Last Updated: 23rd December 2021
A coffee tamper is a tool which is used to press down or tamp coffee grounds into an espresso machine basket.
For a good shot of coffee, the grounds have to be tamped evenly and tightly, which improves extraction and gives a bigger crema result.
Most machines will come with a tamper but this is often plastic, so if you feel you need something a bit stronger or easier to use then we have listed the best coffee tampers available to buy below.
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A lot of tampers are from smaller brands, not massively associated with coffee machines or well-known. So this De’Longhi really caught our attention.
We are pleased to say it lived up to the hope, too. It is weighty without being too heavy and bulky to comfortably handle, so you don’t need too much pressure to go a good job. The handle is wooden, with a stainless steel base, which makes a really good combination.
It is a two part, so the base screws on to the handle and can then be removed when it comes to giving it a thorough clean.
A multi-award winning adjustable coffee tamper which guarantees a good repeatable tamp each and every time, for the most consistent brews again and again.
It doesn’t matter whether you are heavy-handed, inexperienced or a complete pro. The same results are achievable. It is a product used by professionals in over 60 countries around the world, and it is the only coffee tamper developed with and tested by independent ergonomics experts and has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of injury to baristas.
Made from stainless steel with a brown wooden handle, this tamper is sturdy and comfortable to use and won’t need you to strain too much to press the grounds.
The stamp plate is 58mm round so is pretty universal, and it has a flat base which means for a more level press. It is on the heavier side but pleasingly so, so you have less of a task on your hands.
The base can be unscrewed from the handle, and it is hand wash only but comes up really nice and clean if you keep on top of this.
Perfect for both cafes and home baristas.
It has just the right amount of weight which will allow you to get the ideal pressure without too much trouble, and it fits in your hand comfortably which is a plus if you will be using it regularly.
It fits VST, IMS, La Marzocco and other precision baskets.
If you haven’t the faintest clue of where to begin with tamping then this Calibrated model could be good. No matter how hard you press, it provides a 30 pound force onto the coffee. A small ‘click’ will sound and you will be able to feel this when pressing, and even if you push too hard, the coffee grounds will remain unaffected.
A 58mm flat base is a good, generally universal size, and the 304 grade stainless steel will stay rust proof and be hygienic to use after cleaning. It should fit most professional machines as well as home coffee machines if you’re looking for a model for a coffee shop or cafe.
It is a product which shows that spending that little bit more for the top of the price scale can really be worthwhile. The handle may be plastic, but it is thick and high quality and doesn’t feel flimsy whatsoever.
It really doesn’t get any more authentic than a coffee tamper crafted in the heart of Italy does it?
Boasting a unique bubble shape, this model is superb for baristas looking to get a fantastically strong grip and the handle is more durable when put under heavy use for a long period of time. The tamper itself is then a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, with a 58mm base making it one of the better quality steel-made products out there.
Have you used tampers before, but found the height of the handle either too much or too short? This Diguo model has a removable spacer between the base and handle, so you can pick the length you are most comfortable with.
This is because the best way to use the unit is to have your fingers rest on the tamper for maximum stability, so the size of your hand will not matter.
The flat base is good for 58mm filters, and as it is made from 18/8 stainless steel it won’t begin to rust or wear away with years of use.
Finally, the silver, black and brown colour palette will fit alongside most other machine designs, if you always want your appliances and their accessories to match.
Not only is this one of the most competitively priced coffee tampers around, but you also get a handy silicone tamper mat with the purchase, so you have the entire kit required to get you started.
It is technically dual ended even though there is one dedicated, primary side. At 51mm diameter, it should fit the majority of smaller portafilter sizes.
The mat also provides a really good storage stand, and prevents the portafilter from slipping when pressing. The full unit is stainless steel, so will clean up really well and also remain rust and flake free.
The size means it is a little difficult to handle at first and get used to, but for a cheap answer to the tamping issue at home, it deserves to get on the list of best coffee tampers.
There are a few 2-in-1 scoop and tamper units around, which is great for anyone who likes to keep clutter and accessories to a minimum and use a one-product-does-all answer.
Despite being plastic, it feels surprisingly strong and sturdy. The scoop is a great way to get the coffee grounds into the portafilter, and then you simply turn the tamper around to get the grounds perfectly packed.
If it were stainless steel it would be perfect, but the plastic does mean that the price can be kept nice and low if you want the best tamper for under £5…
The main thing to consider is whether the size of the coffee tamper will fit into the basket or portafilter. Most will, as everything is often a standard size, but just double check.
If you’re buying branded, this is particularly relevant. A company such as De’Longhi will first and foremost make tampers and accessories for their own machines, so if yours is a different brand, check everything matches up.
The base of the vast majority of the coffee tampers we have included is stainless steel. This is the easiest material to clean, is the most hygienic and also gives a good weight for pressing. The plastic models which come with most machines are often not quite heavy enough, and can suffer from wear, discolouration or damage over the years.
As for the handle, this can usually vary between metal, wood or plastic. The best for you will depend on which material you’d find most comfortable to use – we find that there isn’t a huge difference in how each feels, and you should look more at the shape.
Having said this, if you want a lesser task on your hand and a heavier press, metal or solid wood could be the answer as it often provides more weight.
You need to choose between a flat or a convex base. The vast majority are flat, as it makes for a perfectly level result. Convex models guide more grounds towards the edge of the portafilter, offering less resistance channeling – but this could be good if you prefer a weaker brew.
It is widely thought that 30lbs is the best pressure level for tamping, but don’t stress out too much that you’re getting this exactly right. More recently, 8lbs has been seen to work too. Practice makes perfect, and the best result can actually still be achieved with less pressure.
It goes without saying that the heavier your tamper, the easier this will be, so look for a model which is around 300g+. Those around 500g will do the best job, although you’ll actually have to be careful to not overpress.
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We want everyone to be able to enjoy really tasty coffee in the comfort of their own home. It’s easy, and shouldn’t be exclusive to a coffee shop.
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