Tamper
A tamper is an essential tool used in coffee preparation, particularly for espresso drinks. It's both a tool and a skill - baristas use this hand-held device to evenly compress (or 'tamp') ground coffee in the filter basket before brewing espresso. Proper tamping is crucial for making quality espresso drinks, as it ensures water flows evenly through the coffee grounds. When you see this term in resumes, it often indicates experience with professional espresso equipment and understanding of coffee preparation standards. This skill is particularly important in specialty coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants that serve espresso-based drinks.
Examples in Resumes
Trained new staff in proper tamper technique for consistent espresso quality
Demonstrated expertise in tamping techniques for specialty coffee preparation
Maintained and calibrated espresso equipment including tampers
Typical job title: "Baristas"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Baristas
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you train someone on proper tamping technique?
Expected Answer: A senior barista should explain the importance of consistent pressure, level tamping, and proper posture. They should mention specific pressure amounts (around 30 pounds), and describe how to check for evenness.
Q: What problems can incorrect tamping cause in espresso preparation?
Expected Answer: They should discuss issues like channeling, uneven extraction, and inconsistent shot times, explaining how these affect drink quality and customer satisfaction.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is the correct pressure for tamping espresso?
Expected Answer: Should know the standard pressure range (around 30 pounds) and explain why consistency matters more than exact pressure.
Q: How do you know if you've tamped correctly?
Expected Answer: Should describe checking for level surface, proper compression, and using shot timing as feedback for technique.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is tamping and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that tamping compresses coffee grounds evenly for proper water flow and good espresso extraction.
Q: What are the basic steps of tamping?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic motion: level grounds, apply even pressure, polish if needed.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic tamping technique
- Understanding of espresso basics
- Ability to maintain clean equipment
- Basic coffee drink preparation
Mid (1-3 years)
- Consistent tamping pressure
- Troubleshooting extraction issues
- Training others in basic techniques
- Quality control of espresso shots
Senior (3+ years)
- Advanced tamping techniques
- Staff training and development
- Equipment maintenance expertise
- Quality assurance management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of proper tamping pressure
- Unfamiliarity with espresso shot timing
- Lack of understanding about coffee extraction
- No experience with professional espresso machines
Related Terms
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