If you have a look around you can get cheaper ones, ECM do one (that I was thinking of getting) and at Bella Barista its on offer at the mo... £59.99. Still expensive for what it is IMO..

 

Yeah that looks like a nice bit go kit but totally over priced ...as is th hg1 stand than the ECM one

Surely a 3d print person could do something ...

 

What is your opinion though about these kind of kits vs tamping mats? Do you find tamping mats sufficient for the job?

 

If you use a single spout portafilter, a stand is pretty much necessary. Have the ECM stand - works well with Londinium single spout.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-BARISTA-TAMPING-MAT-ESPRESSO-TAMPING-MAT-FOOD-SAFE-SILICONE-APPROVED-R29-/121601801133?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c50083bad

I use one of these, would it not do?

 

There's a motta stand at the lower end of the scale. Can't remember how much.

 

Only use a naked PF so i use an upside down cafelat rubber tamp stand

 

I have the Motta/Bellabarista one. Works well with an E61 portafilter. The German solution is a lot more civilised but a LOT more expensive.

 

I use this, expensive perhaps but made to order and beautiful beech - via etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/222143251/tampingstation?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_query=tamper+station&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

 

I could also have added that Christian, the guy that makes them, is a real pleasure to deal with.

 

I use a kitchen towel folded in half. Its how I roll!

 

Bumper tamping stand

Cafelat make one that looks identical.