Tampers and scales, briefly
ReviewsThe two cheapest purchases that change your shots the most.
Scales
A scale that reads to 0.1 g and updates fast enough to follow a shot is worth more than any accessory. Refresh rate matters more than resolution.
Tampers
A self-levelling tamper removes one variable from your routine. It does not make espresso better; it makes it repeatable, which amounts to the same thing over a week.
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scale | 0.1 g, sub-second refresh, fits the drip tray |
| Tamper | Matches your basket to 0.2 mm |
| Distributor | Adjustable depth |
Verdict
Buy the scale first. It is the cheapest thing here and the only one that tells you what actually happened.