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Tampers

adminadmin
edited April 2011 in Accessories
Hi guys - a friend referred me to a great audiophile site [http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/] and there is a question there from one of the cogniscenti about tampers:

"I'm at a stage of my addiction where I'm wondering if it is possible to squeeze an extra ounce of 'taste' out of my current equipment by using a tamper. Any of you coffee buffs have advice on the subject? Does using a tamper make a difference?"

...obviously the answer is 'yes' [not quite sure what the alternative is - presumably they mean the pre-supplied little plastic thingy], but there were some reasonably educated answers; just checking whether their admin's happy for a cross-referal but in the meantime, wondered if anyone wanted to clarify for this stereo buff any of the finer points of tamping/tampers??

cheers
A
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Comments

  • RichardMRichardM
    For me, the following is what I believe: 1) Going from a plastic tamper to a metal one makes a big difference 2) Going from a badly sized metal tamper to a pretty well sized metal tamper makes a big difference 3) Going from a reasonably sized metal tamper to a custom made one makes a minor, but still noticeable difference HOWEVER, the thing that it does get you is consistency. It's one less thing to play up in the process, and one less thing you have to focus on. In addition, it's not majorly expensive in the scheme of things to make it easier to make your shots. I'm very happy with the Pullman Deluxe tamper that I have, and the purchase price will be long forgotten, but I won't need to buy another tamper until I change machines.
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  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    Pullman, Torr, Reg Barber All well made tampers Like Richard I used to have a Pullman Deluxe with special LM basket but it did not suit my large hand  as well as the Barista model that can be height adjusted When changing to the Barista model I also went for a convex profile Although both flat & convex profiles do the same job I find the convex centers & levels easier when tamping KK
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  • RichardMRichardM
    on 1303809282:
    Pullman, Torr, Reg Barber All well made tampers Like Richard I used to have a Pullman Deluxe with special LM basket but it did not suit my large hand  as well as the Barista model that can be height adjusted When changing to the Barista model I also went for a convex profile Although both flat & convex profiles do the same job I find the convex centers & levels easier when tamping KK
    Personally, after analysing my tamp, I'd buy a convex if I had to choose, but am happy with the flat. I have tiny hands unfortunately (my partner was shopping for my wedding ring, and they didn't have any small enough to try on). I do have quite a lot of fat on the inside of my knuckles though, which does pinch slightly with the Deluxe. My advice is try and find a store that you can test them out on if you're making such an investment.
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  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    My advice is try and find a store that you can test them out on if you're making such an investment.
    I got the first of a limited lot of the Pullman Barista tampers (I think only 2 convex) Pullman has a few outlets around the country In Brisbane,  Barazi Bezzera Aust stock Pullmans both models of tampers as well as others KK
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  • E61E61
    on 1303805955:
    Hi guys - a friend referred me to a great audiophile site [http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/] and there is a question there from one of the cogniscenti about tampers:
    I get hits from this forum all the time and the occassional enquiry. There are a couple of coffee threads on their forum. Maybe we should write to their admin and ask if we can drop a post suggesting they visit us for coffee answers !  ;)
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  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Vested interest here I currently have 5 Pullman fitted tampers AWESOME and a fantastic lifelong tool. That said I have also had a range of others and an older Rattleware (circa $60) did the job fairly well. I have also had some shockers 1-2mm undersized that are nearly unworkable and feel terrible in the hand and don't get me started on companies that ship plastic sh1T with their machines. Best bet is take your baskets along to where you are buying from if you want a good fitting one (both in the basket and your hand) or post them to Greg or Robin at Pullman if you want the best  :)
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  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Had an interesting play session with Tampers today at Cafebiz. Handled what is almost certainly the worst feeling Tamper at one stand, chinese, rough finish on the 'plastic' handle and just felt wrong in the hand $50 and wouldn't be money well spent. Interesting to see Coffeelab is back up and running or at least producing Tampers under that brand. Pricing is very competitive but it comes down to fit and feel for the $$ and I find the handle to narrow for my large hands. New on the Tamper front (vested interest, helped out on the stand for part of the day) Greg Pullman unveilled his new Nexus Tamper. The usual attention to detail and perfectionistic traits shown and it just feels right in the hand (mine at least). Final pricing to be annouced but circa $100 with Jarrah or Acetal handles (show pricing was $95). Like I mentioned above go pickup turnover and play with your toys before throwing down your $$ if you can.
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  • RichardMRichardM
    on 1305978557:
    Had an interesting play session with Tampers today at Cafebiz. Handled what is almost certainly the worst feeling Tamper at one stand, chinese, rough finish on the 'plastic' handle and just felt wrong in the hand $50 and wouldn't be money well spent. Interesting to see Coffeelab is back up and running or at least producing Tampers under that brand. Pricing is very competitive but it comes down to fit and feel for the $$ and I find the handle to narrow for my large hands. New on the Tamper front (vested interest, helped out on the stand for part of the day) Greg Pullman unveilled his new Nexus Tamper. The usual attention to detail and perfectionistic traits shown and it just feels right in the hand (mine at least). Final pricing to be annouced but circa $100 with Jarrah or Acetal handles (show pricing was $95). Like I mentioned above go pickup turnover and play with your toys before throwing down your $$ if you can.
    No pics of the Pullman???
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  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Yes but only on the phone Camera and I am on a mates laptop with out the software so tomorrow when I get home. We were using it on Greg's shiny new Giotto pumping out a few coffees for the day and it did what all good tampers do ;D I was to busy not reading the Hottop B instructions and playing roaster boy to take and post pics while I was there today.
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  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Available in Jarrah or Acetal handles at this stage. It was interesting over the couple of days but more Baristas were sold than the Nexus in spite of the price premium they carry but it was an industry/upmarket buying crowd. Peoples reactions to the different balances the 3 handle types on the Barista uses is interesting between neutral slightly bottom heavy and bottom heavy. Generally favoring the Neutral balance.
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  • shape_shiftershape_shifter
    Interesting that someone like Scottie Callaghan supposedly says that tamping doesn't make a shit of difference, well no he didn't say 'shit', just trying to find the article that he said it in, or that they might have misquoted him in  ;D Actually yes he did say it, it was a video of him and he was using the BES860.  Still trying to find it. Ok found it http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/blogs/tried-and-tasted/tips-for-a-top-coffee-20110523-1f07l.html#ixzz1NEwXqa8V He was actually talking about it not making a difference to extraction...
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  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    on 1306242837:
    Interesting that someone like Scottie Callaghan supposedly says that tamping doesn't make a shit of difference, well no he didn't say 'shit', just trying to find the article that he said it in, or that they might have misquoted him in  ;D Actually yes he did say it, it was a video of him and he was using the BES860.  Still trying to find it. Ok found it http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/homestyle/blogs/tried-and-tasted/tips-for-a-top-coffee-20110523-1f07l.html#ixzz1NEwXqa8V He was actually talking about it not making a difference to extraction...
    Look at the video on the above link where Scotty is explaining the process With I might add a New Breville in the background Its self explanatory that he was explaining that the grind & dose is the more important factor KK
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  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    on 1306284581:
    No it was the older one with the grinder in it... three lugs on the group as well  ;D
    Just goes to show my knowledge & the looks of the new Breville KK
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  • gregpullmangregpullman
    Hehe yep custom engraving and a custom colour! We got a one-off dark Aqua / teal handle done for Fiefy to match her shop colours. Well actually we got three handles done and they were all slightly different colours; Fiefy got the closest match, the other two we'll sell at some point.
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  • Bottom LineBottom Line
    My new Nexus arrived yesterday and I had a bit of a play this morning. I like the look of this tamper. The Deluxe now looks old and clunky. My wife calls the Deluxe "The penis tamper". The Nexus has much more of a female form.... In the hand it feels too small. The height of the handle is too short and the stem is too narrow. Holding it with the thumb and forefinger in the stem it looks right but the curve is too tight and small. I can feel the pressure on the ends of my thumb bone. The width of the handle feels about right, maybe on the small size. This of course in my hands, may feel better in others. Nexus1.jpg And held with the finger and thumb on the edges (how I normally hold a tamper) the handle still feels short. Nexus2.jpg I also got a new aluminium handle for my Barista. The older handle I had was oak. I really like the feel of wood but for me the weight does not feel right on the Barista. The handle on the Barista also feels a little narrow. The big advantage of the Barista is changing the height to fit. At little long at the moment but if I change it to a smaller height it is a bit short. Barista.jpg But despite feeling too small in the hand when actually using the Nexus it feels really nice. The width isn't any problem but would be nice if a little wider. The handle still feels short but not "too short". This however is just nit picking, the Nexus (and the Barista) feels much better in my hand then any other tamper I have tried. Very comfortable, nice weight and balance. I don't think I will be using the Deluxe anymore! It is going to be a toss up between the Barista and the Nexus for my favourite tamper. Time will tell. Front.jpg Middle.jpg [size=12pt]And very big thanks to Greg![/size]
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  • gregpullmangregpullman
    Thanks for the feedback BL. The Nexus is a tad tight in that curve for me too if I hold it like that, but a lot of others find it works for them. And not just people with smaller hands either. When I use my Nexus I tend to put the end of my thumb in towards the curve rather than at the edge of the base and I find this more comfortable. This is one grip I had in mind when designing this product. See if this feels more comfortable for you. Re the height of the Barista, there are some changes coming to the Barista (later this year I hope) which will address that ;) Greg
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