KM Tamper pressure-regulating 51 mm

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

Does a pressure-regulating tamper make sense?

We believe that precise pressure is what makes or breaks a good espresso. We tested it ourselves: in a trial with 150 espressos at 10, 15, and 20 kilograms of tamping pressure, we found no statistically relevant difference in either flow time or TDS value. Read more in the article What influence does pressure have when tamping on espresso?

So pressure alone isn't the lever. What matters is that enough pressure is applied in the first place (we recommend at least 6 kilograms) and that it happens the same way every time. This is exactly where the KM pressure tamper helps: it takes the guesswork out, so no one at the machine suddenly starts pressing half-heartedly out of uncertainty.

For experienced baristas with established technique, the benefit is small—they already tamp consistently. It's especially worthwhile for beginners and anyone who is unsure whether they are pressing gently enough.

How does the pressure mechanism work?

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

Does the tamper fit my basket?

Built for 51mm baskets, such as the Delonghi Dedica EC685 and EC885. If you use one of our baskets for Delonghi Dedica, the KM pressure tamper fits perfectly. For safety, 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 the pressing itself. It doesn't compensate for unevenly distributed coffee or air pockets. So the coffee bed must be leveled first, easiest with a leveling tool like our Motta Leveler 51mm. For how leveling and channeling are related, see our article Channeling in espresso.

KM pressure tamper or our classic 51mm tamper, which one is right for me?

If you already have consistent tamping technique and especially value appearance, our 51mm tamper for Delonghi Dedica is a good choice. If instead you want a verifiable, reproducible force, go for the KM pressure tamper.

Technical specifications