This is apparently a calibrated tamper. Calibrated to what, I can't tell you – as the blurb doesn't give this away – but I suspect that this is one of the calibrated tampers which isn't really calibrated. Smaller sizes like 53 mm and 51 mm are also VERY common, especially, with cheaper models from companies such as Breville and Delonghi. The most important things about tamping, are a level surface, and consistency. So just tamping in a way that you're able to do consistently each time, just applying pressure until you can tell that the tamper has stopped compressing the grounds, while ensuring that the tamper is completely level, is fine.

It could, in theory, and I know some folk think that it does make a difference – I've not actually been able to tell if it does or not, and I've not done enough specific research into this as yet to tell you whether using two tools is better than one.

But, I'll take a deep breath, and very calmly state that “tamper” is the noun, the thing that you tamp with. What I'd suggest, is that you focus the upgradeitis on the areas of greatest return for the smallest investment, which would be the coffee, the grinder & the tamper. What you'll find is that you just can't get a proper grip on these plastic scoop tamper things, which doesn't make them at all conducive to a level tamp. These are height adjustable which simply means that you can remove the silver ring to make the handle slightly shorter. It weighs 354g, and it seems like quite a lot of tamper for the money.

But anyway – if you buy the Bambino or any espresso machine which comes with a plastic tamper, I'd highly recommend buying a proper tamper (and you'll need a 53mm tamper for the Bambino). If you're constantly changing tamping pressure (because you're using a daft plastic scoopy tamper thing, or a fish, which would probably work just as well) you'll never fully appreciate the impact of the changes you're making. An uneven and sloppily tamped filter will have less dense regions. What many non-professional baristas don’t realize is that this creates a phenomenon known as channeling.

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If you're already grinding your own, but you're using a grinder that belongs in the same chocolate teapot category as the plastic scoop tamper, improving your coffee grinder is often the best way to improve results. Calibrated tampers are perfect for beginner baristas or pros who want to be 100% sure they applied the correct pressure. This video explains calibrated tampers in depth. 3. Are espresso tampers the same size? You can have the best grinder and the best coffee machine but unless you're using great coffee, you won't get great espresso. I really like Sage Sage coffee machines and one of the great things about them, apart from the fact that they're usually really clever machines and punch way above their weight in terms of value for money, is that they usually come with proper tampers. Is the tamper calibrated? Some are, and some are not. What this term entails is that there is a slight gap between the handle and head of a tamper. The appropriate amount of pressure closes the gap. This is super-helpful for new baristas because it indicates precisely the right touch with the portafilter and tamper.