Portafilter

The portafilter (or portafilter handle) is the device that holds the coffee basket and attaches to an espresso machine. It consists of a handle, a basket (where ground coffee goes), and a spout (where espresso flows out). Portafilters come in different sizes: 51mm, 53mm, 54mm, 58mm (most common), and 70mm. The 58mm size is the industry standard and offers the most accessories and compatibility. A good portafilter should have a comfortable handle, quality basket with proper hole distribution, and be easy to lock into the group head. Bottomless (naked) portafilters are popular for diagnosing extraction issues.