OT, your favorite espresso tamper

[AngryScientist]

FINALLY - a proper espresso machine is in house, thanks to the little elfs and santa.

now, i need a cool espresso tamper. 56mm.

is chris king what every cyclist barista needs? or look elsewhere?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/51/11/c4/5111c4c9df1cca237bffcdded6552c65.jpg

[bcroslin]

FINALLY - a proper espresso machine is in house, thanks to the little elfs and santa.

now, i need a cool espresso tamper. 56mm.

is chris king what every cyclist barista needs? or look elsewhere?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/51/11/c4/5111c4c9df1cca237bffcdded6552c65.jpg

What did you get?

[OtayBW]

Oh crap! I suppose now we have to play matchy-matchy with the rest of your kitchen decor...:D

[AngryScientist]

my wife really surprised me this year, and even included a set of these, something i would never buy myself, but they are kind of cool for a cycling geek :):

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/47/07/b647076d805afab5ef313e1f6bf6dc3d.jpg

[livingminimal]

my wife really surprised me this year, and even included a set of these, something i would never buy myself, but they are kind of cool for a cycling geek :):

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b6/47/07/b647076d805afab5ef313e1f6bf6dc3d.jpg

That's awesome. Peloton has a great deal on a sub + espresso cups as well.

[William]

Welcome to the world of Espresso! :D

If you like the aesthetics and don't mind the premium go with a CK. Otherwise anything stainless and the correct size will do. I picked up a Rattlewear tamper from SCG and it works great. I get most of my espresso gear from these folks and they often have good sales....

Tampers
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Tampers









William

[VTCaraco]

I'm a Chris Coffee (out of Albany, NY) guy, but went simple on the tamper to give as much resource as I could to grinder and espresso machine. I don't have any upgrade-itis with it and it does exactly what it's supposed to do.
So if you're inclined, shop aesthetics, but I'm with William in recommending simply the right size. The rest is a style thing.

[Ray]

My machine takes a 58 and I like a convex bottom and a bit of weight to it. All the rest is just decoration...

-Ray

[livingminimal]

Which machine did you get anyway?

[Mzilliox]

My machine takes a 58 and I like a convex bottom and a bit of weight to it. All the rest is just decoration...

-Ray

You got it right, just make it heavy and one degree convex and you are golden. Those kings look nice! and don't knock with the bottom of your tamper, knock with the top or sides.

[Mzilliox]

Which machine did you get anyway?

and yes, what machine, coffee snobs want to know...

[arazate]

Reg Barber makes very nice tampers. I've used them for about a year.

https://www.coffeetamper.com/store/pc/home.asp

You may next start dabbling in grinders, have fun!!!

[Tickdoc]

That's awesome. Peloton has a great deal on a sub + espresso cups as well.

Just got mine last week ;~)

[Tickdoc]

I just use the plastic combo tamper/scoop that came with my machine. Maybe it's time to upgrade?
http://deafpigeon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fyxo-campag-coffee-tamper-hub.jpg

And while your at it, what's your favorite coffee?

[livingminimal]

And while your at it, what's your favorite coffee?

I really like ritual right now. http://www.ritualroasters.com/

I live next to a Portola coffee lab location too. Good stuff, but a little pretentious.

[ColnagoFan]

Reg Barber makes very nice tampers. I've used them for about a year.

https://www.coffeetamper.com/store/pc/home.asp

You may next start dabbling in grinders, have fun!!!

Came here to post this. Some of the best, most customizable tampers ever.

[VTCaraco]

I tried a few and ended up with Paradise Roasters (http://www.paradiseroasters.com/). I get a bag every 2 weeks ~ roasted on Monday and arrives at my house on Wed or Thu. Trisha takes great care of me.

[thirdgenbird]

I just use the plastic combo tamper/scoop that came with my machine. Maybe it's time to upgrade?
http://deafpigeon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fyxo-campag-coffee-tamper-hub.jpg

And while your at it, what's your favorite coffee?

Want.

[kingpin75s]

Rancilio Silvia + Mazzer Mini Stepless Grinder + Reg Barber Tamper + Intelligencia Black Cat Espresso = 8 years of perfection and going strong...

A dialed grinder is key to consistency...

[echappist]

Rancilio Silvia + Mazzer Mini Stepless Grinder + Reg Barber Tamper + Intelligencia Black Cat Espresso = 8 years of perfection and going strong...

A dialed grinder is key to consistency...

a few questions:

-have you ever managed to pull a decent single espresso shot on your machine? I end up getting either nothing coming out or some really watery (think translucent mud water) stuff at the end, with no crema forming at all

-what is the minimal level of grinder you'd recommend? any experience with the higher level Baratza grinders? Unfortunately, i've come to the realization that my current grinder is way too inconsistent that at the same setting (and with bean mass differing by 0.5g), i got barely anything coming out the first attempt and something that may have overshot my espresso cup the second attempt. Very frustrating with all the time wasted...

-have you ever managed to pour a decent latte art?

[ptourkin]

http://curtisodom.com/products/espresso-tamper

http://curtisodom.com/images/products/CO-Tamper-01_300sfw.jpg

[joosttx]

She works at Blue Bottle in Oakland. I don't know her name but she is really nice and makes really pretty foam leaves in my cappuccino

[likebikes]

I just use the plastic combo tamper/scoop

dude, seriously? :rolleyes:

[thirdgenbird]

-have you ever managed to pour a decent latte art?

My wife can. She is quite good at it.

[AngryScientist]

i have to find out exactly what model i have but mine is a Bazzera, very similar to this one, but not exactly. i'll have to ask my wife, she picked this one on her own.

https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/m/i/mitica_2.jpg

[AngryScientist]

also it rocks, with just a little practice and some good beans, i'm pulling VERY decent espresso shots. previously we were using a stovetop machine, which made very good espresso, but this is something else.

[OtayBW]

Be careful with that thing. When I got mine a while back, I pulled a couple of shots the evening that it came in, and then woke up the next morning for a little more practice. Six shots later and out the door for work, I was a real hoot at the office....:eek:

[VTCaraco]

Lever machines are great.

This is what I have http://www.faema.ca/v/vspfiles/photos/F1-070-CS-2.jpg
With the Compak K10 grinder
http://cdn3.volusion.com/wysrt.cnwfk/v/vspfiles/photos/K3T-2.jpg?1389866636
I pull two shots at the start of the day and two more when I get home.
And my shots were fine when I got it, but dialing in the grind and tamp has allowed me to get better over time.
The only downside is that you really dial in to your tastes to the point that nothing else is as good.

[kingpin75s]

a few questions:

-have you ever managed to pull a decent single espresso shot on your machine? I end up getting either nothing coming out or some really watery (think translucent mud water) stuff at the end, with no crema forming at all

-what is the minimal level of grinder you'd recommend? any experience with the higher level Baratza grinders? Unfortunately, i've come to the realization that my current grinder is way too inconsistent that at the same setting (and with bean mass differing by 0.5g), i got barely anything coming out the first attempt and something that may have overshot my espresso cup the second attempt. Very frustrating with all the time wasted

-have you ever managed to pour a decent latte art?

1). If you are referring to the single vs. double baskets, I have honestly never attempted to pull a true single shot in 8 years running this machine. Doubles and keep them coming … Sorry I could not be more helpful here.

2). Been a number of years since I did the research but the first thing I consider is whether I need stepped or step less grinder. If you can commit to having a grinder JUST for espresso, then a stepless is really nice. If you like to switch between French Press and espresso then a stepped will likely do fine. I like Mazzer and Rancilio but I suspect any grinders of similar quality will work well.

3). Admittedly have not tried much. I mostly focus on trying to maintain as much of my crema on top of the foam as i can when pouring. A nice pumpkin colored top to a cappuccino is all I need. No big white foamy mess :)

[kingpin75s]

i have to find out exactly what model i have but mine is a Bazzera, very similar to this one, but not exactly. i'll have to ask my wife, she picked this one on her own.

https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/m/i/mitica_2.jpg

Really nice HX machine. I have been very happy with my Single Boiler Silvia but the volume you can do with a HX machine is really nice. Enjoy!

[kgreene10]

I am moments away from buying a Baratza Vario for espresso and the occasional pour over. I'm flinching at the price though. Any advice to encourage me to go for it or drop it?

[SoCalSteve]

This is for all the posters asking about grinders...

To get a decent shot, here is what you need ( in this order ).

Good, fresh beans, hopefully from a micro roaster or a local roaster.
A very good grinder ( at least $500.00 if not LOTS more $$$ ) Barrazta Vario at a minimum
Practice and more practice ( to get consistency )
A decent espresso machine

Do not scrimp on the grinder. It is much more important than the espresso machine.

Good luck!

My grinder:

[donevwil]

I am moments away from buying a Baratza Vario for espresso and the occasional pour over. I'm flinching at the price though. Any advice to encourage me to go for it or drop it?

I just bought a Preciso for my wife and as others have said for years, a quality grinder does indeed make a bigger difference than a $1k espresso maker. Do it. When I win the lottery we'll upgrade further.

[SoCalSteve]

Or go modern old school:

[schwa86]

Wait, am I on Paceline or Coffeegeeks? I can't keep track... My tinkering instincts after acquiring my machines about two years ago led to: 1) all kinds of mods to my rancillio rocky grinder; and 2) a home roasting hobby that occaisionally sets off the smoke detectors. Be forewarned!

[echappist]

I am moments away from buying a Baratza Vario for espresso and the occasional pour over. I'm flinching at the price though. Any advice to encourage me to go for it or drop it?

hope this isn't too late. Baratza sells refurb units, albeit still at $400 per. OTOH, IIRC, the reliability of those units leave something to be desired.

I personally need to sell my Virtuoso and get something more consistent (and doesn't clump). Anyone have experiences with the Nuova Simonelli Grinta?

[jlwdm]

..

now, i need a cool espresso tamper. 56mm.

is chris king what every cyclist barista needs? or look elsewhere?



I hear the Chris King tamper makes an Angry Bee sound. I guess that works for an Angry Scientist.

Jeff

[Louis]

i have to find out exactly what model i have but mine is a Bazzera, very similar to this one, but not exactly. i'll have to ask my wife, she picked this one on her own.

Well, if your wife picked that Milan product, that means you get to pick this one:

(or the 4C if you want to go with a coupe)

http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/alfa-giulia-2015-001.jpg?itok=uWiWD_Gq

[binouye]

What is that fine looking grinder? I should replace my old Barazta......

Or go modern old school:

[SoCalSteve]

What is that fine looking grinder? I should replace my old Barazta......

HG One grinder

[AJM100]

Can't see how it would be a good shot without a CK tamper! :crap:

[bcroslin]

does anyone happen to have any experience with the Nuova Simonelli Oscar machine? There's one for sale locally on CL for $600 and it seems to get great reviews.

Also, coolest tamper I've seen is the Espro Calibrated Tamper. 30 lbs of tamp every time. Kind of spendy but isn't killer espresso worth it?

[echappist]

no experience, but i was serioiusly considering getting it. Great machine and a good design, the downside is that you can't descale it at home. That was a deal breaker to me.

you probably want to ask the seller when was the last time the machine was descaled...

[Ray]

does anyone happen to have any experience with the Nuova Simonelli Oscar machine? There's one for sale locally on CL for $600 and it seems to get great reviews.

Also, coolest tamper I've seen is the Espro Calibrated Tamper. 30 lbs of tamp every time. Kind of spendy but isn't killer espresso worth it?

The Oscar is a good enough machine. But I'd honestly urge anyone who makes both shots and milk drinks a lot to forego an HX machine and go for a double boiler. If you ONLY do shots, a single boiler is fine - I started getting serious about ten years ago with a Silvia and pulled some really good shots with it. But combining milk drinks and shots or even doing back to back to back milk drinks is a nightmare. With an HX machine there are just too many variables for getting a consistent temperature for shots. I played with an HX for a while after my Silvia, but then bought an Expobar double boiler about 7-8 years ago and it's still going strong. I upgraded it to a rotary pump and plumbed it about four years ago and it's great. Doesn't have a PID, but IMHO doesn't need one since there's nothing to mess up the temp of the shot boiler... Life is so much easier with it. And while I can't say my best shots are better than with the Silvia, they're a lot more consistent now.

I had one of those Espro tampers when I was new to espresso. I guess it's not a bad way to get a feel for what 30 lbs feels like, but you're better off developing a consistent tamp on your own. Really it's the person tamping more than the tamper that matters, and mostly in terms of consistency rather than some theoretical number. Some of the best espressos I've had were in southern Italy and done with a plastic tamper. I may still have the Espro somewhere if someone wants a deal on one. But I can't honestly recommend it - I don't think I used it for more than a week or two...

-Ray

[Tickdoc]

Well, if your wife picked that Milan product, that means you get to pick this one:

(or the 4C if you want to go with a coupe)

http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/alfa-giulia-2015-001.jpg?itok=uWiWD_Gq
:beer:
I'll grind that one!

[kgreene10]

Anyone ever use the Orphan Espresso hand grinders for espresso? They are touted as equal to the quality of a much more expensive electric grinder but there must be a reason why most people don't use them. I just want to grind enough for one to two double shots per day.

[ColnagoFan]

Anyone ever use the Orphan Espresso hand grinders for espresso? They are touted as equal to the quality of a much more expensive electric grinder but there must be a reason why most people don't use them. I just want to grind enough for one to two double shots per day.

Ok now my interest is piqued. Very curious of this question too...

[Louis]

I'll grind that one!

Engine: V6
Horsepower @ RPM: 510
Torque @ RPM: 442
Displacement: 2.9 L
0-60 time: 3.9 sec. (Est.)
Top Speed: 191 mph (Est.)

From the Road and Track web site:

The last time we heard about a possible Nurburgring time for the new Alfa Giulia QV, it was a 7:43, a whopping nine seconds faster than the BMW M4.

Turns out, that time was wrong, and the Giulia is actually 14 seconds faster than the M4 at the Nurburgring with a laptime of 7:39 seconds.

That's just as fast as a Ferrari 430 Scuderia and a second faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640. That's ridiculous and that makes it the fastest sedan to ever run the track. It also weighs just 3,359 pounds, which gives it a fantastic power to weight ratio.

This car just keeps getting better and better. We can't wait to drive it.

[thirdgenbird]

Wow. I wouldn't have guessed stats like that.

[maxn]

does anyone happen to have any experience with the Nuova Simonelli Oscar machine? There's one for sale locally on CL for $600 and it seems to get great reviews.

Also, coolest tamper I've seen is the Espro Calibrated Tamper. 30 lbs of tamp every time. Kind of spendy but isn't killer espresso worth it?

I have the Oscar and am pretty happy with it. I only do espresso, and pull 2-3 shots every morning on weekdays and countless shots on the weekend. I modified mine with an over pressure valve and the device that allows you to turn the machine on without having to open the steam wand valve during startup (and could therefore allow me to hook it up to a timer, which I have not yet done). I replaced the screen and have several VST baskets and a naked portafilter. Overall, no complaints except that it would be nice to have a pressure gauge.

Note that it is unoffically possible to descale at home: http://www.elektros.it/fr/en/tips_tricks.html

Grinta: I think someone asked about it? I like it, but don't like the stepped design. It's easy to clean and gives pretty consistent results for me.

Tamper: I like the convex Torr tampers (http://cafe-kultur.de/collections/tampers). I also like the Knock tampers.

[giverdada]

I made a dining room table with my dad out of black walnut and red oak. The top of it is a few planks of Virginia black walnut with some beautiful figure; the apron is hand-tooled (my hands still kinda hurt) red oak on red oak legs. I finished it two weekends before Christmas. Christmas morning, my lady gave me a custom-handled black walnut tamper from Joe Frex. It's beautiful, and a touching attention to detail. The King tampers aren't the right size for our espresso wand. Espresso is beautiful stuff. So is the tamper and the table where I get to drink the stuff. Give'r!

N.

http://www.joefrex.com/tamper/

[SoCalSteve]

does anyone happen to have any experience with the Nuova Simonelli Oscar machine? There's one for sale locally on CL for $600 and it seems to get great reviews.

Also, coolest tamper I've seen is the Espro Calibrated Tamper. 30 lbs of tamp every time. Kind of spendy but isn't killer espresso worth it?

Espro tampers are great! And, less than the CK tamper. Always consistent tamps. I've been using the same one for over 5 years now and still love it.

Getting consistent shots require consistency in all the steps. This takes the guesswork out of one of those steps.

Good luck!

PS buy the best grinder you can afford, skimp on the rest if you have to.

[AngryScientist]

so as an update - got the CK tamper! it's well made and works well. I'm sure others would have definitely been as good, but i like looking at this one.

also, intelligentsia black cat - AWESOME.

https://www.alattehotte.com/productcart/pc/RetailProducts/accessories/Intelli/intelliblackcat.gif

[Ray]

also, intelligentsia black cat - AWESOME.

https://www.alattehotte.com/productcart/pc/RetailProducts/accessories/Intelli/intelliblackcat.gif
I used to swear by Black Cat about 9-10 years ago when I first got into espresso seriously. I had a single boiler (Silvia) and Black Cat was both good AND forgiving to work with, particularly useful with a machine that wasn't all that stable. A few years later I moved to a double boiler and started using some other blends that were less forgiving than Black Cat. I've since added a PID and other goodies to that machine and I can pull very good to great shots consistently once I get a blend dialed in.

And recently I decided to try Black Cat again - it had been a long time. Bought a few pounds a couple of months ago and I couldn't get an even remotely drinkable shot out of those beans to save my life. Sour doesn't even begin to describe it - more like putrid. I ramped up the temperature, I played with the grind, I played with the dose, I called the folks at Intelligentsia and did everything exactly to their standards. Still, couldn't get an even remotely drinkable shot out of it.

After a few days of frustration, I needed a couple of drinkable pounds for a long weekend with some guests and I just ran into a local coffee shop and grabbed a couple of bags of fairly stale La Colombe - they make good bean for pour-over but I've never much like their espresso. But I was able to dial in reasonably OK shots with that within a few minutes and it got me through. Then I ordered some of the blend I'd been using for a while (Perfect Espresso by Stone Street Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn), and I was back to making incredibly good shots with that within a few minutes. Since that time, I've tried the Black Cat again and simply can't get an even slightly drinkable shot out of it. It was a very VERY light roast - I don't like super heavy oily roasts, but this stuff seemed barely roasted and extremely dry to the touch...

I'm not sure if I got a bad batch or what - I was using their Black Cat Classic rather than one of the many other Black Cat blends they offer now. But I'm never going near that stuff again after this experience. I'm glad you've got it dialed - I couldn't seem to even get close...

-Ray

[CPP]

Want.

Where can we find this baby?

[arazate]

I have the Orphan Espresso (OE) Hand Grinder; works quite well. Up till now, I've only used it for french press. For espresso I have been using the Vario Baratza, coupled with my GS3. The convenience of electric and low ground retention make the Baratza a solid mid-level grinder. I have been tossing around the idea of upgrading to an HG One manual grinder (very low retention, if any).

The OE does have a rather large footprint, but its very well made and would make for a very decent espresso grinder. I find that I do a bit more 'futzing' with the OE.

Ok now my interest is piqued. Very curious of this question too...

[CPP]

I just use the plastic combo tamper/scoop that came with my machine. Maybe it's time to upgrade?
http://deafpigeon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fyxo-campag-coffee-tamper-hub.jpg

And while your at it, what's your favorite coffee?

This baby?

[SoCalSteve]

Try Klatch Roasting espresso beans.

http://www.klatchroasting.com

You can thank me later.

Steve

[bcroslin]

Ray, I was also a fan of Black Cat but Im having all sorts of issues getting decent shot out of my Oscar with it. Turns out the new bag I bought was roasted the 2nd week of January. Every shot I pull has issues with spraying and channeling. The fresh beans I have on hand work great. Total bummer and a waste of $15.

[AngryScientist]

interesting.

i bought my black cat from the intel shop on 10th ave, and it's been fantastic so far. fortunately for me, i do work and live among lots and lots of coffee roasters, so i have my pick of good, freshly roasted beans, where i can generally talk to the actual person who did the roasting when i buy them. pretty awesome IMO.

just had a small get together break up actually where black cat espressos and cappuccinos went over very well.

[Tickdoc]

I'm a sucker for a good latte.

When I try this at home, it always ends up looking like a Jackson Pollock, only without the color.

Forgot the name of the place, but I got this one a few weeks ago when in okc, right off automobile alley.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Handgod/4E584F47-1FB6-4283-B695-B4CC055867BE_zpsux2hs2gq.jpg

[Ray]

Ray, I was also a fan of Black Cat but Im having all sorts of issues getting decent shot out of my Oscar with it. Turns out the new bag I bought was roasted the 2nd week of January. Every shot I pull has issues with spraying and channeling. The fresh beans I have on hand work great. Total bummer and a waste of $15.

The odd thing with the bad experience I had was I had the dosing and the timing nailed, was using a naked portafilter and was getting great LOOKING shots, with nice tiger-striping And just a good brew experience all around, but they just TASTED horrible. Usually even my worst shots are just a little off and still taste fine in a milk drink, but this was orders of magnitude more awful and would have just spoiled any milk or cream I'd have tried to add. I don't know what the issue was, if they just had a bad batch or what, but it doesn't leave me inclined to try again since I consistently get good to really good shots with any of the other blends I use. I bought a few pounds of it and ended up just trashing most of it...

-Ray

[AJosiahK]

I just use the plastic combo tamper/scoop that came with my machine. Maybe it's time to upgrade?
http://deafpigeon.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/fyxo-campag-coffee-tamper-hub.jpg



whoa thats cool!

I work in the industry... VST makes the best tamper there is. Buy one and get a free high precision VST basket with it. nor not. KINGs tampers are NICE and they of course have a machining abilities to size it correctly.

Im going to avoid any more coffee talk here, Ill bore yall.

INTELLE Black Cat CAN be a great espresso. Roasters take a good deal of risk allowing anyone who is behind a esp machine to serve their stuff. Just as much care goes into each shot, to the equipment used, as does into the roasting process.

FYI, Petes coffee bought Intelle AND Stumptown recently.....

[AngryScientist]

FYI, Petes coffee bought Intelle AND Stumptown recently.....

that's very interesting...

[bcroslin]

whoa, it's true (http://www.eater.com/2015/10/30/9643642/blockbuster-peets-coffee-tea-buys-intelligentsia-coffee)

[crankles]

The Oscar is a good enough machine. But I'd honestly urge anyone who makes both shots and milk drinks a lot to forego an HX machine and go for a double boiler.

not sure if I wholly agree with this... double boilers have double the 'under the hood' maintenance to consider....pumps, gaskets...etc.

granted, I have a commercial HX machine with a 5 litre boiler so temperature stability is not really an issue relative to smaller machines.

but IMHO, the ideal home machine is a Solid HX machine with a rotary pomp. Chirscoffee use to carry a Quickmill with the perfect specs. It was designed from the ground up to be a plumb-in only. Then benefit of that over the Reservoir/plumb version, was lots of space around the internals. Better to keep parts cool. Double boiler internals are super cramped by comparison.

I had one of those Espro tampers when I was new to espresso. I guess it's not a bad way to get a feel for what 30 lbs feels like, but you're better off developing a consistent tamp on your own.

I think you need both ;-) I use an an ergo packer tamper myself, but I also have a macap...similar to the Espro. The espro is nicer but not offered in a 57mm. I pull about 95% of the shots in the house, but on occasion, my wife will pull a few. She has ZERO interest in practiing her 30 lb tamp on the bathroom scale. The Macap is her tool of choice.

[bcroslin]

not sure if I wholly agree with this... double boilers have double the 'under the hood' maintenance to consider....pumps, gaskets...etc.

granted, I have a commercial HX machine with a 5 litre boiler so temperature stability is not really an issue relative to smaller machines.

but IMHO, the ideal home machine is a Solid HX machine with a rotary pomp. Chirscoffee use to carry a Quickmill with the perfect specs. It was designed from the ground up to be a plumb-in only. Then benefit of that over the Reservoir/plumb version, was lots of space around the internals. Better to keep parts cool. Double boiler internals are super cramped by comparison.



I think you need both ;-) I use an an ergo packer tamper myself, but I also have a macap...similar to the Espro. The espro is nicer but not offered in a 57mm. I pull about 95% of the shots in the house, but on occasion, my wife will pull a few. She has ZERO interest in practiing her 30 lb tamp on the bathroom scale. The Macap is her tool of choice.

I specifically bought the Oscar because I don't do milk drinks - just espresso and americanos. I was able to score one off CL for $300 but then I had to spend the time and about $80 to rebuild the machine and replace the seals and o-rings. So far, the Oscar has been fantastic. I'm using a bottomless portafilter btw. My choice of tamper is a 58mm Rattleware.