I bought this tamper as a birthday gift for my caffeine obsessed friend. Ordered only two weeks before his birthday, I hoped that it would arrive in time.
Robin called me on the Sunday that I placed the order to warn me it might not arrive in time, but he would do his best. It arrived on my doorstep that Thursday! Admittedly I got lucky with scheduling at the engravers, but I was kept informed the whole way.
The tamper looks great, the packaging is excellent. The price is isn't cheap, but that's what you pay for customisation and quality. Think I'll have to get one for myself...
tina leslie from VIC, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper 316 steel - Australian oak handle
Top of the range service supporting top of the range product and craft
Initial online enquiries clear and choice from range a most satisfactory experience, payment process no problems, followed by fast, clear and friendly service via email from Robin. Delivery time exacting!! Quality, aesthetics of goods on arrival faultless.
This was a present for a coffee snob and engraving of his name as 'coffee artisan 2008' on the aussie oak handle with high grade s/s tamper was received with delight and relish. Information provided in the box was read and appreciated - nice touch. First tamping was met with vocal pleasure!
Overall (with no exageration) we are both very happy with this experience - faultless! - real credit to you, well done!
Milton Root from Melbourne, Florida USA.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe-Oak Handle & Barista-Checkerboard Handle
Outstanding product and service.
When I looked at the site I noticed that the prices were only in Australian dollars and it was clear about that. I emailed about this and Greg labeled the site for Australian dollars that day.
I got one deluxe tamper and one barista tamper and the quality of the workmanship is amazing and the quality of the material is also amazing. Greg really went out of his way to make sure he understood what I wanted. The communication was outstanding. The delivery only took 5 working days to arrive here to Florida USA.
Thanks for everything Greg!!!!!!!
Markus J. from Germany.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper
The best tamper I've ever had!
I've received mine some days ago. I ordered the Barista Tamper with anodized aluminium handle (cobalt blue) and convex base. It took 10 days from order to delivery. That's fast if you notice I live in Germany.
I've had some other tampers before and I liked them so far but since I've the Pullman tamper they are left untouched on the countertop. The Barista Tamper is great. It fits perfectly with all my three baskets and I also like the convex base, the three height adjustment spacers, the well balanced top to bottom weight, the shape, the different ways of customization (color, engraving, material, ...) and last but not least the extraordinary quality it's build of - it's absolutely perfect!
I've written a lot why I like the tamper and now it's time to say what I don't like. It's simply the fact I didn't bought it earlier ;-)
Greg your reputation precedes you and to be honest you deserve it.
Make a long story short: "This is by far the best tamper I've ever had!"
Nathan from Qld, Australia.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Deluxe base - redgum handle
Super
Good work guys - The tamper couldn't be better and the service was seamless.
I would like to say that the tamper seems to be sized perfectly. The measurements I provided were taken using a $3 super cheap auto plastic vernier caliper. It's a shame that more people don't know how to actually read a vernier. If you do know how to read one, then maybe it is worth suggesting that people invest in a $3 device to measure their basket. If they don't know how to read one, then for mercy's sake, send your basket in!
Thanks heaps,
Nathan.
Theo Witteman from Qld, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper-Jarrah Handle
Fantastic
Tamper just arrived today, tried it straight away what an incredible difference between the standard sunbeam tamper and now my new Pullman the tamping ring guides are great ensureing that i have a straight tamp thus ensuring that the puck gets even water flow, the first shot i pulled tasted excellent. i will be recommending the tamper to all my friends.
Caleb from NSW, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper
Second to None!
After buying a Deluxe Tamper from a coffee shop i was so happy with it that i had to buy a second base online. the quality is fantastic, the price is very reasonable and the satisfaction is amazing! The customer service is the best i have recieved in a long time! they sorted out all my questions and problems within a matter of minutes! A coffee parts supplier that is second to none. i will be shopping again!
Ron Buschgens from Queensland Australia.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Barista Tamper
Spot on!
I found the ordering process effortless and the product reflects everything that was promised. I was also very impressed with the way it was packaged for delivery.
I guess my only small complaint would be that the top rim or lip of the double basket I purchased with the tamper doesn't entirely fit my VBM portafilter. The lip doesn't extend out quite as far as the stock VBM basket does so there ends up being a small gap between where the lip/rim ends and the portafilter. It doesn't appear to effect functionality, it just doesn't look 100%. 10/10 for the tamper, 9/10 for the basket giving 9.5 overall.
Thanks for the feedback Ron. Unfortunately the nature of any aftermarket part is that it may not be identical to the original part, especially when (as in the case of Synesso baskets) they're not designed as a replacement for a specific unit.
Mark Seiler from QLD Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Stealth Barista Tamper, Synesso Ridgeless Double Basket + Spring
Class Operation, Start To Finsh !
Thankyou Greg and Robin ! Always helpful, willing and able to provide a quality service and product. My Stealth black Barista Tamper is a work of art ! Combine that with the Synesso ridgeless basket and my shots are better then i could have ever imagined :)
Delivery time was less then 48 hrs from ordering ( legendary ! ). Good to see a world class product/service that is 100% Australian too :)
Cheers!
fran from New Jersey, U.S.A..
Overall Score: 10/10
deluxe tamper with checkerboard handle
Great
To start Robin was real helpful and nice in helping me with a few email questions. I just received the tamper and can't wait to give it to my husband. It is well made and looks beautiful. Received the item exactly on time. Thanks!!!!!
Kat from SA.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Red gum handle
Beautiful!
Thanks Greg, appreciated your prompt delivery and I really like my tamper, I love the look of the red gum handle, suits our country atmosphere :)
I'm enjoying the whole new experience of making my own coffee and the tamper has made it all the easier.
Kat'
Edwin de Graaf from The Netherlands.
Overall Score: 9/10
Deluxe Tamper, Synesso basket
Great job
The entire process went very smooth, and the tamper and basket arrived quicker than I had expected since it had such a long way to go. It arrived within 7 days in The Netherlands.
Ordering was easy and problem free.
Packaging was well done in a nice looking box.
The tamper looks really good, and feels nice. Initially I thought it might be too tight in the basket, but after using it a few times I feel it works well.
All in all I am very satisfied.
Jon Newson from Victoria, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Red Gum handle, synesso double ridgeless basket
Can't find fault
As I write this, investment banks are failing, share prices are falling and there is much "concern about the markets" (whatever that means, I don't have a problem with the place I buy my vegies from). After all the hot air about failed theories, there is some reassuring, real-world, practical certainty about a guy who actually makes something, and takes pride in it. A real thing that does what its maker says it should do.
I sound like I'm waffling more than some overpaid huffy talkback radio host, but the reason is I had four double espressos this morning in the 20 that my new tamper helped to make.
Cheers,
Jon
Garth from Tasmania.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Jarrah handle
Excellent tamper, none better.
Excellent service and excellent tamper - my coffee has never been better.
Carolyn from NSW, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper, Malabar Gold Anodised Handle
Perfect fit, lustrous, great balance
Pullman Tampers know exactly what they're on about when it comes to these beauties. My Barista Tamper with Malabar (Gold) Anodised Handle has perfect ultra-fine tolerances, customised to suit my Vibiemme Super Lever's unique double basket. Yes, it was worth 'making do' while I eagerly awaited this piece of perfection to be crafted.
It's lustrous, a beautiful work of art, precise, tough, solid, clearly of master-craftsmanship, and displays superb quality in materials, design, manufacture, and packaging.
My custom-fit Barista tamper gives me smooth clean sides down the basket for every tamp. No tap. No puck integrity doubts. No technique modifications to suit a tamper's inadequacies. Just cleaner, better espresso. Isn't that what it's all about?
If you're passionate about coffee, get passionate about these.
Kevin from Victoria, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper/Synesso Basket
An excellent experience - customer service at its best!
These guys are friendly, thorough and communicative. Most other internet vendors could learn a thing a two from them!
I was one of Greg's first customers (the very first in fact - welcome back! - Greg) - and am pleased that I went back to him for my new tamper to go with my new LaScala. The tamper, coupled with the Synesso baskets - and I am set!
Michael Young from WA, Australia.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Deluxe Tamper - Jarrah handle
Every bit as good as expected!
I had heard great things about Pullman tampers, so I ordered one when I bought my new espresso machine. The service and product certainly lived up to the reputation! I got excellent advice in choosing the products that I needed, great communication regarding order status, and delivery was nice and quick.
The product itself is absolutely fantastic - looks great, performs well and very easy to use. It has definitely made a difference in the speed and consistency of my tamping, and I can tell from the quality of the product that it will last forever.
Thanks!
Matt Ridley from NSW.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper - Jarrah handle, custom engraving
Words are not enough
A lot has already been said about the quality of both the service and product produced by Greg Pullman. But a few things cannot be adequately conveyed in words alone. The feeling of using a tamper that actually fits your hand, whatever size your hand is, needs to be experienced to really be appreciated. The weight, balance and surface texture, the over-all control that is possible with this tamper, is something only actual use will confirm. My expectations were high with this tamper, given the hype leading up to its release, so opportunity for disappointment was also high. But this tamper has exceeded expectations and, really, is quite a marvellous piece of design.
Having owned and loved the Deluxe, I didn't quite know what to expect with the Barista. But this tamper has confounded the usual cardinal sin of designers, namely, the design of something by people who don't use it. The Barista tamper was designed by someone who has an intimate working relationship with the object of their design. Of course, the Deluxe benefitted from the same relationship, it's just that this relationship has now matured. The Barista is sufficiently different from the Deluxe, however, that both offer something unique that will appeal to different needs.
The Barista is lighter, for a start. I thought at first that this might be a negative, but it has made the Barista so flexible, so maneuverable, so 'right' in the hand, that it really does feel like an extension of your hand. I can change the way I hold it and it will change the way it adapts to my hand. The tactile sense is very direct and very 'warm' - it's simply a pleasure to use it. I almost wish it could do more than just tamp coffee!
But the same needs to be said for the service. This company is run by people who know what it's like to order stuff from the net. They understand the process, and they understand the customer. They know, for instance, that the single most important aspect of this sort of relationship is communication, and they do it conscientiously and sincerely. It makes all the difference. If there's a problem, they don't just fix it, they let you know about it and respect your feedback. They are, in short, the kind of guys you just want to do business with, whatever they're selling, because you know it will be a good experience and you are dealing with honest people who believe absolutely in their product and their customers. They belong to that rare category of on-line sellers who really deserve your custom and deserve to do well. And they own the product.
Do I sound positive enough? I just can't speak to highly about this tamper or Greg and Robin's business. They belong at the very top of the tree, and I have a lot of experience of on-line businesses over many years.
So, if you've bothered to read this far and are still in the market for a coffee tamper, look no further. The price maches the quality of the product and the service, and you will be using it many, many years after you have forgotten all about how you got it in the first place, or how much you paid for it.
Oh, and ah, it's an extremely beautiful object...
Jack Czislowski from Australia.
Overall Score: 5/10
Deluxe - wenge - flat base
a lot of work
It is difficult to rate what may prove to be a very satisfying, excellent product against the hindrance of ordering it. My inbox shows 9 emails concerning this single business transaction. That is ridiculous! I do a lot of internet business and this has proven a frustrating one. I would just like to order, provide details and click 'purchase'; without further intervention to complete the transaction. Freight fee is way-too-expensive.
Jack: Sorry to hear of your ordering frustrations. We do provide instructions on how to complete an order with PayPal which ensure the 'order-details-purchase' experience you're accustomed to, and they seem to work for most of our customers. It's unfortunate these were overlooked as they would have ensured your order went through the first time. We do however like every transaction to be as smooth as possible to prevent the inconveniences you've experienced, so we'll try to make those instructions even clearer to prevent any confusion in future. Thanks for the feedback! Greg.
Follow-up:
Hi Greg and Robin,
Thank you for the reply. I'm sure Robin will joke about an 'email No. 11' gag.
I do wish to congratulate yourself and Robin in answering my somewhat negative feedback about the difficulties in ordering your beautiful tamper. Many companies take negative feedback negatively. I guess there is something in tapping into the psychology of the average customer - who really just
wants a simple transaction. I am really looking forward to using the famous Pullman Tamper, both as a tool and a work of art.
Cheers,
Jack Czislowski.
p.s. feel free to use this as a testimonial for excellent customer service
Michael Porter from Victoria, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper flat with Jarrah handle, Synesso ridgeless basket + spring
Superior Product, Exceptional Service
From end to end the experience and ultimately product has been above my expectations - normally you either get one or the other eg service or quality - PULLMAN SUCCEEDS IN BOTH !!
My Experience:
Machine - Rancilio Silvia
Solution - I called and spoke with a gentleman from Pullman who suggested the correct basket, spring, base and handle. And emailed me which product/code to order on their website
Order - This was to easy. I plced the order, received a confirmation number and regular updates via email on the progress of my order.
Delivery - I received the order in about 6 Business days. The product was packaged extremly well.
Outcome - I used the Tamper/Puck and have been blown away in regards to the difference a top qulaity Tamper/Puck has made. The crema is better, coffee is smooth and full bodied, and quicker to make due to the Tamper/Puck fitting correctly with grooves to assist in getting a consistent coffee everytime.
Conclusion:
I would recommend a Pullman Tamper/Puck to anyone looking to get the most out of their machine Think of it like this, when you buy a quality car you wouldn't put low quality fuel in the tank (coffee) or fit inferior tyres (Tamper) as the combination of high quality fuel and quality tyres ensures the overall experience is second to none - In this case MAGNIFICENT COFFEE!!
Thanks again
Michael Porter
Geraldine from WA, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista tamper, oil handle, black insert with synesso basket
Hassle free, excellent product
The whole process is hassle free. This is my second Pullman tamper, I also have a deluxe tamper (which I had the base altered when I bought my Expobar Minore II). This time I opted to get a synesso basket, rather than send in mine for measuring.
The website itself, is very easy to use compared to many others online (and I have bought a thing or two online in my time). All questions were responded to in a timely manner, and very respectfully.
My tamper arrived well packaged, and is a work of art. I just use it at home, but both myself and my partner find the Barista suits us well. It handles so much better than the Deluxe.
Overall, I recommend either Pullman tamper to someone considering such a purchase.
Kane Blaber from Queensland Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper - grape and white inlet handle
I am still smiling!!!! Its just amazing!!!
I had a huge speel written here that i re-wrote about three times, but i think saying this is more approprite.
I have never had such excellent service in my entire life! Being able to talk directly to the man who created the tamper, having all my qestions answered by Greg through continual email contact, to have Greg go out of his way to get me the tamper I wanted, without me even prompting for this action, to having the product within the set time frame, the only thing that slowed the sale down was me! Yes thats right the customer made the mistake! All in all, even if the tamper wasnt right for me, I was still going to be happy to have it but now that i have it........
I wanted to write this after a full day's use with the tamper. We did 10-12 kilos of coffee today, in two solid blocks, it was mental. And I couldnt stop smiling. I was so impressed by the tamper,it just fits so nicely in the hand, not once did it feel uncomfortable to use. The weight is PERFECT. The ballance is impresive, and the results from the shots? Excellent.
Except for the shots i burnt, they were my fault all the way, there were notes on the palate that i wasnt able to get before, there were aromas on the nose that were more prominent now, I am in love!!! Also i have to say one thing, the photos do NOT do this tamper justice, it is far more apealing in real life, it just looks sexier (if a tamper can look sexy), I am just happy, and i am still smiling, i am eager to go back to work on monday because i know i will be able to use it again!!!
Once again, thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou.
Kane
Naked coffee, Brisbane
Jim Forsyth from QLD Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper,synesso baskets
Excellent service
Extremely satisfied with your srvice and product.I think my coffee making has already improved as the tamper is far superior to the plastic one I was using before. Everything went through without a hitch and I don't know how it could be improved
Thank you
Martin Barker from Vic Aus.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper Burgundy Red
Great product
The Barista Tamper works fantastic, its precision machined and the andodizing is second to none.
Seamus from QLD, Australia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista, Anodised Aluminium Handle
Fantastic Service and Brilliant Product
Greg and Robin
I just wanted to say thanks for the quick delivery of my Barista Tamper. The quick delivery was particularly important as I was travelling but needed it for the weekend just past so needed to coord the delivery with my location, which I was able to do thanks to your accurate delivery time estimate.
This was the third Pullman tamper that I've ordered, (I think the first was almost 5 years ago now) and I made the decision to order again as I am making the transition to a commercial environment.
I have always been super happy with the Deluxe at home but I was worried that it might not stand up to being dropped on concrete floors. After making 400+ coffees on Sunday (and the tamper being dropped a few times), I feel the decision to get the Barista is completely vindicated. The fit to the synesso baskets is phenomenal and the tamper itself was almost completely transparent giving me the chance to focus on dose and distribution with new equipment and at a pace significantly higher than I was used to in my kitchen. The design itself is fantastic, I have no blisters or sore spots and I've had those before from pulling 1/10 as many shots with a lesser tamper.
The only problem now is that my Deluxe may get relegated to the drawer at home....
Thanks again
Seamus
Peter from Australia.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Deluxe tamper - Jarrah handle
Made buying easy
Definitely makes tamping more consistent. It also looks good on the bench. Workmanship is perfect and the service & communication was a pleasure due to good advice and easy access to ask questions. The website was easy to navigate and I can confidently recommend this company as an excellent and safe company to deal with over the internet.
They are a work of art and a useful tool to a budding barista.
Thanks
Peter aka Stan (Coffeesnobs)
Max Woolf from WA.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Deluxe Tamper - Jarrah handle
A positive experience
My initial inquiries were handled promptly and I followed the suggestion to get a Synesso basket and new spring to hold the ridgeless replacement. Delivery, communications and equipment were all excellent.
Chris.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper
Great product, great service!
Robin assisted me in purchasing this quality tamper. On a Sunday afternoon he responded to my questions! Assisting me with exactly what i needed.
The perfectly crafted tamper arrived at the end of the week - and after 2 weeks of using it, I can honestly say I'm getting much better results and consistency with my extractions. The Silvia is performing much better, and I'm making the best espresso's since owning it.
Matt Perger from NSW, Australia.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Barista Tamper - Jarrah handle
Precision, quality, excellence
The waiting period for the "quality control issues" was long but worth it.
Extremely well made, stainless steel will last forever, precision lathing fits perfectly in the baskets.
Handle is great size, shape and the spacers are a fantastic idea well executed.
All over, an absolutely stunning tamp that is worth every penny!
John Uren from Victoria.
Overall Score: 10/10
Barista Tamper - Oil handle with custom engraving
Nothing comes close
Hi Greg,
We were both very pleased with the tamper, the packaging, and instructions. It was good to see "100% Australian Made" loud and clear on the side of the box. This should be a good selling point both here and overseas.
The tamper has worked perfectly as expected from past experience. It is amazing to see the number of refinements that can be made to such a simple tool. I think it probably suits my wifes smaller hands better (than the Deluxe tamper we already own). I think you have perfected the design.
As I previously mentioned, the service was sensational.
I hope you sell thousands, become rich, and can manage to keep your production 100% Australian. Good luck.
Gordon Burns from NSW.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Deluxe Tamper - Checkerboard handle
More than just a tamper!
My whole experience with buying a Pullman tamper was almost entirely positive. I was initially put off with the surcharge for credit card payments and therefore paid by cheque which caused a slight delay, but it was not exactly an urgent purchase. I had chosen not to send in a basket for sizing since I have a pretty standard ECM Giotto machine. It turned out that the Giotto basket is not so standard after all and it took an extended email correspondence with Robin Greeney, the Production Supervisor, to determine the precise size of my baskets (their tolerance is 0.05mm). I found Robin to be extremely helpful and professional, and also a great enthusiast both for the product and all things coffee (we even got to discussing grinders).
The tamper arrived safely boxed and padded, although the delivery driver simply dropped a card into my box rather than pushing the buzzer, meaning that I had to collect it from the post office. Upon opening, the tamper looked exactly as advertised. The first thing that struck me was the weight: after my plastic tamper it felt really heavy, but the balance is such that in usage it no longer feels heavy but solid. It fitted the basket like a glove and is a pleasure to use.
However, since it is hard to justify paying such money simply for a tamper I must add that this is not simply a tamper but a beautiful piece of engineering art that is lovely to look at and to hold. It will add to the pleasure of making a fine expresso.
Geoff McCallum from NSW.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Red Gum Flare handle
Perfect service, perfect results
The whole process of ordering and purchase was a pleasure. The tamper was ordered on June 9 and arrived June 18. I have only pulled a couple of shots today and they were both perfect from my Miss Silvia.
The tamper looks so good I feel it needs a little display/storage stand to show it off.
Stuart Barter from WA.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Red Gum handle
Best buying experience I ever had!
This has been the best buying experience that I have ever had, from the initial enquiry through to the final product! Questions were answered within 24 hours, the website was easy to follow with excellent reference information, delivery was the quickest I've experienced, quality of the product was second to none and fit the baskets of my new coffee machine (lelit combi) perfectly.
I would purchase from this person again but unfortunately, I don't think i'll ever have to buy another tamper again, unless i get a new machine. Having someone to deal with in the same state, was excellent also. Thankyou Robin for making this purchase the best i could ask for.
Arek Daniel from NSW.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Australian Oak handle
Fantastic experience
Very informative site. Great info, especially regarding sizing of tamper. Easy ordering. Excellent delivery time for custom made product. Great to see it packaged in cardboard - environmentally friendly! bonus points for this guys!
The quality and aesthetics of the tamper are beyond my expectations. Absolutely beautiful! Made huge difference to my shots' taste & consistency wise. Overall fantastic experience could not have been better. Will definitely recommend to others. Thank you.
Richard from Hong Kong.
Overall Score: 10/10
Deluxe Tamper - Australian Oak with Synesso baskets
Great job!
Guys just wanted to let you know that I received my tamper (from Oz to Hong Kong) last week, 5 days earlier than expected.
After a week of use, I love it. It gives me joy every morning - which given the state I'm in before I've had my coffee is a Good Thing. It's beautifully made and fits perfectly. Pre-sales service and communication was excellent, I will definitely be recommending you to friends.
I finally chose one of yours because:
- it was Australian (as am I);
- I like beautiful things;
- I like good steel (this one's just downright strange but I work in the
power industry!)
- I like the idea that some guy cares enough about tampers to have
bought lathe to make them;
- Good reviews on CoffeeGeek/CoffeeSnobs.com.au.
Cheers,
Richard
Overall score out of 10: /10
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What are the most important factors to you when choosing a tamper (rate in order 1=lowest to 5=highest)?
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We realise you had a choice; why did you ultimately choose a Pullman Tamper?
