Coffee professionals tend to throw around a lot of acronyms. You may hear TDS, RDT, WDT, and others used with the full expectation that anyone in the coffee space will understand them. As the South African distributors of Nucleus Coffee Tools, we're quite proud that NCD is another acronym that has come to occupy that same pace in coffee professionals' minds. The Nucleus Coffee Distributor (NCD) - the predecessor to this device - isn't just instantly recognised by any seasoned pro. It's not just behind the machine at most of the specialty cafes you love. It's the pioneering product, invented by former World Barista Champion, Sasa Sestic, that started the focus on puck prep and distribution, and it is still the distributor of choice in busy cafes around the world.

While the original NCD spawned a whole category of coffee distributors, the original design is still the most common in a commercial setting. Why? Because it is the only type of distributor that is not only effective, but also practical in a cafe setting. You see, not many customers are going to queue for extra time while baristas rake their coffee pucks with acupuncture needles. That's why the NCD is the distributor of choice for baristas around the world.

However, that doesn't mean the NCD was perfect. Some (especially users of acupuncture needles) point out that the NCD's fins can't penetrate to the bottom of the puck, and that is true. That doesn't mean it doesn't drastically improve distribution, but it may have left a bit of room for improvement. That's where the new NCD Pulse comes in.

Rather than forcing the barista to waste precious minutes breaking up clumps with needles, the NCD Pulse improves both horizontal and vertical distribution by employing vibration. Rechargeable via a USB-C compatible, easy to access stand, this new NCD pulses in a way that quickly agitates the bed, and in a mere 2 seconds (literally) it perfectly distributes the espresso puck. That means that it's not only more effective than the previous NCD; it's also still eminently practical in a busy cafe setting! You can learn a little more about it in the video(s) below.

NCD Pulse features

• Reduces inconsistencies: evens out your coffee distribution both vertically and horizontally
• Uses rotating blades (propeller) and vibration to effectively distribute coffee and improve puck density
• Non-slip grip: easy handling
• Low-friction, low static
• Lightweight build
• Four blades for faster, even distribution
• Adjustable height for different portafilters and doses
• Multiple vibration modes - low & high
• Distributes within just two seconds (3 manual spins)
• Automatically starts when lifted from base (when switched on)
• Automatically stops when placed in base
• Charging base included
• Battery life up to 1000 cycles on high setting

NCD Pulse specifications

• Diameter: 58.5mm (fits both IMS and VST Basket)
• Approximate weight: 260g
• Charging base weight: 340g
• Materials:
  • Powder Coated Aluminium Main unit
  • In-built Lithium Ion Battery
  • DLC-coated Aluminium blades
  • ABS Charging Base
  • USB-C Charge port
• Packaging: 14 cm (W) x 21 cm (L) x 9 cm (H)

NCD Pulse accolades

The NCD Pulse has been used on the following competition sets.

World Championships

2nd place - 2025 World Coffee in Good Spirits (Danny Wilson)
5th place - 2025 World Coffee in Good Spirits (Vladyslav Demonenko)
5th place - 2024 World Barista Championship (Junghwan Lim)

National Championships

1st place - 2025 Swedish Barista Championship (Patrik Rolf)
1st place - 2025 Bolivian Barista Championship (Nico Varoch)
1st place - 2025 Ecuadorian Barista Championship (Alexis Guayasamin)
1st place - 2025 Philippine Barista Championship (Michael Conlin)
1st place - 2025 Korean Barista Championship (Miseon Im)
1st place – 2025 US Barista Championship (Kay Cheon)
1st place - 2025 Taiwan Barista Championship (Eric Chang)
2nd place - 2025 German Barista Championship (Seulki Lee)
2nd place – 2025 US Barista Championship (Isaiah Sheese)
2nd place - 2025 German Barista Championship (Seulki Lee)
2nd place - 2025 Taiwan Barista Championship (Klay Wen)
3rd place - 2025 Korean Barista Championship (Hyejin Kim)
3rd place - Thai Barista Championship (Nuttavade Charukosol)
4th place - 2025 Korean Barista Championship (Seungbaek Kim)