Portafilters, baskets and tamping tools

What Does a Tamping Station Do That a Tamping Mat Doesn't?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

A mat gives you a silicone surface to tamp on and, in some versions, places to park your tools. A station adds a stand that holds the portafilter by its head, so it stays put and the spout stays off the counter. In Normcore's range the difference runs from a $19.99 corner mat to a $99.99 wooden station, and the stands come in a 58 mm or a 51/54 mm size and don't take portafilters whose spouts point upward.

Normcore's mats and stations compared

ProductPriceSizeWhat it adds
Tamping Mat With Corner Edge$19.99, regularly $32.99230 x 150 mmSilicone mat with a corner edge
Tamping Mat V2$25.99240 x 190 mmSilicone mat, "compatible with 54/58mm barista accessories"
Corner Tamping Station V3$29.99240 x 195 mmWraps the counter edge, with spots for a tamper, distributor and puck screens
Compact Tamping Station & Portafilter Stand$49.99 stand only, $67.99 with matStand 114 x 80 x 50 mmStainless steel stand with a removable silicone block, 58 mm or 51/54 mm
Espresso Tamping Station$99.99260 x 125 x 60 mmWalnut and oak base with a portafilter space, 58 mm or 51/54 mm

The V3 station "securely hugs the edge of your counter." On the V3 and the V2 mat, the slot for a dosing funnel only fits Normcore's short V2 funnel, not the tall one.

Where the stand matters

Normcore says its compact stand keeps "your portafilter firmly in place and its spout off the workbench." The 51/54 mm version comes with three interchangeable silicone blocks for 51 mm and 54 mm portafilters, and Normcore names the De'Longhi Dedica and La Specialista 9 Series as machines it suits.

Both stands carry the same limit: "The Portafilter Stand does not fit spout portafilters with upward-facing spouts." The wooden station's page also gives two different ranges for the tools it holds, "51-58mm" in one place and "54 / 58mm" in another.

Shopping for one? Shop espresso tools and accessories →

Sources

  1. Normcore — Tamping Mats collection
  2. Normcore — Espresso Compact Tamping Station & Portafilter Stand
  3. Normcore — Espresso Corner Tamping Station V3
  4. Normcore — Espresso Tamping Station

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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