Coffee Tampers and Distributors

COFFEE TAMPERS AND DISTRIBUTORS FOR OPTIMAL EXTRACTION

A coffee tamper, also known as a coffee press, may look like one of the simplest coffee accessories. In actual fact it is one of the most important tools in the espresso making process. Tamping is the process that compresses these fine particles together removing all the empty space and creating a dense puck ready for extracting.

It's used to evenly tamp the ground coffee in the filter portafilter basket. The aim to create an even distribution of coffee grounds and reduce paths of least resistance called channeling. Coffee distributors may be used prior to tamping to help create an even and level surface on your loose coffee grounds.

When we are preparing any of our favourite espresso based coffees, tamping is required. Coffee beans are ground into the portafilter basket all loosely piled up prior compressing. Now remember there all different sized espresso filter basket sizes so before you order your new tamper, know the dimensions of your basket. Most common is the coffee tamper 58mm.

By providing a level, well distributed and evenly compacted tamp directly into the filter basket it will compress the grounds evenly. It also allows the water to flow evenly through the beans and extract perfectly.

Now we know water can be lazy, it travels wherever is easiest. Water get laziest if there is too much space or empty voids within the grounds. Yes you guessed it, this is where you will find the majority of your water distribution. This is commonly termed as ‘channelling’ which is the result of pressurised water travelling through paths of least resistance, essentially an ineffective extraction process.

So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself a beautiful espresso tamper and begin brewing better tasting coffee.