If you’re hunting for an espresso machine, you’ll likely come across the term “portafilter.” Oddly, you likely have no idea what portafilters are or why they’re a critical element of the brewing process. This post will review what a portafilter is, what it does, and why you must select the right type so that your top-shelf espresso machine produces the best possible coffee.
An espresso machine and its portafilters are intricately linked to one another. The former literally relies on the latter for its operation, so it’s important that these two work well together in harmony so that you can brew the best possible cup of coffee. For those who don’t know what a portafilter is, it is the component where hot water and coffee combine to produce the final coffee-based beverage.
You not only need to select the right portafilter but you also need to learn how to use it correctly. Portafilters help you control the size of your espresso shots and can also help you master certain brewing techniques. There are many different portafilters on the market today. This is why it’s important that you know which portafilter is best based on your espresso machine and skill level. This guide will cover what a portafilter is, what it does, and why it’s important to select the right type.
What is a Portafilter?
If you’ve ever paid attention to how professional baristas make your coffee, then you’ve likely seen how a portafilter works. Also known as a group handle, a portafilter is a key component of any espresso machine. The portafilter attaches to the group head, which holds the coffee grounds during the brewing process.
The portafilter is the component in any espresso machine where the hot water is pressed through to extract the espresso. There are five key parts to a standard portafilter: the handle, the filter basket, the tension spring, the gauge, and the spout.
Portafilters can range in size from 40mm to 58mm. They also come with a variety of hole designs and shapes. Larger portafilters are thought to be better since they provide more flexibility in terms of the coffee grounds added to the brewing process.
Portafilters are not interchangeable since each manufacturer offers its own size, shape, and hole size. Even if your portafilter comes in a 58mm variety, the shape of the external casing might not allow another 58mm model to lock into the group head of the espresso machine.
The setting and number of flanges, the bowl’s diameter, and the angle of the locking mechanism where the flanges sit also play a key role in determining which type of portafilter you need.
What are the Components of a Portafilter?
While all portafilters function in a similar way, there are at least four basic types and each type operates differently. The overall style may remain the same, but the design will vary in terms of hole patterns, hole sizes, and filter baskets. Furthermore, there are pressurized, non-pressurized, bottomless, and pod portafilters.
The Different Types of Portafilters
Pressurized Portafilters
Pressurized portafilters provide additional pressure during the brewing process. This type of portafilter is usually found in entry-level machines that are relatively inexpensive.
The pressurized style of portafilters is intended for more novice baristas since it doesn’t depend on tamping consistency or the baristas’ ability to form the proper grind profile.
The pressurized portafilter limits the espresso flow via various methods as determined by the manufacturer. It may also include gaskets or springs between the handle and basket.
Pressurized portafilters help reduce common variables from preventing novice baristas from brewing top-shelf coffee. However, if you select this type of portafilter, you will have limited control over how you brew your shot.
This type of portafilter is typically made from low-grade plastic and aluminum. Furthermore, they’re also smaller in size, which limits the ability to retain heat. When compared to other types of portafilters, the pressurized versions have a greater chance of breaking.
Furthermore, the “crema” that a pressurized portafilter produces resembles fake crema. It looks appealing yet it is made with the help of ht extra pressure, not the barista’s tamping techniques or the freshness of the beans.
Non-Pressurized Portafilters
Non-pressurized portafilters, which are also known as commercial portafilters, rely on the dosage, grind size, and the tamp’s evenness to yield the correct pressure when brewing the espresso. The pressure with non-pressurized portafilters is produced through the tamped-down espresso whereas the extra mechanical elements create the pressure in pressurized portafilters.
Commercial portafilters are made from chrome-plated brass and have a diameter that varies from 57 to 58 millimeters. They typically have greater stability and retain heat better due to their weight, which averages around done pound. The larger diameter of this type of portafilter yields better extraction of the coffee and the craftsmanship guarantees durability.
Most professional baristas opt for non-pressurized portafilters since it allows for more experimentation with the evenness, dosage, and grind size.
Pod Portafilters
This style of portafilters is designed for use with espresso pods. Pod portafilters are prepackaged containers that include tamped and ground coffee beans. They let you insert and eliminate the capsule with ease. These pods have caught on with the rise of single-serve coffeemakers like Keruig machines.
While these pods are super convenient., you have no choice when it comes to does, grind size, or tamping. Thus, the majority of pod portafilters on the market are usually of the pressurized variety.
Bottomless Portafilters
Also known as “naked extractions” or “naked portafilters”, bottomless portafilters do not have a spout on the bottom portion. This style of portafilters is very popular in the barista world since it allows for more customization with their brewing technique.
It’s easy to spot problems with bottomless portafilters versus a portafilter with a spout. This is because a bottomless portafilter allows you to monitor how the coffee flows through the basket. In fact, the espresso needs to drip from the outer edges of a bottomless portafilter and then form a stream in the middle.
If you fail to acknowledge the variables, such as the evenness of the tamp, dosage, or grind size, you will likely form an uneven stream. Furthermore, your stream can shoot out in different directions. If you didn’t know, spurting is a major problem for baristas.
Bottomless portafilters are also the messiest style, so many baristas avoid them at all costs. However, if you’re a novice who would like to practice your craft, a bottomless portafilter is a great option. Another bonus to bottomless portafilters is that they tend to produce more crema.
Portafilter Adapters
Portafilter adapters allow you to make minor modifications so you can take full advantage of your portafilter. In most cases, baristas use portafilter adapters to convert their current portafilters into a more pod-friendly model.
Portafilter Compatibility
Yea, a manual is a great source to learn how to use your portafilter. However, there are a handful of steps you should follow and a few you should avoid when you begin your brewing process.
What Kind of Drink are You Making?
Before you even turn your espresso machine on, you need to consider what type of drink you want to make. Are you going to brew up a classic espresso, cappuccino, or an Americano? Do you want a single or a double shot?
If you’re brewing up a single shot, you’ll need 6-8 grams of coffee or 13-15 grams if you’re going with a double shot.
Once you decide on your drink, you need to grind your coffee. If you use too much or too little, you will likely over or under-extract and you’ll be stuck with a yucky mess.
Grind Your Beans the Right Way
The way in which you grind your beans significantly impacts the taste of your coffee. You should use a high-quality grinder in order to produce a fine grind. If your grind is too coarse, you risk under-extracting your beans. On the other hand, if you grind your beans too fine, you can easily clod your espresso machine and can over-extract your beans.
Pre-packaged ground coffee is enticing, but you don’t know how fresh it is. Furthermore, a consistent size is not common and is not a great option for most espresso machines.
Master Your Tamping Technique
Tamping your coffee grounds may seem easy. Unless you’re a veteran barista, you will encounter a number of problems here. The loosely packed coffee grounds influence the way the pressurized water comes through the coffee puck. Furthermore, it can change the espresso flow and the final taste of your cup of joe.
You need to practice a consistent tamping technique. Doing so will ensure tightly packed grounds. Doing so also makes sure that there are no ruts, valleys, or peaks in the espresso puck.
Lastly, the top of the puck must be smooth, flat, and free of any holes. If you see any ruts or peaks, you should loosen the grinds with a spoon and tamp the grounds again.
Lock Your Portafilter into the Group Head
Once you’ve packed your grinds to perfection, it’s time to lock your portafilter into the group head of your espresso machine. Each espresso machine has its own group head, so there are a number of different ways to lock your portafilter into place.
Readjust
If you’re not satisfied with the taste of your espresso, then you likely did something wrong. Whether it is your grind settings on the grinder or your tamping technique, you’ll need to experiment until you find your ideal combo. It takes time and practice to master how to use your portafilter correctly and brew your dream cup of espresso.
Closing Thoughts
If you plan to buy or have already purchased an espresso machine, then it is vital that you learn how to use your portafilter. One of the most common problems is selecting the size and type of the portafilter that matches your espresso machine.
Learning how to use your portafilter is vital since the taste of your drink hinges on your tamping skills and the coffee grinds. You’ll want to go with whole beans instead of pre-packaged ground coffee.
Finally, make sure you take the time to read your manual before using your portafilter. Furthermore, feel free to experiment and practice different methods. Start with classic espresso and then try your hand at other brewing methods.
