Hartwick Everyday Tamper

Most machines ship with a light plastic tamper that bounces off the coffee instead of compacting it. The Everyday Tamper is the cheap, correct fix: a solid stainless steel base with real weight behind it and a smooth flat face that leaves an even bed. Technique matters more than the tool, so here is the technique — settle the grounds level first, press straight down until the bed stops compressing, and stop; extra force past that point does nothing measurable to the shot. Keep your elbow over the tamper so the base stays square to the basket. The 58 mm size fits full-size portafilters with standard clearance. No calibration springs, no exotic handle materials, nothing to break. One piece of steel, priced like it.