Normcore Tamper Review: My Normcore V4 Experience

In today’s Normcore tamper review I’ll be discussing one of my favorite espresso machine accessories. I’ve owned the Normcore Spring Loaded Tamper for a while now, so I’ve had plenty of time to put it through its paces. And I’ve been more than happy with how it’s performed.

This review is for those of you looking to step up from a more traditional espresso tamper. Trust me, the Normcore tamper will help you iron out the inconsistencies that have been plaguing your espresso shots. Oh, and it looks pretty darn cool into the bargain!

Awesome calibrated tamper

Normcore Spring Loaded Tamper V4

Solid, Consistent and Reliable

Solid construction

Interchangeable springs

Ergonomic design

Easy to use

Consistent results

Non-adjustable leveling plate

CHECK PRICE

Normcore Tamper Review Overview

As I’m sure you already know, a good tamper is integral to producing consistent espresso shots. Unfortunately, many home espresso machines come with flimsy plastic tampers that aren’t worth having. Then again, the Breville Barista Touch tamper is mostly plastic and it just about does the job.

While there’s a lot of debate surrounding what makes the best tamper for espresso, more and more folks are opting for calibrated tampers. Heck, the odd manufacturer is even catching on; the Ninja Luxe Cafe tamper is spring loaded, which impressed me during my review of the machine.

Enter the Normcore Spring Loaded Tamper V4, which is the manufacturer’s latest version of its beloved espresso tamper. Featuring an upgraded design, this Normcore tamper promises superb results, and in my experience it really delivers.

Seriously, this beauty offers a level of precision and consistency that’s nigh on impossible to replicate with a “traditional” tamper. What’s more, the Normcore tamper comes with interchangeable springs, so you can easily adjust the amount of pressure the thing exerts.

Featuring a cool leveling plate and a super ergonomic handle, the Normcore V4 is also built like a tank. In other words, it’ll perform day in, day out and you won’t injure your wrist in the process. Sure, you’ll have to shell out $46.99 for this espresso tool, but in my opinion that’s more than reasonable given how well it performs.

Normcore Tamper Versions

According to the company website, Normcore was founded by a bunch of young coffee enthusiasts who were determined to produce the best espresso accessories possible. In my experience, Normcore products have always been well-conceived, affordable and durable. So, I guess these young upstarts are doing it right! 

Here are the most popular options for the V4 model:

Incidentally, aside from the V4 tamper, the manufacturer also produces a pretty awesome , which is also available in several different sizes. I tested it out recently and it does a fantastic job.

Normcore V4 Tamper Features

Let’s continue this Normcore tamper review by looking more closely at this awesome espresso tool’s most notable features.

Normcore Design and Build Quality

There can be little doubt that the Normcore tamper boasts a sleek, streamlined silhouette. So, not only will this tamper perform to the highest standards, it’ll look pretty cool sitting in your kitchen!

While I find the Normcore V4 to be rather large, its ergonomic design means that it sits really nicely in my hand. Plus, weighing in at 12.7 ounces (360 grams), the Normcore tamper is pretty darn substantial.

Made from anodized aluminum and high grade stainless steel, the tamper feels very premium. I’m also a huge fan of the leveling plate, which helps maintain a completely flat surface as your tamping. I mean, anything that removes pesky variables like an uneven puck surface is fine with me!

Normcore Espresso Tamper Handle

As I mentioned above, the Normcore tamper’s ergonomic handle feels extremely comfortable as you’re using the thing. This part of the tamper is constructed from aluminum alloy, and features a matte finish.

What’s especially great about the handle is that it helps prevent repetitive stress injuries to your hand and wrist. Now, that might not be a huge concern for home baristas, but it means a lot for those working in busy commercial settings. Trust me, “barista wrist” is a real thing and it can be very painful indeed.

Normcore Tamper Spring

Thanks to the Normcore tamper spring, you’re able to tamper with the same amount of pressure each time. Again, this takes care of an important variable during puck preparation. As it happens, the Normcore V4 comes with three pre-calibrated springs.

There’s a 25-pound spring installed, and additional 15-pound and 30-pound springs in the box. Oh, and changing the springs is as easy as pie – I’ll tell you more a little later.

Normcore Tamper Base

I ended up buying the Normcore tamper with a stainless steel rippled base. And while you might think that’s just to make a pretty pattern on your espresso puck, it’s actually been designed to serve a special function.

Thanks to the rippled design, there’s less risk of a so-called “donut extraction” wherein the water plunges through the center of the puck. Rather, the ripples create “controlled channeling” to ensure an even extraction.

To be honest, I’m not sure how much difference the ripples make. However, I did notice that the ridges tend to retain some coffee grounds, which I found rather annoying. Ultimately, if I bought this tamper again I’d go for the version with a smooth base surface.

How to Use the Normcore Spring Tamper

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that using the Normcore tamper is a very straightforward affair. Of course, tamping is only one part of espresso preparation, so I’m assuming you’re weighing out your dose using a good coffee scale and grinding with the best espresso grinder you’re able to afford. Oh, and let’s not forget that using an espresso tamper mat will make your life a whole lot easier.

Before using the Normcore V4, I’d recommend distributing the coffee grounds in your portafilter with a WDT tool. This will help get rid of any clumps and “fluff up” the grounds for tamping.

Now it’s time to get tamping! Carefully place the Normcore tamper into the portafilter and press down firmly. Then, give the tamper a little twist before removing it.

Incidentally, you may have to adjust your coffee dose for the best results, seeing as the leveling plate isn’t adjustable. Still, I was able to keep my preferred dose of 16 grams when using the Normcore tamper with my Breville Barista Express portafilter.

Normcore Tamper Spring Change

I won’t give you a blow-by-blow account of all the steps involved in changing the Normcore tamper spring. Suffice to say, there aren’t many steps and performing the task is super easy.

Fortunately, the Normcore V4 comes with an Allen key, which is exactly what you’ll need to access the spring. Unfortunately, the springs aren’t marked, so you’ll have to kind of feel out which is which.

Personally, I’d recommend sticking with the 25-pound spring that’s factory-installed. However, do feel free to experiment until you find the spring that suits you best.

Normcore Tamper vs Other Tampers

As you now know, I absolutely love the Normcore V4 tamper. However, there’s stiff competition out there, so let’s take a look at a few other tampers worth considering.

Normcore vs Decent Tamper

The Decent Espresso tamper takes things to the next level. And I should really hope so – this baby starts at around $99 for the metal handle version.

To be honest, this espresso tamper is really marketed toward professional baristas. It’s only available with a 58.3mm diameter, and it employs two springs – one for pressure and the other for maintaining a level surface.

With all that said, there’s no reason why you couldn’t use the Decent tamper with your home prosumer espresso machine.

Normcore vs Force Tamper

The Force Tamper is one of the most expensive you’ll find, costing an eye-watering $199.00.

So, is all that extra cash worth the investment? Well, I haven’t actually tested the thing, but I’ve only heard positive reports. Beautiful to behold, with its slim design and elegant wooden handle, the Force Tamper features a patented inner spring design, which is adjustable and extremely wrist-friendly. What’s more, this calibrated tamper comes with a cool silicone mat and a stylish tote bag.

Normcore vs Ikape Tamper

I’ve had the pleasure of testing out the Ikape Calibrated Tamper and found it to do a perfectly good job. Plus, this baby will set you back an entirely reasonable $34.39 on Amazon.

The Ikape tamper delivers a consistent 30 pounds of pressure each time, although I wouldn’t say it’s as comfortable to hold as the other tampers I’ve discussed today. Still, if you’re a home barista, it’s unlikely this will be an issue.

Verdict: Is the Normcore Tamper Worth It?

Awesome calibrated tamper

Normcore Spring Loaded Tamper V4

Solid, Consistent and Reliable

Solid construction

Interchangeable springs

Ergonomic design

Easy to use

Consistent results

Non-adjustable leveling plate

CHECK PRICE

In my opinion, the Normcore Spring Loaded Tamper V4 is more than worth the extra money you’ll spend. Especially if you’ve just unboxed your new Gaggia Classic Pro, only to find a stupid plastic excuse for a tamper.

Believe me, your espresso game will improve markedly if you’re using a tamper that delivers consistent results every single time.

Sure, there are more sophisticated espresso tampers out there, but I see little reason to spend hundreds of dollars when the Normcore V4 is so effective.

Normcore Tamper Review FAQ

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