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Dispersion Plate / Block
The thicker plate above the shower screen that distributes incoming water before it reaches the screen.
Category: Espresso Machine — Groups & Brew Path
A thick metal plate that sits above the shower screen inside the group head. Water from the brew line hits the plate first, spreads across it, then drops down through the shower screen onto the puck.
Why it matters — The dispersion plate distributes water across the full diameter of the puck. Without it, water would hit the centre of the basket too hard, channelling immediately.
Good to know
- Dispersion plates scale up over time, especially in hard water areas. Periodic removal and descaling restores even distribution.
- Some E61 designs use a one-piece block; others use a separate plate above the screen. Both serve the same function.