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Tamper recommendations?

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  • #31
    Re: Tamper recommendations?

    Hi Craig,
    I guess I can recommend my tamper. It took three prototypes, 1 year and a hell of a lot of cash to develop. You can check it out at www.coffeelabdesign.com. There have been a few changes to it that dont appear on the site. The translucent rubber material has been changed for a more durable material. It will still be coloured, just not translucent. I am finalizing the new colours at the moment and they will be ready in a few weeks. I have also added a few removable collars to the handle so it is now height adjustable to three different heights. The ergonomics and the style of this tamper are superb, even if I say so myself. It is the only tamper on the market with soft rubber grips and the height adjustable feature. Im kinda proud of that. As a working barista I pump out a lot of coffee with this baby and I couldnt recommend it more highly. I dont say that because I developed it, I say it because I use it every day. Some people say it is expensive. I say the Impod at $300 is expensive. I have had to set that price because I wanted it made in Australia, not a sweatshop in China, and the manufacturing process of itself is expensive. My advice to anyone buying a tamper is to look for the guy who has put love and passion in to making his tamper. Folks such as Reg Barber or Bill Pullman definately seem to fit in to that category. Good luck with your search.
    Cheers Steve

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    • #32
      Re: Tamper recommendations?

      Originally posted by coffeelab link=1109146620/30#30 date=1114156374
      I guess I can recommend my tamper. It took three prototypes, 1 year and a hell of a lot of cash to develop. You can check it out at www.coffeelabdesign.com.I 
      Is there something wrong with my system or are there no pix of the tamper on your website?

      Ron

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      • #33
        Re: Tamper recommendations?

        Hi Ron,

        Ive been using a Greg Pullman Tamper for quite some time now and can highly recommend them as a high quality, effective and ergonomic design.

        Just recently bought a new handle, one of the Offset Chequerboard Designs, and it is really an impressive piece of work. Check them out here..... http://tinyurl.com/8a57e.

        Cheers,
        Mal.

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        • #34
          Re: Tamper recommendations?

          I ordered a Reg Barber one afte seeing one at our Perth Cafe Day.

          I decided on one with a rosewood handle and a copper base as I thought it would be different. The colour also stands out from the other stainless steel background.

          It is really down to handle shape and aesthetics. If it looks good and feels good in the hand (and its the right diameter of course) then it should work.

          Some of them like the Reg Barber you can get Rancilio or whatever you want (if you provide the artwork) inlaid in the top of the handle (extra $15).

          It is funny how such a small thing is so important to people but then you use them each time you make coffee. I have just a plain aluminium one at the moment and that was a huge improvement after the plastic one I had.

          Grant

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          • #35
            Re: Tamper recommendations?

            Hello again Ron,

            The KG100 is a rebadged Solis 166 grinder from memory and for most purposes do a reasonable job with a quite good quality burr set. It should be up to the job for all but the Silvia and upwards because of the need to grind very finely and consistently for professional type Groups and PFs.

            When your CFO starts to recognise the quality of brews you start producing, Im sure she will understand the need for a good quality grinder. Makes a hell of a difference to the quality of the brews you can produce and if you extend that into roasting your own beans at home, well, youre well on your way to ongoing coffee nirvana.

            Re the Tamper. Id say go for it, if youve got a lathe and bar-stock at home. Apart from the obvious need to make the business end the right size to suit your PF Basket(s), the top of the handle needs to be a comfortable shape and size to make it easy to repeatedly apply the required tamping force. After all, once friends, neighbours and relies realise how good the coffee is at your place, youre going to be kept busy .

            All the best Ron and happy brewing,
            Mal.

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            • #36
              Re: Tamper recommendations?

              Originally posted by Mal link=1109146620/30#32 date=1120397603
              Hi Ron,

              Ive been using a Greg Pullman Tamper for quite some time now and can highly recommend them as a high quality, effective and ergonomic design.

              Hi Mal, Yes I had a look at Gregs tampers - very, very nice. But I think Id be shot if I bought one at the moment. Ive got a lathe and some aluminium round barstock so I may have to turn up a tamper of my own. I couldnt make a stainless steel one - my machining skill and my lathe arent up to it - so Ill upgrade later on.

              I bought a Delonghi KG100 grinder today and that caused some angst. I was looking for a Solis Maestro but unfortunately it was out of my price range. Im hoping the KG100 will do the job for my domestic machine.

              Ron

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              • #37
                Re: Tamper recommendations?

                Hi Ron and Mal,

                I am in exactly that position with my DeLonghi KG100 grinder...

                I bought a Giotto last week and have found that even on the finest setting and modifying the grinder (which is an adjustment to the zero point), that it still is not fine enough and I have to tamp relatively heavy to slow the shot time. Even modifying it by only one step the burrs are now just touching - but it still isnt fine enough.

                So, I am about to most likely buy a Mazzer Mini grinder to suit the machine and leave the DeLonghi for my eldest daughters decaffeinated beans : )

                Oh - and a "proper" tamper after a week of using the plastic undersized thingy that came with the Giotto (the supplier didnt have any tamps in stock at the time of purchase).

                Ken.

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                • #38
                  Re: Tamper recommendations?

                  Yes, the KG100 is the Solis 166 (which I didnt know until I read the Choice magazine review). I had been reluctant to buy it based on some reviews Id read. But other reviews gave it a positive write-up.

                  Originally posted by Mal link=1109146620/30#35 date=1120402901
                  When your CFO starts to recognise the quality of brews you start producing, Im sure she will understand the need for a good quality grinder.
                  Ahh. Well, the first few cups of coffee made with the new grinders coffee have been spectacularly unsuccessful. In my defence, I havent had much chance to play with it since buying it yesterday - I had to go to work an hour after getting it home - and they were plunger coffees.

                  Ill make a tamper up this week. Having read the thread on equipment, Ill go there and add my details.

                  Ron


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                  • #39
                    Re: Tamper recommendations?

                    No worries Ron,

                    Let us know how you get on and whether we can be of any help.

                    Hi Ken,

                    Re upgrading from your KG100 grinder. I dont know that you have to go as far as the Mazzer Mini to get a great quality grinder but hey, if youve got the money, go for it. You certainly havent skimped on the quality of your espresso machine, the Giotto is way up there with the best of them and if you make lots of milk based drinks, youll never look back.

                    I spose when it comes right down to it, if youve already got the Giotto, a Mazzer Mini would definitely be a great partner for it, and look the part too 8).

                    Once youve upgraded your grinder, the KG100 will definitely be worth hanging on to for other brewing methods, such as Drip, Plunger or Moka Pot so as a last resort, you would still be able to enjoy a pretty good coffee even if not via the courtesy of the Giotto/MM combo. Happy brewing,

                    Cheers,
                    Mal.

                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: Tamper recommendations?

                      Hi:

                      I finally got my Reg Barber tamper today. It weights 390grams which is one of the reason I wanted the base to be copper. The handle is made of African Rosewood.



                      The picture from the web doesnt really do it justice.

                      Anyway, nice to have and it fits the portafilter on the Silvia perfectly.

                      Grant

                      http://www.regbarber.com/images/tampers/tn-tall-buninga-co.jpg

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                      • #41
                        Re: Tamper recommendations?

                        Hi all, I was checking out the chris coffee site and saw an Espro automatic tamper. It apparently clicks when you hit the magic 30lb/15kg tamp pressure. I guess that the mechanism is similar to a torque wrench, only its not adjustable. Would this tamper be of any benefit, or is it just a wank?
                        All the best,
                        Steve.

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          Re: Tamper recommendations?

                          I reckon, anything that takes the guess work out has to be a good thing.  Less variables.
                          I havent seen that one yet.  
                          Got a website or a picture?

                          The Sunbeam EM6900 comes with a very nice tamper.

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                          • #43
                            Re: Tamper recommendations?

                            Assumming the tamper on it is a good fit for your portafilter theyre nice to have as they assure you of consistant shot-to-shot tamping.

                            Java "Gotta love a toy thats good at what it does" phile
                            Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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                            • #44
                              Re: Tamper recommendations?

                              Ive got an Espro. They are a really good training tool but not my personal favourite for day to day use. Not sure why exactly, its nicely made, good finish etc. Kinda pricey at around $100 Australian plus postage. I had high hopes, and went to a fair bit of trouble to track one down, but now I dont often use it.

                              I think they would be good as a training tool for new staff at cafes, or other business that serve coffee. From my own observations most PBTC dont put much force behind their tamp, if they use a tamper at all.

                              -Stephen-

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                              • #45
                                Re: Tamper recommendations?

                                Monti, I dont have a picture available, and I dont know if I would be allowed to put a link to their site here.
                                All the best,
                                Steve

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