The 7 Best Espresso Tampers of 2023 - Expert Reviews (2023)

Compaction may seem like a small part of the brewing process, but don't be fooled, it can have a profound impact on your espresso journey. This humble tool is the key to perfect pressing of the grounds, resulting in a rich and well-balanced extract.

Like the wider coffee world, espresso grounds come in all shapes and sizes. In this guide, we've picked the best espresso powders of 2023 so you can brew and drink the best espresso ever!

What is an Espresso Tamper?

The espresso tamper compresses or packs coffee grounds into the handle to create a stable, even surface for brewing espresso. Additionally, it ensures proper extraction by optimizing water flow in the soil.

A typical rammer consists of a handle and a flat, circular base called a "rammer head". The barista places the tamper over the coffee grounds and applies pressure to ensure an even density. This promotes a steady flow of water through the espresso sponge for a great tasting coffee.

TL;DR – The Best Espresso Tampers of 2023

Here's a rundown of our picks for the best espresso powders.

1. Luxhaus Espresso Powder:Superior performance meets superior craftsmanship. Elegant design; stainless steel construction. Available in a variety of sizes for the perfect fit. Overall, it's the best espresso ever made.
2. Pullman Barista Tamper:Sturdy construction, precise and consistent compression and customization options. Be aware that it can be heavy and expensive.
3. Navaris Ground Coffee:With a stainless steel base and walnut handle, it's affordable and attractive, but the size options are limited.
4. SILMUR coffee powder:Sturdy stainless steel construction, flat base for even pressure distribution, ergonomic handle and available in 49 and 51mm sizes.
5. Rattleware round handle violation:Comfortable grip, durable construction - tried and true tricks that get the job done.
6. Apexstone Ground Coffee:Rust-resistant stainless steel for a thick and sturdy feel. It's ergonomically designed for extra comfort and control, and it's easy to clean.
7. Zoie + Chloe Ground Coffee:Affordable option. It features a stainless steel construction and flat bottom for even pressure distribution but limited grip.

Our Test Method - How We Pick the Best Coffee Makers for Coffee Lovers!

Curating the best espresso powder is no easy feat!

We scoured multiple sources, including the ever-reliable coffee lovers on Reddit, specifically r/espresso, r/Coffee, and r/BuyItForLife, to make sure we weren't trying everything out. Each breach is selected based on strict criteria, elements of which include:

1. price: The team looked at a range of price points to suit different budgets without compromising quality.
2. Material:From durable stainless steel to elegant wood options, product materials are tested for durability and aesthetics.
3. Manual or Calibration:For this blog, we've focused on manual tampers because they offer the most flexibility for customization and are preferred by coffee lovers around the world.
4. weight:We researched the optimal weight for an espresso tamper to see if it would provide enough press weight.
5. Handling/Design:Ergonomics and comfort are key factors when evaluating each breakout for grip and overall design. We want to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tamping experience
6. according to:We investigate different basic shapes, including curved and flat, considering their impact on achieving a uniform and stable signal.
7. Available Sizes:We explored different sizes - from 42mm to 58mm - to fit different espresso machines.
8. Reviews and Word of Mouth:Customer reviews and recommendations played an important role in decision making. We seek real-world experience to verify hacker performance and overall quality.

notes: This blog focuses only on manual techniques and does not cover calibrated techniques.If you are interested in the latter, check out ourTop Rated Espresso Powder Blog！

How to Use an Espresso Tamper - A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become a tamping expert:

step 1:Grind coffee beans to the correct grind size and distribute them evenly in your mobile filter basket.

Step 2:Pick up the tamper with your dominant hand and place the flat bottom over the coffee grounds. Apply steady and even downward pressure using your wrists and forearms. The goal is to create a solid and flat surface.

Step 3:After pressing, use your fingers or a brush to remove excess coffee grounds from the edge of the handle. This ensures the handle fits properly when inserted into the espresso machine.

Step 4:Place the brew portafilter into your espresso machine, start the brewing process and enjoy delicious results from a twisted espresso wedge!

Does violating the espresso make any difference?

must! When it comes to the quality of your espresso, the espresso tamper plays a vital role. It guarantees an even compression of the coffee grounds, resulting in a smooth and stable surface. This uniformity allows water to flow seamlessly during extraction, ultimately improving the overall quality of the espresso.

Here are some benefits of using a quality espresso tamper:

• consistent export:The espresso tamper ensures an even compression of the coffee grounds, improving repeatability.
• Enhanced Flavor:By creating a flat surface, water can flow evenly over the coffee grounds, allowing for a balanced extraction and maximizing the flavor potential of your espresso.
• Improved Fragrance:Proper pressing helps preserve the aromatic compounds in the coffee, enhancing the aroma and adding depth to the espresso experience.
• Richer Cream:Applying just the right amount of pressure with a tamper produces a thick, soft crema—the hallmark of a well-made espresso.
• Control and Accuracy:Compaction allows you to control the density and uniformity of the coffee bag, allowing you to adjust the extraction process and achieve the desired flavor intensity.

LuxHaus – Best Tamper Espresso of 2023

If you are looking for a manual coffee tamper that combines performance and craftsmanship,Lux Haux Manual Ground CoffeeyesthisA。

Lux Haux Tamper showcases an elegant and ergonomic design in high quality stainless steel with the utmost attention to detail. It's a no-frills coffee that's comfortable to hold, reduces hand fatigue, and is a joy to use.

In addition, the tamper has a flat base that compresses the coffee grounds stably and evenly. So it excels aesthetically, and you get a great shot of espresso every time.

It comes in 49mm, 51mm, 53mm and 58mm sizes to accommodate handles of all sizes (you can even lend it to a friend!).

We're not the only ones who feel this way. Product reviews are self-explanatory. Overall, high praise is well deserved as it consistently delivers great results while adding an extra touch of elegance to your coffee mix.

Pullman Barista Tamper

With its sleek design and sturdy construction, the Pullman is a welcome addition to a coffee lover's arsenal.

The Pullman Manual Tamper performs well, with its heavy-duty construction and ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip and accurate compressions.

The flat stainless steel base provides even pressure distribution, ensuring even extraction and maximizing coffee flavor. So whether you prefer light or heavy tampers, this tamper will help users achieve the desired results.

What makes the Pullman rammer stand out is its versatility. In addition to the impressive selection of pre-designed tampers, Pullman offers users a unique opportunity to customize and create their own tampers.

Coffee lovers can create ground coffee that matches their preferences and personality. Users can create their own one-of-a-kind custom stir stick by selecting the size, shape and base handle material.

While the Pullman Manual Tamper is great in many ways, it has some drawbacks.

First, hacking can be onerous for some users, especially if they prefer something easier. Second, the higher price tag is probably out of most people's budget.

Overall, the Pullman Barista Tamper will prove to be a great companion on your espresso journey.

Navaris Espresso Tamper

If you're looking for an affordable coffee powder that doesn't compromise on performance and has an attractive design, look no further than Navaris coffee powder. Despite its low price, this option impresses with its stainless steel base and striking walnut handle.

Despite being advertised as ergonomic, the handle doesn't feel "fit" when you're holding it like we've seen on other models. However, since you'll likely only be holding it down for a few seconds, it's hard to call this a major drawback.

It comes with a silicone pad so you can have a nice, clean surface to keep your tools looking good when not in use. We found this to be a nice touch, otherwise just a decent hack.

One limitation is the lack of size options. It's only available in a 51mm variant, limiting its compatibility to specific handles. Despite this shortcoming, the Navaris tamper is a great option for those who need an inexpensive and easy-to-use morning coffee.

SILMUR coffee powder

SILMUR coffee ground sticks are made of solid stainless steel from handle to base for durability and a distinctive look.

The flat base ensures even pressure distribution, creating an even coffee bed for optimal extraction. Plus, its weight and balance provide a satisfying feel when pressed, allowing for precise control and pressure application.

It weighs 1.10kg, making it one of the heaviest ground coffees available. We found this to be a nice change from the other lightweight tips we've reviewed for this blog.

Using the SILMUR Coffee Tamper is a simple process. Place tamper over coffee grounds, press lightly and twist to create a flat, compact sponge. The tamper's ergonomic handle and compact size make it easy to use, even for those new to espresso.

Also available in 49mm and 51mm versions.

However, keep hands clean and dry when using SILMUR. Since it doesn't have the grip that silicone or plastic handles provide, a little oil or moisture can cause the tamper to become difficult to hold and slip out of your hand.

Rattleware Round Handle Tamper

The Rattleware Round Handle Stirrer is the reliable and classic choice for espresso lovers looking for a standard coffee stirrer.

The round handle of the Rattleware Tamper is designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing precise control during the tampering process. Plus, the ergonomic shape fits perfectly in the hand, making it easy to apply consistent pressure and evenly distribute coffee grounds.

Made of high quality materials, this tambourine feels solid and well made. The stainless steel base ensures longevity and provides a smooth compression surface that aids in the overall consistency of the extraction.

One of the distinguishing features of the Rattleware Round Handle Tamper is its simplicity. It doesn't have fancy bells and whistles, but that doesn't detract from its performance. Sometimes the beauty lies in simplicity, and this hack embodies that sentiment.

It is important to note that the Rattleware Tamper does not offer calibration options or adjustable features. However, for those who prefer a reliable and no-nonsense method of tamping, this tamper delivers great results without a hitch.

Apexstone Coffee Powder

Made of high-quality stainless steel, the Apexstone Tamper is rust and corrosion resistant, ensuring a long lifespan even with normal use.

The tamped and thick feel further enhances the overall quality, providing a satisfying tactile experience that we found very enjoyable.

One of the distinguishing features of the Apexstone Coffee Tamper is its ergonomic design that prioritizes user comfort without compromising performance.

The tamper handle is designed to fit comfortably in your hand, allowing for a secure grip and precise control. This design reduces wrist and hand strain, allowing you to tap easily and consistently, even if you're a barista in a tumbling game.

The tamper is made entirely of stainless steel from top to bottom, with no parts to disassemble, so it's easy to clean. Just pop it in the dishwasher, lather up with some soap, and rinse in the sink.

However, it is only available in a 51mm version. While this is the most common portafilter basket size, if your basket is a few millimeters larger or smaller, you should consider other options.

Zoie + Chloe Ground Coffee

The Zoie + Chloe Stainless Steel Espresso Tamper is an affordable option for those who want a reliable tamper without breaking the bank.

Made of stainless steel, the flat base ensures even pressure distribution for consistent extraction and rich flavor in your espresso.

The handle has a good grip without being too uncomfortable to hold. However, for prolonged use, Zoie + Chloe may not be the best choice.

It's worth noting that this blender doesn't offer adjustability or multiple size options. Instead, it comes in standard sizes and may only fit certain portafilters.

However, it comes in a variety of colors. The tampers come in red, blue and rose gold variants, and they are very vibrant, so if you're looking for a more subtle color to mix and match, choose one of the other colors on this list.

in conclusion

A quality coffee tamper is essential for the everyday coffee lover, allowing you to unleash the full potential of their brew.

Among the best coffee powders of 2023,Lux Haux Manual Ground Coffeestand out. With impeccable performance, craftsmanship and a lifetime warranty, it's a worthwhile investment. At under $30, this tamper is affordable and high quality.

Get it now and upgrade your coffee journey for a perfect shot.

common problem

Time to answer some burning hacking questions!

How to choose espresso powder?

To buy the perfect espresso tamper, look for one that matches the diameter of your portafilter, is comfortable to hold, is made from a durable material like stainless steel, and has many positive customer reviews. As for calibration, you can't go wrong with manual or calibration violations.

What rip size is best?

There is no "best" hole size. It depends on the diameter of your portafilter. Common sizes range from 49mm to 58mm, with 58mm being the most common size for commercial espresso machines. Measure the diameter of your portafilter or consult your machine's specifications to determine the ideal opening size for best results.

Is the espresso too strong?

Espresso can be whipped too hard. Applying too much pressure can result in a bitter and over-extracted espresso. It is important to find the right balance and apply firm but not excessive pressure when pressing for the best flavor.

Can I compact espresso more than once?

Multiple compactions of espresso are not recommended. Too many presses can lead to uneven extraction and channeling, affecting the overall taste and quality of the espresso. So squeeze once and apply the right pressure for best results.