Noob here. My new Silvia arrived last week and I’m loving it. Finally pulling some pretty consistent shots thanks to a new scale, but this tamper is just god awful. I mean it works but it “feels” bad.
So I’m in the market for a new and heftier tamper. What kinds of things do you look for in a tamper and why? And on that note what would be your pick that fills your criteria?
Posted Mar 19, 2019, 10:48 PM UTC
maybe look at upgrading to VST 20g ridgeless basket and a matching (58.3-58.5mm) tamper? save the trouble of buying a second tamper down the line as you're going to want to get rid of the stock Silvia basket anyway.
Just out of curiosity, what’s wrong with the stock baskets?
Absolutely nothing... mine is a V1 and the stock double was a PITA due low gram capacity, but the newer version Silvias surely have something better. I bought the Rancilio 18 gram basket as I like to updose which fits the stock portafilter and is nicely made. People wanna think aftermarket components is the way to go, but a lot of time/effort/$ is invested in OEM components and the quality/performance is usually there.
I have really enjoyed using this one. Feels super hefty and solid, and looks nice to boot!
Yeah it is nice/simple/effective/affordable.
I just picked up a Reg Barber 58.35 for my 18g VST. I really love the feel for tamping.
I have a 30lb calibrated tamper from Espro. It's pretty nice, has a nice weight to it.
I'd highly recommend getting a self leveling tamper. Tamping perfectly even on a consistent basis is harder than it seems. Decent espresso makes a good one.
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I have a Silvia and I like a simple, heavy (solid 1 piece stainless, 22 oz.) and proper fitting tamper. Bought one off Amazon for around $20 and it's awesome. It's perfectly round, exactly 58.0 mm at the base and the handle isn't that tall as I don't use my palm to apply pressure, but rather my thumb/index finger as I grind finer/tamp less. It fits the '18 gram' Rancilio basket with only a few tenths of a mm to spare, which is exactly what I like.
Tamping is an important variable, but not the do all/end all part of espresso.