RSVP Terry’s Tamper for Espresso Review

There are large machining marks (see photos at the top of the page) on both sides of this tamper. They stick out so far I wasn’t able to get the tamper all the way down into the filter, so the coffee is not properly packed. I’ve seen at least a few other reviewers note this problem, so it seems to be common.

I thought I’d try to grind the machining marks down so the tamper would fit. Much to my surprise, considering the description as “heavy cast metal” this is metal cladding on some very soft (I was able to cut it with a pocket knife) metal. There is a VERY real danger here that some of this thin cladding metal is going to come off and get into your coffee grounds. I don’t know what kind of metal the cladding or the core are made of, but it isn’t stainless steel, so I strongly recommend against taking the chance on some of this getting into your coffee.

I bought this tamper Red 49mm Espresso Tamper Stainless Steel Coffee instead and am very happy with the results…and the fact that it’s stainless steel.

Amazon should seriously consider removing this item from the catalog given the health hazards associated with ingesting heavy metals.

I have looked everywhere for a tamper that would fit Saeco Aroma for a sensible price, but 53mm tampers were either too expensive or just unavailable. Although this one doesn’t fit properly, the small end of it covers about 90% of the basket. Overall, I’m happy with it. It’s a temporary solution. Tamper brand or construction is not a huge variable in the resulting quality of an espresso shot. You might at well use something out of the hardware store as long as it tamps the loose grounds well enough. This is why I am skeptical of tampers that cost 50-100 dollars. If RSVP Terry tamper fits your basket’s proportions you should consider it.