Best espresso hand tampers according to redditors
We found 82 Reddit comments discussing the best espresso hand tampers. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 82 Reddit comments discussing the best espresso hand tampers. We ranked the 37 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I have had the same setup for about 10 months. Depending on the beans you get, you will experience clumping. Look up the WDT method for clumping.
This tamper works perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/LuxHaus-53mm-Calibrated-Espresso-Tamper/dp/B01MUXN53U
This distribution tool made my shots improve.
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Distributor-Espresso-Distribution-Leveler/dp/B07CPRBS8C
If I could only give you one tip for that machine, it would be to never descale it. The solenoid valves in Breville's machines for whatever reason, after being descaled start rattling, chattering, buzzing. Basically they start to go bad.
What I am using since starting my collection over the last 14 months:
Tamper
Tamping mat
Distribution tool
Decent Pitchers (got the 3 set)
My Weight Scale
Bottomless Portafilter for Gaggia Classic
What grinder are you using? That is something you should consider investing money in more-so than anything else.
Yeah it is. Pressurized means that there is a flow restrictor that keeps the water and coffee in contact at pressure longer. This means you get good shot times no matter the grind (ish)
Since the pressure drop isn’t across the coffee it’s very different. Since it’s so easy to just pop that thing out or put it back I would recommend trying, just make sure you tamp it. If you don’t have a tamper check this one out (no affiliation I bought one 10y ago with my 155)
RSVP International TAM Dual Sided Espresso Tamper, One Size, Multi Color https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001XRNEM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JfbLDbSTWNPEF
First one will probably run fast, tighten grind until 1oz in 30s and go from there (it’s a 52mm PF I think? It’s been years sorry, anyway that means it won’t match a lot of the full size 58mm recipes you read on here FYI).
49mm is not commonly available.
I don't think you can ask for much more than the stainless model on Amazon in 3 colors for under $15.
This doesn't have a tamp on the other side, but I use this cheaper 53mm distributor with my Breville Barista Express and Niche Zero combo. I just set the depth so it distributes and tamps. I haven't had a bad shot since getting this. Its definitely helped and sped up the process. Now I just need to get a 53mm cup for the niche zero and I'm set.
Caveat: I'm an espresso noob, but think I'm sufficiently well informed to address this.
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Your OXO conical burr grinder is at the low and cheap end of espresso-capable grinder, so it will likely become the first upgrade. I don't know if the one in the Barista Express is better, but upgrading it will only be possible by upgrading the whole expensive device. There are other grinder-related arguments against machines with built-in grinders.
The New Classic Gaggia (Pro), one of which I recently purchased for $418 after discount from Whole Latte Love, comes with a plastic tamper which you should not use. I bought an Apexstone leveler for $18 which sits on a $10 mat and does close to a perfect job [See caveat]. It's one of the best entry level machines because it does the basics very well - pushing sufficiently hot water [See caveat] through coffee in a proper filter basket (i.e. not the pressurised filter) in a proper 58mm plated brass portafilter. It also comes with a proper steam wand which can be used shortly after a press of one of the three buttons which operate the machine, which is normal for a single boiler machine.
Most of the modifications discussed relate to the not-New/pro Classic (which does not preclude modifying the New/Pro Classic).
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Before buying I was also watching the price of the Breville BES840CBXL for a long time since it's competitively priced and looks much nicer, matching my the Smart Grinder Pro, however others' experience with the product and both my and others' experience with the manufacturer recommend the Gaggia. Note that the cheaper Breville grinder - the Dose Control Pro - is the better choice between the two for just espresso.
Ah, sorry about that. It's a tamper, just Google espresso tamper and you'll find a ton of options. It's used to compress the ground coffee in the filter basket- Try looking up an espresso machine diagram.
*Edit: if you went the infuser route, here's the tamper I bought which I like a lot. Tamper
Not quite the same scale as pictured (but I bet it is the same internals)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLXTYCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think the picture is the same leveler I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And since I was uncertain about leveling vs tamping at the time:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTJ9224/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
All three items are doing exactly what I want.
This site has a bunch of great info.
I’ve linked to this but be careful about changing your temp. The documentation shows there is a big difference between PID set temp and actual brew temp, that’s why your PID will come set at 222°F.
Also, if you bought yours from Seattle coffee gear, check your downloadable content for a video on setup and use.
Throw out the tamp that came with your machine and buy a nice sturdy tamp from Amazon.
Practice makes perfect!
Lastly, buy fresh beans from a local roaster!
Edit: Another link with a wealth of info, this was incredibly helpful to me! Congrats, and welcome to the Silvia family!
I have a home setup that works great for us:
For under $200, you can buy the Cuisinart 15-bar espresso machine, and a decent burr grinder, and Terry's tamper is worth the $6 + s&h.
Also, as others have mentioned, the Aeropress makes great strong coffee that can make great mochas and such.
It is easy to use. Fill tank with water. Grind beans. Put grinds in coffee basket and tamp. Put basket on the unit and tighten down. Put cup underneath basket and turn the knob once. Wait for the green light to come on. Turn the knob again to dispense. Turn off when done.
And here is the tamper I use. It is excellent IMO. Cheap and useful AND sturdy. Can't beat it.
EDIT: Well here is the rest of what I use as well. Grinder. This is a bit cheap, you could do better but also do worse.
And the milk pitcher for frothing. It may seem silly to spend that much on a metal pitcher but I highly recommend it.
So for about
$120$140 plus shipping you can be all set up!EDIT 2: Buy decent whole beans and keep them tightly rolled in the bag and put the bag in something like this. Grind just enough to make a cup when you are wanting one.
I have just the Gaggia Classic and I'm using a tamper that looks pretty similar to what you linked. It's made by someone else though and I paid about $15 more. I don't know if that means anything quality-wise. Probably not lol
Point being, I'm happy with that type of tamper and it was 100% an improvement over the plastic Gaggia tamper.
Funnel: 54mm Espresso Dosing Funnel/Ring, Fits 54mm Breville Portafilter
Distributor: Coffee Distributor 53mm,Espresso Distribution Tool
First order of business is to get a 58mm tamper. This would be the cheapest option I'd recommend (though it's convex-based, and if there's a flat-based one you like I'd suggest getting that instead). This will compact the whole bed at once and won't leave to much sitting around the edges.
Until that's sorted, everything else is gonna be a crapshoot.
Aim for a firm or hard tamp, perpendicular to the coffee bed the whole way through. Once is ideal, a couple more isn't going to hurt if you need to straighten the tamper.
Broke college student here, I'm also a barista that's use to having amazing, freshly roasted coffee. So far, no one has lied. AMAZING espresso IS expensive. But can you make a latte as well as your local cafe? With a little practice, time and money, yes.
My current home setup consists of a Delonghi EC155, this is a true espresso machine, it's not steam powered and with a little modification and practice makes good espresso. Modification wise the only thing I'd recommend is depressurizing the portafilter basket, which is easy. If you ever want a better machine but don't want to spend the money you can modify it even more. They're vary popular machines and can be modified to pull amazing shots. They go anywhere from 70-130, however, occasionally things get repacked or the packaging gets damaged in the warehouse. They'll offer them at a hefty discount, I just got mine "reboxed" from amazon for 47 dollars, wait a few days and one will come up. If you use your student email you can get Amazon Prime for free, take advantage of that.
http://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-EC155-Espresso-Cappuccino-Maker/dp/B000F49XXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396498476&sr=8-1&keywords=delonghi+ec155
I also got this tamper, works well, it's a little light for my tastes but for home use it's fine. The EC155 has a 52mm basket, if having a 50mm tamper bothers you then pay the extra few bucks for a 52mm tamper. Personally doesn't bother me, and it was only 7 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Tamper-Sizes-Alloy-Coffee/dp/B0001XRNEM/ref=pd_bxgy_k_text_z
Here's a milk frothing cup, you'll need it to properly froth milk. You can poorly froth milk in a microwave but why do that when you can spend an extra 8 dollars and do it properly? I personally got mine for a dollar from a thrift store.
http://www.amazon.com/Update-International-EP-12-Stainless-Frothing/dp/B000MR6I9I/ref=pd_bxgy_hg_text_y
I got one of these grinders years ago for around 20 dollars. I've seen them used, repackaged, and refurbished for about that much. Wait around and a deal will come up. You can also get a Hario Mini and a number of other hand grinders. But this one does just fine. Now out of the box it won't grind fine enough for espresso, however, with about 20 minutes worth of work you can shim it and it'll grind perfectly for espresso. It's not hard and anyone can do it with a screw driver and some tin foil.
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DBM-8-Supreme-Grind-Automatic/dp/B00018RRRK/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1396498766&sr=1-1&keywords=cuisinart+grinder
At this point if you're willing to wait for a deal on the EC155 you've only spent 107 dollars. Even less if you're willing to wait on a deal for the burr grinder as well. If you want AMAZING coffee you can spend another 27 dollars and get an Aeropress, or wait for a deal and get it for 20 dollars. It will make a coffee concentrate which will taste "okay" for a latte.
At this point, I cannot recommend going to your local coffee houses and asking if you can buy green beans. They typically sell green coffee for 5-8 dollars a pound. You can roast your own coffee with a skillet and a whisk, or a popcorn popper, there are hundreds of ways to do it cheaply and it easy. You'll save money and you'll be drinking tastier coffee.
Don't let these people get you down, good espresso doesn't have to be expensive. Feel free to message me if you have any questions!
Ey! Welcome to the Gaggia fam! Check out r/gaggiaclassic
A couple of things I bought to help my espresso game a little easier
This is the frothing pitcher I use. I've found it to be simple to use. Although look up videos to learn how to properly steam milk if youre like me and dont know.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016ZOFTGY/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I found a calibrated tamper to help with tamping at 30lbs pressure. I'm thankful for this guy
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N977TNG/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I also use this distributor to help level my grind before tamping
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Gonna need a good tamping mat too. This is cheap and works well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077C41TJS/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A knock box is really convenient. I found a decent priced one that gets the job done
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FHYFP6N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Also, if you have the Classic 2015 model. I'd suggest replacing the steam wand with the Rancilio Sylvia model wand. It fits, and people mod their classic to get better performance with steaming.
https://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-Silvia-Version-Steam-Wand/dp/B018F88X34/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=rancilio+silvia+steam+wand&qid=1569554756&s=home-garden&sr=1-1
r/gaggiaclassic has more if you really wanna get crazy! I've enjoyed my gaggia for the 8 months that I've had it. Just keep up with the maintenance and its said to last years. I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever
because its your first machine, a height adjustable palm tamper will help your consistency, and this matters a lot! They are cheap at amazon, this one seems excellent as it has a leveler: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MMD3795/ref=psdc_13397451_t4_B01LAGBM90
Also, research the Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT) if you want to avoid frustrations.
Try this palm tamper
Yep. Any 58mm tamper should theoretically work. I'm using one of these and it works fine on my classic. Hope you enjoy your classic. I got mine a few weeks ago and I'm still learning and getting better at making consistent shots. I got a 12 oz frother as well. It is much smaller than I expected, but is actually probably about the right size for me.
Don't forget a 58mm backflush basket or backflush insert/disk and Cafiza if you are wanting to keep the group head and solenoid clean. A Pallo brush is also very handy as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPRBS8C/ref=dp_cerb_1
This one is showing in stock with positive reviews for Breville 54mm products! I just ordered one.
Edit: no tamper on this one, but we all have one already...right?
alternative:
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https://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Coffee-Distributor-Leveler-Black/dp/B07S4Q179B
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edit:
an even cheaper one
I got a basic calibrated tamper on Amazon. The Espro one looks really nice, but I wanted to see if I liked the style before droping 3x as much. Just make sure to get the proper width for your portafilter.
amazon has a great turned aluminum one for like $20. The top is rounded so you can really put you back into it if you need to.
EDIT: This one: Rattleware tamper
I'm looking for the same. Here's the one I'm thinking about trying: recaps
A decent spring-loaded tamp.
amazon link:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUXN53U/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
there is!
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-RECAPS-Compatible-Nespresso-Refillable/dp/B0194OCR9Y?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_15861412011
unfortunately, the pods aren't compatible with the vertuo machines but if you can find reusable ones that are compatible, the tamper is amazing. i have it.
If you can get a 49.7, that'd be the best fit, but the RSVP 49mm works well enough.
Towards the end of my usage of it, I got a custom one from Reg Barber for the above specs, but that was a bit pricey of an investment.
Looks like this one.
Yolococa Corner Tamping Mat Pad Tool Made For Baristas With Non-Slippery Food Safe Silicone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XYZ8R4V
Help you learn. You can see exactly what's going on with your shots. Also, it's just cool.
I have this tamp but I'll probably upgrade to a precision. It's a solid cheap option, though:
Tamper - Espresso Tamper - mm... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJ8MGWZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And then this leveler:
Coffee Tamper Coffee... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M986PM7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Since I'm in Amazon, you're gonna want to pick up some descaler. There's probably a cheaper option but this is what's recommended by Gaggia:
Gaggia Decalcifier Descaler... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IABPSNY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Then some cafiza to back flush:
Urnex Espresso Machine Cleaning... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001418KNS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If you're buying used, I'd highly recommend pulling the boiler apart to make sure it's not super gross and just soak it in descaler.
It sounds like you're entirely starting new, so I can give you some pointers I hope will be helpful. I also run a Breville Infuser, but I have a Ceado E6P.
When was the last time the grinder was cleaned? When was the last time the machine was descaled and back flushed? Consider this to be like brushing your teeth: you do it regularly so you don't get cavities and dental disease. You do not want to wait until things get funky. I clean my stuff about once a month. I also descale once a month because I have hard water; but I used to live somewhere where I only needed to descale once every 6 months.
On cleaning your grinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVVsTAUzVzM
Grindz tablets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014J7FUY
Descale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq1TiwoJbWA
Our machines do not have a descale mode, but that doesn't matter, you can follow the steps anyway. Also, just buy citric acid, you don't need Breville's stuff. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GNBHPAS/ I always backflush after I descale, so I stop following this guide at roughly the 2 minute mark.
Backflush: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1N8HLoW6ew
Cafiza: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L8RTEM/
You need fresh beans. There's no two ways around this. You can play with this if you like. Old beans are monumentally difficult to dial in, and often it's impossible. I find beans last nearly a month after the roast date, but there's a noticeable drop off after the second week. There's a lot of room for experimenting here, I recommend you do. Also note, that some beans cannot be dialed in. I don't understand the roasting and processing factors, but there is a lot of variation here.
Our machine can be programmed such that it will dispense a fairly precise volume of water with the press of a single button. My 1 cup button is programmed to purge the group head, and my 2 cup button is programmed for a regular pull.
I want you to know that this a really a good approximation, but Breville has a "smart" feature where it will try to "save" the shot if it thinks the pressure is too high. This has ruined a few cups for me, so I only have this programmed for those bad mornings, but otherwise I don't use it.Edit: I'm an idiot. If your pressure gauge is "bouncing" or fluctuating during a shot, most likely your pump is going bad. You can try to service it or replace it, I bought one of these off amazon and it is working: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NMNA138/. I got this because it arrived the same day. This is the actual pump: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZRP3GD.
I only use the 2 shot single walled basket, and I have also modified my portafilter to be bottomless. I generally find a good shot is just after the second screw in the pressure gauge, but that gauge is not very helpful.
I bought a few toys to help me out. These are not necessary, and in fact some people will tell you that you don't need them at all. Those people are probably right, but I like my toys anyway.
A funnel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N693YSS/ A cut yogurt cup can work. It doesn't need to be fancy, I just wanted something fancy.
A pick: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E48EWA/ A toothpick or anything pointy can totally suffice. Again, just wanted to be fancy.
A leveling tool. I have a 51mm because that's what I could find cheaply at the time, but it looks like 53mm are also available now. 51mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTN1S2C/ 53mm: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S4Q179B/
A tamp: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUXN53U/ This tamp has a spring inside it. I only bought this because I had a nasty habit of over tamping.
I found this video that I like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMldWhQVMQA I would not tap the filter after the distribution (where he's stirring the grounds), and I tamp gently. I don't twist or turn the tamp.
Dialing in is a trial and error type deal. In general, you want ~16 grams in the portafilter, and want to pull ~32 grams of espresso in ~30 seconds. These aren't hard and fast rules, and there's a lot of wiggle room here.
Find a coin like a nickel or penny and clean it. After you've tamped your portafilter, place the coin directly on top of the grounds, then lock the portafilter in the machine. Remove the portafilter and then carefully remove the coin from the grounds. (Do not pull a shot with the coin in there)
Is there an indentation in the grounds? If so, then you have overfilled the portafilter. If not, you might be good, or the portafilter might be underfilled. A scale will really help here.
To pull a shot, I have my portafilter locked in, and place my mug on top of my scale underneath the portafilter. I will hold down the 2 shot button (doesn't matter, you can hold down the 1 shot button), and keep it depressed for roughly 10 seconds. This is the preinfusion stage. Low pressure water is being introduced to the grounds. I chose 10 seconds because this is when I first start to see espresso appear at the bottom of my basket. You can experiment here. I then release the button to allow the full extraction. I press the button again at ~30 grams to stop the extraction.
I want to emphasize that these are rough guidelines. You may find something entirely different that works. I apologize if I came off as rude or condescending, I'm a bit of a turd by nature. Please ask if you have any questions.
I love mine. Temperature is an issue, sure, but I preheat it just by running water through it slowly with the handles slightly up. I've never immersed the whole portafilter in hot water but that's a good idea. I generally use between 13 and 14.5 g of grounds. When I'm about to pull the shot, I fill the cylinder about 3/4 full, lift the handles and then slowly pull down till I meet resistance. I lift up and pull down again till the same spot. Finally I lift up and pull down all the way to extract the shot. I pull over a scale and target a 55–60% extraction. When I didn't know any better and used World Market coffee I had around, I made what I thought at the time was the best coffee I'd ever made. It was true until I got into single origins (anything Ethiopian as espresso is amazing). My friend with a Silvia was impressed.
Definitely get a tamper (49 mm). I got this one. I also got a naked portafilter that's been helping/bewildering/saddening me.
You might also consider a knock box like this for knocking the pucks into. Finally, if you want to get into milk steaming, get yourself one of these.
Would a spring loaded tamper help? Its supposed to be calibrated to stop at 30lb when you push down. They are not that much more expensive than a standard tamper
https://www.amazon.com/LuxHaus-Calibrated-Pressure-Tamper-Espresso/dp/B01MTJ9224
I use this calibrated tamper and am happy with it.
would this work for you?
This is the absolute best scale for the price. Very very accurate. An absolute must for dosing and measuring shots by volume. It’s the perfect size to fit under the spout as well.
My grind setting sits just under a 2. But, it will differ based on what coffee, how old, each machine individually, and so on. I’ve never had a shot time correctly courser then a 4.
The cone + toothpick this helped my shots 10 fold. It’s called re-distribution. Doing this help break up the clumps in the ground beans and makes sure that everything is more evenly distributed. Getting rid of the clumps helps + even distribution help fight against channeling.
The tamper feels much more comfortable in my hand and has a better weight to it. I feel like I can control it better then the cheap plastic tamper the machine came with.
scale
cone
tamper
I know OP said they were in Brazil, but I bought this leveler the other day for my duo pro
Coffee Distributor 53mm,Espresso Distribution Tool,Coffee Distributor Tool,Espresso Distributor,Coffee Distributor Leveler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPRBS8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0iwEDbWH47W64
It’s awesome
This is a Saeco brand espresso machine of the sort that Starbucks sold about a decade ago. It makes a fair shot of espresso. I don't think the steam wand works right now, but it has worked recently, so that might be fixable. Comes with all of the accessories pictured: portafilter, milk frothing pitcher, two shot "glasses," and a tamper. The tamper alone is worth $30 new (and is in like-new condition). I'll also throw in a Bodum brand milk frother (pictured here), which is also a $30 value (the glass shows some use, but the plunger is effectively unused).
Get one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Knock-Box-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B07BDK71TR?crid=1Z3T0I4IL4R5&keywords=espresso+knock+box&qid=1539718515&s=Home+%26+Kitchen&sprefix=espresso+knock+%2Cgarden%2C310&sr=1-4&ref=sr_1_4
I use one similar at home for my set up
I have one of [these](Coffee Distributor/Leveler Tool-New 3 Leaf Clover Base Palm Tampers Coffee Leveler Macaroon Tamper Proof for Espresso Coffee Grounds - 58mm (black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAQ0YO5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Yh.TBbE54BR08) and I use and espro tamper.
KitchenAid is notorious for not making spare parts.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coffee-tamper-KitchenAid-espresso-machines/dp/B00CI19CJO
This item seems to have been out of stock for awhile...
Alternative :):
http://www.amazon.com/Rattleware-21101-58-58-Milimeter-Aluminum-Tamper/dp/B0016C8ZXK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CPRBS8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Picked up the Chinesey version for $36 CAD and its worth every penny.