This time in our portafilter guide, we're diving deep into the heart of the espresso machine. We're venturing right inside: the filter basket in the portafilter. This small but crucial part plays a huge role in preparing an espresso. We'll explain exactly what the filter basket is, the different types available, and what you should pay attention to. Enjoy reading!
What exactly is the filter in the portafilter?
Before we discuss the different types of filter baskets in the portafilter, let's start with a general explanation: The filter basket in the portafilter is the metal component that holds the ground coffee while hot water is forced through it under high pressure. The result is a delicious espresso. The shape, size, workmanship, and material quality of the filter basket have a significant impact on the taste of your espresso. As you can see, the filter basket in the portafilter is extremely important; you simply can't do without it.
The types of sieves in the portafilter
The single sieve
As the name suggests, the single-shot filter basket is designed for making a single espresso. Its funnel shape means the coffee grounds need to be tamped more firmly at the edges than in the center. This can result in an uneven flow of coffee, but it doesn't necessarily affect the taste. The single-shot filter basket is ideal for those who prefer a lower caffeine intake by using less coffee and avoiding optimal extraction. On average, you'll need 7-9 grams of coffee grounds.
The double sieve
The double or double filter basket is a favorite among baristas. Especially during peak hours in cafes, it's efficient and perfect in terms of extraction time, coffee-to-water ratio, and brewing time. It also requires less practice than the single filter basket. Since you need two shots for most coffee drinks anyway, a double filter basket is a worthwhile investment for most households. Depending on your personal preference or desired caffeine boost, you'll need to add 14-18 grams of coffee and aim for the optimal extraction time of 25-30 seconds.
3. The bottomless sieve
While the double filter basket is the go-to choice for busy cafes, true coffee virtuosos would always opt for the "naked portafilter." Here, the extraction process can be observed directly. The espresso is pressed through the filter basket evenly, velvety smooth, and simply pleasing to the eye – no mistakes in tamping are forgiven! Pure barista artistry in every aspect.
4. The special sieve
There are always a few quirky preferences, and for example, a triple portafilter basket was actually invented – by the Americans, of course. It's relatively unknown among baristas and not suitable for every machine. Its flavor profile hasn't really caught on either, so it's best considered a curiosity.
What should be considered when choosing the right sieve?
Besides deciding whether you need a single or double portafilter, there are a few other points you should consider in your decision.
1. Material
Most sieves are made of high-quality stainless steel, as this is impact and rust resistant and therefore durable. The handles can be customized to your liking and made of any material – of course, they should be able to withstand contact with water and shouldn't break after just a few years.
2. Hole distribution
Here you should be aware that finer sieves can also hold finer coffee grounds. This must be taken into account when grinding your coffee and will affect the extraction time.
3. Compatibility
The filter basket in the portafilter must, of course, fit the portafilter. The most common size is 58mm in diameter – a filter basket is usually included with your machine.
4. Form
It's not just single-shot filter baskets that can be funnel-shaped. Double filter baskets or naked portafilters can also be convex and thus affect your coffee flow.
5. Cleaning
Your sieve should be easy to clean. This means it shouldn't be unnecessarily convoluted and should be able to be disassembled into its individual parts. Only then can you remove old oils and grease.
Why is the right filter basket in the portafilter so important?
Quite simply: choosing the right filter basket in your portafilter makes all the difference between an average and an exceptional espresso. A filter basket that's too coarse can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a watery and weak espresso. A filter basket that's too fine can block the water flow, at best "only" over-extracting your espresso. In the worst-case scenario, the water is simply forced out of the portafilter holder – a waste of coffee grounds, and cleaning up is a hassle.
Conclusion:
After choosing the right coffee grounds, selecting the right portafilter basket is the second most important step for a perfect espresso. Consider your personal preferences to determine whether a single, double, or naked portafilter is right for you. If you need some help deciding, feel free to join one of our barista courses . There, we'll introduce you to the most important basics of coffee machines and help you find your perfect portafilter basket. Of course, you can find the perfect coffee in our online shop . Experiment and let us know what your favorite espresso is!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team
Step No. 7 to the perfect espresso: The portafilter filter explained - What types of filters are there?
This time in our portafilter guide, we're diving deep into the heart of the espresso machine. We're venturing right inside: the filter basket in the portafilter. This small but crucial part plays a huge role in preparing an espresso. We'll explain exactly what the filter basket is, the different types available, and what you should pay attention to. Enjoy reading!
What exactly is the filter in the portafilter?
Before we discuss the different types of filter baskets in the portafilter, let's start with a general explanation: The filter basket in the portafilter is the metal component that holds the ground coffee while hot water is forced through it under high pressure. The result is a delicious espresso. The shape, size, workmanship, and material quality of the filter basket have a significant impact on the taste of your espresso. As you can see, the filter basket in the portafilter is extremely important; you simply can't do without it.
The types of sieves in the portafilter
The single sieve
As the name suggests, the single-shot filter basket is designed for making a single espresso. Its funnel shape means the coffee grounds need to be tamped more firmly at the edges than in the center. This can result in an uneven flow of coffee, but it doesn't necessarily affect the taste. The single-shot filter basket is ideal for those who prefer a lower caffeine intake by using less coffee and avoiding optimal extraction. On average, you'll need 7-9 grams of coffee grounds.
The double sieve
The double or double filter basket is a favorite among baristas. Especially during peak hours in cafes, it's efficient and perfect in terms of extraction time, coffee-to-water ratio, and brewing time. It also requires less practice than the single filter basket. Since you need two shots for most coffee drinks anyway, a double filter basket is a worthwhile investment for most households. Depending on your personal preference or desired caffeine boost, you'll need to add 14-18 grams of coffee and aim for the optimal extraction time of 25-30 seconds.
3. The bottomless sieve
While the double filter basket is the go-to choice for busy cafes, true coffee virtuosos would always opt for the "naked portafilter." Here, the extraction process can be observed directly. The espresso is pressed through the filter basket evenly, velvety smooth, and simply pleasing to the eye – no mistakes in tamping are forgiven! Pure barista artistry in every aspect.
4. The special sieve
There are always a few quirky preferences, and for example, a triple portafilter basket was actually invented – by the Americans, of course. It's relatively unknown among baristas and not suitable for every machine. Its flavor profile hasn't really caught on either, so it's best considered a curiosity.
What should be considered when choosing the right sieve?
Besides deciding whether you need a single or double portafilter, there are a few other points you should consider in your decision.
1. Material
Most sieves are made of high-quality stainless steel, as this is impact and rust resistant and therefore durable. The handles can be customized to your liking and made of any material – of course, they should be able to withstand contact with water and shouldn't break after just a few years.
2. Hole distribution
Here you should be aware that finer sieves can also hold finer coffee grounds. This must be taken into account when grinding your coffee and will affect the extraction time.
3. Compatibility
The filter basket in the portafilter must, of course, fit the portafilter. The most common size is 58mm in diameter – a filter basket is usually included with your machine.
4. Form
It's not just single-shot filter baskets that can be funnel-shaped. Double filter baskets or naked portafilters can also be convex and thus affect your coffee flow.
5. Cleaning
Your sieve should be easy to clean. This means it shouldn't be unnecessarily convoluted and should be able to be disassembled into its individual parts. Only then can you remove old oils and grease.
Why is the right filter basket in the portafilter so important?
Quite simply: choosing the right filter basket in your portafilter makes all the difference between an average and an exceptional espresso. A filter basket that's too coarse can lead to over-extraction, resulting in a watery and weak espresso. A filter basket that's too fine can block the water flow, at best "only" over-extracting your espresso. In the worst-case scenario, the water is simply forced out of the portafilter holder – a waste of coffee grounds, and cleaning up is a hassle.
Conclusion:
After choosing the right coffee grounds, selecting the right portafilter basket is the second most important step for a perfect espresso. Consider your personal preferences to determine whether a single, double, or naked portafilter is right for you. If you need some help deciding, feel free to join one of our barista courses . There, we'll introduce you to the most important basics of coffee machines and help you find your perfect portafilter basket. Of course, you can find the perfect coffee in our online shop . Experiment and let us know what your favorite espresso is!
Your SIMON&BEARNS Team