MHW 3Bomber Calibrated Tamper Review
Discover the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper, an essential tool for baristas eager to master the art of espresso tamping. With a consistent pressure of 30 lb, this accessory combines elegance and practicality thanks to its stainless steel and walnut wood design, ensuring a comfortable grip. Its grooved base is specially designed to improve extractions, allowing you to explore all the nuances and aromas of your coffee.
At the heart of the barista's expertise in extracting espresso coffee, a quality tamper is essential. Today, some modern tampers are designed to maintain a constant pressure force with each use. Among them, the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper stands out by offering a calibrated force of 30 lb (13.6 kg), providing remarkable and consistent precision with each tamp.
Design and ergonomics of the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper
Available in diameters of 51 mm, 53 mm and 58.35 mm, the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper captivates with its elegant design. Carefully crafted, it combines stainless steel, aluminum and a walnut wood handle, creating a refined and professional aesthetic, worthy of the finest barista accessories.
Beyond its aesthetics, this tamper offers excellent ergonomics. The handle fits perfectly in the barista's hand and the rim designed for the fingers improves comfort during use when tamping.
4 tips to avoid channeling with a bottomless portafilter
Discover how to avoid channeling during your espresso extractions with a bottomless portafilter. Barista tips, essential accessories (WDT, tamper, puck screen) and grind settings for a homogeneous and flavorful extraction.
Read the article →
This tamper is equipped with a guide that rests on the rim of the basket. Thus, it guarantees perfectly straight tamping, preventing channeling and ensuring uniform espresso extraction.
Finally, the base is not flat but grooved. According to the manufacturer, these grooves promote flavor development.
On the Discord server 💬, several users confirmed that the flavor differences between a flat and grooved base remained minimal.
Consistency and precision of the calibrated tamper force
No flaws detected in consistency: with each use, the tamper applies exactly the 30 lb (13.6 kg) advertised.
Unlike other models such as the /docs/materiel/accessoires/test-tamper-normcore-v4, the MHW 3Bomber doesn't simply compress a spring. It emits an audible click, like a torque wrench, when the target force is reached. A clear indicator that's pleasant to use.
Initially skeptical about the usefulness of a dynamometric tamper, I acknowledge that this mechanical consistency eliminates many variables. Result: more homogeneous espressos and easier learning for beginners.
This tamper prevents crooked tamping and ensures constant pressure, reducing variations between two extractions.
Coffee retention: a minor downside
The ridges sometimes generate a small amount of coffee retention. Fortunately, simply turning the tamper slightly or tamping a second time prevents this.
Additionally, retention can occur between the guide and the base, a common phenomenon with this type of accessory. Nothing serious, but regular cleaning is still recommended to avoid residue buildup.
Update (December 2023): improved version 2.0
A few days after publishing this article, MHW 3Bomber launched a flash version 2.0. The new features:
- Interchangeable springs (20 lb and 30 lb),
- Multiple bases available (flat, ridged, etc.),
- Still in 58.35 mm diameter.
Perhaps version 3 will finally offer a 58.5 mm diameter, even better suited to modern baskets.
Comparison with the Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper
If you're hesitating between the MHW 3Bomber and other calibrated tampers, I invite you to check out my Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper review. The Timemore stands out with an even more premium construction, very good ergonomics and especially no coffee retention on the basket edges, an advantage compared to the MHW 3Bomber.
Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper Review: Is This Calibrated Tamper Worth It?
Discover our complete review of the Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper in 58.4mm. Comparison with MHW 3Bomber and Normcore V4, testing of flat and ripple bases, and tamping quality analysis.
Read the article →
Conclusion on the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper
Due to its excellent value for money, premium design, grip and consistency, I highly recommend the MHW 3Bomber.
Two areas for improvement:
- A 58.5 mm diameter would have avoided residue on the edges,
- A flat base from the first version (since corrected with V2).
The lack of force adjustment is not a real flaw. Unlike the Force Tamper or the Normcore V4, most baristas don't change this parameter once they've found their setting.
- Elegant design and quality materials
- Very good grip
- Effective integrated guide
- Consistent and precise force
- Practical audible click
- Excellent value for money
- Not available in 58.5 mm (only in 58.35 mm; 53 mm and 51 mm)
- Slight coffee retention between the guide and base
FAQ about the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper
Do you need a calibrated tamper to make a successful espresso?
No, but it helps a lot. A classic tamper works, but a calibrated one guarantees perfect pressure consistency.
What is the difference between a classic tamper and a calibrated tamper?
A classic tamper depends solely on the barista's strength, while a calibrated tamper applies a calibrated pressure (30 lb here), ensuring uniformity and consistency.
Is the MHW 3Bomber tamper suitable for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its integrated guide and consistency, it is ideal for learning proper technique without risk of uneven tamping.