Subminimal Flick WDT Tool Review - Is It Worth The Hype?
Estimated read time: 2 minute
Hidden neatly on my Varia VS3 grinder, I've stuck the Subminimal Flick using the included magnetic wall mount. Having a one-hand operated WDT tool that doubles as a fidget toy scratches an itch I didn't even know I had.
If you make espresso at home, the Subminimal Flick is the number one WDT needle tool that I can recommend. But is it right for you? Let’s dive in and find out!
What is the Subminimal Flick?
The Subminimal Flick is a WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) needle tool designed to break up clumps in your ground coffee beans before tamping into an espresso puck, ensuring even coffee distribution throughout the puck of coffee and reducing coffee channeling. A well executed WDT technique can make a massive difference in the consistency of your shots, and the Flick makes this process so much more enjoyable.
Build Quality & Design
From the moment you pick it up, you can tell the Flick is well-engineered. Its stainless steel body has a sturdy, premium feel, while the 0.4mm blunt needles slide effortlessly through the coffee grounds.
What sets the Flick apart from other WDT tools is its ergonomic, one-handed operation. Push down on the top, and the needles pop out smoothly - ready for action.
Release it, and they retract just as satisfyingly. The mechanism is precise, responsive, and honestly so much fun to use.
I garunte you will find yourself using this as a satisfying fidget toy when you're not making espresso's.
Does The Subminimal Flick Actually Improve Espresso?
In short, yes. Using the Subminimal Flick, I noticed a significant improvement in shot consistency. The fine needles break up clumps without excessive stirring, ensuring an even distribution before tamping. This results in fewer extraction inconsistencies and a more balanced shot. The difference was particularly noticeable on lighter roasts, where channeling tends to be more of an issue.
How To Use WDT Needle Tools
Before reading this, it's important that you know not to over do it! Over stirring your puck can lead to fine migration, meaning the fines in your coffee will move down to the bottom of the puck and cause uneven extractions or clogging. This is how I go about WDT without overdoing it.
- I like to start off by tapping the portafilter, I find this removes any large air pockets in the puck and just by knocking the basket once or twice on the counter is sufficient.
- Next I flick out the WDT needles and start to swirl, I start at the very bottom of the puck and go around in small circles until I reach the side that I started from.
- I then lift the needles to the surface of the puck ( approximately the top 1/3rd of the coffee grounds ) and repeat this movement but a little slower and lighter.
While some tools are shaped like a cork, the Subminimal Flick resembles a pen so using it to swirl around those small imaginary circles is super intuitive and easy to do.
Portability & Storage
Another thing I love about the Subminimal Flick is it's compact design. Unlike bulky WDT tools that take up counter space, the flick is no bigger than a sharpie pen.
I mainly make pour over coffee when I travel but on the rare occasion that I am wanting to make espresso while travelling I will most likely be taking my Wacaco PicoPresso espresso maker and the Subminimal Flick.
The ‘Flick’ Factor - So Satisfying!
Let’s talk about the fun part: the flicking mechanism. There’s something incredibly satisfying about clicking the tool open and shut, it’s like a premium espresso fidget toy. The Flick feels purposeful, precise, and addictive! If you’re the type who enjoys tactile feedback in their coffee gear, you’ll love this.
What’s Included With The Subminimal Flick?
- 1x Subminimal Flick
- 1x Stand
- 1x Wall Mount + 3M Sticker
- 6x Replacement Needles
- 1x Allen Key
Is The Subminimal Flick Worth It?
For espresso enthusiasts, the Subminimal Flick is a must have. It’s not just a well made WDT tool it’s one of the best designed coffee accessories I’ve used. From the one-handed operation, sleek build, and satisfying opening & closing mechanism make it a standout in a crowded market for espresso tools and coffee gear.
If you’re serious about espresso, the Subminimal Flick is a game changer. And if you’re like me, you might just find yourself flicking it open and closed for no reason at all.
