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1. How does the Eazytamp 5 Star Pro tamper actually work?
2. How deep does the 5 Star Pro tamp inside a filter basket?
3. How do I replace the calibrated springs in the 5 Star Pro?
4. How do I know which 5 Star Pro base thickness I should order for my filter basket?
5. Can I use a 58.4mm base if my filter basket specification is 58mm?
6. What’s the difference between the ordinary flat base 5 Star pro and the Infusion base?
Q1: How does the Eazytamp 5 Star Pro tamper actually work?
The 5 Star Pro has two stainless steel pieces at its base. The upper, is a leveling flange or plate that’s shaped like a star and sits on the top of a filter basket. This plate effectively keeps your tamping level by maintaining a vertical angle as you press down. The hollow sections of the plate allow you to line up the tamper in the basket, plus clean away residual coffee grind that could collect between the levelling plate and the base.
The base or ‘compression flange’ pushes down ground coffee as you push the handle down. These bases can be measured to fit any size filter basket, for example 52mm or 58.4mm. The bases are available in 5mm, 7.5mm or 12mm thicknesses. As a default, we send customers a 7.5mm base. The varied thicknesses are available to provide you with options for the compression base to travel further inside the filter basket.
The amount of pressure you press down on the coffee is controlled by a pre-calibrated spring inside the tamper itself. When the springs are inserted into the assembly, they’re placed under pressure. In order to achieve the pre-calibrated pressure, the spring travels 3mm inside of the tamper assembly. For example, when the 10kg spring is installed, it’s locked in place by a steel pin and in doing so, placed under 7kg of pressure. As you push the handle down, the spring travels 3mm. When the handle meets the base of the tamper, the spring has compressed 10kg of pressure.
The same science applies for the 15kg spring. When that spring is installed, it’s placed under 10kg of pressure. As you push the handle down, the spring travels 3mm. In that instance, when the handle meets the base of the tamper, the spring has compressed 15kg of pressure.
Between these two springs, it’s possible for you to compress anywhere in the range of 7-15kg of pressure, if you desire. We provide a 7kg, 10kg and a 15kg spring with the tamper. These springs are interchangeable and either can be used based on your preference.
Another larger spring ensures that the levelling plate returns to its original position after tamping, however this spring has no bearing on the pressure exerted on the coffee.
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Q2: How deep does the 5 Star Pro tamp inside a filter basket?
The tamping depth achieved by the 5mm base is approximately 14mm inside a filter basket, and the depth achieved by the 7.5mm base is approximately 16.5mm inside of a basket (ideal for use with VST or IMS filter baskets).
For more information about the tamping depth achieved in these baskets, please click here to watch this video from the inventor of the Eazytamp (opens in a new window)
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Q3: How do I replace the calibrated springs in the 5 Star Pro?
This is actually quite easy and can be done with a 12mm or like spanner. If you need one, they’re available for purchase on our accessories page.
For a demonstration of how to change the spring inside a 5 Star Pro, please click here to watch our video (opens in a new window)
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Q4: How do I know which 5 Star Pro base thickness I should order for my filter basket?
If you’re using VST, IMS or other competition filter baskets (which are usually sold as separate accessories to coffee machines), and you dose based on the recommended dosage taken by each filter basket e.g. 18g in an 18g basket, then we recommend you buy the 7.5mm thick compression base. For all other filter baskets, including those that come standard with coffee machines, the 7.5mm thick compression base should also be fine.
If you use a filter basket that is <51mm in diameter, we recommend a 5mm thick base.
The best way to determine how thick your base should be, is to measure the depth between the top of a compressed coffee puck and the top of the filter basket. If you don’t dose with the recommended dosage for your basket, we recommend measuring this way before selecting your base.
The thickness of compression base you need may also depend on the density of the coffee you use.
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Q5: Can I use a 58.4mm base if my filter basket specification is 58mm?
Given the 5 Star Pro base compresses vertically down inside the filter basket, generally speaking, a slightly larger base like a 58.5mm will fit a 58mm filter basket. Please note however we provide no guarantees that this is the case. For this reason, customers bear the responsibility for the correct size choice.
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Q6: What’s the difference between the ordinary flat base 5 Star pro and the Infusion base?
The infusion base changes the flavour profile of the coffee compared with the flat base. The impressions created on the coffee grind encourage the pre-brewing of coffee at the start of extraction, changing the flavour and acidity of the coffee.
In our own testing, our infusion bases made coffee taste sweeter. The exact effect depends on the type of blend/roast of coffee that is used.
For other FAQ’s, please visit our FAQ page
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