Designing Your Workflow

The "Puck Prep" Zone

Organize your station from left to right (or right to left) based on the workflow:

1. Grind: Grinder should be easily accessible.
2. Prep: Tamping mat in front of the grinder.
3. Brew: Machine next to the tamping mat.
4. Clean: Knock box next to the machine.

The Single-Dose Workflow

If you use a single-dose grinder (like the Niche Zero or DF64), your workflow changes slightly but becomes much cleaner:

• Weigh: Use a small dosing cup to weigh your beans (e.g., 18.0g) before grinding.
• RDT (Ross Droplet Technique): Use a tiny spray of water on the beans to eliminate static.
• Grind: Pour the beans into the grinder and grind until empty.
• Dose: Transfer from the dosing cup to your portafilter.

Essential Accessories Checklist

• Knock Box: Don't try to bang the portafilter into your trash can. It makes a mess.
• Tamping Mat: Protect your countertops from scratches and dents.
• Microfiber Cloths: Have one for the steam wand (wet) and one for the counter/portafilter (dry). Never mix them.