image on the front page of the MHW 3Bomber torque wrench test article

A Barista’s Best Friend: MHW 3Bomber 30lbs dynamometric tamper review

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Mastering the art of espresso extraction is at the core of every barista’s skill set, and a top-notch tamper is a must-have tool in this process. Today’s market offers a variety of tamper models, each engineered to deliver consistent pressure with every use. Notably, the MHW 3Bomber dynamometric tamper shines in this category. It guarantees a steady force of 30 lb (13.6 kg), ensuring exceptional precision with each tamp.

Discover the Future of Espresso: Unveiling the MHW 3Bomber Dynamometric Tamper Design

Offered in 51 mm, 53 mm, and 58.35 mm diameters, the MHW 3Bomber calibrated tamper stands out with its sophisticated design. This meticulously crafted tool blends stainless steel and aluminum with a walnut wood upper handle, resulting in a beautifully balanced and refined aesthetic.

Testing the MHW 3Bomber torque wrench - wrench design presentation

Not only is this tamper aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also comfortable to handle. The design of the tamper’s handle fits seamlessly into the barista’s hand, featuring a rim that’s strategically placed to provide a restful spot for the fingers. This ensures that the tamper’s grip feels comfortable and effortless during use.

Our tamper comes with a handy guide that comfortably sits on the filter’s edge. This clever feature guarantees that you’ll always tamp in a straight line, effectively preventing channeling. This is a crucial factor in ensuring a consistent water flow through your coffee cake, enhancing your brewing experience.

Test of the MHW 3Bomber torque tamper the tamper has a guide for tamping flat

It’s important to highlight that the base of the tamper is not flat as you might expect, but intriguingly ridged. The manufacturer explains that these unique grooves play a significant role in enhancing the aroma of your coffee by compacting it in a special way.

Test of the MHW 3Bomber dynamometric tamper The tamper has a ridged base that can hold back coffee a little.

After engaging in some lively conversations on my Discord server, which is a haven for coffee enthusiasts, we discovered that there’s no discernible difference in aroma between using a tamper with a flat base versus one with a ridged base.

Exploring the Consistency of Torque in the MHW 3Bomber Tamper

The consistency of this tamper is truly impeccable. It reliably delivers the promised force of 30 lb (13.6 kg) each and every time you use it.

Moreover, the MHW 3Bomber torque tamper takes a step beyond the traditional method of simply compressing a spring, as seen with the Normcore V4 tamper. This innovative tamper emits a satisfying “click” – reminiscent of the sound a DIY torque wrench makes when it releases its spring. This audible cue signals that the optimal 13.6 kg force has been achieved. Personally, I find this feature not only useful but also delightful to use.

At first, I was a bit doubtful about the practicality of a torque tamper. I had become quite comfortable with my routine of using a standard, budget-friendly tamper, always applying pressure in the same manner. The idea of incorporating this 13.6 kg mechanical marvel into my routine seemed unnecessary. But, I must admit, I was pleasantly mistaken. The real game-changer is its guidance and consistency. This tamper removes some of the unpredictable elements that can potentially affect the quality of an espresso.

Our tamper is designed to prevent angled tamping, guaranteeing a consistent application of force. This ensures that every cup of coffee you prepare is as perfect as the last, eliminating any inconsistencies between different brews.

Let’s Talk About Coffee Retention, Shall We?

As I pointed out before, ridges can sometimes cause a bit of retention. But don’t worry, there’s an easy solution to prevent this from happening. You can either give the tamper a gentle twist while you’re tamping, or you can opt to tamp it a second time. Simple, right?

It’s worth noting that retention can sometimes happen between the guide and the base of the tamper. This is a typical occurrence for all tampers equipped with a guide. While the retention level is minimal and won’t spoil your coffee, it’s a good practice to give this area a gentle clean occasionally. This will help you avoid any accumulation of residue over time.

Test of the MHW 3Bomber torque wrench there is some retention between the guide and the wrench base

Exciting News! Our Article Has Been Updated (December 8, 2023)

Just a few days after my article was published, MHW 3Bomber introduced an exciting update to their tamper – the flash version 2.0. This upgraded torque tamper now features a set of interchangeable springs, including a 20 lb. spring and a 30 lb. spring. Plus, it comes with a complete set of bases to suit your needs, including flat, grooved, and other varieties. Despite these enhancements, the tamper’s size remains the same at 58.35 mm. Who knows, maybe version 3 will bring us a 58.5 mm model? Let’s wait and see!

Wrapping It Up

I wholeheartedly endorse the MHW 3Bomber tamper, thanks to its superb value, sleek design, comfortable grip, and impressive torque performance. However, there’s always room for improvement. A slight size adjustment from 58.35 mm to a more fitting 58.5 mm would help eliminate any loose coffee residue lingering on the filter edges. Furthermore, a version with a smooth base instead of a ridged one would be a welcome addition (a feature already incorporated in tamper version 2).

Lastly, I wouldn’t necessarily view the lack of an adjustable force feature on the tamper as a disadvantage. Whether it’s through a thumbwheel, like on the Force Tamper, or by swapping out springs, as seen with the Normcore V4, it’s not something that typically requires frequent adjustments. So, in my opinion, it’s not a significant concern.

Great news! The robust MHW 3Bomber torque wrench is now conveniently accessible for purchase on Amazon.

The Bright Side

  • Nice design
  • Noble materials
  • Very good grip
  • Presence of a guide
  • Regularity of applied force
  • The click
  • Reasonable price

Areas for Improvement

  • Not available in 58.5 mm (only in 58.35 mm, 53 mm, and 51 mm)
  • Slight coffee retention between guide and base

My verdict? A perfect score of 5 out of 5!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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