Tampering Made Easy: Top Picks for Beginners in the Coffee Industry

As a beginner in the coffee industry, one of the skills you need to master is tampering. Tampering involves compressing ground coffee in a portafilter basket to ensure an even extraction of the espresso shot. It might seem like a simple process, but it requires the right tools and techniques.

If you are a beginner, you might be wondering about the best tamper for you. In this article, we will discuss some of the top picks for beginners in the coffee industry.

What is tampering?

Tampering is an important step in making espresso. It involves applying pressure to the ground coffee in the portafilter basket to ensure an even extraction. Proper tampering can help you achieve a consistent and delicious shot of espresso.

What is a tamper?

A tamper is a tool used to compress the coffee in a portafilter basket. It is typically a metal or plastic disk with a handle. The size of the tamper should match the size of your portafilter basket to ensure an even extraction.

What is the best tamper for beginners?

As a beginner, you don’t need to invest in an expensive tamper. There are affordable options available that can help you achieve a good tamp.

One of the top picks for beginners is the Rattleware Basic Tamper. It is an affordable tamper with a comfortable handle and a basic design. It is available in various sizes, so you can find one that matches your portafilter basket.

Another good option for beginners is the Cafelat Tamper. It is a bit more expensive than the Rattleware tamper, but it has a flat base that can help you achieve an even extraction. It also has a comfortable handle and is available in various sizes.

If you want to invest in a higher-end tamper, the Pullman Bigstep Tamper is a great choice. It has a unique design with a stepped base that can help you achieve an even tamp. It is a bit more expensive than the other options, but it can be a worthwhile investment if you are serious about coffee.

What size tamper do you need?

The size of your tamper should match the size of your portafilter basket. Most espresso machines come with a standard 58mm portafilter basket, so a 58mm tamper is typically what you need.

However, it’s important to measure your portafilter basket to ensure that you are getting the right size tamper. A slightly larger or smaller tamper can result in an uneven extraction and a poor-tasting shot of espresso.

How to use a tamper?

To use a tamper, grind your coffee and distribute it evenly in your portafilter basket. Place the tamper on top of the coffee and apply pressure with your hand. You should aim for 30 pounds of pressure when tamping.

Make sure to tamp the coffee evenly and avoid tamping too hard. An uneven tamp can result in an uneven extraction and a poor-tasting shot of espresso.

Conclusion

Tampering is an essential skill in the coffee industry, and the tamper you choose can impact the quality of your espresso. As a beginner, it is important to invest in a tamper that matches the size of your portafilter basket and is comfortable to use.

The Rattleware Basic Tamper, Cafelat Tamper, and Pullman Bigstep Tamper are all great options for beginners. Remember to measure your portafilter basket and tamp evenly with 30 pounds of pressure for a delicious shot of espresso.