ECM leather tamping mat – water buffalo leather tamper pad, 170 x 170 mm
The leather takes the portafilter softly, nothing slips, nothing scratches, and the worktop stays just as it was.
Resting the edge of a portafilter on stone or wood works fine a few hundred times. Then it starts to show. A mat made of 100 percent water buffalo leather sits in between, absorbs the contact and at the same time gives your tamping a firm spot that doesn't wander.
Why you can taste a piece of leather
That sounds exaggerated, but it's well documented: material, surface and feel measurably change perception before the first sip. What you hold in your hand while you prepare flows into how you judge the drink – the same limbic system that manages memory and emotion also has a say in how sweet and how rounded a cup seems to you.
Then there's anticipation. Dopamine is released while you're still expecting, not only when you enjoy. The two minutes of preparation are therefore not a prelude but part of the experience. A mat that sits well makes those two minutes more pleasant – no more, but no less either.
In practical terms, it's also simple. 170 x 170 millimetres, one piece of leather, no mechanics. ECM supplies it without any further accessories; you choose the tamper and portafilter yourself.
At a glance
| Material |
100% water buffalo leather |
| Dimensions (L x W) |
170 x 170 mm |
| Function |
Base for tamping, protects portafilter and worktop |
| In the box |
Mat without accessories |
| Made by |
ECM, Germany |
| Item number |
AC100013-00 |
Who it's for
For anyone who wants to protect a stone, wood or glass surface from marks. For anyone who wants a firm, soft spot for tamping rather than a hard edge. And for anyone who likes their coffee corner as a whole and is looking for the final detail.
Nobody needs a tamping mat to make good espresso. You either want one or you don't – and both are completely fine. Our opinion is one of many. You can buy the ECM tamper pad online in Switzerland or get your hands on it in Bern and Zurich.
What goes well with it
The tamper you use on it is your choice: the Spring-Loaded Tamper from Normcore is affordable and precise, while the tampers from Weber Workshops put more effort into material and finish.
If you'd rather have the portafilter lock firmly in place, you'll find that with the tamping stations. And if you're looking for a second portafilter to switch between two baskets: our portafilters and bottomless portafilters are right next to it – the choice of basket changes the aroma profile more than almost anything else anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tamper included?
No. ECM expressly supplies the mat without accessories. Which tamper you use on it is up to you.
How big is the mat?
170 x 170 millimetres. That's enough for a 58 mm portafilter including spout, with room to spare all around.
How do I care for the leather?
ECM doesn't give any guidance on this. In our showroom, the mat is wiped dry or with a barely damp cloth and then left to rest – water buffalo leather doesn't like constant wetness.
Can I also use it as a rest?
Yes. It protects portafilter and worktop alike, so also when you're not tamping.
Can I see the product before buying?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there. If you order online, delivery takes 2 to 4 working days throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.
From the roastery
When the preparation is pleasant, the cup often tastes rounder afterwards – that's not imagination, it's perception. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight go well with that, with density, caramel and chocolate. Very Nutty goes for maximum body without any acidity, Wild Peach for fruit, for the curious. One recommendation of many.
