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Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

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  • Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

    I am in the market for a tamper to go with my new Silvia, really like the Pullman Deluxe, also dont mind the CoffeeLab Design one too.  A quick forum search doesnt come up with much on these, aside from a few people listing it in their kit.

    The 58mm CoffeeLab ones are out of stock for the next 4 weeks or so (coincidentally around the same time as the new Pullman?) so I might go for the Deluxe... not sure... but can anyone give me any feedback on the CoffeeLab tamper?   There seems to be plenty of comment on the Pullman and nothing much here about the CoffeeLab.  Coffeegeek gave it an editors choice or something...

    I really like the way that Pullman will supply a matched filter basket.  The rings on the base seem like they would be a great help getting the right depth and nice and level...

    I like the look of the aluminium handle on the Coffeelab design, the adjustability hmmm gimmick? and the rubber well - im not using the thing all day in a cafe so i dont know how necessary that is!

    Basically it looks like i can get the Deluxe now (well 7-10 days) or a month or more for the new one or the CoffeeLab...


    Any thoughts or reviews or opinions greatly appreciated

  • #2
    Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

    Azenis,

    The CL is a nice tamper, I got one a while ago and still use it from time to time. The rubber feels nice even though its less important in a domestic situation and the adjustment rings are a good idea. I do find the neck to be too skinny for my liking - compared to other tampers Ive used it feels a bit like holding a pencil so the feel in the hand is less positive. But then if youd only used a CL youd probably find other tampers felt too fat, so a lot does depend on what youre used to. The guys down at Veneziano use them among other things and have generally very positive things to say about them. When I use it I do miss the fitted base and the rings, but it still tamps my coffee a lot better than the standard Rancilio one does, theres no doubt about that! Also the CL (AFAIK) only comes in a convex base which may or may not be an issue for you. Youre probably the only person who can decide on the aesthetics as thats a very personal thing Ive found.

    The CL is a well-respected tamper so if you decide to get one Im sure youll see a big improvement over what you have at the moment.

    Good luck!
    Greg

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    • #3
      Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

      Hi Azenis,

      I think that the fairest way to put it is to say that in home use I think that you will be pretty happy with either. The adjustment rings really do make it easier to get the handle just right for your hand, which is useful if you cant try the tamper in the flesh, but this is much more of an issue if you are making hundreds of coffees per day than one or two. Gregs new tamper has ergonomics much more in line with the coffeelab, so thats worthwhile waiting for if you think that that is an important consideration.

      I never really used the rings on the Pullman tamper or the Vivace tamper to judge the right depth, but they do make it easy to see when your tamp is level. This is a nice touch except for the rare scenario when youre in a barista competition with two technical judges watching your every move ;P

      Personally, I think that the coffeelab and the new Pullman tamper are significantly better than the classic Pullman tamper, but that is largely based on ergonomics.

      Cheers,

      Luca

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

        Also note that CL is a 1mm convexed tamper.

        Pullman gives you the option or convex or flat.

        CL definitely has better ergonomics. It just feels "right" when tamping. Probably not important in a domestic 1-3 shots a day setting.

        Buy them all!!!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

          Originally posted by Gavin1 link=1211375673/0#3 date=1211379618
          Buy them all!!!
          Gotta buy them all ... like ... uhh ... tampermon?

          "Watch out, Barbersaurus; Pullmachu is using its stomp attack"

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

            Someones had one too many coffees!

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

              I love the Coffeelab tamper. Ive had one for 2 years and now I own 3 in total. I also own 1 Reg Barber and 1 Espro. Of the lot, I rate CL #1 and Espro #2. I love they way the CL and Espro feel in my hand. I have smaller hands and like the fact that the CL has adjustable spacers. The Espro has a heavy solid feel to it...another great fitting tamper in my hand.

              Ive used a Pullman on a number of occassions. For home I think it is great. Perfect fit everytime. In the commercial environment however, using a fitted tamper is bad. Imagine a 3 group machine. Each filter basket has its own tolerance. My colleague bought a 58.3mm base for his Reg Barber to fit La Marzocco. I told him he was an idiot. 2 days later he told me I was right. The tamper got stuck in a basket and in compeition it would have had disasterous results. The Classic pullman design is not as ergonomic as other tampers either. Anxiously awaiting the new pullman design. I actually have a parcel for Luca sitting on my desk from Greg. I wonder if it is a new prototype of the Pullman?????


              DS

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

                I used a Pullman for about a year with my Silvia and then switched to a Coffee Labs one when I got my new machine as the basket was a different size. At first I really missed the Pullman - the extra space and the convex base seemed to make the CL tamper squish all over the place and I was not compacting the puck evenly.I then had a dramatic breakthrough - I took out one of the washers to shorten the handle - this gave me a much better grip as my thumb and fingers could now press well on the base. I had not realised how important that is. To get the best out of the CL I now press with thumb and fingers NSEW so its a bit more complicated than the Pullman - the Pullman fits so well there is only a down push. I liked the rings on the Pullman and found them useful esp in the Silvia basket where you are overloading the basket to get the best shot. On my current baskets the CL sinks right in so the top of the base is level with the top of the basket and I can feell if the puck is level.

                I liked the wood of the Pullman. I think it would fit better with the Hobart Vibe. The CL feels better. I think the Pullman worked particularly well with the Silvia baskets. I nearly replaced my CL with one but now I have got the hang of it I think I could get the same results with both - just a learning curve to get the best out of the tool.

                Chris

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

                  Originally posted by Wushoes - David S link=1211375673/0#6 date=1211403613
                  Anxiously awaiting the new pullman design. I actually have a parcel for Luca sitting on my desk from Greg. I wonder if it is a new prototype of the Pullman?????


                  DS
                  Got it in one. Rip it open and give it a workout, thats what its there for!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

                    I wish I had a parcel on my desk

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

                      Originally posted by Wushoes - David S link=1211375673/0#6 date=1211403613
                      My colleague bought a 58.3mm base for his Reg Barber to fit La Marzocco. I told him he was an idiot. 2 days later he told me I was right. The tamper got stuck in a basket and in compeition it would have had disasterous results.

                      DS
                      Hmm the LM double taper inward a whole lot compared to the synessos etc. The 58.3 Pullman I have fits fine into the LM double. Well it doesnt go all the way down but then again, you fill the basket pass the ridge dont you? I know I do heh...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Desing

                        Originally posted by Wushoes - David S link=1211375673/0#6 date=1211403613
                        In the commercial environment however, using a fitted tamper is bad. Imagine a 3 group machine. Each filter basket has its own tolerance.
                        Not so much a problem if youre using a synesso or the synesso baskets as these are spot on everytime. Hate that about the LMZ baskets, but at least they taper considerably to help minimise side chaneling from ill-fitted tamper bases.

                        And back on topic, pullman all the way!!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

                          Steve @ CL is putting one together for me today out of spare/damaged/not up to spec parts he has lying around to get me going and see if i like the design, and to get me over to the time when he has them in stock or when the new Pullman is out so I can decide then, takes some pressure off... thanks heaps Steve!! Now I just need my damn grinder to arrive! Should be here tomorrow.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

                            That awesome!

                            I like the older CLs with the logo on the base. looks cute....

                            Or is it the newer ones...hmm

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Tampers - Pullman vs CoffeeLab Design

                              no idea haha

                              At least i will have something to get me going. woooooo ill be buzzing tonight

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