Normcore 53.3mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 - Spring Loaded Tamper With Stainless Steel Flat Base - Non-stick coating White - 15lb / 25lb / 30lbs Replacement Springs - Anodized Aluminum Stand

At first I was pretty skeptical of spending almost $50 on an espresso tamper. The manual tamper included with my Breville espresso machine seemed to do the job just fine. However, I started to get a little annoyed by having to twirl my wrist and keep everything perfectly even to avoid making the puck slant, and the manual tamper felt kind of light and insubstantial, probably leading to using more force than was really needed (and there is no way of knowing for sure how much force is needed).The Normcore tamper was well-recommended in several videos and by several coffee sites, so I decided to spring for it (pun intended). I have been very satisfied. The tamper has a pleasant weight, and the titanium PVD coating is pretty non-stick. It is very easy to brush off any coffee ground dust that does stick to it. The spring-loaded mechanism is incredibly easy to use. Just make a level, well-distributed surface in your portafilter, put the Normcore tamper on it, push down, and in one smooth motion (with a satisfying little fwoomp sound for feedback), you're done. Nice, level puck every single time. It even tends to clear away any grounds sticking to the walls of the portafilter (used to be a problem I had when using the stock Breville manual tamper). There is a little cap you can rest the tamper in upright when you're not using it. I really don't have any complaints. Definitely recommended.

I have only recently ventured into the espresso rabbit hole with a Bambino Plus/Baratza Encore ESP setup. After watching innumerable You Tube videos on how to dial in and pull a decent shot, the importance of consistent and repeatable puck prep was clear. And that's exactly where this Normcore self-leveling tamper excels: with a little practice you will be able to produce a perfectly level, evenly tamped puck every time.Before getting into the mechanics, though, just a word about the build quality of this tamper. Simply put, it exudes quality in every aspect. Just as with the bottomless portafilter and WDT tool, the Normcore black anodized aluminum is machined perfectly, has a substantial, solid feel and is shaped to fit the hand naturally. It just fits and feel right. The threading for removal of the base plate and spring mechanism is smooth and tight, no excess play anywhere. It's just very well built.It's also quite easy to use. I distribute the grounds with a WDT tool, then place the tamper on the portafilter basket pressing down just enough for the black flange (or lip, whatever you want to call it) to make contact evenly all the way around the basket, then give it a couple of half turns to level the bed and seat the flange evenly around the filter. Then just push down until the tamper reaches its stopping point and that's it - release the pressure on the handle, the base plate will pop back up and you are left with a perfectly even, consistent, repeatable puck. The stock 25 lb. spring has worked well for me, haven't seen any reason to swap out for the 15 or 30 lb. ones that are provided.So while the Normcore tamper certainly isn't the cheapest option out there, this is a case of getting what you pay for. I am certain it has made my entry into espresso world much less frustrating - the shots extract evenly with none of the spurting and spraying you see with an uneven, channeled puck. Highly recommended.

Want to start by saying that I am a fan of the Normcore espresso tools. Very sturdy, made out of quality materials, with attention to detail. There is no exception for this calibrated coffee tamper either. You might be paying a couple more dollars compared to other brands, but you soon forget about the possible failures, and enjoy using it while turning a puck prep variable into a constant.Comes with 3 springs so you can adjust the tamping pressure between 15lb, 25lb or 30lb, based on your preference. I tried 30lbs, but went back to the default 25lb spring. Works very well.Only wish it had a click to let you know the pressure is not applied to the puck anymore, more like the similar product from MHW-3.Also purchased the Normcore gravity distribution tool, this review will go to that product as well.

This item changed the way I pull espresso, as I get much more consistent and tasty shots ever since I've started using it.The dual spring action makes it far superior to other tampers, and it has a premium feel and finish.Unlike 58.35mm competitors, the fit is as tight as it gets with it measuring at 58.55mm.Note that the PVD black coating seems to be aesthetic only, as it does not prevent coffee grounds from sticking to the tamper (see photo), so save a few bucks and skip it for the regular finish.Be sure to clean the base and above it (between the base and the self leveling part) from time to time, as coffee dust gets stuck to the tamper over time.Overall, another great product by Normcore, a fourth of the price of the force tamper, with practically the same functionality. I would say it's a must have for espresso lovers that want to up their game.

Accurate and easy to use, excellent build and materials. Well balanced.

Good product but some sloppy craftsmanship such as scratches in the coating.

Absolutely love this tamper. Price isn’t bad considering how expensive these tampers can get. Looks great and doesn’t get messy. Extremely easy to clean if coffee grounds do get on it. I like that it came with multiple springs to adjust to your liking. Personally the lowest spring does more than enough pressure and won’t strain your wrist at all making it super easy to use.

love the feel of this tamp, it fits very snugly in my 58 mm. ims nanotech basket.

Facilita mucho el proceso de hacer mi espresso y le da uniformidad al presionado gracias a los resortes.

Great unit. Does the job really well. Can change springs depending on the pressure you want. Highly recommend

This makes perfectly level puck each time.

Nice feel in hand, nice tamping control. Be sure to measure the max diameter of the head, the flange fits over rim.

Muy buen tamper, es precioso, elegante, sólido le dará un toque espectacular a tu coffee bar. 😍