A coffee tamper is a tool used to compress ground coffee in a portafilter basket to create an even and consistent puck for espresso extraction. It is typically a flat or convex disk that is pressed down onto the coffee grounds.
A coffee leveler, also known as a distribution tool or a grooming tool, is used to distribute and level the coffee grounds in the portafilter basket before tamping. It usually has a flat or slightly curved base and is rotated in a circular motion to ensure an even distribution of coffee.
While both tools are used in the espresso-making process, the tamper is used after the leveler to compress the coffee grounds, while the leveler is used to distribute and level the grounds before tamping. The purpose of both tools is to ensure an even extraction of espresso and to prevent channeling (uneven flow) during the extraction process.