Buying task · Tampers and stations
Tampers and tamping stations: how to choose
What matters when choosing a tamper or tamping station for home espresso: basket size, consistent pressure, base shape and a stable surface.
What matters
- Size first. The tamper should match your basket family. See how to find your basket size.
- Consistency over force. Pressing the same way every time matters more than any particular number. Spring-loaded ("calibrated") tampers are one way to get there.
- A level, stable base. A tamping station or mat stops the portafilter rocking, which helps you tamp straight.
Our picks for tamping
The 58 mm workflow kit includes a calibrated tamper and a tamping station, and the tamper research notes cover variants and open questions.