The Pullman Tamper

Testimonials

If you're thinking about buying a tamper, but you're not sure if the tamper will be as good as what you want, or comparable to what the photos show, then read on! The experiences of others are an ideal way to gauge your own potential satisfaction with a product, especially when you can't physically inspect it before purchase. The comments below, both positive and negative, have been received from a number of those who have already bought tampers through this site, and provide an independent insight into the whole process from a user's point of view - not only the worth of the product, but the overall experience of buying and using the product. The score out of 10 is allocated by the person who submitted the comments as an overall satisfaction level relating to everything they experienced in buying and using the tamper, and provides an 'at-a-glance' indication of the nature of the comments.

All responses have been submitted by the persons indicated, many of whom have generously agreed to provide an e-mail link so you can contact them independently to verify their comments (click on their name and delete the _NOSPAM_REMOVE_ from their address - this has been done to prevent spam engines capturing these addresses).

If you want further opinions, you might like to check out these threads on popular coffee web forums which, among other products, discuss the Pullman Tampers:

Blogspot:

The Pullman Barista - Ian Callahan

Coffeesnobs.com.au:

Coffeegeek.com:

"It's false economy for any coffee connoisseur not to use a decent tamper.
I wish I'd stumbled over your web-site many bags of coffee earlier."
(feedback from a new tamper owner)

More testimonials can be viewed in our online store

Jesse Malone - VIC - Deluxe Tamper with 316 base: Preliminary inquiries were a pleasant and informative experience. I made the mistake of not mentioning the grade of steel that I wanted. This resulted in my not being aware that extra time would be required to fill the order. I was informed of this delay immediately my order was lodged.

The only criticism I have of the ordering/payment process is the restriction on credit card usage - because I was able to use "Netbank" transfer of funds to your bank account was easy. If I did not have access to that facility I would have been seriously inconvenienced. Documentation of my payment was prompt.
Jesse: credit card facilities are available and this is offered in checkout. The only 'restriction' is that it's through a third party payment gateway, but this in no way restricts our ability to accept credit card payments, nor a client's ability to choose that option. - Greg
I was advised that it would take 10 working days to prepare and deliver the tamper in fact it was a lot quicker than 10 working days and in that regard I would say your performance was exemplary. I have no complaints about the quality of the tamper and I am very happy about my choice of wood (wenge). Aesthetically I am not all that happy about the engraved logo which appears crude compared with the word Pullman which accompanies the logo.
Jesse: as subsequently discussed, different types of wood engrave differently and the stripes in Wenge are harder than the wood in between. This means some areas are burnt deeper by the laser resulting in engraving of varying depths, but this is in no way a flaw in the wood or in the engraving process. -Greg

I am still learning the proper usage of the tamper but the ease of use is appreciated and the level markings are a boon. It feels good as well. Tthe level of service experienced was ecellent for the whole process: many thanks
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Ron Goodwin - WA - Deluxe Tamper for ECM Giotto: Initially i was a little put off by the fact that I couldn't pay directly by credit card and the FAQ didn't make any method sound better. Direct Deposit proved to be the most painless, especially using the order number as a reference.
Ron - I'll revise the wording on the FAQ page to try to correct this. Thanks - Greg
Being in WA I tend to settle back and wait 2 weeks, but was impressed by the timescale in fulfilling my order, considering they are individually made. The next impressive part was shipment which arrived the following morning - better than any courier service I have had to deal with. The most impressive part is using the tamper. The weight, rings and polished finish all contribute to a superior tamp. The tamper exhibits all the hallmarks of being crafted with a high degree of skill and dedication in creating a superior product. Although i can't vouch for any change in the coffee taste, I can say that it has produced a more consistent pour, which removes another variable.
Overall Score: 9/10
Flavio Spedalieri - NSW - Deluxe Tamper with 316 base for ECM Giotto: I first came to know about the Pullman Tamper while researching other (tamper) products available.
Ordering and payment was very simple and very smooth.. the hardest part is to decide on which handle / wood type. Communication was excellent, with email updates at each point confirming the status of the order. As each unit is made to measure, around a week to two weeks is expected while the base is machined. Once completed, another email was sent confirming completion of tamper and that it was being mailed out - it arrived the very next day.

The quality of workmanship is excellent - it is a beautiful piece of art in itself - you have to actually have one in the hand to see this quality. The tamper has weight - literally this is a heavy tamper - which i feel is excellent. On using the tamper? Being used to the action of; fill the basket, tamp, tap tamp (full force) and twist to polish, the first time you begin to use the tamp you think why you would want to mark that beautiful wooden handle? But, then here is the difference which I was very impressed with; having a custom fit tamper, no longer do you have grinds up the sides where you then have to 'knock' back in the tapping step. Basically - get use to tamp and finish with a twist to polish - this is how good this tamper is. The surface of the puck of coffee is left perfectly level and polished.

For those thinking on price.. yes they are an expensive product - and in fact I purchased the 316 stainless steel base (the most expensive), but for me, I look for high quality and workmanship first.. price comes second. For the price you pay, I can see the workmanship and time that has gone into developing this product - it's a tool, and treated with care, this is going to last several lifetimes for which you can also pass down to your children.

overall, a highly recommended product, exceptional service and support.
Overall Score: 10/10
Not Supplied - VIC - Deluxe tamper for ECM Giotto: I was very pleased with the whole experience. All my enquiries were promptly answered, I was kept informed of the status of my order and the delivery was as promised. I am very satisfied with the tamper in both appearance and functionality.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Erik - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Sunbeam EM6910: Overall this has been a great experience. For a (too) long time I thought my old plastic tamper was doing the job just fine, but finally decided to order one as it would make a great souvenir of my time in Australia, as it was really here that I started to appreciate the pleasure of making and drinking great coffee.

Now I regret not making this step much earlier! What a great product and worth every dollar! I had a quick look at what other tampers were out there, but it was immediately clear that a Pullman tamper was the way to go. I greatly appreciated the detailed and honest info on the website which was very helpful in deciding on the type of wood and base to choose, and what to do with the basket (sending it in, measuring yourself, etc). Payment via bank deposit was a breeze and I quickly received the confirmation. I was amazed when only a couple of days later I received another email that my tamper had been shipped.

Packed perfectly, it arrived yesterday. It looks beautiful, and although it certainly does require some getting used to (can't believe how much heavier it is!), the first few coffees were great. Really like the ridges on the side and the fact that because of the perfect fit, it is almost impossible not to get a level tamp. Thanks!
Overall Score: 10/10
Harry Manback - California, USA - Deluxe tamper for Expobar Brewtus II: Shipping to the States took only 6 business days. The tamper is beautiful and well-built - the true tamp rings on the base are an especially helpful tool in creating an even tamp. Customer service was prompt, thorough, and courteous. Glad to see the convex base is back! Another tamper may be on its way to Califonia very soon!
Overall Score: 10/10
Jonathon Olijnyk - SA - Deluxe tamper for Sunbeam EM6910: Delighted with the tamper - been using it for a weekend and has noticeably improved quality and consistency of espresso and is a joy to use, as well as being a beautifully crafted object. Service and communication from Greg and Robin was exceptional, very accommodating and friendly. I placed my order on a public holiday Monday, was delivered that Friday. I love that it's a high quality, custom made local product at a very reasonable price when you look at the competition.
Overall Score: 10/10
Desmond Horsley - Not supplied - Deluxe tamper: Hi Greg/Robin,
The whole experience was great from start to finish. I received regular updates on what was happening with my tamper. I received it in just over one week from placing the order, so that was great.
The tamper its self is incredible. I've said it else where, but I can't believe the finished product. Expertly crafted. I'm very impressed with the look and feel. Quality all the way through. Tamping with it has taken a little getting used to, as I'm sure it would with any new tamper, but I love the even tamp it creates, and the tight fit with the baskets that I ordered new. I would like to add though, that I don't think the Synesso baskets are any better than the stock Sunbeam EM6910 baskets. This is from my limited experience with them, but they are very similar. Not to mention the sunbeam single is ridgeless.
Desmond - yes the 6910 baskets are a rare and pleasant exception to the general rule that factory baskets are cheaply made and irregularly sized, regardless of the cost of the machine! - Greg
Very happy with everything, thanks for the great experience.
Overall Score: 10/10
Bennett - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Sunbeam EM6910: Thank you Greg for my beautiful tamper! I initially heard about the Pullman Tamper through the Coffeesnobs website. My initial enquiries about basket size etc were all promptly dealt with by email. Then when the Wenge handle went up on the website - I had to order one straight away! The ordering and payment process was a breeze. The delivery time was quite good. The tamper itself is a work of art - its absolutely beautiful. The most impressive thing about it though is the difference it makes to the coffee making process - I can now pull consistent shots that pour out evenly from my double spout every time. The grooves also assist with correct dosing. The level of service I received was excellent. Keep up the good work!
Overall Score: 10/10
Natalie Joseph - WA - Deluxe Tamper: Fantastically efficient service, from the initial enquiry, to the advising of the invoice no, current state of order, and confirmation item had been posted. Great tamper with nice packaging. Would highly recommend you to anyone who has need (or lust) for a good tamper
Overall Score: 10/10
Sal - TAS - Deluxe tamper for Saeco Via Venezia: All enquiries I made about the tamper, from the intial order, its progress and the final dispatch, were responded to immediately and the correspondence was always friendly and polite. The tamper was received the day after it was sent and was exactly what I hoped for, it fits the coffee basket perfectly. I received the highest level of customer service throughout the whole process and I couldn't be happier with the end product. I am sure I will be buying products from Pullman Tampers again in the future.
Overall Score: 10/10
Chris Luck - TAS - Deluxe Tamper for Gaggia Baby: Everything perfect!! Couldn't expect better service, its a magnificent piece of work. Although I initially saw it as quite pricey, it sure is value for money. My home brew coffees have never been so good. Within a couple of brews I was getting almost 50/50 crema with super fresh beans!! Unbelievable. Thanks guys. BTW I sent my baskets for sizing. I have a baby gaggia d, sunbeam conical grinder.
Overall Score: 10/10
Warren Sullivan - QLD - Deluxe tamper: Well, as far as initial enquiries go....none where necessary, your name is peppersprayed throughout the coffee snob website, so I ordered the tamper, payment process was fast (as in you took the money;-)), he he, I received an email saying you had received the order and payment and you would make the tamper soon, it arrived in about 7-8 days later I think from memory, which was fine as I was waiting for my Rocky anyway, upon arrival I was very impressed with the finish of the tamper, looks great, as for the functionality, great, does the job well, thankyou
Overall Score: 10/10
Peter Jyraks - Sweden - Deluxe Tamper: I think the enquiries were very satisfying, prompt answers and no feeling of getting pushed in to buying. The delivery time was a little bit long and I feel that you could have informed me that you had problems getting the LM baskets. The tamper had that feeling you get from luxury articles, hard to describe but when you hold it in your hand you immediately feel the quality. And it really is a big difference in fit compared to my torr tamper. This one fits like a glove.

Overall i am very pleased with the shopping experience from you and I would gladly recommend your work to anybody. In fact i already did, in a swedish coffee forum I made a short review of the tamper. Here is the link, unfortunally only in swedish. http://www.riktigtkaffe.se/showthread.php?t=3174
Overall Score: 9/10
Geoff Gray - NSW - Deluxe Tamper: The old saying goes that a tradesman should never blame his tools - equally an amateur should not expect miracles from good tools - that will only come with time and practice. That's as it has been with me - the tamper is a beautifully made tool that is a delight to use - when you know what you are doing. I now know at least a little about what i am doing and the tamper comes into its own - everything about it is good - but it does take time and practice - I am making much better coffee much more easily than i was 6 weeks ago - but it is a combination of practice and the tamper.
Overall Score: 10/10
Not supplied: initial enquries - prompt response
ordering/payment - a little cumbersome but effective in the end
delivery - very prompt
quality of product - delighted with the tamper - the single filter basket fits the group perfectly - the double is a fraction high on the rim and does not lock home correctly but works okay and does not leak. the tamper an excellant fit in the basket.
in the short time of use my wife and i both agree the product delivery is of a higher standard with better extraction and flavour and definitely more crema.
level of service very good.
Overall Score: 9/10
Not Supplied - VIC - Deluxe tamper for ExpoBar Brutus Single: Initial enquiries were met with prompt efficient service payment process was excellent. Delivery time was good for a hand made product, with good communication as to progress.
Tamper was packaged for post well, could do with a bag or some form of presentation to match the quality of the tamper. Functionality of the tamper is good for occassional use. For high volume it is a bit "clunky" and weight distribution could be spread better throughout the length of the handle.
Service overall has been outstanding.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Not Supplied - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Bezzera BZ99S: Thanks for your fast service Greg.
I have only used it once so far, so it will take a bit of getting used to it.
A great looking peice of equipment, I have been using a platic tamper for the past year, so I am looking forward to giving the new one a good test.
I am looking forward to getting the levels right especially with the marked lines as a guide.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Reubster - VIC - Deluxe tamper for Rancilio Silvia: I appreciated your helpfulness and patience with my questions [via cs], prior to purchase.
I'm very happy with the tamper, the build quality and design is beautiful.
Your custom fitted tamper has made big difference over my standard 58mm stainless steel tamper which has a poor fit and convex base.
In particular, I find the guide rings on the Pullman Tamper very helpful [no essential] I cannot believe they are not standard fare for any tamper.
I'm quite actually surprised by the increase in the dose a good tamp makes.
Since receiving the tamper I have yet to pour a dodgy shot and have really noticed a big improvement in the late onset of blonding.
Most importantly....the flavour, creama and consistancy of my espresso shots has improved dramatically.
Overall Score: 10/10
Luke - NSW - Deluxe tamper: I got my new tamper delivered from wa->nsw 5 business days after direct depositing the payment. Admittedly I am impatient, so I paid to have it express posted
I'm a beginner in the home espresso world, but it was obvious to me that the Silvia plastic tamper was not doing me any favours. After using the Pullman Tamper, the differences are very obvious.
I'm sure I'm still not tamping perfectly, but the pour is a lot more even and consistent, and I have now seen the "guinness effect" in action with regard to the crema.
The build quality of the tamper is simply awesome. It looks and feels great
Overall Score: 10/10
Donald - Queensland - Deluxe tamper: The Pullman Tamper looks fantastic and is brilliant to use. The perfect fit means that my tamping procedure is now consistent with every use, since I am not performing a nswe tamp anymore.
I highly recommend a Pullman Tamper to any coffee lover.
Overall Score: 10/10
David - Not Supplied - Deluxe tamper: Excellent service - excellent product. I wish I sent in my baskets though. The Sunbeam comes with four baskets 2 dual layers and 2 normals. The tamper made fits absolutley perfectly with one of the dual layer baskets which I never use.
It's still a pretty good fit with the normal double shot and feels great to use. Just a tiny bit of grounds up the sides. I sent in measurements made with digital callipers and it seems like the tamper meets my measurements very well. The only way to get a better fit would have been to send in the basket.

Thanks anyway for a great product that I am loving.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Tim Constantine - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Gaggia Carezza: Fantastic information, easy ordering and payment, prompt delivery. supreme communication.
The tamper is a piece of functional art. Beautiful, and perfectly finished.
Thanks.
Overall Score: 10/10
Saambo - SA - Deluxe tamper for Sunbeam EM6910: After using a generic factory-supplied tamper for a few months I decided to order a custom fit Pullman Tamper. My decision to do this was not in vain. The tamper looks and feels fantastic and - more importantly - fits my double basket like a glove.
Greg's communication was prompt and professional as was his ongoing communication while I was waiting for the tamper to arrive (which arrived in good time once ordered).
My shots have been much more consistent since using the Pullman - consistently good that is! I'd highly recommend a Pullman Tamper!
Overall Score: 10/10
Christis Tombazos - VIC - Deluxe tamper for Gaggia Classic: I have been making espressos of inconsistent quality for years. I became a bit of an expert of inconsistency. Sometimes they were overextracted, sometimes underextracted, and almost always badly tamped with a cheap, misfitting, plastic tamper. Quite often (and certainly more often than I would be willing to admit) the coffee would be so bad that I would pour it out and start over.
All this changed overnight with the arrival of one of Greg's beautiful custom fit tampers. Now all I have to do is use the same amount of coffee every day (35 seconds of grinding with my Gaggia mdf grinder) and apply enough pressure to come up to the last line marked on the tamper. That's it!!! Perfect, thick, sticky, viscous, syrupy, sweet, aromatic, caramel-brown crema every time!
Enough crema to hold not just a spoonful of sugar, but maybe even a small coin :) Every single time!!! Greg's tamper is truly a work of art. I love using it, but I also love looking at it sitting on top of my gaggia classic, inviting me to yet another perfect ristretto. (hold on, i'll be there as soon as i finish typing these lines.)
Dealing with Greg was an absolute delight. One of the few artisans that I have ever dealt with who takes that old world pride in his work. His tampers are perfect in every way. Beautiful to look at, as well as the most functional piece of coffee paraphenalia that you will ever buy. Certainly more important than upgrading from a good to an excellent espresso machine, and almost as important as quality coffee beans.
If I knew the difference that his tamper would make to my daily coffee experience I would have been willing to pay three times as much. This is not just something to say. Three times as much! Literally!!!
If you are still undecided about purchasing one of Greg's tampers, it's simply because you do not yet know that what you will be getting is more than you can possibly expect. Far more!
Overall Score: 10/10
dcaffeine8d - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Racilio Silvia: Greg always replied to my emails. All questions were never left unanswered. I should have opted with the bank payment instead of the aust post money order which would improve the delivery time.
I ordered the lm double-basket with the tamper as I did not want to send mine. I can tell that Greg is really selling the "original" lm double-basket. I got mine from coffeeparts (300013) and I was wondering why it won't fit my lm portafilter properly (ie., it doesn't lock properly). Greg's lm basket fits snugly. My problem now is that the tamper does not fit my 300013 basket. I compared both and they do look a bit different.
The tamper is a work of art. So much detail was put into it. I tried it the first time and I already had a consistent honey-like flow on my lm portafilter. I have yet to try it on my naked Rancilio pf because my previous tamper just caused splatters everywhere whenever I use it.
Hopefully, the Pullman Tamper would be the missing link. In summary, the buying experience was gr8!
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Peter - Not Supplied - Deluxe tamper: Website had all the info I needed, ordering and payment were easy. Delivery time was reasonable but when you are waiting for you're new Pullman Tamper every day seems like a week.
Quality and aesthetics are the best I have seen. Performs exceptionally well. Service throughout was good.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Samuel - Not Supplied - Deluxe tamper: Just recieved my tamper today in the mail, and all I can say is wow! Instantly I am getting lovely long shots of espresso, whether this be because of the marzocco filter basket that I also ordered or not.
Considering just the weight of the the tamper in the palm of my hand and the quality of the craftmanship, brings my coffee preparation to another level of enjoyment!
Overall Score: 10/10
David Bendle - VIC - Deluxe tamper for Saeco Via Venezia: I sent my order off to Greg while he was in the middle of relocating from SA to WA. I wasn't able to send my basket because Greg did not have his lathe set up. He advised that he had a tamper that was 0.2mm smaller than what he would normally make for my type of machine. I accepted this tamper rather than wait another month or so to have one made.

The tamper is a perfect fit and it looks better than it's photos. I would highly recommend one of Greg's tampers to anyone who is looking for a quality product and good customer service.
Overall Score: 10/10
Glenn Hayes - WA - Deluxe tamper for Expobar Brutus: Only one thing I wasn't as impressed with the handle finish as the last two.
Overall Score: 9/10
David Prescott - WA - Deluxe tamper for Rancilio Silvia: Very happy with the product, the effectiveness, the feel, the weight, the design, and as a work of art/collecters item. The process of ordering to receiving of the tampers was smooth and trouble free.

I look forward to using either tamper depending on the chosen outcome
Overall Score: 10/10
Tim - ITALY - Deluxe tamper for Racilio Silvia: After a couple of months of struggling to get consistent shots with my Rancilio Silvia, I stumbled across Greg's website. Strangely although I live in Italy I couldn't find anywhere that sells a decent tamper.

Greg was immensely helpful in helping me to work out my requirements and organising shipping. I'm delighted with the tamper, which is beautifully made.
I'd highly recommend the combination of a Pullman Tamper and the La Marzocco basket, which quickly eliminated the problems I was having with channelling and early blonding.
Overall Score: 10/10
Jason Dwyer - TAS - Deluxe tamper for Gaggia Classic: Brilliant product!! Everything from ordering & payment to delivery has been seamless. I am extremley happy with my purchase and can't wait to order again for my friends and family!
Overall Score: 10/10
Gerard - Not Supplied - Deluxe tamper for Sunbeam EM5600: Yep got my tamper the other day and first thing I would say is that the craftsmanship is absoulutely awesome. To the point where I was afraid to use it cos it looked so good.
Anyone hesitant in sending in their filter basket for a perfect fit, fear no more. I sent mine registered post normal mail and got it back along with the tamper in perfect condition. Took about a week excluding weekends and packaging safe and secure which only says that Greg takes care of your equipment as if it was his own - very happy.
Now I need to get used to the pressure when tamping and look forward to experimenting to get the ideal pour using this awesome tamper. Tamper fits perfectly and grinds don't spill around the edges. The handle is comfortable to hold and true tamp lines help heaps to ensure tamping is even all around.
Always up to date with the process right from when I sent the basket to receiving it.
Nothing more to say. Everyone should get one, expert or beginner. I'm only a beginner and my skills in coffee making can only get better with this tamper.
Thanks heaps greg...
Overall Score: 10/10
Lianne - Not Supplied - Deluxe tamper for Expobar Brewtus: I wanted a birthday present for myself & I wasn't disappointed.
I sent in my filter basket to ensure a perfect fit. The whole process from ordering & sending back my filter basket & tamper was 8 days & it was well worth the wait. My emails to Greg were answered promptly.
I have already recommended Greg's product to my home barista friends. I am a very happy home barista!
Overall Score: 10/10
Sam - VIC - Deluxe tamper: After sending the money order, I waited 5 days including the weekend before the tamper arrived, very fast! The tamper (Pullman checkerboard)is aesthetically superb and the functionality is flawless.
My method of measurement was with vernier calipers as per the instructions on this site, and resulted in a perfect fit. The tamper feels very solid and the weight is ideal.
Overall I am extremely pleased with this product and would recommend it to anyone who desires a first class tamper.
Overall Score: 10/10
Peter Frey - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Rancilio Silvia: Prompt reply to my inquiry, simple order/payment process, delivery inside a week, tamper exactly as imagined and described, supplied with several matched lm baskets.
Success on the first use and a big improvement on the plastic tamp supplied with my Silvia.

Buy a matching basket or send your one in. My tamp matched the lm baskets perfectly. It would not have matched the Rancilio basket that was supplied with my Silvia.
Overall Score: 10/10
Ken Ingram - QLD - Deluxe tamper for Bezerra Hobby: I can thoroughly recommend Greg and his tampers.

Prompt, friendly emails kept me fully informed as to the process and progress of my order. From initially sending 2 baskets to Greg and receiving the tamper took only 8 days. After 2 days use I can't believe the difference it has made....amazing. It works brilliantly, looks a million dollars and is beautifully made.

Thanks Greg for a great product and I look forward to future purchases.
Overall Score: 10/10
Mark Rodger - NSW - Deluxe tamper for Gaggia Classic: I just rec'd my tamper and have made the best 2 short black's I've ever pulled. The difference the tamper made is surprising, I didn't expect it to be so pronounced.

I sent the basket from my Gaggia Classic to Greg to get the fit right which has really paid off, whereas previously I had coffee sticking to the side of the basket, there is now none.

I ordered the flat bottom where my previous tamper was curved and I think this has also made a difference. The build quality of the tamper has also exceeded expectations, it's a beautiful piece of work. The order process was simple, delivery was prompt and the whole buying experience was a breeze.
Thanks Greg.
Overall Score: 10/10

Testimonials

Jesse: credit card facilities are available and this is offered in checkout. The only 'restriction' is that it's through a third party payment gateway, but this in no way restricts our ability to accept credit card payments, nor a client's ability to choose that option. - Greg

Ron - I'll revise the wording on the FAQ page to try to correct this. Thanks - Greg

Desmond - yes the 6910 baskets are a rare and pleasant exception to the general rule that factory baskets are cheaply made and irregularly sized, regardless of the cost of the machine! - Greg