Want to get the best espresso from your machine? Use a single wall filter basket with freshly roasted coffee beans and ideally an 18g filter basket for a double espresso. This ensures the best extraction and flavor. Skip the dual wall filter baskets (they give a cardboard-like taste), and only use the blind filter for cleaning your machine. Why? We explain it all below! ☕
1. Dual Wall Filter Baskets
You can recognize these instantly: they have only a few tiny holes at the bottom. They are designed for pre-ground supermarket coffee. The pressure builds artificially through the double bottom rather than the coffee itself. This means that no matter what you put in, you’ll always get a crema layer and something that resembles coffee. Sounds convenient, right? But honestly? The taste is like cardboard. We say: avoid using them!
2. Single Wall Filter Baskets
These are the filter baskets you want! They have many small holes, ensuring better extraction. However, you do need a good coffee grinder and fresh coffee beans, but the results are worth it. With these baskets, the coffee itself must build the pressure!
- 8g filter basket: Ideal for a single espresso, but honestly, it’s challenging to achieve a really good extraction.
- 18g filter basket: Our top recommendation! It allows you to make a double espresso with a perfect balance of flavor and extraction. 🎯
Our advice? Stick to one filter basket size. Switching between single and double baskets means constantly adjusting your grinder, which wastes coffee!
That’s why we only recommend and sell 18g filter baskets—it makes brewing consistently delicious coffee at home much easier.
3. Blind Filter
This filter basket has no holes, so please don’t try making an espresso with it. 😉 It is designed for cleaning your machine, a process called backflushing. Always check your machine’s manual for guidance.
Which One Should You Use?
In short: skip the dual wall baskets and use the single wall 18g filter basket for the best espresso.
Not sure which filter basket fits your machine or how to get a perfect extraction? Reach out to us on social media or send us a message!
Frequently Asked Questions
⮟ Can I use pre-ground coffee in a single wall filter basket?
Technically, yes, but the chances of a poor extraction are high. Single wall filter baskets work best with freshly ground coffee from a quality grinder.
⮟ How do I know which filter basket fits my machine?
Check our size guide.
⮟ Why am I not getting a good crema on my espresso?
It could be due to old coffee beans, incorrect grind size, or poor extraction. Use fresh beans, adjust your grind, and ensure the right brewing time. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the website for a free home barista guide!
⮟ How often should I use a blind filter?
Depending on how often you brew, we recommend backflushing your machine weekly with a blind filter. You don’t need to use cleaning detergent every time—doing so every quarter is enough. This prevents coffee oil buildup and keeps your machine in top condition!
⮟ How can I tell if my extraction is good?
First, taste is key—if your coffee tastes good, you’re on the right track! If you want more consistency, you can improve your puck preparation using a WDT tool and a coffee distributor. You can also use a Bottomless Portafilter, a diagnostic tool that allows you to visually assess your extraction for troubleshooting!
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