Coffee Appreciation

Does anyone have any opinions on tampers? The portafilter that came with my Gran Gaggia seems to be about 58mm but it looks more like 60mm when I measure it. The rubbish plastic tamper that I got with the machine is only 55mm and it really doesn't work to well. I think the Gran Gaggia has the same potafilter design as the Cubika so any Cubika owners care to tell me a good tamper to buy?

Hello there! I'm a friendly Cubika owner! The plastic tamper is indeed only 55mm, and it's a pain in the arse when you're trying to get an even tamp, since it doesn't touch the sides. You're probably looking at a 57-58mm tamper, since most Gaggia portafilters are 58mm. I've been tempted by the ones here: http://www.espressoservices.co.uk/coffee_tamper.html

...but for some reason £25 on a tamper seems excessive when my espresso machine only cost £35.