No products in the cart.
The importance of a portafilter
The portafilter is an essential component of your espresso machine. It plays a vital role in brewing your coffee. Our portafilters come with a free non-pressurized 18-gram filter basket, which is a significant improvement over the pressurized ones that often come with espresso machines. This allows you to focus on achieving a better extraction and enhancing the flavor of your espresso.
The hot water is forced through the finely ground coffee in the portafilter, creating the authentic espresso experience. It’s the combination of properly tamped coffee, a filter with small perforations, and the right amount of pressure that produces a delicious espresso shot. That’s why it’s important to ensure you have a good tamper alongside your portafilter and filter basket.
In addition to its functional role, the portafilter can also add a touch of style to your kitchen. You can conveniently hang it using a portafilter wall mount, keeping it within easy reach while giving your space a professional and elegant look. It’s a delightful addition for any home barista.
Should you buy a bottomless portafilter or a ‘regular’ portafilter?
The bottomless portafilter has gained quite a bit of popularity recently, leaving you wondering about the differences compared to a regular portafilter. The bottomless portafilter allows you to see the bottom of your filter while brewing a delightful espresso.
Instead of the usual double spout found on a regular portafilter, the coffee flows elegantly into your cup, creating a mesmerizing golden foam. You have probably seen on Instagram how visually satisfying it can be. But in its core the bottomless portafilter is a tool for improving your extraction. Observing the flow of your espresso can provide valuable insights and help you identify any potential flaws in your brewing technique.
If you do not get the extraction right, the bottomless portafilter will let you know by spraying coffee everywhere! That is where the ‘regular’ portafilter comes in. With its double spout design, it is a lot more forgiving and great for everyday use. You have the convenience of brewing two cups simultaneously, making it a more efficient choice, especially for home baristas who enjoy catering to multiple people at once.
Your portafilter will last
At Barista-Essentials, we prioritize quality, which is why our product range exclusively includes stainless steel portafilters. Stainless steel is more durable than chrome-plated brass and offers enhanced resistance to breakage or damage. You have the option to choose a portafilter with a wooden or black handle, catering to your personal preference.
To ensure you can enjoy the best-quality espresso for an extended period, proper maintenance of your machine and its components is crucial. While it may sound time-consuming, it is actually quite manageable. One of the best practices is to rinse your portafilter after each use and wipe or rinse the filter basket. By removing used coffee residue, you can ensure that every cup tastes fresh.
However, it’s worth noting that like any other tool, your portafilter will eventually show signs of wear. In such cases, investing in a new one will guarantee top-quality performance and give your machine a renewed appearance.
Portafilters for your espresso machine
The size of the portafilter you need will depend on your espresso machine. To assist you further, our size chart provides guidance on the suitable sizes for different espresso machines. Here are the most common sizes and the machines they are compatible with:
51mm Portafilter: Ideal for machines such as the Delonghi Dedica and other models, including those from Smeg. Not suitable for the La Specialista.
54mm Portafilter: Designed for 54 mm coffee machines like the Sage Barista Express, Sage Barista Touch, Sage Bambino Plus, Solis Grind & Infuse Pro, Solis Barista Pro, and more.
58mm Portafilter: Perfectly suited for all E61 machines, including ECM, Rancilio, Rocket, VBM, and others.
Always refer to our size chart to ensure compatibility with your specific espresso machine. In case of any doubts, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
