KM Tamper pressure-regulating 51 mm

• Always the same pressing force: Up to 10 kilograms, the mechanism in the handle gives noticeably, completely without a scale in the process.
• Fits snugly in your 51mm basket: Base with 50.95 mm diameter, built for the Delonghi Dedica (EC685/EC885) and other portafilters with 51mm basket.
• No more uneven tamping: The tight fit in the basket and especially the ring that rests on the basket guide the tamper vertically. Uneven tamping is one of the most common causes of channeling.
• Same technique for everyone at the machine: No matter who's tamping, everyone automatically applies the same force as the last time.

Does a pressure-regulating tamper make sense?

We believe that precise pressing force determines whether you get good or bad espresso. We tested it ourselves: In a trial with 150 espressos at 10, 15, and 20 kilograms of tamping force, we found no statistically relevant difference in either flow time or TDS value. You can read about it in the article What influence does tamping pressure have on espresso?

So pressure alone is not the key factor. What matters is that enough force is applied in the first place (we recommend at least 6 kilograms) and that it happens the same way every time. That's exactly where the KM Pressure Tamper helps: It takes the guesswork out, so nobody at the machine suddenly starts pressing half-heartedly out of uncertainty.

For experienced baristas with practiced technique, the gain is small—they're already tamping consistently. It's particularly worthwhile for beginners and anyone unsure whether they're pressing gently enough.

How does the pressing force mechanism work?

If you press beyond the target range of 8 to 10 kilograms, you hit a stop. So you don't have to guess or stare at a kitchen scale; one tamp is enough, and you know it's seated. The base stays at 50.95 mm, just under the standard 51mm basket diameter, so there's hardly any play between basket and tamper base.

Will this tamper fit my portafilter?

Built for 51mm portafilters, such as the Delonghi Dedica EC685 and EC885. If you use one of our portafilters for Delonghi Dedica, the KM Pressure Tamper will fit directly. As a precaution, measure the inner diameter of your basket before purchasing—51mm baskets are also found from other manufacturers.

What should you prepare before tamping?

The mechanism only regulates pressure during pressing. It doesn't compensate for unevenly distributed coffee or air pockets. That's why the coffee bed must be leveled first, most easily with a leveling tool like our Motta Leveler 51mm. We explain how leveling and channeling are connected in the article Channeling in espresso.

KM Pressure Tamper or our classic 51mm tamper—which is right for me?

If you already have consistent tamping technique and value aesthetics above all, our 51mm tamper for Delonghi Dedica is a good choice. If you want verifiable, reproducible force instead, go for the KM Pressure Tamper.

Technical specifications