Tamper Suggestions?

[Tink]

I think I have decided to purchase an Elektra Microcasa Leva. I could use some suggestions on what tamper to purchase. I would like to order the tamper with the espresso machine to save in shipping, but there are not many tampers that will fit the Elektra.

Any other suggestions on favorite pitcher, cups, cleaner, brush?

Thanks

[samgiles]

I use the Elektra MCAL baskets in my Pavoni and they measure a little over 49mm. Some people use a standard 49mm tamper and are quite happy with that. I, however, found the excess grinds that stick to the insides of the basket after tamping to be a nuisance. I sent a basket off and had a tamper made to fit more snuggly. If you decide to do that, there are a number of manufacturers who offer the service. Mine is a Pullman but I know Reg Barber and Thor can do it. I'm sure there are others. Hope this helps. The Elektra is a beautiful machine. I'm envious.

[zin1953]

Any other suggestions on favorite pitcher, cups, cleaner, brush?

Heidi,

I'm sure we all have our favorites, and it's a personal thing. I have a 58mm tamper from Bumper (along with their tamper stand, rest and knockbox), but they don't make a 49mm tamper. But I did need (and get) a 49mm tamper from my Olympia; mine can be found here.

As far as cleaner and brushes are concerned, I use JoeGlo and a Pallo brush -- check here.

Cups are very personal . . . I love my Frabosk double-walled, stainless steel Italian cups -- for me, they keep the drinks hot (but not too hot), and I don't "taste" the stainless. OTOH, I love the idea of Elektra-logo cups (and several people here swear by them), as well as cups by Nuova Point and other manufacturers . . .

Congrats on the machine, and let us know what accessories you pick.

Cheers,
Jason

[Bushrod]

Chris Coffee has the 49mm Coffeelab Design tamper. I really want one!

[CafSuperCharged]

I think I have decided to purchase an Elektra Micro Casa Leva.

Personally, I have two favorites: Reg Barber and Greg Pullman (http://www.coffeetamper.com.au/).
See if you can send you basket to them and they can fit the tamper base to the specific basket.
You may actually try to get one or two extra baskets (not very expensive, I guess) with the machine and have the tamper made to fit the smallest of them (they generally vary considerably).
To illustrate this point, Pullman sells Synesso baskets that are hand size picked from a batch and then a tamper is made for them.

Any other suggestions on favorite pitcher, cups, cleaner, brush?

Brush: Pällo. (period)

Regards
Peter
Netherlands
Europe

[BobS]

I'll second Peter's recommendations. I have a Pullman tamper with Synesso basket and it's a wonderful
combination. Sending Greg a basket to have a tamper turned is worth the time and money.

And on the Pallo brush - most definitely.

Bob

[CafSuperCharged]

In addition to my earlier post:

- brush - I have a dedicated brush to wipe the basket out after the knock in the box
- knockbox - my coffee setup is on a cheap IKEA stainless steel trolley with a drawer that holds accessories, tools, and knockbox and because it is out of sight I bought the largest, cheapest I could find that fits the height of the drawer
- cleaner - you have to ask piston-spring-lever experts why/how/frequency; as there is no pressure relief like in an E/61 there is no backflush that might suck grinds into the group
- cups - my favorites were 1) a tall, narrow, posh classical decor demitasse with lid and matching saucer (unknown brand, I was unable to "acquire" them); 2) Intelligentsia Black Cat version; 3) simple Italian model from the Sienna/Tuscany/Italy region with a decor inspired by Siena's Piazza del Campo (facades around the cup, paving on the saucer)

Peter
NL/EU

[zin1953]

- cleaner - you have to ask piston-spring-lever experts why/how/frequency; as there is no pressure relief like in an E/61 there is no backflush that might suck grinds into the group.

Quite right, Peter -- I wasn't thinking about the type of machine that Heidi was getting . . .

That said, the JoeGlo will go great for cleaning the portafilters and baskets.

Cheers,
Jason

[narc]

I've been happy using a RegBarber 49mm stainless steel base tamper. The Elektra Micro Casa a Leva basket do have a very slight taper. 49mm is a bit loose at the top of the basket, but by the time the coffee is tamped to a "proper" headspace the 49mm is fine. Found the Elektra to be a bit picky regarding the space between the dispersion screen and the coffee.

[r-gordon-7]

This e-bay seller of tampers really does quite nice work for a very reasonable price in custom sizes down to 49mm - w/choice of convex or flat bottom & long or short handle. His tampers have an aluminum handle/body w/stainless steel base. I bought one of his long handled flat bottom tampers in 51mm for my Gaggia Factory and am very pleased with it. Nice fit & finish - good heft, balance & feel.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Long-Handle-E...rdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have no connection with this vendor - just took a chance on ordering and am quite pleased...

[caeffe]

I'll second r-gordon's observation. I too took a chance and bought one his tampers. I bought prior to him selling the longer handles and ss bases. For my europiccola, I ordered the flat base - mainly since the screen is dispersion screen is flat and thought that a flat base would be best. With 10/11 g in the basket - the top of the tamper base ends up level with the basket.