Tamper shopping

[floydpink]

Coffee equipment, for me at least, has been a long road of, "why didn't I just spend the money the first time and get the right stuff that I was reading about on Coffeegeek's rave reviews?"

I've found that the initial price always scares me off and has me buying the cheaper stuff, then chucking it for the good stuff in the end, thus my wait for a new roaster.

I'm left shaking my head when I realize that $550 grinder really cost me closer to $800 after going through a couple of cheap ones.

Fortunately, I haven't had that problem yet with one small piece; my tamper.
Wish it was the only problem because 80 bucks is easier to swallow than a few grinders and machines.

My rosewood 58mm with aluminum base is heavy, fits great in my hands, and is one of the few things that seems to have a permanent place on my counter.

Probably best I don't ever touch a Reg Barber or one of those $120 clicking tampers that Macap makes or I may be sent over the edge.

I will say that the ones they send with the expensive machines are total junk.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by floydpink

I will say that the ones they send with the expensive machines are total junk.

Indeed.

This is worth checking out if you are new to Espresso Machines:



http://www.espro.ca/tamper.php

It makes a click at 30lb. pressure so you have a consistent tamp each time. Just level to top of basket and tamp. From there you adjust the grinder to get a perfect shot.

For me, it is of little use as I have been doing this 10 years, but would've loved it when I first started. You'll save the money on wasted shots; initally.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Indeed.

This is worth checking out if you are new to Espresso Machines:



http://www.espro.ca/tamper.php

It makes a click at 30lb. pressure so you have a consistent tamp each time. Just level to top of basket and tamp. From there you adjust the grinder to get a perfect shot.

For me, it is of little use as I have been doing this 10 years, but would've loved it when I first started. You'll save the money on wasted shots; initally.

Can you tune out the click if you get tired of it?

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Can you tune out the click if you get tired of it?

No, but it is not loud at all. It's well made. I wonder if any used ones are on EBay?

[Blueface]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

No, but it is not loud at all. It's well made. I wonder if any used ones are on EBay?

I actually considered that one.
Figured I would go with the $52 one and get the click mat when it becomes available (out of stock at Seattle Coffee Gear), as will look to get a mat anyhow.