Bottomless Portafilter -The key to better puck prep
That's downright cheeky! What are you supposed to do with a sieve without a base? Less is more at this point, because the bottomless Portafilter is an ingenious further development - we explain why.
Main reason: Best extraction rate with bottomless Portafilter
In order for your espresso to deliver the ideal taste, it depends on the right degree of extraction, among other things, and this is often difficult to achieve. It is therefore helpful to make the extraction level visible. This works wonderfully with the bottomless Portafilter.
Poor extraction becomes noticeable when the bottomless Portafilter splashes or channeling occurs.
Causes of uneven extraction
- Permeable coffee cake
- Coffee powder not fresh enough
- Water in the sieve or on the tamper base
How to recognize a successful extraction
- Uniform resistance in the sieve
- Centered, even, caramelly-creamy flow of the extraction
- In other words: "Runs like clockwork"
Good puck prep for ideal extraction
So that we can talk even more professionally in the future - here's a new term for your technical vocabulary: Puck preparation or puck prep for short. This refers to everything you do with the coffee powder before brewing or extracting it. This preparation contributes to perfect extraction. Whether you use a bottomless Portafilter or a standard Portafilter , your puck prep is crucial. The advantage of bottomless portafilters is that it is easier to recognize when something has gone wrong with your puck prep - it refines your craft and makes you the finest barista guru. But what does a puck prep actually involve?
Correct dosage
We recommend using a scale for the optimum dosage of espresso powder. How many grams are required depends primarily on the size of the portafilter and whether it is intended for a single shot or a double shot. The bottomless portafilter is usually designed for a double shot. In this case, the ideal dosage is usually between 18-20 grams. To find out the exact dosage, it is a good idea to start with 18 grams and gradually work your way up to the desired amount of ground coffee.
Even distribution and tamping
A bottomless Portafilter is the best teacher for anyone who wants to become a master in tamping. This is because this Portafilter punishes uneven tamping directly with channeling. Before tamping, however, it is essential that the coffee grounds are first properly distributed in the portafilter. It is therefore best to first fill the sieve with the appropriate dosage and gently smooth it out - without applying any pressure. This works best with a tamper. To distribute the ground coffee evenly throughout the sieve, the tamper can be turned with a light hand. This should create a smooth surface.
Once the surface is smooth, the tamper can be pressed down with a good amount of force. Make sure that the pressure is centered and evenly distributed to avoid channeling.
Puck-prep without limits
There are no limits to Puck Prep. From the right grind to special tools such as the puck screen - a fine sieve that improves extraction and keeps the brew group clean. There are also tools that optimize the distribution of the ground coffee in the Portafilter , such as WDT tools or even entire puck stations.
A particularly precise accessory in this area is the Olympia Express Cremina Puck Prep Tool: With this tool, you can achieve the perfect espresso preparation. It ensures even pressure in the Portafilter and a clean, controlled extraction. Thanks to its ease of use, it is suitable for beginners and professionals alike - and is of course ideally matched to the Cremina machine.
In short: the universe of puck preparation is limitless - and with the right accessories such as the Cremina Puck Prep Tool, the path to the perfect cup is even more enjoyable.
How does like a bottomless Portafilter actually out?
A standard Portafilter with a base has an outlet nozzle. This is exactly what the bottomless Portafilter does not have. Here, only the portafilter handle and ring are present. If tamping is imprecise, this is not as noticeable with a Portafilter with a spout as with a Portafilter without a base, and this is precisely why it improves your sensitivity when puck-prepping. But there are other advantages too:
Easy cleaning for bottomless portafilters
As a bottomless Portafilter has no outlet, there is actually less to clean. Cleaning is extremely simple: simply rinse under running water. With a conventional Portafilter , there are some corners that are difficult to reach during the cleaning process. This is not the case with the bottomless Portafilter . It is therefore not necessary to spend minutes scrubbing with special tools. Nevertheless, we recommend rinsing the Portafilter after every use. This is because residues become increasingly stubborn over time and are no longer so easy to remove. It is therefore better to invest 10 seconds after each use and rinse.
Also something for the big thirst
Due to the spout, there is often less space in portafilters with a base and usually only one espresso, coffee or cappuccino cup fits underneath. With a bottomless Portafilter , higher cups can also be filled. So if you're a real coffee junkie or hobby barista, it's worth saving space by using a bottomless portafilter. From coffee to go to flat white to the ever-popular latte macchiato, there is then plenty of space.
Fast espresso with a bottomless Portafilter
The more material that needs to be heated, the longer it takes to prepare the espresso. As there is less material in a Portafilter without a base, it also heats up faster and the brewing process can be started sooner.
The same applies to post-brewing, i.e. cleaning - this is also much quicker with a bottomless Portafilter as, as mentioned, water only needs to run over it once.
However, if you want to prepare two espresso cups at once, a portafilter with a spout is faster, as a bottomless Portafilter only allows extraction to be centered.
Does a bottomless Portafilter mean less energy loss?
You might think that you save energy thanks to the shorter heating time with bottomless portafilters. However, this cannot be said across the board. At the same time, there is a higher heat output at the espresso outlet, while a Portafilter with a base keeps the temperature stable for longer. In addition, the energy saving due to the shorter heating time is only minimal. If you are deciding between a standard Portafilter and a bottomless Portafilter , we would recommend leaving the energy saving aspect out of the equation.
Instead, the most important aspects for the decision-making process are:
Quick and easy cleaning, puck-prep perfection & more space for large coffee creations
The best brands for bottomless Portafilter
The easiest way to make a decision is to look at the product as a whole. So here are the best brands for bottomless Portafilter:
The bottomless Portafilter from Rocket offer solid designs made of smoked oak or olive wood with Italian charm as well as plastic alternatives. The Portafilter with wooden handles are somewhat heavier, but also robust and easy to grip. Their price is around €99.00. The following models are available in our online store:
- Rocket TCA Bottomless Portafilter Vibrant(olive, smoked oak)
- Rocket Bottomless Portafilter Classic Olive
A cheaper alternative for beginners would be the bottomless Portafilter with plastic handle from Rocket. At 500 grams, it is particularly light and at only €59.90, it is ideal for beginners who want to see if they like the bottomless Portafilter first.
The ECM bottomless Gran Crema professional Portafilter impresses with its classic black and silver design and is very robust at 1.5 kg - ideal for stable handling when preparing espresso. With a price of € 89.00, this model offers good value for money for beginners and advanced users.
For a more elegant look, choose the ECM Elegant Oak bottomless Portafilter , which comes with an elegant oak handle. Weighing just 200 grams, it is particularly light, yet sturdy. The price of € 149.00 reflects the high-quality workmanship and stylish design. Anyone who has already fallen in love with the advantages of the bottomless Portafilter and is still looking for an eye-catcher for their espresso machine should strike here.
Both models fit E61 brewing groups and are a visual and functional enrichment for any portafilter machine.
The bottomless Portafilter from Olympia Express stand for the highest Swiss precision and quality craftsmanship. The Cremina bottomless Portafilter impresses with a weight of 1.5 kg, which ensures particularly stable handling. With its price of €299.00, this model is clearly aimed at discerning users who value durable materials and precise workmanship.
Even more exclusive is the Olympia Express Maximatic bottomless Portafilterwhich is available for €309.00. This model is specially designed for the Maximatic and impresses with its precise fit and elegant finish, which fits seamlessly into the premium segment both visually and functionally.
Both models are not only functional tools, but also stylish additions to any Olympia.
The Rancilio Silvia bottomless Portafilter is the ideal choice for beginners and price-conscious espresso lovers. With a weight of 500 grams, it is pleasantly light in the hand. For just €59.90, it offers an uncomplicated introduction to the world of bottomless Portafilter and is perfect for improving your own technique when tamping and extracting.
The La Marzocco bottomless Portafilter combines professional workmanship with iconic design and is specially adapted to the machines of the Italian premium manufacturer. With a weight of 1.5 kg, it is ideal for stable and controlled espresso brewing.
For €99.00, you get a high-quality barista tool that is not only visually impressive, but also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of handling. The Portafilter allows a direct view of the extraction process and is therefore perfect for fine-tuning the grind, quantity and contact pressure.
Whether for the ambitious home barista or for use in the catering trade - this model is robust, durable and designed to meet professional requirements.
Don't despair, ask Espresso Perfetto
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We look forward to advising you - with a passion for espresso and an open ear for individual concerns.
