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Best Coffee Tampers for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: February 22nd, 2024

☕Picking the right coffee tamper can really make or break your espresso game. A well-made tamper helps you apply even pressure, creating a consistent coffee puck and ultimately a better shot of espresso. We've gone through a ton of reviews and expert opinions to find the best coffee tampers out there, whether you're just starting out or already consider yourself a bit of a coffee nerd.

From affordable picks to pro-level tools, these recommendations should help you get that perfect brew every time.

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Overall Best: Normcore Calibrated Tamper

Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 - Spring Loaded Tamper With Titanium PVD Coating Flat Base -15lb / 25lb / 30lbs Replacement Springs Black 58.5mm Titanium Flat Base

The Normcore Calibrated Tamper stands out as our top pick due to its superb craftsmanship and excellent value for money. This tamper offers a slightly larger than standard 58 mm size, ensuring even compression for an ideal coffee puck. It features an auto-level disc and includes three calibrated springs (15 lb, 25 lb, 30 lb), providing consistent pressure every time you tamp. By eliminating the guesswork, this tamper aids both novice and experienced baristas in achieving perfect, level tamping for superior espresso extraction. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use, and the availability of various sizes makes it a versatile choice for different portafilters.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$49.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Tamper? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 easy to clean?

Hey! So, about the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 and how easy it is to clean—it’s a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. The manufacturer mentions it has a titanium PVD-coated flat base meant to make it more durable and resist corrosion, but when it comes to cleaning, the experience isn't always as smooth as you'd hope. From what we've gathered, the coating is meant to reduce mess, but it seems coffee grounds can still cling to it sometimes. This might mean you'll end up spending a little extra time cleaning it than you'd expect. Everyone's setup and habits might affect this, though, so it’s kind of a personal thing. Despite the cleaning quirks, many folks rave about its solid build and ergonomic feel, which make it pretty nice to use for espresso. Plus, it’s got this neat spring-loaded thing going on for even pressure, and you can swap out the springs to adjust the pressure with options for 15lb, 25lb, and 30lb. In short, if cleaning ease is a big deal for you, just be ready for a bit of work. But performance-wise, it still holds up in other areas according to our research. Hope that helps!

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What are the different spring options for the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4?

Hey! So, about the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 and its spring options—this tamper is all about precision and consistency because of its clever spring-loaded mechanism. You actually get three different springs with this tamper, which let you adjust the pressure to what you need. The options are 15lb, 25lb, and 30lb, so you can really customize your tamping based on your brewing style and the kind of shots you prefer. From what we've seen, a lot of coffee folks love being able to dial in their pressure with these springs. It seems to really help with getting consistently great espresso shots. The whole spring-loaded deal is cool because it makes sure your coffee puck gets even pressure every time. Our research indicates that this consistency is super helpful for making the most out of your espresso machine. And just a little extra tidbit—the tamper has this titanium PVD coating. It makes the tamper durable and gives it a non-stick finish, so cleaning is usually a breeze. Although, there's the occasional feedback that a few coffee grounds might still cling on. So, if you're serious about getting precise and high-quality espresso, the Normcore Tamper is a solid pick. Its adjustable pressure settings and tough build seem to be a hit with both newbie and experienced baristas out there.

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How does the Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 work?

The Normcore 58.5mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 is a handy tool that's popular with espresso enthusiasts. It's designed to work with most 58mm baskets, including popular ones like [VST](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DVST%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [IMS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DIMS%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). According to the manufacturer's product description, its 58.5mm diameter is meant to fit snugly in the basket, which helps in achieving even coffee extraction—key for that ideal espresso shot. From what we've found, it's indeed compatible with standard 58mm baskets. People seem to really appreciate how it consistently creates a nice, even coffee puck. A cool feature is that you can adjust the tamping pressure, with interchangeable springs offering 15lb, 25lb, and 30lb settings, so you can tweak it based on your coffee blend or basket needs. But here's something to note: while it fits most standard baskets well, some folks have mentioned it might "bottom out" in baskets that hold more than 18-20g of coffee. With those larger ones, you might need to do a bit of extra tamping to hit the right pressure for good extraction. Overall, the Normcore Tamper is known for being solid and dependable, especially if you're using standard-sized baskets. Just keep the capacity thing in mind if you're dealing with bigger ones. If you're into making espresso and usually work with 58mm baskets, this tamper might be a nice addition to your coffee setup.

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Runner-up: MHW-3BOMBER Spring Loaded Calibrated Tamper

The MHW-3BOMBER Spring Loaded Calibrated Tamper is a close contender, merging innovative design with precise engineering. This tamper includes an auto-level mechanism and emits an audible 'click' to indicate when you've achieved 30 pounds of pressure, ensuring uniform compression. The high-quality material and comfortable grip contribute to its premium feel. Available in multiple sizes (58 mm, 53 mm, 51 mm), it caters to different portafilters. This model's use by the 2024 World Barista Champion underscores its professional-grade quality. While it may be slightly less consistent than the Normcore model, it still delivers substantial value and a delightful user experience.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$49.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: LuxHaus Calibrated Espresso Tamper

LuxHaus 58mm Calibrated Pressure Tamper for Coffee and Espresso

The LuxHaus Calibrated Espresso Tamper is our top budget pick, offering remarkable value at a reasonable price. Priced at just $36.99, this tamper ensures precise and consistent pressure with every tamp, removing any guesswork. Constructed from high-quality stainless steel with a comfortable plastic handle, it's lightweight and user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Available in several sizes, it accommodates various portafilters, providing versatility and reliability without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$36.99 at Amazon

Best Leveling Tamper: MATOW Dual Head Coffee Leveler

51mm Espresso Tamper & Distributor, MATOW Dual Head Coffee Leveler Fits 51mm Delonghi Portafilter, Adjustable Depth-Professional Espresso Hand Tampers

For those seeking versatility, the MATOW Dual Head Coffee Leveler is the best choice. This innovative tool merges two crucial functions into one device, enhancing consistency in your espresso-making process. One side features an adjustable leveler for creating a flat surface, while the other side includes a push tamper with an auto-level function. This dual functionality ensures even distribution and compression of coffee grounds, leading to optimal extraction and flavor. Though it may take some time to master the depth adjustment, its user-friendly design guarantees consistent tamping every time.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Amazon

Best Premium Option: The Force Tamper

The Force Tamper is the premium choice for serious coffee aficionados and professionals. Its unique 'impact force mechanism' distinguishes it from traditional tampers and promises consistent results with each use. Featuring a spring mechanism that delivers a controlled impact force for compressing coffee, combined with an auto-level function, this tamper eliminates uneven tamps. Although it's priced at the higher end, the exceptional design and features justify the investment for those looking to elevate their espresso quality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$209.00 at Amazon

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