ECM tamping station anthracite – tamping station and portafilter rest
The portafilter clicks into the notch, stays still, and the pressure goes straight down instead of anywhere else.
Tamping by hand on the worktop has a drawback you only notice once it's gone: the portafilter tilts ever so slightly, and the puck is already crooked. A station holds it firmly. The weight of 500 grams and the rubber ring on the bottom make sure nothing moves, and the notch holds the portafilter so that it lies level.
What happens in the basket
Straight, even tamping pressure is what allows the water to treat the whole puck the same way. Where the puck is denser, water takes longer; where it's looser, it goes through faster. The station doesn't make the puck – grind size and distribution do that – but it takes the tilt out of the equation.
An integrated cushioning ring protects the portafilter from scratches. That's why the station also works when you're not tamping: it's a rest where the portafilter sits securely between two shots.
Anthracite, round, 94 millimetres
The body is made of powder-coated aluminium in anthracite, 94 millimetres in diameter and 75 millimetres high. There's a plastic insert on the inner wall, and cleaning is done by hand. ECM explicitly names one limitation: this station doesn't work with the ECM Premium stainless steel portafilters, because their portafilter head is too tall. For those, there's the height-adjustable tamping station with item number AC100061-00.
Whether you need a station is up to you. Good espresso happens without one too, and there are no espresso police. Our opinion is one of many – we put it on the counter in both showrooms because it makes the routine calmer.
At a glance
| Material |
Powder-coated aluminium, anthracite |
| Diameter |
94 mm |
| Height |
75 mm |
| Weight |
500 g |
| Protection |
Integrated cushioning ring, rubber ring on the bottom |
| Rest |
Notch for resting the portafilter |
| Not suitable for |
ECM Premium stainless steel portafilters (head too tall) |
| Care |
Hand washing recommended, not dishwasher-safe |
| Item number |
AC100022-01 |
Who it's for
For anyone who tamps every day and wants a stable base for it, and for anyone who needs somewhere to put their portafilter down between two shots. The same station does both.
It fits a small coffee corner just as well as a well-equipped counter. No budget is just a beginning here – a puck that sits level is a good puck, regardless of the price of the machine.
What goes well with it
You choose the tamper to go with it yourself: the Spring-Loaded Tamper from Normcore is affordable and precise, while the tampers from Weber Workshops put more into materials and craftsmanship.
Before that comes distribution in the basket. Among the WDT tools, Normcore is the affordable route, and the Moonraker from Weber Workshops is the step above. And if you're looking for a second portafilter: our portafilters and bottomless portafilters are right next to it.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tamper included?
The station is the rest for the portafilter. Which tamper you use on it is your choice.
Will my portafilter fit?
The station takes standard portafilters. ECM names one exception: it doesn't work with the ECM Premium stainless steel portafilters, because their head is too tall – for those, there's the height-adjustable station with item number AC100061-00.
Can I also use it as a portafilter rest?
Yes. The notch is designed exactly for that, and the cushioning ring protects the portafilter from scratches.
How do I clean it?
By hand, with a damp cloth. ECM doesn't recommend the dishwasher for the powder-coated aluminium.
Can I see the product before buying?
Yes. You can see our range in person in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b. If you order online, delivery takes 2 to 4 working days throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.
From the roastery
When the puck sits level, the difference between two beans becomes clearer. Nutty Delight and Cozy Chocolate show the dense, sweet route with nuts and chocolate. Very Nutty goes for maximum body without any acidity, Wild Peach for fruit for the curious. That's our recommendation, one of many – any other bean works well with it too.
