Description
We’ve spent countless hours in our testing lab examining various tampers, and the Normcore V4 spring-loaded tamper stands out as a remarkable piece of kit. While some brands charge eye-watering prices for their tampers, we’ve found that what truly matters is achieving consistent, level tamping – and that’s precisely where this model shines.
Our extensive testing reveals that Normcore has struck an excellent balance between quality and affordability. The premium materials and thoughtful engineering make this tamper a standout choice for home baristas who are serious about their coffee.
Key Features
- Three interchangeable springs (15, 25, and 30 lb force)
- Premium black aluminium handle
- Precision-machined stainless steel base
- Built-in levelling system for consistent puck surface
Our Detailed Analysis
After thorough testing of the Normcore V4, we’re particularly impressed with its latest refinements. The uncoated flat stainless steel base version comes in various sizes to fit different portafilters, with options up to 58mm.
When it comes to base design, our testing has revealed some interesting insights. While some baristas debate the merits of different base styles, our data suggests that flat bases offer slightly better consistency than curved alternatives. The choice between flat and rippled bases? In our experience, the difference is minimal.
We’ve noticed that rippled bases create an attractive pattern on your coffee puck, which looks quite professional. However, we’ve observed that these designs can occasionally trap small amounts of coffee grounds in their grooves, which might explain the slight variation in extraction consistency we’ve measured in our tests.
Why We Love the Self-Levelling Ring
One feature that truly sets this tamper apart is its self-levelling ring. This ingenious design connects with your portafilter basket’s rim, ensuring a perfectly level tamp every time. As professional baristas, we know firsthand how challenging it can be to achieve this consistency without such a helpful guide.
Spring Selection: Our Professional Opinion
The adjustable spring system offers fantastic flexibility, with pressure options ranging from 15 to 30 pounds. Based on our extensive testing, we’ve found the 25lb spring (approximately 11kg of force) hits the sweet spot for most users. While the 30lb spring won’t necessarily harm your extraction, we believe there’s no significant benefit to offset the additional strain on your wrists.
For baristas with joint concerns (we’ve certainly logged enough hours behind the espresso machine to understand this), we recommend starting with the 15lb spring. Though this provides less pressure (around 7kg), it might be sufficient for your needs. Some of our colleagues achieve excellent results with even lighter tamping techniques, focusing instead on proper distribution.
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