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 ridged 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 an espresso coffee, a quality tamper is essential. Nowadays, 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 affiliate linkcaptivates 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.

Tips to avoid channeling

Channeling is a phenomenon of imbalanced water flow through the coffee grounds. It is therefore an issue solely related to espresso extractions. Indeed, water will always take the path of least resistance. Let's discover how to avoid this phenomenon.

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This tamper is equipped with a guide that rests on the basket rim. Thus, it guarantees a perfectly straight tamp, avoiding channeling and ensuring a uniform espresso extraction.

Finally, the base is not flat but grooved. According to the manufacturer, these grooves promote the development of aromas.

On the Discord server , several users confirmed that the differences in aromas between a flat and grooved base remained minimal.

Consistency and precision of the calibrated tamper’s force

No defects noted in consistency: with each use, the tamper properly applies the advertised 30 lb (13.6 kg).

Unlike other models such as the /en/normcore-v4-tamper/, 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 marker that is pleasant to use.

Initially skeptical about the usefulness of a calibrated tamper, I admit that this mechanical consistency eliminates many variables. Result: more consistent espressos and easier learning for beginners.

This tamper prevents crooked tamping and ensures constant pressure, reducing variations between two extractions.

Coffee retention: a minor drawback

The grooves sometimes generate slight coffee retention. Fortunately, it’s enough to slightly rotate the tamper or tamp a second time to avoid it.

Additionally, retention can occur between the guide and the base, a common phenomenon with this type of accessory. Nothing serious, but regular cleaning remains recommended to prevent residue buildup.

Update (December 2023): improved version 2.0

A few days after publishing this article, MHW 3Bomber launched a flash version 2.0 affiliate link.
The new features:

• Interchangeable springs (20 lb and 30 lb),
• Multiple bases available (flat, grooved, etc.),
• Still in 58.35 mm diameter.

Perhaps version 3 will finally offer a 58.5 mm diameter, even better suited to modern baskets.

Final verdict on the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper

Due to its excellent value for money, premium design, ergonomics, and consistency, I highly recommend the MHW 3Bomber.

Two points for improvement:

• A 58.5 mm diameter would have avoided residue on the edges,
• A flat base from the first version (corrected since with the V2).

The absence of force adjustment is not a real flaw. Unlike the Force Tamper or the Normcore V4, the majority of baristas do not change this parameter once found.

My rating: ★★★★★

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 the calibrated one guarantees perfect pressure consistency.

What’s the difference between a classic tamper and a calibrated tamper?
The classic one depends solely on the barista’s strength, while the calibrated one 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 the right techniques without risk of crooked tamping.