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Espresso Tampers – How to Choose the Best Size for Your Machine

Setting up a perfect shot with the correct espresso tamper!

Correctly sized, an espresso coffee tamper should be slightly smaller than the
inside diameter of your espresso machine filter basket, so you can evenly compact the ground coffee without the tamper binding. The best method to identify correct tamper size is to measure the exact inside diameter of your filter basket using machinist calipers, then select a tamper slightly smaller than this measurement. In the event that you do not have access to a set of calipers, you can also use a steel measuring tape with 1 mm divisions and a very careful eye and steady hand to take the measurement in millimeters as follows:

1. Measure the largest distance inside the filter basket across the centerline.
2. Select a tamper slightly smaller (at least 0.75mm for clearance) than your filter basket measurement.

Tamper Sizing Example
1. Using a steel tape you determine the inside diameter of your filter basket measures 58.74mm.
2. The espresso tamper that you like is available in sizes 49mm, 53mm and 58mm; therefore, the best fit would be 58mm.

Espresso Tamper Size Reference Chart
In addition, over the years we've compiled the following list of tampers for many popular espresso machines to assist with your selection. However, please note that actual measurement of your filter basket is always the most reliable method; although we went to much effort to validate the following sizes, we cannot guarantee them as sometimes variations are made by manufacturers within a given model or based on the year the machine was manufactured. Please feel free to call or email us if you have any question and we would be happy to assist with tamper sizing.

*These espresso machines technically have a 53 mm basket; however, we have found that a 53 mm tamper can be a tight fit. Therefore, it may be best to use a 52 mm tamper if available for ease of use.