Does The Portafilter Matter?

Yes, portafilter size does matter Many espresso machines don’t have much range in diameter, with 58 mm being the standard. But the depth of the basket makes a difference. Deeper baskets allow you to pull more espresso.

Does the portafilter make a difference?

Portafilters are a prime example – they all look essentially identical even on close inspection, but the differences in performance can be massive We can say that, but we wouldn’t blame you if that didn’t convince you to spend money on a forgettable little part that it seems you already own.

Are all portafilters compatible?

The compatibility of portafilters between brands sometimes becomes an issue. Most manufacturers make their own versions and even those of the same diameter sometimes do not fit those of other makes This holds especially true in the lower priced entry levels and in the upper end dual boilers.

Is 58mm portafilter better than 54mm?

Let’s see what the main distinctions with the traditional 58mm portafilter are. During extraction with a 9 bar pressure, the 54mm portafilter weighs about 30kg less on the coffee cake compared to the 58mm With the same dose of coffee, the 54mm portafilter ensures a taller coffee cake.

Does a bottomless portafilter make a difference?

In the hands of an experienced barista with fresh espresso beans, a bottomless portafilter will yield 50% or more of Crema Why? Well the answer is simple. Your espresso shot will come in contact with no other surface than the bottom of you portafilter basket.

Is a naked portafilter worth it?

The most frequently cited reason for using a naked portafilter is that it allows us to judge the evenness of our extraction and therefore produce tastier and more consistent espressos.

Do I need a naked portafilter?

This spout is necessary if you want to brew a double espresso into two separate mugs A bottomless portafilter removes the spout and exposes the bottom of the coffee basket. Getting rid of the spout doesn’t affect the brewing process, but it can help you better diagnose your problems if something goes wrong.

How do I choose a portafilter?

However, many manufacturers who opt to use pressurized portafilters for their machines will use smaller diameters. Another measurement to look out for is the size of the portafilter basket The depth refers to whether it’s a single, double, or triple shot, with the option of a back-flushing one as well.

Is a wider portafilter better?

We can see that the larger portafilter is subject to a higher force of extraction with the same pressure. What this amounts to in practice is very much dependent on your setup. However it should tend towards better consistency in extraction.

Does portafilter basket size matter?

Yes, portafilter size does matter Many espresso machines don’t have much range in diameter, with 58 mm being the standard. But the depth of the basket makes a difference. Deeper baskets allow you to pull more espresso.

Which portafilter size is the best?

Ideally, the 58 mm in diameter are the most common portafilter basket size on the market, while the other relatively rare, especially in commercial machines. It’s regarded as a standard size for almost all high-end home espresso machines and commercial ones.

How do I know what size portafilter to buy?

We recommend measuring the exact inside diameter of the portafilter basket and then selecting a tamper at least 75 mm smaller Step 1: Use machine calipers or a steel measuring tape with 1/32 inch divisions to carefully measure the distance inside the filter basket directly across the centerline (the diameter).

How many grams does a 58mm portafilter hold?

Independent of the variables you have listed, a machine with a 49mm basket that holds a 11 gram dose will not extract the same volume of espresso as a machine with a 58mm portafilter that holds 18 grams.

How long does a portafilter last?

The portafilter gasket will, typically, last about six months to a year , depending on how much it’s used. Now, our machine is used maybe once or twice a day. Something that you’d see like in a home setting. So, it’s made it about a year, and it’s still not quite unusable, just to give you an idea of how long it lasts.

How hard is tamp espresso?

Apply 20-30 pounds of pressure , and polish Baristas often recommend 30 pounds of pressure, but some do as little as 20 pounds. More and more are finding that tamping pressure is overrated—it’s hard on the wrist and cause an over-extracted, bitter brew.

Can you put less coffee in portafilter?

The smaller the portafilter, the less flexibility you have over how much coffee you us in it Even though you can change out the filter basket inside the portafilter to increase the basket depth, you can only add so much depth before the shots start to pull weird.

Why is pressurized portafilter bad?

When using pressurized portafilter the coffee is being forced through a small hole which results in aeration, producing faux crema (foam) For these reasons, the coffee made with pressurized portafilter isn’t as good as the espresso made with a non-pressurized filter basket.

Do you tamp a pressurized portafilter?

Pressurized portafilters (generally) do not need tamping down Brush the edges of the filter basket off so there are no stray coffee grounds to get into the threads of the brew head. I like to smooth the basket down with a light tamp to make sure the grounds are even within the basket.

How often should you change portafilter basket?

In a busy commercial environment it is common to replace the portafilter baskets every 6 months or at a minimum annually If you are not sure which portafilter basket is best for your cafe, give our commercial experts a call for a short consultation.

How many grams of coffee are in a 54mm portafilter?

This 54mm single wall (unpressurized) basket holds 18 grams of coffee and fits smaller Breville machines, including: Duo-Temp Pro. Bambino. Infuser.

Are portafilters universal?

There are common portafilter sizes and common basket sizes (e.g., 58mm), but no, there really isn’t a standard The grouphead geometry changes considerably among espresso machines.

Is 54mm portafilter good?

The Breville 54mm portafilter is a must-have for any home barista looking to improve their coffee-making skills Watching the coffee extraction process with a naked portafilter is mesmerizing and will highlight any issues with your tamping and dosing in real-time.

Why does my espresso sputter?

An underdosed, overdosed, unevenly distributed, or badly tamped puck of coffee will result in your espresso sputtering out all over the place. This is known as channeling.

Why is my espresso spurting?

Espresso Channeling Channeling is the result of pressurized water from your espresso shot finding pathways of least resistance to flow through your ground coffee inside the portafilter (group handle) and into your cup.

What is the difference between single wall and double wall portafilter?

Single-wall filters are best when you have a decent grinder; double-wall filters help increase pressure and can help you make decent espresso when using a cheaper grinder or pre-ground coffee. Single wall filters give the best results.

Why does my bottomless portafilter spit?

It could be channeling If you’re using a bottomless portafilter, you can see channeling when the espresso favors one side of the puck, there are gaps in the bed or pinholes in the puck post shot. This can be caused by coffee that is ground too fine or poor technique.

How can I make my espresso better?

  • If you haven’t recently made a coffee, purge the grinder of 1 dose worth of coffee and discard it
  • Tamp straight – take a look at your coffee after you’ve tamped it
  • Use filtered water
  • Only ever use the double basket
  • Use gram scales to weigh your dose and shots.

How many grams of espresso are in a bottomless portafilter?

Most bottomless portafilters hold around 18 grams of coffee, but this might vary depending on the specific model you’re using.

How tight should a portafilter be?

  • Portafilter needs to be turned towards a point whereby it is snug and fit, NOT tight
  • Regardless of the size of the espresso machine, it would be best to hold lightly with firmness onto one corner of the machine while turning the portafilter in the group head.

How many shots of espresso do you get from one portafilter?

1-2 of 2 Answers Hi, this unit can only make up to 2 espresso shots at a time Using the same grounds for multiple uses will result in a much weaker espresso.

What is standard portafilter size?

The 58mm commercial portafilter is one of the most traditional and unchanged elements in the world of espresso.

What size is an E61 portafilter?

E61 Grouphead Only – Bottomless / Naked Portafilter – 58 mm, 3-cup.

How many grams of coffee are in a portafilter?

Under typical situations a single basket will hold 11 grams of coffee. A double basket will hold 17 grams. And a triple basket will hold 21 grams of the good stuff!.

How many grams is a triple shot of espresso?

Triple, in the context of espresso brewing, refers to a triple shot of espresso, pulled from approximately 21 grams of coffee grounds.