Normcore 58mm Espresso Coffee Tamper V4 - Spring Loaded Tamper With Titanium PVD Coating Flat Base -15lb / 25lb / 30lbs Replacement Springs

I have only recently ventured into the espresso rabbit hole with a Bambino Plus/Baratza Encore ESP setup. After watching innumerable You Tube videos on how to dial in and pull a decent shot, the importance of consistent and repeatable puck prep was clear. And that's exactly where this Normcore self-leveling tamper excels: with a little practice you will be able to produce a perfectly level, evenly tamped puck every time.Before getting into the mechanics, though, just a word about the build quality of this tamper. Simply put, it exudes quality in every aspect. Just as with the bottomless portafilter and WDT tool, the Normcore black anodized aluminum is machined perfectly, has a substantial, solid feel and is shaped to fit the hand naturally. It just fits and feel right. The threading for removal of the base plate and spring mechanism is smooth and tight, no excess play anywhere. It's just very well built.It's also quite easy to use. I distribute the grounds with a WDT tool, then place the tamper on the portafilter basket pressing down just enough for the black flange (or lip, whatever you want to call it) to make contact evenly all the way around the basket, then give it a couple of half turns to level the bed and seat the flange evenly around the filter. Then just push down until the tamper reaches its stopping point and that's it - release the pressure on the handle, the base plate will pop back up and you are left with a perfectly even, consistent, repeatable puck. The stock 25 lb. spring has worked well for me, haven't seen any reason to swap out for the 15 or 30 lb. ones that are provided.So while the Normcore tamper certainly isn't the cheapest option out there, this is a case of getting what you pay for. I am certain it has made my entry into espresso world much less frustrating - the shots extract evenly with none of the spurting and spraying you see with an uneven, channeled puck. Highly recommended.

I use this tamper every day. Well built and functional.

It's slick, it's black, and it's a clean design that gives consistent and level tamps.

I really wanted to keep this tamper, but ended up returning and going with the MHW-3bomber.The leveling feature, weight, and feel of the tamper was great. However, the top of the tamper was a bit too narrow, pressing oddly in my palm while tamping. I also noticed that it would tamp with too much force which was measured with a scale.I would love to see this with a more wide rounded top for ergonomics and a click sound once it hits the desired force.

UPDATE 2:I Got my replacement today, (2 days early - Thanks Normcore!)I'm really glad that I ended up getting a replacement because this is really great quality! You can feel it just in the weight. I've not used it yet but I'm digging the packaging and the unit feels fantastic. I'll be making a cup of coffee soon!Thank you Normcore for your willingness to make things right and rebuild my trust in the brand. I really appreciate it!UPDATE:Normcore Wares customer support reached out to rectify the issue I had with getting a used unit. They immediately apologized and offered to make it right. I am updating my original rating from a 1 star to a 4 star because of the customer service.I will update to 5 stars after I receive the replacement and have time to use it and test it out.I found out the situation I was put in is a result of Amazon not checking their returns and allowing a very clearly used product to be resold.—————Original Review:Item came USED! With coffee grounds all over it and dried up and gross. I don't want someone else's old used device. I purchased A NEW UNIT! This is unacceptable - stay away!

This item changed the way I pull espresso, as I get much more consistent and tasty shots ever since I've started using it.The dual spring action makes it far superior to other tampers, and it has a premium feel and finish.Unlike 58.35mm competitors, the fit is as tight as it gets with it measuring at 58.55mm.Note that the PVD black coating seems to be aesthetic only, as it does not prevent coffee grounds from sticking to the tamper (see photo), so save a few bucks and skip it for the regular finish.Be sure to clean the base and above it (between the base and the self leveling part) from time to time, as coffee dust gets stuck to the tamper over time.Overall, another great product by Normcore, a fourth of the price of the force tamper, with practically the same functionality. I would say it's a must have for espresso lovers that want to up their game.

Great build quality, easy to use, easy to keep the base clean.Works well with a 58mm basket and is a good fit. Not too tight nor loose. Very consistent and great value for money.I have an IMS Precision Competizione 58mm basket that I use on my GCP on a daily basis and this tamper yields very consistent nice & flat puck prep as it's a self-leveling tamper. I use my palm to compress the puck and it gets the job done perfectly every time.I highly recommend this product.

I had a number of tampers, most of them come with ridged/wavey bases, but this one is a simple flat design. I don't think the ridges really do much to affect the taste or brewing, but I do know that the grinds would always get stuck in them and add an extra step during my morning routine requiring me to clean the tamp base. Also, most advertise "30 lb" springs, but I never really felt like it was truly 30 lbs. I don't have a tool to measure the actual force being applied when tamping, but this one feels different. I changed the default 25lb spring to the 30lb one (included with the tamper). I could tell the pressure being exerted was different. I am happy to get more consistent results with my espresso. The quality of the tamp and the packaging was very good. Very pleased with this tamper. Price might be the only negative, but the quality is very good and makes the price tag worth it.