Coffee Tamper
压粉器
EquipmentDefinition
A handheld tool that compresses the ground coffee in an espresso basket into a flat, level puck. Fit and flatness matter more than force: a base that matches the basket diameter compacts the edges, while an uneven puck lets water channel through its weak spots and spoils the shot.
Etymology
From tamp, to pack down by repeated blows. Espresso tampers appeared alongside the lever machines of the mid-20th century.
In use
Used after dosing and leveling, pressed straight down once so the puck sits even with the basket's fill line.