We get many questions like this one: How do I know the size of the portafilter - or the basket or the compressor or the distributor, and does this portafilter fit my machine, and other questions... At first it may not be clear to the user how to know the appropriate size, but with time he will know that it is Easy, and we will show most types of portafilters available in the market:
In general, when we say size 51 mm, 53 mm, or 58 mm, this is the inner size of the basket in millimeters, as well as the size of the diameter of the drum or distributor. In the following pictures we explain what is meant:
The red line represents the diameter of the circle, which is the intended size.
But how does the user know the size of the portafilter without measuring?
There are several more common sizes, and you can know the size according to the type of your machine as follows:
-1. Portafilter size 51 mm:
It is often used by DeLonghi and other Chinese companies.
However, you should note that the size of the portafilter does not mean that the 51mm portafilter fits any other 51mm machine, but rather the same basket, tamper, dispenser, and dosing ring can be used.
But the portafilter differs according to the shape of the side appendages (some people call them blades or ears...) and according to their size and number...etc.
But in general, there are often 4 types:
A type that fits Homix, Nikai, Geepas, Noon and other Chinese machines - but it does not fit all of them. You must confirm before purchasing. (Can be purchased here)
A second type is suitable for DeLonghi Dedica (models EC680, EC685, and EC680) and has 3 side appendages. (Can be purchased here)
The third is suitable for DeLonghi other than the Dedica (such as the 3531 and similar ones) and has 2 appendages, but it also does not fit all machines with 2 appendages. You must confirm before purchasing. (Can be purchased here)
And a fourth fits Delonghi EC9355
-2. Portafilter 54 mm (or 53 mm):
This type is mostly suitable for Breville machines, or as they are called in some countries, Sage (Breville and Sage).
The portafilter is 54 mm, but the basket, distributor, and tamper are 53 mm
Such as Breville Express, Express Pro and Bambino. (Can be purchased here)
But there are Breville machines with a portafilter size of 58 mm, such as the Dull Boiler, and they are more expensive in price, approximately 4500 riyals and more.
There are machines with a 54 mm portafilter size, but the Breville 54 mm portafilter does not fit them. You must pay attention before purchasing a portafilter.
-3. Portafilter size 58 mm:
This size is used in most professional machines (Italian and others), such as those used in cafes or by some professional home baristas.
Many companies use this size, such as Rocket, ECM, Nuova Simonelli, Lamerzocco, and others.
But you must note that the portafilter differs from one machine to another, and you must make sure before purchasing, as the size of the side appendages varies from one company to another.
The basket, tamper, dispenser, and dosing ring are usually appropriate, unless clarified.
For example, the well-known VST Basket fits mostly all 58mm portafilters - except for the 22g size, because it mostly fits exposed portafilters.
As well as the 58 mm tamper, distributor, etc
There is a point that some people may not understand about the 58 mm size, which is that the basket is slightly larger than 58 mm, possibly up to 58.7 mm or a little more.
This is why you find that many people prefer to use a 58.5 mm tamper so that the tamper presses all parts of the coffee.
There are also other sizes, such as 57 mm, but they are not common.