The ESPRO Tamper

Well, I've got a decent machine. In my opinion - Gaggia offers the most 'bang for your buck' in the wonderful world of espresso. I've got a grinder that will do the job. I'm pulling good shots - but I hate each time I pull out that cheap, plastic tamper that came with the machine. Proper tamping requires approximately 30 lbs of pressure to pack the grinds. Every one tells ya to get out the bathroom scale and practice. Well, I don't want my bathroom scale ANYWHERE near the machine or equipment that makes this sweet nectar of the Gods (at least one of the sweet nectar's of the Gods - others being beer, wine, bourbon and Dr. Pepper).

So I do a bit of reading and find out about this Espro tamper. It 'clicks' at 30 lbs of pressure, each and every time. PERRRRFECT! That is EXACTLY what I need to take one of the many variables out of the equation for the perfect shot of espresso.

So I ordered it from Our Coffee Barn and it was promptly delivered with a sampler of their espresso (pretty good stuff if memory serves me). This baby is a work of art. HEAVY, the feel of quality and a simplistic beauty. Not only that, but MY tamper is better than YOUR tamper because it TELLS me when I hit 30 lbs. Now I've got a good idea where the tamping should be. . .


This could be the last tamper I ever own. I see no need to have a 'practice' tamper as well as a 'game time' tamper. It will help me with each and every shot I pull. I know there are some beautiful Lava tampers, rosewood tampers and of course Reg Barber - but I'm happy as can be with the Espro and can't see a reason to look at another (unless that other is a convex tamper, Hmmmm??).