The Weber Moonraker is one of those tools that, without drawing attention at first glance, can make a real difference in espresso preparation. Designed by Weber Workshops, a firm renowned for its meticulous approach to coffee engineering, this accessory is designed to solve one of the most common problems in the pre-extraction phase: uneven distribution of ground coffee.
At Cafés El Magnífico, we believe that understanding the purpose of each tool is just as important as the final result in the cup. That’s why today we’re explaining what the Moonraker is, how it works, and why it has become a benchmark among professional baristas and advanced espresso enthusiasts.
We have already included it in the setup of our barista space in the El Born and Rambla Catalunya shops.
A new way of understanding coffee distribution
During grinding, especially with freshly roasted coffees, static electricity charges are generated that cause clumps to form. These small blocks of compacted coffee hinder even distribution and promote channeling during extraction, which has a very negative effect on the final flavour in the cup.
Weber’s Moonraker is designed precisely to solve this problem. Its main function is to prepare the coffee pod before pressing, effectively breaking up any lumps and distributing the grounds evenly. The result is a more stable pod, with greater resistance to water flow and more consistent extraction.
Unlike traditional distributors or manual WDT tools, Moonraker automates and refines this process, delivering accurate and repeatable results in both demanding professional and domestic environments.
The spirograph movement: mechanical precision at the service of espresso
The heart of Weber’s Moonraker is its patented spirograph movement. While most WDT tools cause the tines to follow repetitive circular paths—which ultimately creates ruts and compacted areas—the Moonraker introduces a calculated movement pattern that constantly changes.
Each turn of the device randomly and progressively rearranges the coffee. The more turns are made, the greater the degree of homogenisation of the tablet. In practice, two or three turns is ideal for obtaining optimal distribution, ready for pressing.
This approach not only improves extraction consistency, but also reduces variability between coffees, facilitating more controlled and reliable work.
High-end materials and uncompromising construction
Weber’s Moonraker also stands out for the quality of its materials and finishes. Its body combines aerospace-grade anodised aluminium with machined and polished stainless steel, offering a feeling of solidity and precision from the very first touch.
The needles, made of medical-grade stainless steel, are mounted on small copper alloy springs, allowing for delicate yet effective contact with the ground coffee. In addition, the neodymium magnet system makes it easy to attach and quickly replace the needles.
The chemically reinforced glass top allows you to see inside the mechanism and visually understand how distribution works, a functional and aesthetic detail that reinforces its technical character.
A tool designed for consistency
It is clear that beyond its design and technical sophistication, Weber’s Moonraker has a clear objective. And that is to improve espresso extraction performance. By eliminating clumps and distributing the coffee evenly, the risk of channeling is reduced and each dose of coffee is better utilised.
This translates into more balanced extractions, greater clarity of flavours and very high repeatability, something that is especially valued by professional baristas and advanced specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Weber’s Moonraker at Cafés El Magnífico
Cafés El Magnífico’s commitment to the Moonraker is part of its ongoing search for tools that add real value to coffee preparation. It is an accessory designed for those who want to take their espresso one step further, understanding that excellence is built on details.
If you are looking to improve the consistency of your extractions and deepen your knowledge of espresso technique, the Moonraker is undoubtedly a tool to consider. Visit our shops at Rambla Catalunya 124 and Argenteria 64, order a coffee at the barista counter and see the results for yourself.