KM Tamper pressure-regulating 51mm suitable for Delonghi Dedica

• Always the same pressure: From 8 to 10 kilograms, the mechanism in the handle gives way noticeably, all without a scale.
• Fits snugly in your 51mm basket: Base with 50.95 mm diameter, built for the Delonghi Dedica (EC685/EC885) and other portafilters with 51mm baskets.
• Fewer tilted tamps: The tight fit in the basket guides the tamper vertically, one of the most common causes of channeling.
• Same technique for everyone at the machine: No matter who's tamping, everyone automatically presses with the same force as last time.
• Robust instead of fragile: Base made of stainless steel, handle made of aluminum, no wood that needs re-oiling.

Is a pressure-regulating tamper worthwhile?

Many manufacturers claim that precise pressure is the deciding factor between good and bad espresso. We tested this ourselves: In an experiment with 150 espressos at 10, 15 and 20 kilograms of tamping pressure, we found no statistically relevant difference in either extraction time or TDS value. Read more in the article What influence does tamping pressure have on espresso?

So pressure alone isn't the lever. What matters is that enough pressure is applied at all (we recommend at least 6 kilograms) and that it happens the same way every time. That's exactly where the KM pressure tamper helps: it takes the guesswork out, so no one at the machine suddenly starts pressing halfheartedly out of uncertainty.

For experienced baristas with practiced technique, the added benefit is small—they're already tamping consistently. It's especially worthwhile for beginners and anyone who's unsure whether they're pressing gently enough.

How does the pressure mechanism work?

If you press beyond the target range of 8 to 10 kilograms, the handle gives way noticeably. So you don't have to guess or stare at a kitchen scale—one tamp is enough and you know it's seated. The base stays at 50.95 mm, just under the standard 51mm basket diameter, so there's hardly any play between basket and tamper base.

Does the tamper fit my portafilter?

Built for 51mm portafilters, such as the Delonghi Dedica EC685 and EC885. If you use one of our portafilters for Delonghi Dedica, the KM pressure tamper fits right in. To be safe, measure the inside diameter of your basket before purchasing—51mm baskets are also found from other manufacturers.

What should you prepare before tamping?

The mechanism only regulates pressure during pressing itself. It doesn't compensate for unevenly distributed coffee or air pockets. That's why the coffee bed must be leveled first, easiest with a leveling tool like our Motta Leveler 51mm. We explain how leveling and channeling are related in the article Channeling in espresso.

KM pressure tamper or our classic 51mm tamper—what's right for me?

If you already have an even tamping technique and mainly value aesthetics, our 51mm tamper for Delonghi Dedica is a good choice. If you instead want verifiable, reproducible force, go for the KM pressure tamper.

Technical data