When you’re a coffee enthusiast who adores a good espresso, you might have a general idea of what a tamper is. It is an essential tool as part of the espresso-making process. If you’ve ever watched how a barista creates one, perhaps you may have noticed that they press the ground coffee down that looks like a stamper. That is what we call a tamper.
If you plan on making espresso in your own coffee nook at home, this article is for you. We will provide you some insights into why tamping is necessary and how it makes a difference. Just read on to find a buying guide to help you choose which tamper will suit your needs. Plus, check out our recommended list so you won't have to look anywhere else.
Quick List - Top Espresso Tampers
LuxHaus
A State-of-the-Art Tamper at a Mid-Range Price
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Table of Contents
To extract the flavor from ground coffee, espresso machines rely on pressure. The resistance from the compressed coffee grounds and the pressurized water are the major players in producing a great espresso shot. Therefore, when packing the coffee grounds, it should be done at the right compression level, and a tamper should do the job correctly.
A small amount of space should be available in between the water spout and the filter to fully saturate the ground coffee. This helps the water to extract the coffee oils as they shoot through it. This is also the reason why espressos are highly concentrated and oozing with a rich aroma that entices anyone, even non-coffee drinkers.
A loosely packed ground coffee batch will only result in a weakly flavored espresso, which cannot be called an espresso per se if it lacks that familiar punch. When brewing at home and sometimes you get frustrated because of the bland taste of your espresso, you might be tamping your coffee grounds incorrectly.
While tamping coffee grounds is one of the essential steps in espresso-making, which could be achieved by either using the thumb or, for better results, a tamper. Below are some items to look into when choosing a suitable tamper for your home brews.
If you already have an espresso machine at home, the best way to know the size of the tamper that you need is to measure the inner diameter of the coffee bed, the basket, or the portafilter - whichever machine you are using. In simplest terms, you measure the part where coffee grounds are put.
Common tamper models in the market could range from 48 to 58 millimeters. You cannot pick a tamper with a base diameter larger than the coffee bed. It will be rendered useless. What is important is to get the precise measurement of your coffee bed to achieve the ideal size, especially if you're purchasing online.
The minimum weight of a competent tamper should be around one to two pounds or about 900 grams. Anything below that will be ineffective and quite challenging to maneuver.
Heavy-duty tampers are usually reserved for commercial use and very pricey, so you don't need to pick up those if you're a homebrewer.
These two shapes may have differences in appearance, but they offer the same services. A flat tamper, as the name denotes, features a flat base that produces a uniform puck for a flat ground coffee. This yields a more even extraction and better consistency between shots.
On the other hand, a convex tamper is beveled at the center that forms slightly convexed grounds. Convexed tampers are commonly used to form the coffee ground in that particular shape so that the pressurized water won't enter the portafilter and botch the espresso shot.
The material used on your tamper will dictate how long it is going to last and how easy it is to clean. Some of them are dishwasher-safe, while others accumulate rust when washed frequently.
The most common material used is stainless steel as it is hygienic, food-safe, and a breeze to clean. Also, this material is fairly abundant and easy to procure.
Along with, tamper handles could come in different ergonomic designs. The grip is the most significant part that should be comfortable to hold. There are various materials such as wood, aluminum, or BPA-free plastic that can also be durable and long-lasting.
Tamping at a precise pressure requires constant practice to master, so beginners should think about getting a calibrated tamper.
A calibrated type has its handle separated from the base, which creates a sound when they come in contact and pushed at 30 pounds of pressure. An experienced barista or home brewer wouldn't mind using a non-calibrated tamper to create their shots flawlessly.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | LuxHaus Calibrated Pressure Tamper for Coffee and Espresso|CBN-42274 | ![]() | A State-of-the-Art Tamper at a Mid-Range Price | |
2 | ESPRO Calibrated Convex Espresso Tamper|CBN-42258 | ![]() | A Convex Tamp Designed by Experts | |
3 | Dolity Espresso Tamper|Dolity-72008980 | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Tamper for Experienced Brewers | |
4 | RSVP International Dual Sided Espresso Tamper|TAM | ![]() | Take Advantage of a Dual-Sided Tamper | |
5 | LuxHaus Espresso Tamper|CBN-42250 | ![]() | The Top Choice for the Barista in You | |
6 | Vienesso Espresso Tamper Set|CBN-42243 | ![]() | An All-in-One Box Full of Coffee Goodness | |
7 | Motalius Espresso Tamper|CBN-42241 | ![]() | A Solid Tamper That Can Last a Lifetime | |
8 | EterSummer Coffee and Espresso Tamper | ![]() | A Classic Design at an Affordable Price Tag | |
9 | Deknei Espresso Coffee Tamper | ![]() | One of the Lowest-Priced Tamper You Can Find | |
10 | OEM Espresso Tamper With Measuring Spoon | ![]() | The Best Tamper for Gifting |
LuxHaus is a coffee products company that was established in 2015 by a husband-and-wife team. Their calibrated tamper features a BPA-free plastic ergonomic handle with a flat stainless steel base. It is food-safe and doesn't have any coating to ensure no other substance will affect the coffee output taste.
The rust-free steel allows you to tamp as often as you want without worrying about corrosion. In addition, the compression mechanism of this tamper is pressure-sensitive and utilizes a linear spring for a smoother and effective tamp all the time.
Even though the tamper weighs a bit less than 1 pound, the calibration still lets you apply up to 30 pounds of pressure for a steady and even espresso extraction.
ESPRO is the brainchild of two engineers who established their company in 2002 to solve all their coffee woes and share it with the world. Their calibrated tamper is designed with a convexed base that is very suitable to all baristas and baristas wanna-be at home.
The 30-pound calibration on the tamper lets you achieve the ideal force all the time. Feel and hear the gentle click when you've reached the right pressure and taste the difference on each sip. You need not worry about its performance, just focus on the espresso experience.
You will also surely like the perfect balance and construction feel very natural in your hand. If you're looking for a trusted, tamp that will never go out of style and is built to last, the ESPRO convex tamper must be what you're looking for.
When looking for a simple and straightforward tamper for your daily brewing needs, the Dolity tamper is all you will ever need. This tamper is on the heavy side since it is made out of solid stainless steel that is rustproof and very durable. The threaded handle is removable from the base for easy cleaning and maintenance.
This may be one of the lowest-priced coffee tampers on this list that provides a decent job if you're an experienced barista. This product has high customer reviews, and you'll be glad to know that buyers are enjoying the item's quality. So, if you're looking for a good alternative to branded and costly tampers, this product should definitely on your shopping list!
Founded in 1984, RSVP International is an America-based corporation that distributes competitively-priced quality kitchen products and cooking tools. Their Terry's tamper is a commercial-grade tamper made of cast aluminum alloy that is easy to clean. There are no added coatings that can get stripped by acids in the coffee and affect the taste of the espresso.
The tamper design has dual sides at 51 millimeters and 58 millimeters. Both have flat bases that can level and evenly pack ground coffee for a richer and concentrated taste. The product is designed by a professional barista, so it is guaranteed to yield better results, whether you're an expert or a home espresso maker.
We've already seen the calibrated version of this tamper, and now it's time to take a look at the non-calibrated flat tamper from LuxHaus. As with the previous product, the base of the tamper is made of food-safe stainless steel material that has no coating. The metal will never flake off even when used repeatedly for a long time.
You can actually save money by purchasing a single tamper that is ensured to last longer and will allow you to make your own espresso without compromising the taste and aroma of the coffee. The handle is BPA-free plastic that is nearly indestructible that may last a lifetime. Measure up your coffee ground basket and order this excellent tamper for the barista in you.
Vienesso is a Berlin-based manufacturer of modern barista and coffee accessories for everyday use. Their tamper base is produced by using premium stainless steel that is easy to clean and dishwasher-safe, while the ergonomic handle is made out of real Rosewood.
You can simply unscrew the handle from the base to give it a good cleaning and screw it on again for the next task. The product comes in a set that includes a silicone mat that protects the base from damage. The tamper is also compatible with popular brands such as De'Longhi, Sage, or Beem.
If you want to know more about espresso preparation and other coffee-making techniques, this brand includes a barista e-book available to be downloaded for free. With Vienesso, you can never go wrong with your espressos at home.
Here comes the bad boy of tamping, the Motalius Espresso Tamper. It is carved out of one solid piece of stainless steel block that is heavy and feels compact to the touch. Of course, the material is food-safe and rust-free with a smooth surface, which there are no nooks and crannies where bacteria can thrive, and other particles can get trapped.
More than just a paperweight, this tamper might be a bit costly because of the way it was created, but any barista can never go wrong with its tamping capability. If you need a lifetime service from a sturdy tamper, the Motalius is your best weapon, whether in commercial or home use, your full satisfaction is surely guaranteed.
Not everyone is a fan of a tamper with a stainless steel handle, that is why some homebrewers prefer a wooden handle for different reasons. EterSummer's coffee tamper is a good choice for budget-conscious people that still want a stylish tool to add to their coffee paraphernalia. Get the combined serviceability and elegance of this temper to match your home motif.
The base is created from food-grade 304 stainless steel that completely resists the natural acids contained in the coffee, while the handle is carved out of Sandalwood that looks rustic and classy. The flat base provides consistency for advanced users in packing coffee grounds at their right compression to extract the espresso.
If you're searching for a cheaper version of a decent stainless steel tamper, the Deknei Coffee Tamper may pique your interest. The weight says it's solid and makes it easier to apply pressure with less effort. You can unscrew the base from the handle to wash it with soap and water. Its chrome finish adds to its elegance and aesthetics.
The flat base provides consistency in every tamp and allows the pressurized water to cover the coffee ground surface evenly. The 51 millimeters diameter of the base is suitable for espresso machines with the same or bigger diameter coffee basket or portafilter before purchasing this product to prevent returns.
If you're looking for a multi-purpose tamper that you can add to your coffee nook, get this coffee tamper with a measuring spoon on one end. It is made out of stainless steel that has an excellent built quality which will surely last a long time. It may not be heavy enough like an actual tamper, but it does the job properly.
The comfort of having a single tool for a dual purpose may benefit a startup coffee business. The usability may be an attractive feature of this tamper, yet the low price can also be enticing. Want to bring a smile to your coffee-loving friends? This tool makes for a great gift!
From Nespresso machines to single-serve coffee makers, coffee presses to filters, you will definitely be in coffee heaven with these products. Be sure to check our articles to find out what you're longing for.
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No. 1: LuxHaus|Calibrated Pressure Tamper for Coffee and Espresso|CBN-42274
No. 2: ESPRO|Calibrated Convex Espresso Tamper|CBN-42258
No. 3: Dolity|Espresso Tamper|Dolity-72008980
No. 4: RSVP International|Dual Sided Espresso Tamper|TAM
No. 5: LuxHaus|Espresso Tamper|CBN-42250
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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