vardelda
30 juli 2025
There's a lot to like, and a good bit to dislike, about this tamper depending on what you want. Given tamping can be a bit of a personal choice, I'll just give you the list and let you figure it out:- I prefer the look and feel of grained wood in my hand over aluminum.- The Titanium PVD coating Normcore uses is questionable. I haven't noticed much improvement across products. On this one, I had clumps sticking to it the first time I used it! Admittedly due to a bit of moisture, but still, its not clearly doing much.- I measured the springs at 30lbs, 35lbs, and 60lbs.- Swapping the springs is full disassembly of oiled parts. Not as user friendly as it could be.- The outer spring that controls the leveling plate has good strength (many are too weak to help much)- The tamp is smooth -- no ridges or grooves- The interior components are brass and steel -- good quality and looks like it will hold up for a long time.- The tamp is directly connected to the post so you can press & twist and get an actual turn. Many cheaper models have a floating tamp so when you twist, nothing actually happens.- The ergonomic shape is well thought out and helps with alignment (as well as 'tampers elbow' if you do this continuously)- Fits well inside all my baskets (VST, IMS, Normcore, etc.)Short version: Its a well-made, variable tamp. If you haven't tried a variable tamp, you should. For those that are not into that level of shot-tuning, consider this just a good tamp to have, hold, and use in the default configuration. If you're picky (like I am): I prefer wood, grooved tamp, more accurate springs (although I can replace with my own), bit more feel through the push, and a defined 'release' at max pressure. I'm also not that fond of all black (sorry Normcore, but I wish you'd settle on a different pro design that focuses more on brushed steel and rosewood (for example)).
HS
3 april 2025
Generally works well, but a little scratchier than my previous one. However, it works well and feels well constructed and solid.
Malvin Gandhi
14 februari 2025
In the world of specialty coffee, where precision meets passion, Normcore has achieved something remarkable: a tamper that combines every meaningful advancement in tamping technology at a price point that disrupts the entire market.## Engineering Excellence- Flat base design for optimal extraction uniformity- Self-leveling mechanism ensures consistent coffee beds- Spring-loaded system for precise pressure control- Interchangeable springs for customization- Anti-vacuum grooves on tamping surface- Premium materials: solid-milled steel and aluminum construction## Design Features### The Perfect BaseThe flat base isn't just a design choice—it's a scientific one. While ridged tampers might look fancy, modern coffee science confirms that a flat, even tamp produces the most consistent extractions.### Precision Mechanisms- Self-leveling technology eliminates uneven beds- Spring-loaded design removes pressure variation- Customizable spring options for personal preference- Default spring setting suitable for most users### Thoughtful Details- Ergonomic handle design- Professional-grade construction- Innovative anti-vacuum grooves- Premium fit and finish## Value PropositionAt $50, this tamper represents an unprecedented value in the specialty coffee market:- Premium features previously costing $200+- No compromises in design or construction- Professional-grade quality- Market-disrupting price point## Perfect For:- Serious home baristas- Coffee perfectionists- Specialty coffee enthusiasts- Anyone seeking consistency in their espresso preparation## Who Might Skip:- Casual coffee drinkers- Those content with basic tamping tools- Budget-conscious buyers who don't prioritize precision## The VerdictNormcore's tamper represents the pinnacle of coffee tamping technology, incorporating every meaningful advancement without the luxury markup. While its $50 price point might seem steep to casual users, it's revolutionary for those who understand that this represents less than a quarter of what comparable tools once cost. For the serious coffee enthusiast seeking the perfect tamp, this isn't just a good option—it's quite possibly the best tamper available at any price.**Build Quality: 5/5****Innovation: 5/5****Value: 5/5****Overall: 5/5***Bottom Line: If you're serious enough about coffee to be reading tamper reviews, this is the one to buy. It's simply everything a modern tamper should be, at a price point that makes premium coffee preparation more accessible than ever.*
Ariel
5 december 2024
This Normcore tamper boasts excellent build quality, as expected from the brand. The black titanium PVD coating is both visually appealing and remarkably durable. However, it does tend to attract static, requiring occasional wiping to prevent coffee grounds from clinging to the surface.While the 58mm size works for many, I found it slightly undersized for my needs. This resulted in some minor issues with excess grounds around the edges and occasional inconsistencies in the puck's center, requiring quick removal before extraction.Overall, this is a high-quality tamper, but the price point reflects its premium construction. Ensure you don't need the 58.5mm before purchasing he 58mm!Opportunity for improvement: a coating with less static cling.
Russell Phelan
8 november 2024
I had the V3, loved that, and love this one too. It's very well designed. The interchangeable springs are great for selecting different tamp pressures, and it's easy to change. It's a clever design overall, and allows you to consistently apply the same pressure every time as well as a perfectly level tamp. For repeatability, it works wonders, and if your process isn't repeatable, it's hard to dial in your espresso.I like the added non-stick surface of the tamp, it really does keep it from accruing coffee dust, and it also rappels fingerprints.It has a hefty, quality feeling in the hand. This is probably one of normcore's best products, I definitely recommend it. The tamp is critical in your espresso workflow, and it's worth spending money on getting it right. The many hundreds that can be spent on similar devices are silly: this is the right price/quality equilibrium.