The dad with a 58mm espresso machine who is still chasing consistency. No use to anyone on a pod machine or a 54mm portafilter, so check the basket size first.
What it is
A 58.5mm espresso tamper with a calibrated spring that releases at a set pressure, supplied with 15lb, 25lb and 30lb springs so the pressure can be changed. Stainless flat base, anodised aluminium handle, with a stand. Amazon sets the price at checkout.
Why we picked it
Inconsistent tamping is the reason a home machine makes a good shot on Tuesday and a sour one on Wednesday, and it is almost impossible to feel the difference by hand. A spring that clicks at the same pressure every time removes the variable entirely, so when he changes the grind he is actually measuring the grind. It is the cheapest thing that makes an expensive machine behave.
