When you want to buy a tamper, the amount of choice can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll help you by answering the question: what is a good tamper? Or better yet, what is the right tamper for you?
Tampers come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, but don’t get distracted by flashy designs or marketing tricks. When buying a tamper, there’s really only one thing that matters: whether you can tamp well with it.
A tamper is used to press ground coffee into your portafilter. This creates a compact coffee “puck”, which is crucial for a good espresso extraction. Below, we’ll explain the different types of tampers and what to look for when choosing the perfect tamper for you.
What types of tampers are there?
You probably received a plastic tamper or a very lightweight tamper when you bought your espresso machine. In our opinion, these usually feel cheap and uncomfortable to use. When looking for a good tamper, there are basically three main options: a classic tamper, a palm tamper, or a pressure-regulated tamper.
Classic tamper
A classic tamper is the type you’ll see in almost every coffee shop. So if you’re after the real barista experience, this is a great option. Besides the experience itself, the advantage of a classic tamper is that you have more control over the pressure you apply while tamping, giving you a bit more flexibility.
A classic tamper consists of two parts: the handle and a weighted stainless steel base. The combination of these two elements is what makes a good classic tamper. The handle design has remained almost unchanged for decades, simply because it works.
There are different finishes available, such as wood, black, or full stainless steel. A good tamper combines this proven handle design with a solid stainless steel base, giving the tamper balance and helping you tamp properly.
Palm tamper
With a palm tamper, you move away from the traditional design and maybe even a bit from the classic barista feel. At the same time, a palm tamper offers many advantages. A good tamper should help you tamp well, and a palm tamper definitely does that.
With the adjustment rings on the palm tamper, you can set the depth of the tamper yourself and therefore also the pressure you want to apply. Because the palm tamper rests on your portafilter while tamping, it guarantees that you always tamp straight. By controlling these two factors, you ensure your coffee is tamped evenly every time.
Pressure-regulated tamper
A newer option is the pressure-regulated tamper, which is basically a combination of the two tampers above. With a spring inside the tamper, you can set the pressure so you always tamp with the same force.
However, just like with a classic tamper, it still depends on whether you press straight and stop at the right moment to avoid over-tamping. We currently don’t offer this type yet, but you can easily find them online. Prices for these tampers are generally much higher than for a palm or classic tamper.
What is the right tamper for you?
Choosing between these three options ultimately comes down to what matters most to you. All three are great options that allow you to tamp your coffee properly.
If you’re looking for the real barista feeling and care about aesthetics, a classic tamper is perfect. With the right handle finish, you can match it beautifully to your barista setup. And there’s a reason the design has remained unchanged for years: it simply works.
An added bonus is that this is usually the most affordable option. Click here if you want to buy a good classic tamper.
If you’re looking for the perfect espresso, consistency, and control, go for a palm tamper. Using a palm tamper also adds convenience, making it perfect for home baristas who simply want a great espresso without too much hassle.
The pressure-regulated tamper gives you a combination of both worlds: the consistency of a palm tamper while still feeling like you control the pressure yourself every time you tamp. A great option for coffee lovers looking for the latest gadgets, but also the most expensive choice. In many cases, you’ll pay more than double compared to a palm tamper. The question is whether that’s worth it to you.
Do you still have questions? We’re always happy to help fellow home baristas, so feel free to get in touch with us!
