What is a portafilter on a coffee machine?
First up, what is a portafilter? The portafilter (also called a ‘portaholder’) is the device with a handle that your espresso machine pumps water into. The portafilter basket, which holds the coffee grounds, sits inside it. The portafilter basket, also known as the filter basket or filter insert, is a crucial component of an espresso machine responsible for holding the finely ground coffee during the brewing process.Portafilter size is not just about compatibility but also about the level of control you have over extraction. A larger portafilter (58mm) offers greater surface area, which can lead to more even extraction, while smaller sizes (54mm) provide simplicity and versatility for beginners.A 58mm portafilter offers better water dispersion and reduces the risk of channeling, leading to more balanced espresso. On the other hand, a 54mm portafilter is more forgiving, making it easier to achieve decent results even with slight inconsistencies in technique.Full bodied coffee with rich and complex flavors is created using the ideal dose of 18g of freshly ground beans delivered by a professional style 54mm portafilter.
Why is it called a portafilter?
The Italian word portafilter translates to ‘carry’ or ‘portable filter’ in English. The portafilter was quite revolutionary in helping espresso coffee progress on its journey towards becoming a delicious beverage. The first known design to feature a portafilter as we know it today was the Bezzera machine, from 1901. Filter baskets and portafilters are integral components of an espresso machine. The portafilter is the handle that holds the filter basket, which in turn contains the coffee grounds.
Is portafilter universal?
No, they’re not universal. It’s similar to portafilters. When choosing, you’re looking for the correct diameter – if you know the diameter of the portafilter, you know the size of the basket. The numbering of the cups in the lever of the coffee maker is also given as the diameter in mm. Whether or not a portafilter will fit your coffee machine is determined not only by its diameter, but also bythe thread of the coffee machine head. Or rather, the flat protrusions at the top edge of the portafilter’s perimeter.
Which portafilter size is best?
If you are shopping for an entry or mid-level machine, odds are it’ll come with a more forgiving 54mm portafilter. On the flipside, if you’re looking for a more professional, higher level machine then it’ll probably use a 58mm portafilter. However, many manufacturers who opt to use pressurized portafilters for their machines will use smaller diameters.