I do not usually watch this sort of thing, but seeing as how it only had 8k views in a year I thought either he is a plonker or the YT channel is not monetised…….so I watched it. He explains things IMHO quite well so anyone who wants a bit of theory on tamping, have a look!
Video on tamping
dfk41 - let the tamper eliminate all the variables for you. Buy a self-levelling same pressure tamper like the Bravo. You won’t look back.
I don’t look back now matey! To sum up his video, pressure is irrelevant, an even level tamp is important…….don’t need a Bravo for that!
capuchin Any tips on a good tamper to get guys, or is the standard sage one fine?
One that fits reasonably well, not too tight, and that you enjoy using. I’ve had my reg barber US curve almost 18 years…I just like it.
dfk41 don’t need a Bravo for that!
😊 - I thought the same. And then I got a self-levelling tamper. just saying. 😉👍
Normcore sell a level tamper, its basically the decent tamper but for £125 less
Id recommend that to help level tamp.
I use a force tamp as it gives repeatability and is wife friendly
Decent De1pro v1.45 - Lagom P64 - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -
I agree that a self levelling tamper is worthwhile - you may not realise that your tamping is not level. One less variable to think about which definitely improves consistency.
I bought directly from Gilberto in Brazil, who makes the Bravo tamper. £105 delivered. It goes for $220 + tax in the US from a retailer!

- Edited
LMSC mine is 58.5mm. I believe he also does a 54.7mm. You can have chat with him - may be able customise.
I was not charged VAT even though it should be included. No customs duty as under £135. His prices may have changed since.
I reached out to Gilberto on Instagram: gilberto939
His email address: bodnariuc@msn.com
Website: https://www.bravocoffee.com.br/
I spy the Minima in black with a stainless drip tray. I’m getting very close to pulling the trigger on this but haven’t seen a proper photo of what it looks like with the stainless tray. Would you mind taking some pics of the machine please - sorry to ask, but would like to see how it looks before making a purchase.
Just out of interest was a black drip tray an option at all? All the photos online show ut with a black driptray.
Thanks
Norm core do 4 sizes on Amazon

Decent De1pro v1.45 - Lagom P64 - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -
+1 for the Bravo Tamper (or any similar style). Anything that reduces or removes human error is a winner in my eyes
Niche Zero
Niche Zero
dutchy101 no problem at all, I have some pictures already.
The black and stainless drip tray were initially both included by BlackCatCoffee - I believe the consensus was that the stainless drip tray looks better so I’m not sure if the black is available anymore. If you like the look of it, maybe it can be requested for ACS to send in the next batch? Depending on where you are buying from.
With black drip tray:

With stainless drip tray:

Different angle with Niche upgrade:

HVL87 |I actually think it looks better in black (with black or stainless tray) or white.
HVL87 Of course the best of all is your bright blue Minima. Really…eye catching 😄
I actually got used to the blue…..😆
