Normcore V4 Tamper Review
Discover our review of the Normcore V4 tamper: a precision tool for coffee tamping, combining comfort, consistency, and design to improve your espresso extractions.
When it comes to extracting espresso coffee, the expertise of a barista takes on its full meaning, and it is universally recognized that a quality tamper is an essential element. Beyond the simple act of pressing, modern tampers, such as the Normcore V4, are specifically designed to maintain a constant pressure force with each use.
Design of the Normcore V4 tamper
Normcore tampers are available in several formats, ranging from 45.5 mm to 58.5 mm. They are therefore compatible with all standards, except for the famous 57 mm from Lelit. The tampers are also available in white or black, with a stainless steel or titanium base, and a flat or rippled surface. Suffice it to say that the possibilities are numerous!
Each kit provides three springs, which develop a force of 15 lb (6.8 kg), 25 lb (11.3 kg) and 30 lb (13.6 kg). The Normcore is delivered with the 25 lb spring installed.
I find that the design is successful. It is made entirely of metal and the black color I chose pairs well with my equipment, particularly my Fellow Stagg EKG kettle.
The handling of the Normcore V4 tamper is quite pleasant. Its handle fits the barista's hand well. However, unlike the MHW 3Bomber, the Normcore V4 does not have a rim on which the fingers can rest.
The Normcore is equipped with a guide that rests on the basket rim. This allows the user to tamp straight, an essential aspect for ensuring uniform water flow through the coffee puck.
Discover the Normcore V4 tamper on Amazon
The kit includes a cap that prevents the tamper base from touching the work surface when you set it down.
How consistent is the spring force of the Normcore V4 tamper?
I found no defect regarding the consistency of this tamper. It applies the advertised force with each use. However, I do not use the 15 lb (6.8 kg) spring because I find that my coffee pucks are not tamped sufficiently. On the other hand, I have extensively used the 25 lb (11.3 kg) and 30 lb (13.6 kg) springs.
What about coffee retention?
I noticed slight coffee retention between the guide and the tamper base. All tampers equipped with a guide commonly experience this situation. Although the retention is low and does not contaminate the coffee, it is recommended to clean this part from time to time to avoid any buildup of residue.
Normcore V4 vs MHW 3Bomber vs Timemore Impulse Impact
As you may have read in this article, I also own the MHW 3Bomber dynamometric tamper and the Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper. Having used all three products for several months, I have enough perspective to compare them.
Normcore V4 vs MHW 3Bomber
In some aspects I prefer the Normcore V4. I prefer the 58.5 mm diameter (rather than the 58.35 mm of the MHW 3Bomber). Moreover, I have a preference for flat tamper bases, as I find that ridged bases add nothing in terms of flavor. Additionally, the ridges can cause coffee retention between the grooves.
However, in other aspects, I prefer the MHW 3Bomber. I like its dynamometric feature with the audible click, pleasant to hear. Furthermore, I appreciate the grip thanks to the rim on the handle, on which I can rest my fingers for better stability.
Both products are of very good quality, but the choice will depend on the trade-offs.
Comparison with the Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper
Since writing this article, I have had the opportunity to test the Timemore Impulse Impact Tamper. This tamper features an even more premium and robust construction (640g), with very good ergonomics among the best I have tested. The most remarkable point remains the complete absence of coffee retention on the basket edges. The audible click is also present, as on the MHW 3Bomber, but is more powerful.
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.
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Conclusion
For several years, Normcore has been producing quality accessories for the coffee world. The V4 version of the tamper is a success in my eyes. Indeed, it offers the possibility to choose the pressing force by replacing the springs, the grip is excellent and the product has a great design.
However, it is unfortunate that the tamper is not strictly speaking dynamometric, although the "click" is pleasant to hear when pressing.
- Beautiful design
- Premium materials
- Very good grip
- Presence of a guide
- Consistency of applied force
- Available in 58.5 mm (and many other standards)
- Available with a flat or ridged surface
- Comes with a cap
- The price
- Multiple springs included
- Not strictly dynamometric
- No integrated finger rim on the handle
- Slight coffee retention between the guide and the base