10 Best Espresso Coffee Tampers [In 2023]

Coffee tampers are used to press down or tamp coffee grounds into an espresso machine basket.

For a good shot of coffee, the grounds have to be tamped evenly and tightly, which improves extraction and gives a bigger crema result.

Most machines will come with a tamper but this is often plastic, so if you feel you need something a bit stronger or easier to use then we have listed the best coffee tampers available to buy below.

The Best Espresso Ground Tampers

De’Longhi DLSC058

Overview

A lot of coffee tampers are from smaller brands, not massively associated with coffee machines or well-known. So this De’Longhi really caught our attention.

We are pleased to say it lived up to the hope, too. It is weighty without being too heavy and bulky to comfortably handle, so you don’t need too much pressure to go a good job. The handle is wooden, with a stainless steel base, which makes a really good combination.

It is a two part, so the base screws on to the handle and can then be removed when it comes to giving it a thorough clean.

ALSAINTÉ Espresso Tamper

Overview

The dual-head portafilter leveler and tamp is an essential tool for achieving the perfect pull. It levels and evenly distributes ground espresso before tamping, creating the ideal density of grounds in your filter basket. Use the flat base palm tamper to compress the grounds, creating enough pressure to force water through them during brewing.

This dual-head portafilter coffee tamper comes with a flat base palm tamper that allows you to compress your grounds more evenly than other models, making it easier to achieve consistent volume and density from cup to cup therefore, this is one of the best coffee tampers!

Motta Professional Coffee Tamper

Overview

The Motta Professional Coffee Tamper, Flat Base 58mm is the perfect tool for any coffee enthusiast and it is one of the best coffee tampers!

It’s made from stainless steel and has a flat base that makes it perfect for use with manual tampers. The 58mm size fits most commercial portafilters and will fit most espresso machines.

But what really sets this tamper apart is its unique design: the handle is specially shaped so that it can be gripped by your thumb and index finger while you’re tamping, allowing you to apply even pressure on every stroke.

Rhino Pro Black Tamper

Overview

A lot of coffee tampers, Rhino Pro Black Tamper is perfect for both cafes and home baristas.

It has just the right amount of weight which will allow you to get the ideal pressure without too much trouble, and it fits in your hand comfortably which is a plus if you will be using it regularly.

It fits VST, IMS, La Marzocco and other precision baskets.

Dailyart Calibrated Espresso Tamper

Overview

If you haven’t the faintest clue of where to begin with tamping then this Calibrated model could be good. No matter how hard you press, it provides a 30 pound force onto the coffee. A small ‘click’ will sound and you will be able to feel this when pressing, and even if you push too hard, the coffee grounds will remain unaffected.

A 58mm flat base is a good, generally universal size, and the 304 grade stainless steel will stay rust proof and be hygienic to use after cleaning. It should fit most professional machines as well as home coffee machines if you’re looking for a model for a coffee shop or cafe.

It is a product which shows that spending that little bit more for the top of the price scale can really be worthwhile. The handle may be plastic, but it is thick and high quality and doesn’t feel flimsy whatsoever.

Metallurgica Motta Tamper With Wooden Holder

Overview

It really doesn’t get any more authentic than a coffee tamper crafted in the heart of Italy does it?

Boasting a unique bubble shape, this model is superb for baristas looking to get a fantastically strong grip and the handle is more durable when put under heavy use for a long period of time. The tamper itself is then a high-quality 18/10 stainless steel, with a 58mm base making it one of the better quality steel-made products out there.

VIENESSO Coffee Stamp

Overview

The LuxHaus 58mm Calibrated Espresso Tamper is a coffee tamper with a spring-loaded flat stainless steel base, which makes it the perfect tool for ensuring that you get your espresso just right.

The 58mm diameter make this tamper perfect for any size machine, from small to large. The stainless steel base ensures that your shots will be as consistent as possible and the spring makes it easy to get the exact amount of pressure you need.

KitchenCraft Le’Xpress Two Sided Coffee Tamper

Overview

When you’re a coffee lover, you’re always looking for the next best thing. Maybe it’s a new brand of beans that’s just hit the market, or maybe it’s a new way to brew your coffee. But what if we told you there was something even better than that?

Introducing Le’Xpress Two Sided Coffee Tamper, Stainless Steel, Silver. With this new two-sided tamper from Le’Xpress, fresh coffee is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.

This stylish dual ended stainless steel tamper compresses coffee for a richer, fuller flavour. For use with all types of espresso makers and coffee machines, this tamper is designed to deliver the perfect cup every time!

RECAPS Stainless Steel Espresso Coffee Tamper

Overview

If you’re looking for a way to make your coffee experience truly special, then look no further than the RECAPS Stainless Steel Espresso Coffee Tamper Filling Tool Compatible with Nespresso Vertuoline Original Pods 45mm.

This product is a filling tool that can be used on compatible espresso pods. The tamper is made from stainless steel, and it’s compatible with Nespresso Vertuoline Original Pods 45mm. The coffee tamper has a star-shaped base for better stability during use. It also has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use and hold. This tamper is dishwasher safe, so you can keep it clean after each use!

Lautechco Measuring Spoon & Tamper

Overview

There are a few 2-in-1 scoop and tamper units around, which is great for anyone who likes to keep clutter and accessories to a minimum and use a one-product-does-all answer.

Despite being plastic, it feels surprisingly strong and sturdy. The scoop is a great way to get the coffee grounds into the portafilter, and then you simply turn the tamper around to get the grounds perfectly packed.

Coffee Tamper Buying Guide

Size

The main thing to consider is whether the size of the coffee tampers will fit into the basket or portafilter. Most will, as everything is often a standard size, but just double check.

If you’re buying branded, this is particularly relevant. A company such as De’Longhi will first and foremost make coffee tampers and accessories for their own machines, so if yours is a different brand, check everything matches up.

Material

The base of the vast majority of the coffee tampers we have included is stainless steel. This is the easiest material to clean, is the most hygienic and also gives a good weight for pressing. The plastic models which come with most machines are often not quite heavy enough, and can suffer from wear, discolouration or damage over the years.

As for the handle, this can usually vary between metal, wood or plastic. The best for you will depend on which material you’d find most comfortable to use – we find that there isn’t a huge difference in how each feels, and you should look more at the shape.

Having said this, if you want a lesser task on your hand and a heavier press, metal or solid wood could be the answer as it often provides more weight.

Base

You need to choose between a flat or a convex base. The vast majority are flat, as it makes for a perfectly level result. Convex models guide more grounds towards the edge of the portafilter, offering less resistance channeling – but this could be good if you prefer a weaker brew.

FAQs

How much pressure do I need to use on my coffee grounds to tamp them?

It is widely thought that 30lbs is the best pressure level for tamping, but don’t stress out too much that you’re getting this exactly right. More recently, 8lbs has been seen to work too. Practice makes perfect, and the best result can actually still be achieved with less pressure.

It goes without saying that the heavier your tamper, the easier this will be, so look for a model which is around 300g+. Those around 500g will do the best job, although you’ll actually have to be careful to not over press.