What makes a good coffee tamping mat?

A tamping mat is not an insignificant accessory in the process of making espresso. However, it is indispensable because when tamping with force, the portafilter can easily damage the table surface, cause slipping, leave scratches, or even injure the barista.

More commonly, many baristas have the habit of gently tapping the portafilter on the table before tamping to distribute the coffee grounds evenly in the basket. This tapping often produces loud knocking sounds, which not only harm the table but also disturb people nearby. The elasticity of a tamping mat effectively absorbs the impact of tapping, eliminating noise and protecting the table surface!

Since the portafilter contains coffee grounds, the tamping mat should be made of food-grade material. Food-grade silicone is an excellent choice. So, here’s the conclusion: a good tamping mat is made of food-grade silicone, sized to fit your tamping space, protects the table, and offers sufficient non-slip grip.