Calibrated Espresso Tamper,Coffee Tamper with Stainless Steel Flat Base 53mm,57mm,58mm and Ergonomics Handle (53mm)

This tamper does not have a smooth action, the handle binds on the shaft when using it. This is a problem as it leads to cracked coffee pucks. I contacted the seller and they said this was normal behavior, because of this I cannot recommend this tamper, you may want to keep looking.UPDATE: the seller contacted me and was very interested in trying to correct the problem. Linda has communicated at least 7 times during the replacement and is very eager to help and this is a good sign. I received a replacement quickly and, there was only one small nick on the tamper, which I think is where they use a clamp to tighten the metal plate to the shaft, I saw similar markings on both tampers. I think this tamper is a good value for the price (machined aluminum and steel), though you may need to use food grade lubrication on the shaft. I'm hopeful they will keep working on the engineering of the tamper.Because of the quick response and eagerness to resolve the problem I am changing my rating from 1 star to 4.

Extremely well made! It’s very heavy, which I like, thick tamper base, heavy duty feeling polymer handle, and it even comes with a synthetic velvet bag (for some reason). I bought it for it’s calibrated pressure and of course the price. Even without the spring action it’s a steal at that price, I think it will go on to be an heirloom piece of coffee equipment.

Pretty good fit and finish but unfortuantly not 30lbs calibrated, I tested on a scale and it was reading 47lbs. maybe the spring is too stiff.

Good product, fits Breville 860xl Portafilter

See attached image for the bent metal shaft that the item arrived with. Complete waste of time. Not to mention, the compression of the spring is not smooth at all, even after pushing it in/out about 25 times. Very poor quality control. Do yourself a favor and buy somewhere else.

No instructions and not much info on the internet. I think I am doing it ok... Wish it was easier to understand what I'm supposed to do, when exactly am I supposed to stop adding pressure?

Came in a velvet drawstring bag. Nice touch.I have no idea what the required down force is on this little gadget, as the only scale I have is for weighing coffee (600 grams), but the idea is to be consistent with tamping force. I believe this tamper will do the job. Indeed, I'm drinking a very nice espresso at the moment that I tamped with this device. It may be my best pull yet with my new Gaggia Classic. (Note: I did adjust the Gaggia's Over Pressure Valve (OPV) and that could also be partly responsible. Pressure gauge is the subject of another review, though.)It was pretty rough when I got it (hence the missing star). I lubed the shaft with the tiniest droplets of olive oil and it smoothed right out. I used olive oil as it's food grade. It may gum up sometime down the road, but I can fix that, and by then this tamper should be broken in.

To be honest I don't know that I great or feel a click when using it, however I just assume that when the handle hits the bottom it done. The evidence that is working great is the fact that the pressure gauge on my espresso maker achieves really consistent results with each pull. This was all I needed for my espresso needs and I'm happy to have it