Re: Why tamping doesnt matter as much as you think
I do not think that this is necessarily the only factor. Low end machines tend to be owned by inexperienced users who use low-end grinders and are more likely to be using low-quality, stale coffee. They try all sorts of tamping technique and when they finally get two in a row that doesnt spray the counter top they share their "perfect technique to tamp with machine X" and the word spreads.
I have made some very acceptable (albeit unremarkable) espresso using a thermoblock Krups espresso machine but paired with a quality grinder and fresh, properly-roasted beans.. I even used a little skill as well.
Invoking the redundancy factor, if you find you need a particularly high or particularly low tamp force, there is most likely another problem the user is compensating for. (Lever machines may be an exception as they seem to like fine grind and low tamp force, from what I hear.)
Originally posted by 6B6E7777767A751B0 link=1332222307/14#14 date=1332290391
I have made some very acceptable (albeit unremarkable) espresso using a thermoblock Krups espresso machine but paired with a quality grinder and fresh, properly-roasted beans.. I even used a little skill as well.

Invoking the redundancy factor, if you find you need a particularly high or particularly low tamp force, there is most likely another problem the user is compensating for. (Lever machines may be an exception as they seem to like fine grind and low tamp force, from what I hear.)


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