Kitchen

Best Coffee Tamper - Achieve Perfect Tamping for Your Daily Brew

Written by Dale RichardsonUpdated: July 2, 2024

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Hey there, coffee enthusiasts! Are you tired of subpar tamping and inconsistent brews? Look no further, as we dive into the world of coffee tampers. A good tamper is an essential tool for any coffee lover who wants to unlock the full potential of their beans!

Here is a glance at the best Coffee Tampers before we review them in depth further down:

The Current Best Coffee Tampers In 2024

1. De'Longhi DLSC058 Coffee Tamper, Stainless Steel

Overall rating (4.7)

Scored based on 6300 reviews

Easy to hold (5)

Easy to clean (4.8)

Sturdiness (4.7)

Blending power (4.6)

Value for money (4.4)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: The De'Longhi Coffee Tamper is a universal tamper, compatible with most espresso machines and coffee makers that utilize coffee grounds, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

Material and Build Quality: The De'Longhi Coffee Tamper is built from stainless steel, guaranteeing durability and longevity. This material is also resistant to corrosion and rust, providing many years of reliable service.

Ergonomics and Comfort: The design of the De'Longhi Coffee Tamper focuses on user comfort. Its handle is designed to fit well in the hand, making it comfortable to hold and apply pressure when tamping.

Base Flatness: The tamper features a flat base, ensuring even and consistent pressure when tamping, which is critical for extracting the perfect espresso shot.

Weight and Balance: Users have praised this tamper for its ideal weight and balance, making it feel sturdy and comfortable in the hand while tamping.

Brand Reputation: De'Longhi is a renowned brand in the coffee industry, known for its high-quality and durable products. This tamper upholds the brand's reputation and has received positive reviews from customers.

Product Summary:

The De'Longhi DLSC058 Coffee Tamper is a versatile and durable coffee tool. With its universal size, it's compatible with a broad range of espresso machines and coffee makers, making it an essential tool for coffee enthusiasts.

Constructed from stainless steel, this tamper guarantees durability and long-lasting use. It's resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring it retains its high-quality appearance even after prolonged use. Its flat base is designed to apply even and consistent pressure when tamping, crucial for achieving the perfect espresso shot.

As a product from De'Longhi, a reputable brand in the coffee industry, you can expect high-quality performance. Customers have shared their positive experiences with this tamper, praising its durability and functionality.

In summary, the De'Longhi DLSC058 Coffee Tamper is a high-quality, durable, and versatile tool that makes an excellent addition to any coffee lover's toolkit.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Nice"

"Works perfectly for my machine, getting more consistent espresso"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 July 2022

"5.0 out of 5 stars Nice"

"Works perfectly for my machine, getting more consistent espresso"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 July 2022

"Nice Tamper"

"Well made tamper. Fit for the basket came with Delonghi EC685. It really helps to improve the espresso."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 March 2022

Where to buy De'Longhi DLSC058 Coffee Tamper, Stainless Steel?

2. Motta Stainless Steel Tamper with Wooden Handle

Overall rating (4.7)

Scored based on 691 reviews

Easy to clean (4.9)

Sturdiness (4.9)

Value for money (4.7)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: The 58mm diameter of the base fits a majority of espresso machines making it highly compatible. Loss: For those with espresso machines requiring a different size, this tamper may not fit properly.

Material and Build Quality: Crafted with high-quality stainless steel and a wooden handle, the Motta tamper offers a durable build, guaranteed to withstand regular use. Loss: Although stainless steel is robust, it may be susceptible to scratches over time.

Ergonomics and Comfort: The tamper features an ergonomic wooden handle, offering a comfortable and secure grip. Loss: Users with particularly large hands may find the handle slightly small, potentially compromising comfort during extended use.

Base Flatness: The tamper has a planar base, ensuring uniform compression of coffee grounds for a consistent espresso extraction. Loss: Without proper technique, the flat base could potentially lead to uneven tamping pressure.

Weight and Balance: Weighing in at 347 grams, this tamper offers a good heft and balance, providing a substantial feel during use. This could, however, be a drawback for users who prefer a lighter tool.

Brand Reputation:  Motta is a reputable brand in the coffee industry, known for its high-quality barista tools. Loss: For those unfamiliar with the brand, they may be hesitant to invest in this higher-priced tamper.

Product Summary: The Motta Stainless Steel Tamper with Wooden Handle is a stylish and efficient tool for any espresso enthusiast. It boasts a 58mm diameter base, making it a great fit for a wide variety of espresso machines. Built with premium stainless steel and a wooden handle, this tamper promises durability and longevity. The ergonomic wooden handle is designed for comfort, though users with larger hands may find it slightly small.

One of the major strengths of this tamper is its flat base which ensures a consistent espresso extraction. Weighing in at 347 grams, it offers a solid feel without compromising on balance. While the Motta brand may not be well-known to everyone, its reputation within the coffee industry is strong, signalling that this is a tamper that's built to perform.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"What to say, it looks like the picture and feels nice in the hand, very decent"

"I really enjoy using it, much more so than the silly plastic one that came with my coffee machine"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2022

"5.0 out of 5 stars What to say, it looks like the picture and feels nice in the hand, very decent"

"I really enjoy using it, much more so than the silly plastic one that came with my coffee machine"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 9 December 2022

"5.0 out of 5 stars Smart looking tamper, great weight and feel."

"This tamper has great weight and feel. It feels comfortable in hand and fits snugly into the portafilter. Great value tamper if you’re not looking for something reliable and sturdy. Leaves a smooth finish after tamping and it’s easy to clean. I’ve been using regularly for the last year and it still looks like new"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 11 January 2022

Where to buy Motta Stainless Steel Tamper with Wooden Handle?

4. Stainless Steel Coffee Tamper Espresso Press

Overall rating (4.6)

Scored based on 440 reviews

Easy to clean (5)

Easy to use (5)

Easy to hold (4.9)

Sturdiness (4.9)

Value for money (4.5)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: With a 51mm base diameter, this tamper fits many home espresso machines. Loss: This size may not be compatible with larger commercial espresso machines that often require a 58mm tamper.

Material and Build Quality: The tamper is constructed from solid stainless steel, offering robustness and durability. Loss: Despite the strength of stainless steel, it can show signs of wear, such as scratches, with long-term use.

Ergonomics and Comfort: A round handle design provides an ergonomic and comfortable grip during use. Loss: The lack of contouring on the handle may cause discomfort during prolonged use, especially for users with larger hands.

Base Flatness: A flat base allows for even compression of coffee grounds, ensuring consistent espresso extraction. Loss: Mastery of technique is necessary to utilize the flat base effectively and avoid uneven tamping.

Weight and Balance: Its weight is well-balanced, offering enough heft for effective tamping without causing hand fatigue. Loss: The product details do not provide the specific weight, which might be a concern for those who prefer knowing exact weights before purchase.

Brand Reputation: As a generic product, it provides a cost-effective option for home baristas. Loss: The lack of a brand could be a drawback for consumers who prefer purchasing from well-known, trusted brands.

Product Summary: The Stainless Steel Coffee Tamper Espresso Press is a cost-effective and practical tool for home espresso preparation. It offers a 51mm base that fits many home machines, though it may not be suitable for commercial models. Crafted from solid stainless steel, it promises durability despite potential wear over time. The round handle design is ergonomic, but may not provide utmost comfort for prolonged use.

Its flat base allows even coffee ground compression, though it requires skilful handling to achieve the best results. The weight seems well-distributed, offering a solid feel without causing strain, though the lack of specific weight information may be a drawback for some. While it's a generic product, its cost-effectiveness makes it an appealing choice for home baristas, despite the absence of a well-known brand name.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Works a treat for the smegg"

"Fits great in the smegg espresso machine."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 January 2022

"5.0 out of 5 stars Works a treat for the smegg"

"Fits great in the smegg espresso machine."

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 12 January 2022

"Quality"

"Very well made perfect for even tamping"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 January 2022

Where to buy Stainless Steel Coffee Tamper Espresso Press?

5. Dailyart Calibrated Coffee Tamper

Overall rating (4.5)

Scored based on 211 reviews

Sturdiness (4.8)

Easy to clean (4.8)

Value for money (4.6)

Easy to use (4.5)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: The tamper comes in a universal 58mm size, compatible with most commercial and some home espresso machines. Loss: Users with espresso machines requiring a smaller tamper size may find this product incompatible.

Material and Build Quality: Made from stainless steel and aluminium, the tamper is designed to be rustproof and durable. Loss: Over time and with heavy use, the material may still show signs of wear such as scratches or slight tarnishing.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Its ergonomic handle design ensures a comfortable grip, aiding in the ease of use. Loss: For users with larger hands, the handle might be slightly uncomfortable for extended use.

Base Flatness: With a flat base, the tamper is able to provide consistent and even compression of coffee grounds. Loss: As with all flat bases, it requires a certain level of skill and technique to ensure even pressure during tamping.

Weight and Balance: The calibrated tamper provides a balanced weight for ease of use and optimal pressure application. Loss: Some users might find the calibrated pressure feature unnecessary or confusing if they prefer to manually control their tamping pressure.

Brand Reputation: Dailyart is known for a variety of quality home and kitchen products, including coffee accessories. Loss: While the brand offers a variety of products, it might not be as recognized in the speciality coffee world.

Product Summary:

The Dailyart Calibrated Coffee Tamper offers a perfect blend of functionality and durability. With a universal 58mm size, it fits most commercial espresso machines and some home models. The stainless steel and aluminium construction provides a rustproof and durable build, though some wear may occur over time.

An ergonomic handle design ensures comfort during use, while its flat base provides consistent compression of coffee grounds, with the right tamping technique. The calibrated pressure feature allows for optimal tamping pressure, though some may find this feature unnecessary. Dailyart, while a versatile brand, may not be as well-known in the coffee speciality world, but its reputation for quality products stands strong.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Excellent tamper!"

"Excellent tamper, well made, great quality!"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 March 2023

"5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tamper!"

"Excellent tamper, well made, great quality!"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 14 March 2023

"4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent calibrated espresso tamper 58mm"

"I bought this to use with my Sage Dual Boiler Espresso Machine and works well with the 58mm portafilter. It’s defiantly helped improve the tamp and I’m getting an even puck at the right pressure too. Highly recommend this product"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 29 September 2022

Where to buy Dailyart Calibrated Coffee Tamper?

6. Vicloon Espresso Coffee Tamper

Overall rating (4.7)

Scored based on 3184 reviews

Easy to hold (4.8)

Easy to clean (4.7)

Easy to use (4.6)

Value for money (4.4)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: This tamper is dual-ended, offering both 51mm, making it compatible with a wide range of espresso machines. Loss: The dual-end design might lead to a less comfortable grip for some users.

Material and Build Quality: Made from stainless steel, this tamper is built to be durable and long-lasting. Loss: Like many stainless steel products, over time and with frequent use, it may show signs of wear and tear such as minor scratches.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Its cylindrical handle provides a decent grip for easy application of pressure. Loss: The handle lacks contours or an ergonomic design, which might be uncomfortable during extended use.

Base Flatness: Both ends of the tamper have flat bases, ensuring consistent and even compression of coffee grounds. Loss: A flat base requires a certain degree of technique to achieve uniform tamping, which might take time to master.

Weight and Balance: The product details suggest that it has a balanced weight for ease of use and effective tamping. Loss: The actual weight of the tamper is not specified, which might be a concern for those who prefer knowing exact weights before purchasing.

Brand Reputation: Vicloon is a known brand with a diverse range of kitchen products, including coffee accessories. Loss: It might not be as recognized or trusted by coffee enthusiasts due to its broad product range beyond coffee-related items.

Product Summary:

The Vicloon Espresso Coffee Tamper is a versatile and durable option for coffee lovers. Its dual-ended design offers both 51mm and 58mm sizes, providing compatibility with various espresso machines. The stainless steel construction ensures durability, though it may show wear and tear over time.

The cylindrical handle offers a decent grip, but lacks an ergonomic design for optimal comfort. Both ends feature flat bases for even coffee ground compression, demanding some technique for uniform tamping. While the tamper seems to have balanced weight, lack of specific weight information might be an issue for some buyers. Vicloon, while a recognized brand, might not be as trusted by coffee enthusiasts due to its diverse product range beyond coffee.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"Coffee stomper"

"Very good"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 September 2023

"Excellent"

"Very good quality. Good weight"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2023

"5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent"

"Very good quality. Good weight"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 10 June 2023

Where to buy Vicloon Espresso Coffee Tamper?

7. KitchenCraft Le'Xpress Coffee Tamper

Overall rating (4.5)

Scored based on 333 reviews

Easy to use (5)

Easy to clean (4.9)

Sturdiness (4.8)

Value for money (4.6)

Consideration Points:

Size Compatibility: With a base diameter of 50mm & 58mm, this tamper suits a range of home espresso machines.

Material and Build Quality: The tamper is made from sturdy stainless steel, suggesting durability and longevity. Loss: Despite the sturdy construction, the stainless steel surface might show scratches or signs of wear over time.

Ergonomics and Comfort: The product features a comfortable and easy-to-grip handle that aids in the tamping process. Loss: Users with larger hands might find the handle a bit small for optimal comfort during prolonged use.

Base Flatness: A flat base ensures consistent and even compression of coffee grounds. Loss: As with any flat base tamper, mastery of the correct tamping technique is needed to make full use of it.

Weight and Balance: This tamper has an evenly distributed weight which provides a balanced feel when tamping. Loss: The product description doesn't specify the exact weight, which might be a concern for users who prefer to know the precise weight of their tamper.

Brand Reputation: KitchenCraft is a well-established brand known for their wide range of quality kitchen accessories. Loss: Despite the brand's reputation, it might not be as recognized in the specialized world of coffee accessories as it covers a broad spectrum of kitchen products.

Product Summary: The KitchenCraft Le'Xpress Coffee Tamper is a dependable tool for the home barista. With a 50mm & 58mm base size, it fits a variety of home espresso machines, although it may not suit larger commercial machines. Crafted from durable stainless steel, it promises long-term use despite potential cosmetic wear over time. The handle offers a comfortable grip but might be slightly small for those with larger hands. The tamper's flat base promises even compression of coffee grounds, though it requires skill for optimal use. The balanced weight provides a solid feel during use, but the lack of precise weight details might concern some. As part of KitchenCraft's broad range, the tamper benefits from the brand's overall reputation, though it may not be as recognized in the specialized coffee world.

Read all user reviews on Amazon

"It does it’s job"

"I love this Item I would not be with out it, I use it to Pat my coffee down, when I use my stove top coffee pot GREAT, I should think there are lot’s of other things you can use it on 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2021

"5.0 out of 5 stars It does it’s job"

"I love this Item I would not be with out it, I use it to Pat my coffee down, when I use my stove top coffee pot GREAT, I should think there are lot’s of other things you can use it on 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2021

"Nice tamper but large"

"This tamper is not suitable for a smeg espresso machine as it’s too big. I thought tampers were a standard size turns out they’re not! It’s a lovely big heavy modern tamper, it’s a pity it didn’t fit but I’ve given it to a friend"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2021

Where to buy KitchenCraft Le'Xpress Coffee Tamper?

Why Are Coffee Tampers Better Than Their Alternatives?

These handy little devices can make all the difference in the quality of your espresso. But what makes them so special? Why not use the back of a spoon or a similar object? Let's dig into it, shall we?

  • Even Extraction: A coffee tamper is designed to pack your coffee grounds evenly into your espresso machine's portafilter. This ensures even water distribution and a balanced extraction. Can you guarantee that with a spoon or your thumb? Unlikely!
  • Consistency: Consistency is the name of the game in good coffee making. Using a tamper means you can apply the same pressure every time you make an espresso. This helps you to reproduce your favourite brew again and again.
  • Quality of Brew: A well-tamped coffee puck prevents water from finding the path of least resistance through the coffee, leading to under-extraction in some areas and over-extraction in others. The result? A better quality brew with a tamper compared to any makeshift alternative.
  • Ease of Use: Coffee tampers are designed to be easy and comfortable to use. They fit snugly in your hand, and the flat base ensures even pressure. Ever tried to push down hard on the back of a spoon? Not exactly comfortable, is it?
  • Durability: Coffee tampers are generally made of sturdy materials like stainless steel. They're designed to withstand the pressure you apply when tamping, which can't always be said for the back of a spoon or other alternatives!
  • Control: A tamper gives you control over your coffee density, which affects the extraction rate. More control means you can fine-tune your brew to your liking.

To sum it up, a coffee tamper offers even extraction, consistency, improved brew quality, ease of use, durability, and greater control over your brew. Not bad for a small device, eh? So what do you reckon, ready to step up your espresso game with a proper coffee tamper?

Consideration Points When Buying A Coffee Tamper:

Now that we've explored why coffee tampers outperform their alternatives, let's delve into the essential factors to consider when making your purchase:

  1. Size Compatibility: Ensure the tamper you choose is compatible with your coffee machine's portafilter size. It should fit snugly without leaving any gaps or creating an uneven tamping surface.
  2. Material and Build Quality: Look for coffee tampers made from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminium. A sturdy build ensures longevity and reliable performance.
  3. Ergonomics and Comfort: Opt for a tamper with an ergonomic design, featuring a comfortable handle that allows for easy gripping and precise tamping. This will minimize strain on your hand and wrist during prolonged use.
  4. Base Flatness: A flat and polished base is crucial for achieving even tamping. Inspect the tamper's base to ensure it is perfectly flat and capable of creating a uniform coffee bed.
  5. Brand Reputation: Research reputable brands known for their quality coffee accessories. Read customer reviews and seek recommendations to ensure you're purchasing from a trusted manufacturer.

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