Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011, 4:02pm Subject: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
I've been reading up on the VST filters and how they make a big difference in pulling shots. I've noticed that there are specific tampers made for them--but they are pretty pricey. I really don't intend on spending more than $50 on a tamper right now because I'm starting from scratch and spending quite a bit already on other items. However--$30 to make a major difference is well worth it--but if it entails spending 80 bucks for a tamper JUST for the VST basket it isn't worth it for me right now. Any thoughts--can I use the standard 58mm?
"Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as Death, and as sweet as Love."
TonyVan Senior Member Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 269 Location: Pacific Northwest Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS/3, La Pavoni Grinder: Macap M7K, Rocky Drip: Kone
Posted Mon Dec 19, 2011, 10:49pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
CaffeineFiend Said:
I've been reading up on the VST filters and how they make a big difference in pulling shots. I've noticed that there are specific tampers made for them--but they are pretty pricey. ... ... Any thoughts--can I use the standard 58mm?
Regarding the VST/VST combination, the pairing came about when testing indicated that the extractions were better with a close-fitting tamper, theorizing that such an exact fit may limit edge channeling. I don't believe that this was a benefit exclusive to VST baskets, but the close tolerances to which the VSTs are manufactured enabled a specified fit for a slightly oversized tamper (usually specified at 58.4mm) that would fit all VST baskets.
So while not necessary, the idea is that the close match between basket and tamper promotes extractions with improved TDS, and that this fit is enabled by the precision of the VST manufacturing process.
Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011, 3:56pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
Thanks for the input--but here's the real question: Is it worth it to buy and use the VST filter without buying the matching tamper? Or will the channeling caused by the tamper not perfectly fitting make the VST a wash? I'm debating whether or not to spend the extra cash--I'm not planning on buying a tamper that I can only use on one basket.
"Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as Death, and as sweet as Love."
Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011, 4:02pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
The baskets by no means require the tamper. Tamper production lagged the baskets by a few months at least, and users were still having fine results without it. That should be evidence enough for you to tamp with what you like.
Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011, 4:40pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
Awesome--yet again the coffee geeks clear my mind and give me an educated decision. For an extra 20 bucks--after all the money I'm putting into this, it's well worth it to have a quality basket for a quality machine. It's only a shame I still have to wait two months till I can afford it all.
Thanks again guys--this site beats out consumer reviews any day. After all: you never know how educated a consumer is doing the review---here I know I'm dealing with people who know and love the art of coffee.
"Coffee should be black as Hell, strong as Death, and as sweet as Love."
TonyVan Senior Member Joined: 24 May 2010 Posts: 269 Location: Pacific Northwest Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS/3, La Pavoni Grinder: Macap M7K, Rocky Drip: Kone
Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011, 5:58pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
CaffeineFiend Said:
Thanks for the input--but here's the real question: Is it worth it to buy and use the VST filter without buying the matching tamper? Or will the channeling caused by the tamper not perfectly fitting make the VST a wash? I'm debating whether or not to spend the extra cash--I'm not planning on buying a tamper that I can only use on one basket.
I was very happy with the VST baskets and a standard 58mm tamper for several months prior to the VST/Pullman tamper becoming available. So you don't need the VST tamper to get value from the baskets. Also, edge channeling is an issue for ANY basket setup, so it's it's not at all a special problem with the VST that you need the VST tamper to fix.
jwoodyu Senior Member Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 704 Location: Michigan Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Allex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Major Roaster: Poppery
Posted Tue Dec 20, 2011, 9:09pm Subject: Re: Does the VST basket really require a specific tamper?
VST at least use to recommend a flat bottom tamper. I was using a 58MM Espro convex and then switched to a Barber C-flat 58.3 MM with my VST basket. I honestly think changing my distribution technique made way more improvement than did changing the tamper. That said I prefer the C-flat 58.3 but I don't know you could tell the difference in a blind taste test when i am on my game.
You know those people that want to tell you how to raise your kids but have none of their own? That is how i feel when someone with a kitchen appliance tells me how the merits or dis-merits of my machine or how to use it.
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