MHW-3BOMBER Flash Tamper 2.0 – the same tamping pressure for every shot
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.
Inside the Flash Tamper 2.0 from MHW-3BOMBER, three springs do the work. They keep the tamping pressure constant at 30 lbs and trigger the audible click at exactly that point. That takes one variable out of tamping: you no longer have to guess how hard you are pressing, and you can focus on grind size and dose. For version 2.0, MHW-3BOMBER reworked the internal mechanism; the principle with three springs and a click stays the same. The tamper is made of SUS304 stainless steel, aluminium alloy and walnut wood.
Three diameters: which one fits your basket?
The Flash Tamper 2.0 comes in three diameters. 51 mm is meant for machines with 51 mm baskets. 53.35 mm fits the 54 mm portafilters from Breville/Sage. 58.35 mm is made for 58 mm portafilters. If you are unsure, check your machine’s manual or measure the inner 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 |
| Type |
Constant pressure tamper |
| Diameter |
51 mm, 53.35 mm or 58.35 mm |
| Fit |
51 mm baskets (51 mm), 54 mm portafilters from Breville/Sage (53.35 mm), 58 mm portafilters (58.35 mm) |
| Tamping pressure |
30 lbs (roughly 13.6 kg), with audible click |
| Mechanism |
three springs |
| Base |
Ripple (ribbed) in all diameters, Flat (flat) in 58.35 mm |
| Material |
SUS304 stainless steel, aluminium alloy, walnut wood |
| Colour |
Walnut and black |
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.
Tip from our café: 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. Our Cozy Nut, a nutty, chocolatey espresso blend in Italian style, is a good one to dial in with. Chestnut Delight brings depth and warmth, in milk drinks too. And if you like it light and fruity, try Wild Peach: in our experience, an even tamp pays off especially with light roasts. That is our recommendation, one of many.
What goes with it
A non-slip surface for tamping is the MHW-3BOMBER Tamping Mat. You will find more models to compare under Tampers, and stations and mats under Tamping Stations. All products from the brand are at MHW-3BOMBER, and the right roasts under Coffee Beans.
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 2–4 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.