Making great espresso means getting to know your portafilter, which means getting to know portafilter basket types. That’s because not all baskets are uniform. Understanding the differences in sizes and how to brew for the size you have can be part of your journey in making your espresso shots incredible. Many espresso issues, from weak shots to channeling, can be traced to mismatched basket sizes and doses. This guide will help you learn diameter sizes, basket depth, dose capacity, and how to choose the right basket for you.
What Is a Portafilter Basket & Why Size Matters
Let’s start with the basics before diving into the reasons your basket size is a crucial factor in determining the way your brew your coffee.
What is a portafilter basket?
SImply put, the portafilter basket is the part of the portafilter that holds the coffee grounds. It’s where the water runs through to saturate the coffee and make your shot. While it’s attached to the handle, it’s also removable, making it easy to swap new baskets in.
The basket itself only has a few key components. The holes in the bottom of the basket are where the coffee comes through, and on bottomless portafilters, it goes from there straight into the cup. The diameter must be the correct size for both your portafilter and the machine you’re using to brew. And the depth is what determines the capacity for grounds and thus how much espresso you can brew at one time.
How basket size affects espresso
The size of your portafilter basket does have the power to affect the way you brew your coffee and thus the way it tastes. While diameter is more about the specifics of your machine, the depth of your basket can have a big impact on brewing because it controls the dose range it can hold.
Larger baskets hold about 18–22g of coffee and allow for stronger, more complex shots with higher total dissolved solids (or TDS). That means an emphasis on rich, bold flavor. It also means you have the option to brew two shots at once. Smaller baskets, on the other hand, only hold about 7–14g and are great for single shots and lighter-bodied espresso. Depending on which size you have, you’ll want to adjust your grind size and extraction time accordingly.
Are all portafilters the same size?
Unfortunately, portafilters do not have a uniform size. Their basket size can vary in diameter and depth across brands, so it’s important to pay close attention to what will work with your machine. Some of the most common diameters are:
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58mm: standard for most commercial machines like La Marzocco, E61
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54mm: common in Breville mid-range machines
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51mm or 49mm: often seen in DeLonghi and entry-level units
Check your machine's specifications and ensure you’ve gotten the right size tamper. If your tamper doesn’t fit your basket, you won’t be able to create a great puck, which can affect how your espresso brews.
Portafilter Basket Sizes Explained
With a grip on the basics, let’s walk through basket capacities, depths, and how to choose the right one for your setup.
Common espresso basket capacities
Considering basket capacities when deciding among portafilter basket types is important to ensure that you get one that fits your routine.
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7g: a single, good for mild, solo shots that are made for home brewers and are rarely used in specialty cafes
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14g: a double or small dose, good for lighter coffees or smaller drinks
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18g: a standard double, versatile and commonly used everywhere from cafes to home setups
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20g–22g: a triple or high dose, good for fuller-bodied, complex flavors, but needs tight grind control
Having baskets in more than one size can be helpful in playing around with different doses. As you experiment, vary your dose size based on roast level, machine pressure, and taste goals.
How basket depth relates to dosing
When it comes to dosing and which portafilter basket to use, the depth is going to be the most important factor. The deeper your basket, the higher the dose you’ll be able to brew without compressing the puck too tightly. Shallower baskets are less forgiving and may channel more easily, but they may still be worthwhile depending on your personal setup. Check out Pesado’s High Extraction Basket and EP Filter Basket.
How to choose the right basket for your setup
First things first: Make sure you know what size diameter will fit in your machine. Most machines rely on a 58mm portafilter, but don’t assume that blindly. Check your manufacturer's specifications first. That said, if your machine is designed for a 58mm portafilter, you can upgrade to a 58.5mm tamper to get a more snug fit, helping create a better, firmer puck and ultimately a better brewing experience.
When choosing your portafilter, make sure to consider your grind consistency. The higher your dose, the tighter your grind control should be. That means it’s perfectly natural for there to a little bit of retooling with your espresso recipe that needs to happen when you get a new portafilter, like Pesado's bottomless portafilter.
Why Pesado Baskets Outperform the Rest
Now that you understand how important espresso basket types are to your brew method and coffee setup, you’re well on your way to improving your shot. Cheap and generic baskets not only might impart an unpleasant flavor to your beans, but they can actually brew worse than professional-quality baskets. Pesado dedicates itself to producing the highest quality espresso accessories, including baskets. They use premium 316L stainless steel, 0.3mm laser-cut holes, and optimize baskets for even flow while sturdy, thick walls maintain temperature and structure. Don’t leave flavor on the table. Upgrade your setup with Pesado’s high-extraction baskets for a smoother, richer shot every time.
