5 Tamping Mistakes That Ruin Your Espresso (And How To Fix Them)

If your espresso tastes sour, bitter, weak, or never the same twice, your tamp may be the real problem. Most home baristas blame the beans or the machine, but small tamping habits can change the flow of water through the puck in a big way.

In this guide, we look at five common tamping mistakes and how to fix each one. These small steps can help you get smoother shots with better taste and less waste.

1. Tamping Before You Level the Grounds

If the grounds are not level, the water will find the low spots and rush through them. You get a mix of sharp and dull notes in one cup.

The fix:

Use a WDT tool or any simple way to stir and level the grounds before you tamp. A flat bed makes a more even shot.

2. Uneven Tamping Pressure

Tilting your tamper just a little can push one side of the puck down more than the other. This leads to fast paths in the puck and uneven flow.

The fix:

Keep the tamper flat. Press with steady hands. A self-leveling tamper can make this even easier.

3. Not Tamping Firmly Enough

A light tamp leaves cracks you may not see. These cracks turn into channels when the shot starts.

The fix:

Press down with full force. You do not need to worry about pressing too hard. A firm, even tamp is always better than a soft one.

4. Bad Finishing Moves

Twisting the tamper, lifting it too fast, or tapping the side of the portafilter can break the puck. Even a small crack can split the shot.

The fix:

Press, hold for a second, lift slow, and stop tapping the portafilter. Keep the bed as smooth as you can.

5. Slamming the Portafilter Into the Machine

It looks bold, but it shakes the puck loose. As soon as the shot starts, water hits the weak spots first.

The fix:

Lock the portafilter in with a slow, steady move. Treat the puck with care after all the work you put into it.

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Why This Matters

Great espresso starts long before the water hits the grounds. A good tamp gives the puck the shape it needs so the water flows at the right pace. This small step can lift your shot from “fine” to “great.”

Slow down, make a clean puck, and enjoy the time you spend on it. The cup will show the work.

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