Tamper

A tamper is a small but essential barista tool used to compress ground coffee evenly in the portafilter before brewing espresso. Proper tamping ensures the water flows through the coffee evenly, leading to consistent extraction and balanced flavor.

Too light, and water rushes through too fast, causing under-extraction. Too hard, and it struggles to flow, leading to bitterness.

The perfect tamp is about even pressure and control, not brute strength.

Tampers come in various shapes and materials, from stainless steel to wood-handled artisan designs, but the goal is always the same… to create a smooth, even coffee puck that delivers the perfect shot.

In short: Great espresso starts long before the first drop… it starts with the tamper.

Related terms: Espresso, Portafilter, Extraction, Coffee Puck.