MHW-3BOMBER Flash Tamper 2.0 – the same tamping pressure for every shot
Tamper with a constant 30 lbs and an audible click, in 51, 53.35 or 58.35 mm, with a Flat or Ripple base. Buy in Switzerland, see it live in Bern and Zurich.
You set the tamper in the basket, wrap your hand around the walnut handle and press down. Then it comes: a short, clear click. At that moment 30 lbs rest on the coffee bed, roughly 13.6 kg. You take your hand away, the tamper resets, and the next shot starts with exactly the same pressure.
This removes one variable from tamping: you no longer have to guess how hard you press and can concentrate on grind size and dose. For version 2.0, MHW-3BOMBER reworked the internal mechanism so that it is easier to remove and install. The 30 lbs and the principle of three springs and a click have stayed the same; new is the flat base as an alternative to the rippled one.
Features
Three springs
Three springs work inside the handle, a design MHW-3BOMBER has protected as a utility model. The constant-pressure spring releases as you press down and produces the audible click. The horizontal auxiliary spring resets the tamper by itself and stops it from tilting. The reset spring returns the mechanism to its starting position after tamping.
30 lbs constant pressure
MHW-3BOMBER set the tamping pressure at around 30 lbs based on its own tests. This pressure is applied to the coffee bed with every tamp, regardless of how hard you press.
Automatic reset
When you press down, the mechanism gives way and then springs back to its starting position by itself. According to the manufacturer, the tamping depth is approx. 13 mm.
Stays level
The outer ring rests on the rim of the basket and the base below meets the coffee bed at a right angle. This produces a level tamp. With an ordinary tamper without a rest, that depends on how straight you hold it.
Two SUS304 bases
The base is available rippled (Ripple) or flat (Flat). Both are made of SUS304 stainless steel which, according to the manufacturer, resists oxidation and corrosion and is easy to clean.
Walnut handle
The round handle of solid walnut sits well in the hand, and your fingers have a rest while tamping. Wood and metal are combined. As it is natural wood, grain and colour vary from handle to handle, and small knots are part of it.
Three diameters: which one fits your basket?
The Flash Tamper 2.0 comes in three diameters. 51 mm is intended for machines with 51 mm baskets. According to the manufacturer, 53.35 mm fits the 54 mm portafilters from Breville/Sage, such as the Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch, Bambino Plus, Infuser and Duo-Temp Pro. 58.35 mm is made for 58 mm portafilters. If you are unsure, check your machine’s manual or measure the inside diameter of your basket.
Flat or Ripple: two bases to choose from
Flat is a flat, smooth base. Ripple is a ribbed base with fine, concentric grooves. Ripple is available in all three diameters, Flat with us in 58.35 mm. Spring mechanism and pressure are the same on all versions. Which base suits you better is mostly a matter of taste.
At a glance
| Brand | MHW-3BOMBER |
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| Type | Constant-pressure tamper |
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| Diameter | 51 mm, 53.35 mm or 58.35 mm |
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| Fit | 51 mm baskets (51 mm), 54 mm Breville/Sage portafilters (53.35 mm), 58 mm portafilters (58.35 mm) |
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| Tamping pressure | 30 lbs (around 13.6 kg), with audible click |
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| Mechanism | three springs: reset spring, horizontal auxiliary spring, constant-pressure spring |
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| Tamping depth | approx. 13 mm |
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| Base | Ripple (rippled) in all diameters, Flat (flat) in 58.35 mm |
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| Material | SUS304 stainless steel, aluminium alloy, walnut |
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| Colour | walnut and black |
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| Height | 100 mm |
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| Weight | 320 g (51 mm), 330 g (53.35 mm), 365 g (58.35 mm) |
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| Origin | China |
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Who it’s for
For anyone with an espresso machine who no longer wants to guess their tamp, whether with a 51 mm basket, a 54 mm portafilter from Breville/Sage or a 58 mm portafilter. For example, when several people at home use the same machine and each presses with a different force. Or when you are dialling in a new coffee and want to change as little as possible at once. It also gives small cafés and offices, where different people work the machine, a fixed point of reference. Whether you prefer to tamp with fixed pressure or by feel is your decision. Our opinion is one of many, and in the advice tool you will find the right setup.
What goes with it
You will find more models under Tampers: for anyone who wants tampers that are affordable and precise, the Spring-Loaded Tamper from Normcore. If you want more, you will find the tampers from Weber Workshops. The same goes for stations and mats under Tamping stations: Normcore affordable and precise, Weber Workshops for anyone who wants more.
Distribute before tamping: WDT Tools, such as the WDT Tool from Normcore or the Moonraker from Weber Workshops. On top of the tamped coffee bed: Puck Screens from Normcore or Weber Workshops. And if the machine is still missing, you will find it under Coffee machines, the grinder to go with it under Coffee grinders. You can see all products from the brand at MHW-3BOMBER, and help with choosing in the advice tool.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know I have tamped firmly enough?
As soon as 30 lbs are reached, roughly 13.6 kg, you hear a clear click. Then you take your hand away. That way you tamp with the same pressure every time, without having to estimate it.
Which diameter do I need?
51 mm is for 51 mm baskets, 53.35 mm for the 54 mm portafilters from Breville/Sage and 58.35 mm for 58 mm portafilters. If in doubt, your machine’s manual or a look at the inner diameter of your basket will help.
What is the difference between Flat and Ripple?
Flat is a flat, smooth base, Ripple a ribbed base with concentric grooves. Ripple is available in all three diameters, Flat in 58.35 mm. Spring mechanism and tamping pressure are the same on all versions.
How do I look after the tamper?
In our experience, wiping the base with a dry cloth after tamping is enough. We keep the walnut handle away from water, and the tamper does not belong in the dishwasher.
How quickly will the tamper be delivered?
Delivery takes 2–5 working days, throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein. Click & Collect is available in Bern and Zurich.
Can I see the tamper before buying?
Of course. Visit us in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). It is best to ask briefly beforehand whether the version you want is currently on site.
Tip from the roastery: When we dial in a new coffee, we first change only the grind size and keep dose and tamp the same. With the click at 30 lbs the pressure stays constant, so you see more quickly what the grind size does. We grind fine, start at 14.5 g and work our way up, usually to 17 g, at a ratio below 1:2 by weight. For dense, full-bodied espresso we recommend Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight. If you are looking for maximum body without acidity, go for Very Nutty. And if you want to discover something fruity, you will find it in Wild Peach. More coffees are under coffee beans. That is our recommendation, one of many.
