Bravo Tamper vs Force Tamper - what's more foolproof?

#1: Post by **jbrady3324** » February 5th, 2021, 2:07 pm

I am leaning towards the Bravo Tamper but I am having difficulties pulling the trigger as the Force Tamper is very intriguing especially for my wife who knows little to knowing about tamping.

On paper, it sounds like the Force Tamper is better. Are there downsides I am missing?

February 5th, 2021, 2:19 pm

I have used both and have a Bravo which I think is better. Lots of recent discussion on this at the Decent diaspora and recent testing shows Bravo is better. YMMV.

#3: Post by **mdreuben** » February 5th, 2021, 4:19 pm

Owning both, I prefer the weight and solid feel I get from the Bravo, but then again I'm trained and experienced in what to feel for. For your wife though, I think that the Force would be better as there's never a question that her coffee will be properly tamped. I rather doubt that most people could tell the difference in the cup when making espresso, and most likely not at all if it's a drink with milk.

February 6th, 2021, 11:28 am

So The Force provides an idiot proof method of tamping?

#5: Post by **Jeff** » February 6th, 2021, 11:59 am

If you fail to hold it down, there are threads here about uneven tamping with The Force. Either should provide good results with minimal training. I have a preference for the Bravo, but The Force's impact-punch design makes it more interesting for those with finger, hand, or arm dexterity or strength challenges.

#6: Post by **Thermosiphon** » February 7th, 2021, 4:13 pm

I have owned the original Bravo Tamper v1 and also ordered and used the newer/currentish model to work with the non standard basket sizes on the Dalla Corte Mina.

Both Bravo Tampers are flawless in construction and basically idiot proof. The new ones are much lighter, but that's the only difference.

I haven't used a Force tamper, but the Bravo is the original tamper that guarantees a level tamp and is built like a tank.

I would recommend a Bravo to anyone... if you're gonna spend $1000k+ on a grinder, spending $150 to make sure all your baskets are prepared neatly and identically is a bargain.

Last time I ordered the Bravo tamper it still wasn't in any US online retailers and was about $150 shipped to my door. Not sure if you can still order from Gilberto directly but it'll probably be less expensive than the Force tamper if you get it direct from him.

#7: Post by **jevenator** » February 7th, 2021, 5:17 pm

Thermosiphon wrote:Last time I ordered the Bravo tamper it still wasn't in any US online retailers and was about $150 shipped to my door. Not sure if you can still order from Gilberto directly but it'll probably be less expensive than the Force tamper if you get it direct from him.

You can't order from him directly anymore if you are in the US. WHL only. At least for me he shot it down right away.

#8: Post by **Thermosiphon** » February 7th, 2021, 8:07 pm

Oh well. I'm still glad for him... his product has deserved more attention and better distribution for a while now.

#9: Post by **BaristaBob** » February 8th, 2021, 11:49 am

I'm been a Force Tamper user for the past two years. Been through many tampers over the years, and every so often I return to some of my 'old' favorites...but soon after...it's back to the Force! Consistent, level compaction is my goal...all the way to the edge of my VST baskets.

Must add...I've never used the Bravo.

February 8th, 2021, 10:58 pm

Foolproof, a Swift Mini grinder. It grinds, doses, and tamps all in the grinder. Just put in the portafilter, push-button.

La Marzocco Swift Mini Review