ECM stainless steel tamping station

#1: Post by **Derryisreal** » April 1st, 2022, 11:29 pm

Hi guys, I bought the ECM aluminum tamping station and I find the build quality rather disappointing - the top edge is very easily scratched, the unit is too light to stay steady, it is nonadjustable (no adjustment screw). Almost by chance I found out ECM makes a much better version of this station - stainless steel, much heavier and with a height regulating screw.
However, the only place I was able to find it is here:

https://idrinkcoffee.com/products/ecm-a ... ng-station

The price is quite high!

But seems like non of the US vendors carry it or are even willing to order it. So I might have to pull the triger and buy from Canada.

On another note, idrinkcoffee.com caries stainless steel ECM portafilters, these I also wasn't able to find in the US

Just thought I'd share this, in case someone is interested.

#2: Post by **Jeff** » April 2nd, 2022, 12:02 am

Even with the CAD / USD conversion, yes, that's a bit steep.

Gilberto ("Mr. Bravo") makes one similar, which I would assume is up to his usual high standards in design and execution.
https://www.bravocoffee.com.br/suporte-de-porta-filtro

I've seen various wooden ones of various (generally poor) quality.

Reaching out to cannonfodder is another option: Custom Wood for your Espresso Machine

April 2nd, 2022, 1:40 am

Thanks Jeff, these look interesting, I will check them out!

#4: Post by **BaristaBoy E61** » April 2nd, 2022, 10:30 am

If I were paying top dollar, here's where my money would go:

https://www.tidaka.net/Tamper/Tampersta ... -158.html

On the other hand, this is what is serving us quite well:

YMMV

April 2nd, 2022, 1:58 pm

Nice looking cube, but I am not a fan of aluminum, even the best kind, and it doesn't have the mass to keep steady. Anyway, I broke down and bought the ECM stainless

. Also bought the ECM stainless portafilter, since it doesn't seem to be available in the US. Now all that's left is the Puristika!

#6: Post by **slybarman** » April 2nd, 2022, 2:11 pm

I have this one and I rather like it.

https://www.espresso-international.com/ ... ncept-art/

#7: Post by **jgood** » April 2nd, 2022, 2:25 pm

What's the advantage over a tamping mat?

April 2nd, 2022, 2:40 pm

The spouts don't touch anything.

I usually use mats for bottomless portafilters, and stands for spouted portafilters.

#9: Post by **slybarman** » April 2nd, 2022, 3:27 pm

jgood wrote:What's the advantage over a tamping mat?

Not that much. I have both. It feels slightly more solid not hanging off the edge of the counter and it's slightly less in the way. If I didn't get the tamping station free, I probably would not have bought one.

#10: Post by **JB90068** » April 2nd, 2022, 5:25 pm

I have one of the SS ones and it is worth it. Just checked WLL where I got mine and Clive. Seems that they no longer carry the SS version. It's unfortunate too bad because the heavy version is solid and with the O-ring on the bottom, doesn't move around.