Coffee Machine Technologies introduces the fourth generation Auto Press, its most value-based, precision-driven version of the automatic tamper to date.
The art of tamping is often overlooked. While café owners and roasters pore over the latest espresso machine technology to brew the perfect cup and contemplate the intricacies of each grinder model to get the best out of their beans, the equipment used in the step between these two engineering feats isn’t usually a priority.
However, according to Gianluca Colangeli, Assistant General Manager of equipment specialist Coffee Machine Technologies, tamping equipment shouldn’t be an afterthought.
“Having a quality tamper that’s reliable is hugely important to the workflow of a barista. Introducing automatic equipment like an Auto Press not only increases speed but also precision,” he says.
“Workflow isn’t the only benefit either. A great tamper will improve the consistency of the coffee and work alongside the other equipment to create the best possible cup.”
Applying pressure to ground coffee within the basket using a tamper to ensure it is level is an essential step to crafting great espresso. The process removes air pockets, creates a compact surface, and produces an even consistency for the hot water to flow through the puck in a uniform manner to extract the best flavour.
For decades, this process has been conducted manually, with baristas using traditional hand-held tampers and brute force to condense the grounds in the basket. More recently, café owners have been switching to automatic models – not only to improve consistency of distribution but also to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
Since the introduction of automated tamping equipment, Coffee Machine Technologies has been working with the engineers at Auto Press to produce products that serve the intricacies of the Australian coffee market. With high-volume and a preference for espresso-based coffee, the local sector required a solution that provides consistency at pace.
“We were aware a lot of the reliable automated tampers in the market were very expensive. A quality model would cost $2000 plus, which isn’t affordable for a lot of café owners and roasters in this economic climate,” says Gianluca.
“We wanted to create a great product around the $1000 mark that would provide the quality and consistency of a model double its price.”
Working alongside the engineering team and building on the success of previous Auto Press tampers, Coffee Machine Technologies developed the Auto Press V4. Released in Australia in January 2025, Gianluca says the new model caters to the needs of local baristas, café owners, and roasters.
“We’ve been working with Auto Press for eight years and this is by far the best version of the automatic tamper we’ve created. Many competitor models struggle with motors and parts, meaning the equipment can be unreliable and doesn’t last long,” he says.
“For the V4, we’ve upgraded the motor and reinforced all of the components so the tamper can not only keep up with the demands of a busy environment but thrive.”
While the product can be a reliable piece of kit for high-volume cafés, Gianluca believes it can also provide great value for smaller and less busy venues.
“The V4 is very compact, so it won’t take up too much bench space at smaller venues that need to be economic with their equipment choices. It easily fits alongside espresso machines and grinders, therefore can be integrated into the barista’s workflow very simply,” he says.
Another highlight of the new model is its removable cleaning mechanism, which is designed to make cleaning the equipment easier than ever.
“To clean most other automatic tampers, the barista needs to unscrew the tamper head to access the parts that require cleaning. In most cases, this means the equipment doesn’t end up being cleaned regularly. This can lead to faults with the mechanics of the tamper. It can also impact taste, as old grounds can’t be removed properly,” says Gianluca.
“A magnetic mechanism developed specifically for the V4 means the tamper head can easily be removed, without the need for any tools. The magnetic clip surround pops off at the touch of button, giving users access in seconds.”
Gianluca recommends that the equipment should be cleaned at the end of each day to ensure the V4 continues to function at full capacity and provide the best tasting coffee.
As with all products Coffee Machine Technologies stocks, the V4 was tested by a hand-picked group of the company’s most knowledgeable clients before being launched at scale. According to Gianluca, the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Everyone that’s used it so far has loved it. They highlight the reliability and consistency of the tamper and say their teams have found it very easy to clean and maintain,” he says.
The Auto Press V4 is exclusively distributed in Australia by Coffee Machines Technologies and is available in black or white casing. Interested parties can see the equipment in action at the company’s showrooms in Carlton, Tullamarine, Geelong, Rye, and Sydney.
For more information, visit coffeemachinetechnologies.com.au
This article appears in the February/March 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
