Bottomless portafilters

Everything about bottomless portafilters

The term "bottomless portafilter" implies that there are different types available. For a long time, only the standard portafilter, featuring a single or double spout at the bottom, was available. This is the type that most people think of when they hear the word "portafilter."

But there's also the bottomless portafilter. The top looks identical, but the major difference is the missing bottom. Turn it over, and you're looking straight at your filter basket.

Your espresso doesn't first run through the spout, but directly into the cup underneath, allowing you to see precisely how your extraction looks.

Why Use a Bottomless Portafilter?

If you already have a standard portafilter, you might be wondering if a bottomless portafilter is necessary.

Rest assured, it's not a requirement, but it comes with many advantages. That's why it's certainly interesting to sometimes replace your old portafilter with a bottomless one.

Here's what you can expect:

• Ideal for analysing your extraction as you can see how the water flows through.
• Up to 50% more crema, significantly enhancing the flavour of your espresso. Crema is the frothy layer that adds a beautiful finish. Additionally, it provides a richer flavour and longer aftertaste.
• Easy maintenance, because there's no worry about residues in the bottom of the portafilter, a bottomless portafilter is easy to clean.
• It looks irresistible, as often seen on Instagram, with the espresso falling into your cup like a stream of warm honey.

Basic troubleshooting with a Bottomless Portafilter

You can use the bottomless portafilter to identify flaws in your technique. Depending on the problem you encounter, we have a solution for you.

If the coffee sprays when extracting through the filter, it's due to channeling, a dreaded issue for every home barista. This can have different causes. Make sure to use freshly roasted beans and distribute the coffee evenly before tamping.

If your coffee flows too quickly or too slowly, it has nothing to do with the bottomless portafilter or the filter basket. You will need to grind your coffee finer to extend the extraction time. You can easily time this with a digital coffee scale.

We recommend starting with 18 grams of coffee to make 36 grams of espresso in about 25 to 30 seconds. An extra tip is to film the extraction. This makes analysing your work easier.

Choose the Right Size Bottomless Portafilter

Before buying a bottomless portafilter, ensure you get the correct size. Not every espresso machine uses the same size filter holder. Consult our size chart to determine the size you need for your device. Here's a quick overview of the different sizes and popular brands:

51 mm naked portafilter

• Naked portafilter 51 mm (De’Longhi Dedica): De’Longhi Dedica, Smeg ECF01, Smeg ECF02, Solis Grind & Infuse Compact*
• Naked portafilter 51 mm (De’Longhi La Specialista): De’Longhi La Specialista (Prestigio, Arte, Maestro)
• Naked portafilter 51 mm (De’Longhi Icona Vintage): De’Longhi Icona Vintage

*only works with the original Solis filter basket!

54 mm naked portafilter

• Naked portafilter 54 mm (Sage): Sage Barista Express, Sage Barista Pro, Sage Barista Touch, Sage Bambino, Solis Grind & Infuse Pro

58 mm naked portafilter

• Naked portafilter 58 mm (E61): La Marzocco, Flair 58, Rocket espresso machine, Vibiemme Domobar, Rancilio, Ascaso, Quickmill* and ECM bottomless portafilter
• Naked portafilter 58 mm (Gaggia): Gaggia Classic, Gaggia Classic Evo, Gaggia Classic Pro, Gaggia Baby, Gaggia New Classic
• Naked portafilter 58 mm (Sage): Sage Dual Boiler, Sage Oracle Touch, Sage The Oracle, Solis Triple Heat
• Naked portafilter 58 mm (Bezzera): Bezzera BZ10, Bezzera BZ09, Bezzera BZ13, Bezzera BZ07

*does not work with ‘three-winged’ Quickmill portafilters such as 820, 3000, 3004!