Temper
Coffee maker tamper is a basic barista tool designed to compact ground coffee beans in a portafilter. Its use is a mandatory step in preparing the perfect espresso.
Due to unevenly compacted coffee over the entire surface, pores or “channels” can form in the coffee tablet, through which water will pass too quickly. The result will be poor-quality extraction, an unsaturated and unbalanced taste of the drink.
Proper tempering allows water to be evenly distributed over the entire surface, releasing aromatic oils and flavor compounds. Uniform sealing allows you to get a balanced, without excessive bitterness or wateriness, taste and rich aroma of espresso.
Types
The choice of temper depends on personal preferences, conditions of use and budget.
They differ in the following parameters: material of manufacture, purpose and design.
Varieties by purpose:
- Standard: Used for both daily home and professional espresso preparation.
- Professional: Often have an adjustable handle for even pressure distribution and additional functions to ensure perfect tempering.
Classification by manufacturing materials:
- Metal: The most popular models are made of aluminum or steel. They are strong, durable and allow you to precisely seal the coffee. Each metal has its pros and cons. Aluminum is light, but scratches easily appear on it. Steel, on the other hand, is difficult to damage, but a temper made of this metal is quite heavy.
- Wooden: They have an aesthetic appearance and are pleasant to the touch, but require more delicate care. Suitable for lovers of classics and natural materials.
- Plastic: Lighter and cheaper, but less popular among professionals, as they do not provide such an accurate seal as metal models. In addition, plastic is easy to scratch.
The design of a coffee tamper includes several important elements: the base and the handle.
The base is the contact, working part of the tool that directly interacts with the coffee in the portafilter. It can be flat, spherical/conical or ribbed.
A flat base provides uniform pressure over the entire surface. Spherical tempers have a curved base, which allows for more precise pressure control, especially in the center of the portafilter. Flat tempers are preferred by professionals, although this factor is not critical. The main thing is that the base is perfectly polished.
The temper handle can be made of different materials: wood, plastic, metal. It is important that it is ergonomic and fits comfortably in the hand, since it is important to control the pressure well when working with a temper.
In different regions of the world, the choice of type depends not only on technical requirements, but also on traditions. In Italy, where espresso is the most popular coffee drink, flat bases are preferred, which ensure even pressure distribution.
In the USA and the UK, models with a conical or spherical base are popular.
In Scandinavian countries, where lighter and more convenient tools are often used, options with a wooden handle are chosen.
In each region, it is important that the tool matches the local coffee traditions and the type of espresso machine.
Technical specifications
The technical specifications of the tool determine the efficiency, convenience and durability of the tool. Here are the main parameters to pay attention to when choosing a tamper for making espresso:
One of the most important factors is the diameter. The tamper should match the diameter of the portafilter of your espresso machine, from 49 mm to 58 mm. Tampers with a diameter of 58 mm are the most common. They are suitable for most professional machines. Other sizes are used for some home models or less common professional machines.
It is important that the tamper fits tightly into the portafilter to ensure uniform coffee compaction and high-quality extraction.
Weight significantly affects the effectiveness of tempering. Heavier specimens, weighing from 300 to 600 grams, allow you to apply the necessary pressure without unnecessary effort, which makes the tempering process more accurate.
It is worth paying attention to the ergonomics of the handle. It should be comfortable to hold, then it reduces the strain on the hands during prolonged use.
The materials of manufacture affect the durability and accuracy of the tool. The most popular materials are stainless food-grade steel (the strongest and most accurate, often used for professional models) and aluminum (a lighter option available for home use). More budget options are also used – wood and plastic. The handle material can be wooden, plastic or metal.
Selection criteria
Choosing the ideal temper depends on several key factors that affect the comfort of the preparation process and the quality of the finished drink.
The diameters of the tempers should match the diameters of the portafilter of your espresso machine. Incompatibility of diameters can lead to uneven tempering and deterioration of the taste of espresso.
Temper material. Metal (especially stainless food steel) provide accuracy, they are durable, wooden are aesthetic, plastic are more affordable.
It is important to choose the optimal tool in terms of weight. A tamper weighing 300-600 g allows you to evenly compact the coffee without excessive effort, while lighter models may be less effective.
Ergonomics. The handle should be comfortable, with a good grip. This allows you to work for a long time without feeling tired.
Budget models may be satisfactory for home use, but for professionals it is better to invest in premium models that provide greater accuracy and are much easier to use.
Usage technique
Proper tempering involves several stages. First, you need to evenly distribute the ground coffee in the portafilter, using a special distributor or simply by gently tapping it. Then firmly, but without unnecessary effort, press the coffee with the tamper, forming a flat surface. It is important to hold it vertically to ensure even pressure across the entire surface.
Common Mistakes:
- Uneven Tempering – When the pressure is uneven, it can lead to improper extraction and spoil the taste of the espresso.
- Excessive or insufficient pressure – Too much pressure can lead to difficult water flow, and too little pressure can lead to too fast extraction.
- Incorrect diameter of the portafilter – if it is too large or too small for the portafilter, the finished drink may disappoint you.
Incorrect tempering can significantly complicate the extraction process and spoil the taste. If the coffee is not compacted evenly or not enough pressure is applied, “channels” appear in the coffee tablet, which leads to uneven water passage, which in turn causes underextraction in some areas and oversaturation in others. As a result, the espresso comes out with a poor balance of taste: some may be too bitter, while others are too acidic or watery. Improper tempering also impairs the stability of the cream.
Care and storage
To ensure durability and efficiency, it is important to clean the temper regularly. After each use, it is necessary to wipe it of coffee residues with a dry or damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, from old coffee oils and dirt, you can use a soap solution and a soft brush. It is important to avoid aggressive care products so as not to damage the material.
It must be stored in a dry place, away from high temperatures and moisture, to avoid corrosion and deformation. It is recommended to store it in a special container or at least on a flat surface to avoid damage, scratches, etc.
With proper care, quality tempers can last for many years. Metal ones, made of stainless steel or aluminum, can remain in new condition for decades. Wooden models require more care due to the risk of damage and cracks.
It is important to regularly check the temper for damage and replace it if necessary.
Where to buy a quality temper
In our store you can find high-quality tempers at an affordable price. The managers of the Kyiv City Roastery online store will provide qualified advice. If you have the opportunity to visit our specialized store in Kyiv, the Roastery specialist will not only offer to buy a temper according to your needs, but will also help you check the tool on site. With us you can be sure that you are getting high quality at a reasonable price.
Recommended manufacturers
In our store we offer tempers from two manufacturers: VD Coffee (Ukraine) and MHW-3Bomber (China). These tempers are excellent in use. There are both classic models with a diameter of 58 mm with a smooth base, and more niche options – with a diameter of 51 mm with a grooved base, push-tempers, spring-loaded temperers.
The price range depends on the material of the product and the manufacturer.
- Budget models cost from 500.
- Professional and premium models with adjustable functions – from 850 UAH and more, depending on the quality and design.
The choice should be based on your needs and budget, but remember that investing in a quality temperer can significantly improve the quality of your espresso and, in Ultimately, it will save you money due to its durability.