IKAPE 58.5MM WDT Tools, Espresso Stirrer Distribution Tool for Barista, 0.25MM 6 Needles Espresso Coffee Stirrer with Stand and Extra 6 Needles (Black)

After using this WDT for the past two months, it has rapidly become one of my favorite tools in my espresso lineup. WDT is a tricky thing to get right and proper technique takes time to develop. There are a number of other rotary WDT tools on the market that area all significantly more expensive for questionably better results. I have found the Mantis to be great at both breaking up clumps, but providing a more even distribution of my grounds in the portafilter before I tamp. It does take some practice to get this right, as the included funnel can create more pronounced hills and valleys close to the edge of your puck, but some quick spinning back and forth, a few taps against your mat and a few more short spins will get a pretty good result. I also really appreciate the design of the tool; while it is bulky, it is well thought out and the use of magnets to anchor the WDT to the funnel and also to raise and lower the needles works really well. Compared to other offerings, I think this is a great option for it's price point and would recommend starting here rather than spending 2x or 4x more on some other rotary WDTs.

Fun tool to use and distributes the grounds. Well, however it’s a little bulky and you have to be careful using it. As all other reviews have stated the needles are extremely thin and vulnerable to bending which exposes the durability of the needles. The one caveat I like is the base that it comes with to allow you to set this down on, however it is not enclosed. In other words, if the base had a bottom to catch the grounds that would make this tool a lot less messier as the needles and the frame pick up a lot of coffee grounds when being used. Still makes easy work of distributing however, the tool does take up a bit of space, so keep that in mind if you’re trying to keep a minimalist type set up if not, then, this is a great addition to your tools.

I didn’t think I would ever like a rotation WDT tool but I have finally found one that actually works really well. The height adjustment is extendable deep enough for a 27mm height basket (22g). The dosing ring has magnets strong enough to hold with the portafilter turned upside down, and the holder base doesn’t have the ridiculous brush that supposedly cleans the needles but in actuality can (and does) bend the needles. I have incorporated this tool into my daily workflow because it is quick, easy, doesn’t make a mess, and does the job. I have yet to experience channeling after using it, and I have tested it a couple dozen times now. I think we have a winner! Edit: I have now been using this IKAPE WDT tool for over a month, and I continue to get excellent results. Much better than my previous results using a typical manual type! I am experiencing zero channeling, it’s quick and easy to use, and is producing 100% repeatable and perfect results 😍 Second edit: I have been using it for about 8 months and it continues to be the best WRT tool ever. No problems or issues of any kind. If anything happens to this one I will get another to replace it. Highly recommend 👍

Feels really premium in your hand and does its job really quick. I’m always unsure of my WDT skills so this does make it easier to get it consistent everytime. Cant complain! Really easy to use.

Unfortunately, it has broken during normal use — several of the distribution pins have snapped off after two months only (please see attached photo). Update — no customer service at all. No reply from manufacturer.

The funnel base is tricky to remove. The magnet that holds the knob portion is not strong enough and if the funnel base is removed it drops and the needles hit the counter.... Funky... Once you get it onto your portafilter it works pretty well...

Looks like a gimmick. . .until you use it. . .fast, efficient and done right. . .nice extractions and less time raking grounds. . .great!

This is the review of 58mm Mantis WDT tool. Sure, it looks cool, but do not waste your money, because it is useless. There are 2 complaints: 1. the star shaped base that holds needles is not leveled to portafiilter bottom (specifically two prongs that hold the ring at the bottom that was supposed to support Mantis on portafiilter are not leveled). It is not bent or anything bad - it is just not even. 2. There is approximately 5mm gap between needles and portafiilter bottom and needles may NOT be adjusted / moved deeper). Sure you could unscrew the base, but the amount of needle protrusion was not meant to be adjustable. It was likely done so on purpose because needles are not exactly leveled as I mentioned earlier and the tool would not spin freely if there was actual contact between needles and portafiilter. This means this tool will never stir the puck through - it will leave untouched areas here and there, which will lead to channelling. IMO, this is a very expensive but useless toy that does not perform. I will be returning this Mantis, because basic manual WDT tools work significantly better.