Needle can help get more even extractions and better espresso. It is used to break up clumps. Stirring creates a uniform distribution of grounds throughout the filter basket, which is impossible to achieve by pushing the grounds around the surface of the puck.

Note: Wood and dishwashers just don’t mix. The heat of the dishwasher can cause wood to warp, and the drying cycle can make it crack. So please, keep your coffee stirrer out of the dishwasher. You can clean it with a damp cloth.