Updated on December 8, 2022
What is An Espresso Tamper?
The coffee grounds are lightly packed, or “tamped,” for short, into the portafilter of the espresso machine using an espresso tamper, which resembles a plunger. The handle and the base are the two basic components. The base is the area that, during the tamping process, comes into touch with the espresso grinds.
Why is Tamping Espresso Important?
Water passing through ground coffee beans is the simplest form of the espresso-making process. Due to the grounds being loosely tamped, if the water passes through the grounds too rapidly, no espresso will be extracted or the final shot will be watered down. On the other hand, if the espresso grounds are packed too closely, water movement is restricted, which results in a long extraction time and a bitter shot. Even worse, it’s possible that the water won’t even pass through the grinds.
Obtaining an uneven tamp might also be problematic. It will result in uneven extraction of your ground beans because it will cause the water to migrate more quickly to one side than the other. It might also lead to channeling. The primary tool the barista has to ensure that the grounds are packed properly is the tamper. The tamp is the other important factor in the formula for producing a reliable and excellent espresso shot, along with the grind coarseness.
Different Types of Espresso Tampers
Domed or Conex Tampers
The base of a convex tamper has a slightly rounded bottom and a very dull point in the middle. When you tamp, a small “border” is left behind on the portafilter basket’s edge. You’ll see that the base’s perimeter is slightly raised when these tampers are positioned on a flat surface.
Calibrated Tamper
A calibrated tamper is designed to apply 30 pounds (the ideal pressure) to the coffee grinds. It’s got a built-in mechanism that allows the user to do this without fail by not having to rely on how much pressure they “feel” like they’re applying.
Flat Tamper
The most common type of tamper you’ll encounter is one with a flat handle. It has a base and a handle that can be finished in a variety of rubber, wood, metal, and other material colors.
Flat vs Convex Tampers
In contrast to convex tampers, which come to a point in the middle of the base, a flat tamper is the style that is typically used (with a flat base). The question of which style is superior to another is still hotly contested. The convex style was favored by 48% of users, according to the linked poll. They believed they had a lower propensity to tamp unevenly and, as a result, had less channeling.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference and what you can tamp evenly the quickest. However, because the sides will be pushed up, using a convex tamper will never produce a tamp that is truly “even.”