Do bottomless portafilters make a difference?
By troubleshooting espresso shots instantly with a bottomless portafilter, a remarkable improvement in the consistency of coffee can be served. This advantage is a competitive edge in the pursuit of the perfect cup. Bottomless portafilters won’t suit every machine, but knowing your model, size, and group’s specifications upfront will usually clear things up quickly. And even the few compatibility challenges shouldn’t deter you. Espresso brewing is about experimentation and getting hands-on, after all.Through the elimination of spouts, the bottomless portafilter has enabled baristas to achieve enhanced consistency, more abundant crema, improved taste, and valuable insights into their tamping techniques.Summary: The non-pressurized basket in a bottomless portafilter relies on coffee bean quality and technique, while the pressurized basket uses a built-in valve to create fake crema. Therefore, reduced crema when using a bottomless portafilter often indicates issues with technique or equipment compatibility.It’s a lot quicker to clean a bottomless portafilter, since you don’t have that many options for residue to collect and build up. For example, you can easily rinse the basket with hot water from the brew group and carefully wipe it clean before every new shot of espresso.What is the difference between a bottomless portafilter and a regular portafilter?On a regular portafilter, the bottom of the basket is enclosed by a solid bottom with spouts, which allow the espresso to flow into the cup. A bottomless or “naked” portafilter is open, exposing the bottom of the basket. With no basket installed, it just looks like a sturdy metal ring with a handle. Use a dose between 7-10g of ground coffee for single baskets, 16-18g for double baskets, and 20-22g for triple baskets. Always grind into a clean and dry basket. To ensure your dose is accurate, tare the scale with the portafilter on top, grind it into the basket, and then place the portafilter back on the scale.The bottomless portafilter is used not too differently from a traditional portafilter, but some specific steps should be carefully observed. First of all, it is important to prepare ground coffee with the right grain size. If the beans are too fine or too coarse, it may be difficult to extract a good aroma.How many grams fit in 58mm portafilter? A standard 58mm portafilter basket can hold approximately 18-22 grams of coffee grounds, depending on the roast level, grind size, and other factors.Grind your coffee into the portafilter. Try to aim around 18 grams. Level your coffee perfectly. Any imperfections will cause spraying and affect the taste.
Why choose a bottomless portafilter?
Unlike traditional portafilters with spouts that can trap coffee residues, bottomless portafilters are straightforward to clean. The absence of spouts eliminates the need for frequent disassembly and scrubbing, making them a convenient choice for busy coffee enthusiasts. Nine bars is considered ideal for high-quality espresso, though you can also get solid extractions from seven or eight bars. If you’re thinking of using more bars than that, reconsider!The bottomless portafilter will tell all. And it does so in a ruthless way. An underdosed, overdosed, unevenly distributed, or badly tamped puck of coffee will result in your espresso sputtering out all over the place—a technique issue known as channeling.Dryness and Structure: Ideally, a good espresso puck should be dry and hold its shape after removal from the portafilter. A soggy, sloppy puck often means that water has not been distributed evenly during extraction, while a crumbly puck may indicate under-extraction or a poor grind size and distribution.The ideal level of BAR passing through your coffee grounds should be around 7-11 BARs of pressure, though some espresso machines will be able to hit higher BAR. Machines capable of hitting 9 BARs of pressure will have the ability to produce a rich and concentrated espresso shot.The water pressure pulls oils from the grounds and creates the bold taste and rich texture your customers expect from a quality espresso. But if the coffee grounds are loose and uneven, water will find the gaps and move through them instead of extracting flavor, and your brew will be watery and flavorless.