the Cup
        • I do give a little shake prior to taking the cup off, but this is mainly so it’s reasonably level and the grounds don’t go everywhere
      • Some Tap the Portafilter Down Once or Twice, to settle the grounds
        • I find I get better results with 19g in an 18g basket. If I don’t tap, the grounds level is usually above the basket and makes a mess when i tamp. I only do it once after wdt, and not that hard, it’s only to settle the bed and I tamp straight after which is far more force.
      • Is Clumping An Issue or Not?
        • I haven’t found it to be an issue
      • To WDT or Not to WDT?
        • it’s probably not critical, but I find it the easiest and quickest way to get a level well groomed bed

      Don’t over think it though. Just try each way and taste to see if you can tell the difference and what is easier for you. At the end of the day you probably want a quickish way to make consistently good coffee, not a crazy ritual.

        It looks like the ring is above the level of the NZ spout so how do you get the pf out, do you have to lift it up so you can remove the stand?