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Portafilter
Detachable handle that holds the basket and locks into the group head — the part you tamp into and lock up to brew a shot.
Category: Espresso Machine — Groups & Brew Path
The handheld brew unit that holds the basket containing the ground coffee and locks into the group head. Consists of a metal head, a handle, and one or two spouts (or no spouts on a bottomless portafilter).
Why it matters — The portafilter is the most-handled piece of the espresso machine. Its weight, balance, and basket fit shape your daily workflow. Quality matters — a well-machined portafilter sits flat in the group, locks firmly, and protects the basket from wobble.
Good to know
- 58 mm is the commercial standard size; 53 mm is common on home Breville machines; 51 mm and 49 mm appear on entry-level home machines.
- Heavier portafilters retain heat better but tire the wrist over a busy shift — match the portafilter to your use case.
Related: Portafilters