In this video National Barista champion runner up, Jade Jennings will demonstrate the importance and technique to tamping correctly to ensure an even extraction and balanced espresso.

What you will need

• Espresso machine
• Freshly roasted coffee
• Tamper

Steps

1. Dose your freshly ground coffee into your portafilter

Tip - Using scales will ensure a consistent dose every time

2. Distribute your coffee evenly throughout your filter basket using your chosen method
3. Pick up your tamper, stand side on to the bench and hold the tamper with a straight wrist and elbow at a right angle
4. Ensuring your tamper is straight lean your body weight on the tamper to apply an even amount of pressure

Keep it simple! Twisting or tapping with your tamper can cause small cracks and cause channeling

5. Wipe and loose grinds from the edge of your portafilter