As you already know, the component of an espresso machine that houses the coffee grounds and connects to the group head is known as the portafilter. Breville espresso machines are renowned for their exceptional performance and adaptability, however, it’s important to note that Breville portafilters are not the same size.
Depending on the model, Breville offers two main portafilter sizes: 54mm and 58mm. The 58mm size is usually included with their higher-end espresso machines. like the Oracle for example. However, Breville also offers machines with a 54mm portafilter size, which is a relatively common size for a home espresso machine, but it’s better than the majority of home espresso machines that include a 51mm portafilter.
It’s important to know which size your machine uses so you can purchase the right accessories and replacement parts.
Understanding the portafilter size of your Breville espresso machine is crucial to ensuring that you get the best possible results from your coffee. The size of the portafilter affects the amount of coffee that can be brewed at once, as well as the overall flavor and strength of the espresso. But it’s most important when you want to upgrade your portafilter and get a new one, or if you want to buy a tamper.
Sizes for Breville Portafilters
Here’s a chart of Breville’s most popular espresso machines and portafilter sizes. All Breville portafilters are designed to hold between 18g to 22g, which is a key part of making specialty third wave coffee.
| Breville Espresso Machine | Portafilter Size | Included Baskets |
|---|---|---|
| Breville Bambino/Bambino Plus | 54mm | Single & Double Wall – Single & Double Shots |
| Breville Barista Express | 54mm | Single & Double Wall – Single & Double Shots |
| Breville Barista Pro | 54mm | Single & Double Wall – Single & Double Shots |
| Breville Barista Touch | 54mm | Single & Double Wall – Single & Double Shots |
| Breville Dual Boiler | 58mm | Single Wall – Single and Double Shots |
| Breville Oracle | 58mm | Single Wall – Single and Double Shots |
| Breville Oracle Touch | 58mm | Single Wall – Single and Double Shots |
What Makes Breville Portafilters Special
Breville is a well-known brand in the espresso machine industry, offering a range of high-quality machines for home use. One of the key components of any espresso machine is the portafilter, which is responsible for holding and distributing the coffee grounds during the brewing process. Breville offers professional style portafilters with their machines, including single-wall and dual-wall baskets, as well as single or double dose filters. The included portafilter accessories gives you room to grow in terms of how you can make your espresso shot. So you won’t find yourself wanting to upgrade to the next thing right away.
Overview of Breville Portafilters
Breville offers several different sizes of portafilters to accommodate different machine models and brewing needs. The most common size is the 54mm portafilter, which is used in machines such as the Breville Barista Express and the Breville Infuser. For larger machines, such as the Breville Dual Boiler, a 58mm portafilter is used.
Materials Used in Breville Portafilters
Breville uses high-quality materials in their portafilters to ensure durability and longevity. Most Breville portafilters are made from stainless steel, which is resistant to rust and corrosion and can withstand high temperatures without warping or bending. The handles are made of plastic, and that’s so it doesn’t become heavy to work with. But if you ever want something nicer, you can always buy portafilters from any store, as long as you get the correct size.
Comparison of Breville Portafilters to Other Brands
Compared to other brands in the industry, Breville’s portafilters are known for their professional-grade quality and performance. They are designed to fit seamlessly with Breville’s espresso machines and are engineered to produce consistent, high-quality shots of espresso every time. For the majority of espresso machines for home, the default size for a portafilter is 51mm, which barely holds 12g of coffee ground. As opposed to Breville’s either 54mm which holds 18g or 58mm portafilter which holds 22g, which will in turn affect the taste of your espresso shot.
Using Breville Portafilters
If you own a Breville espresso machine, you’ll need to know the size of your portafilter to ensure you purchase the correct accessories. Breville portafilters come in two sizes, 54mm and 58mm. Here are some things to consider when using Breville portafilters:
Breville Filter Basket Explanation
The filter basket is an essential component of the portafilter. It holds the coffee grounds and determines the strength and flavor of your espresso. Breville filter baskets come in different sizes and shapes, including single and double shot baskets, and dual wall pressurized baskets for pre-ground coffee.
Filter Basket: Single vs Double Shot
The difference between a single and double shot filter basket is the amount of coffee it can hold. For the 54mm portafilter, a single shot basket holds about 10 or 11 grams of coffee, while a double shot basket holds about 18 grams.
Filter Basket: Dual Wall vs Single Wall
Breville offers both single wall and dual wall filter baskets. Single wall baskets (non-pressurized) are best for experienced baristas who can control the grind size and tamping pressure. This is great for giving you full control over your extraction, but can be quite frustrating to dial in the ground size correctly. Dual wall baskets (Pressurized) are designed for beginners and those who prefer a more forgiving brew. This type of basket has a smaller exist for the coffee to come through, and doesn’t require a precise grind for making good espresso.
If your machine has a 58mm portafilter, it will only include two single-wall baskets. 54mm portafilters include four baskets in total, single and double walled, single and double shots of each.
Bottomless vs Spouted Portafilter
Another option to consider is the type of portafilter you use. Breville offers both pressurized and non-pressured baskets, but the portafilter is spouted. A bottomless portafilter allows you to see the espresso extraction process and helps you diagnose any issues with your shot. A spouted portafilter uses a valve to regulate the flow of water and create a consistent shot, making it a good option for beginners.
Bottomless portafilters are non-pressurized, so you need a consistent and precise grind to make it work. In the case you have a Breville with built-in grinder, you shouldn’t worry much about this.
How to Clean Your Breville Portafilter
Cleaning your Breville portafilter is an essential part of maintaining your espresso machine. A dirty portafilter can affect the taste of your coffee and can even damage your machine. Here are a few steps to keep your portafilter clean:
- First, remove the portafilter from the group head.
- Next, remove the filter basket, and scrub each gently with a light detergent, hot water, and a soft scrub brush.
- Alternatively, dissolve a cleaning tablet that came with your machine in clean, hot water. Soak the metal part of the portafilter in the cleansing solution for five minutes.
- Rinse the portafilter and filter basket thoroughly with hot water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the portafilter and filter basket with a clean towel.
It’s important to clean your portafilter with water after each use to prevent any buildup of coffee oils, which can affect the taste of your coffee. If you notice any buildup on your portafilter, use a cleaning brush to gently scrub it away.
Remember to also clean the group head and shower screen regularly to keep your machine in top condition. Refer to your machine’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Upgrade Your Breville Portafilter
Best Bottomless Portafilters for Breville
If you’re looking to upgrade your espresso experience, one of the best places to start is with the portafilter. Upgrading your portafilter can improve the quality of your espresso shots and give you more control over the brewing process. Here’s what you need to know when upgrading your Breville portafilter.
Do I Have To Buy my Portafilter or Accessories from Breville?
No, your portafilter can come from any brand that sells espresso machine accessories. You just need to buy the correct size and design for your machine.
Choose the Correct Portafilter Size
The first thing to consider when upgrading your Breville portafilter is the size. If you refer to the chart above, find the name of your machine and the portafilter size accordingly. If you get the wrong size, it won’t fit in the machine.
Design (Three Ear vs Two Ear Portafilter)
Breville machines use a three-ear or three pronged portafilter design. Some portafilters only have two. That’s an important factor, getting a two-ear portafilter won’t work on any Breville machine.
Choose Between Bottomless or Spouted
The next thing to consider is whether you want a bottomless or spouted portafilter. A bottomless portafilter, also known as a naked portafilter, does not have a spout, which allows you to see the espresso as it’s being extracted. This can help you diagnose issues with your shot and improve your technique. A spouted portafilter has a built-in mechanism that creates pressure, which can make it easier to get a good shot even if your grind size or tamping technique is not perfect. However, some coffee enthusiasts argue that spouted portafilters sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Ultimately, the choice between a bottomless or spouted portafilter comes down to personal preference and skill level. If you’re just starting out with espresso brewing, a pressurized spouted portafilter may be a good option to help you get consistent results. If you’re more experienced and want to improve your technique, a bottomless portafilter may be a better choice.
Upgrading your Breville portafilter can be a great way to take your espresso brewing to the next level. By choosing the correct size and deciding between bottomless or pressurized, you can find the portafilter that works best for your needs. There are also many great designs that will make your espresso bar look great.
Breville Tamper Upgrade – How To Choose One
Breville Tamper Size
| Breville Machine | Portafilter Size | Tamper Size |
| Bambino/Bambino Plus | 54mm | 54mm |
| Barista Pro | 54mm | 54mm |
| Barista Express | 54mm | 54mm |
| Oracle/Oracle Touch | 58mm | 58mm |
When choosing a tamper for your Breville portafilter, it’s important to select one that fits properly. You really don’t have to do any measuring here. It’s as simple as picking a tamper of the same size as your portafilter. If you use a 54mm portafilter, get a tamper that is sized for 54mm. Same goes for 58mm portafilter.
Never buy a tamper that is smaller than your portafilter size, it simply won’t work. It has to be the exact same size. Sometimes, the listing will say, for example: Tamper size 53mm fit for 54mm portafilter. So that should guide you to the correct size.
Choosing the Right Material
When it comes to the material of your tamper, it’s important to choose one that is durable and heavy. Avoid tampers made of plastic and opt for one made with heavy material such as stainless steel. This will ensure that your tamper can withstand the pressure needed to create a proper espresso shot. Additionally, the weight of your tamper is also important. To apply the right amount of pressure, your tamper should weigh around 1-2 pounds. There are also several newer tamp designs, such as the spring tampers, which have an inner coil that presses down and provides a weighted and leveled tamp without much work on your side.
The material of the handle of the tamper shouldn’t make much of a difference. Get any design that you prefer, whether it is wooden, plastic or full stainless steel.
Troubleshooting Breville Portafilters
Great as they are, Breville’s portafilters can run into some issues. But they’re easily fixed. One of the most common issue, with many espresso machines and not just Breville, is the portafilter not locking into place.
Portafilter Won’t Lock or Turn
If your Breville portafilter won’t lock or turn into place, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:
- Try using less coffee grounds in the portafilter. Overfilling the portafilter can cause it to get stuck and not lock into place.
- Make sure the portafilter is properly aligned with the group head. The notches on the portafilter should line up with the grooves on the group head.
- Check if there is any debris or coffee grounds stuck in the group head or portafilter. If so, clean them out with a brush or toothpick.
- Make sure the gasket on the group head is clean and properly seated. If the gasket is worn or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Breville customer support for further assistance.
Final Thoughts on Breville Portafilters
If you’re an espresso geek, you know that the portafilter is one of the most important components of an espresso machine. A good portafilter can make a huge difference in the quality of your espresso shots. If you own a Breville espresso machine, you have several options for upgrading your portafilter.
After researching and reviewing the available options, it’s clear that upgrading your Breville portafilter can greatly improve the quality of your espresso. A bottomless portafilter can help you achieve a more consistent and even extraction, but will require some patience until you get your shot and grind right.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that upgrading your portafilter may not be necessary for everyone. If you’re happy with the quality of your espresso shots and don’t have any issues with your current portafilter, there may be no need to upgrade.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your Breville portafilter comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. If you’re looking to take your espresso game to the next level, or sometimes, you just want a portafilter that looks nicer than the included one, upgrading your portafilter is definitely worth considering.
