When you’re choosing a bottomless vs. spouted portafilter, there’s a lot to keep in mind. You might want to upgrade, but how do you know what’s the right choice for you? You’ll want to think about what you’re hoping to achieve or correct in your espresso-making process and what would best help you get there. This guide will take you through the differences between the two and highlight what their biggest strengths are.
What is a bottomless portafilter?
A bottomless portafilter is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a portafilter that’s missing the bottom piece that has the spout. Instead, the coffee flows directly through the basket and the filter in to the cup. It gives baristas a chance to see exactly what’s going on with the flow, so they can catch any issues and work to course correct on the next cup. It also means it’s easier to clean because it has fewer parts. But learning to use a bottomless portafilter vs regular can be tricky.
Bottomless portafilters do have a slight learning curve, especially if you’re used to spouted filters. It also means your station will be a bit messier if you haven’t figured out your technique.
What is a spouted portafilter?
The spouted portafilter is the one you’re likely most used to. It’s the type of portafilter that’s most likely to come standard in your espresso machine. It’s also the type most used in cafes. You can find them with one or two spouts, which can help reduce mess by directing the flow.
However, traditional portafilters don’t allow you to clearly see what issues are occurring as the shot is brewing. It also adds another piece of equipment capable of trapping grime.
Bottomless vs regular portafilters: what’s the difference?
Both portafilters are capable of brewing an incredible cup of espresso, so what’s the real difference when it comes to bottomless vs spouted portafilters? Let’s explore their core differences broken down by the most important traits in a portafilter.
Extraction quality
Extraction is one of the most important things a portafilter is responsible for because it’s how you pull flavor from the coffee beans and produce the crema. In a traditional portafilter, you can’t see what’s going on with your shot, which means that the only way to know if it’s good or bad is to taste it. It’s possible to pull a great shot, but spouted filters split the espresso flow, which can lead to less crema, affecting the overall experience.
Meanwhile, bottomless portafilters offer up a direct view of how the shot is pulling so you can make more detailed notes about what’s going right or wrong. Plus, without the spout, you may be able to achieve a richer crema.
Ease of use
While bottomless portafilters can help you see and track any mistakes you might make with grind, distribution, tamping, and more, there’s a learning curve to using them. You have to know exactly what you’re looking for, which can be tough for a beginner. So, while you’ll learn a lot from them, they can be tougher to figure out if you’re not already experienced at making espresso.
Regular spouted portafilters are much more forgiving, and because they’re standard on most machines, they’re what beginners will likely encounter first. That makes them the most practical for those just starting out on their espresso journey. Before you get into the fine-tuning that a bottomless portafilter allows, there's a lot to learn.
Mess & cleanliness
For all the perks bottomless portafilters have, they can be much messier. Part of that is simply because it’s missing a piece of the portafilter that standard ones have. That means there’s one less barrier between your espresso drip and a splattering mess. The other thing that makes bottomless portafilters messy is their learning curve. So not only is it easier to make a mess, but you’ll be more likely to make one until you get the hang of it. That said, they are much easier to clean.
Standard portafilters are more difficult to clean because of their spouts, which can be tough to get into. They also attract the oils and grime from the puck. Unlike bottomless portafilters, though, the standard ones are much more forgiving. That makes them a little easier to use and less likely to splatter. The spout also helps control any splattering. That’s why the standard models are better in cafe settings.
Bottomless vs. spouted portafilters: which is better?
Now that you understand the differences between the two types of portafilters, which one is the best for you? Both can make a great cup of espresso, but depending on your experience level and setup, one will be better than the other.
Beginners & casual home baristas
Spouted portafilters are the best bet for true beginners and casual at-home setups. The spouted filter is simply a more standard option. That means you don’t have to immediately go out and buy another accessory before you even start. You can focus on the basics of the machine and work up those skills before worrying about the fine-tuning process.
Since these portafilters are also more forgiving of simple mistakes, you’ll likely pull more drinkable shots out of your machine as you learn. For those who don’t have any interest in trying to be the single best barista on the block, it also makes sense to keep things straightforward. A standard portafilter helps keep your space a little cleaner and lets you focus on the taste before worrying about technique.
Intermediate baristas & espresso hobbyists
Bottomless portafilters are perfect for coffee lovers who are ready to take the next step in improving their daily cup. When you have the essentials of espresso brewing down and you know how to pull a good shot reliably, you might be wondering how you can start tweaking things to make that shot even better. Opting for a bottomless portafilter will help you see exactly what’s happening with your shot.
Once you can see what’s happening, if it’s channeling or dripping unevenly, you can start making the more fiddly corrections you need to improve the flavor. This increased control over your shot will help you make the perfect cup every single time.
Where can you get high-quality bottomless and spouted portafilters?
Whether you’re looking for a standard or bottomless portafilter, Pesado has your back. Choose from brewing, distribution, and extraction tools that are all made from high-quality, professional materials that are designed to last. Once you’ve decided on the portafilter and basket right for you and your setup, just shop Pesado’s robust collection to get started.
