When shopping for an espresso machine, one of the key specifications to consider is the portafilter size. The portafilter is the handle-like component that holds the coffee grounds during extraction, and its diameter determines compatibility with accessories like baskets, tampers, and puck screens. The most common size in commercial and high-end home espresso machines is 58mm, but Breville has carved out its own niche by using a 54mm portafilter on several of its machines.
So, why does portafilter size matter, and should you go with a 58mm or 54mm setup? Let’s break it down.
What is a Portafilter and How is it Measured?
A portafilter is the part of an espresso machine that holds the coffee grounds in a metal basket. It locks into the machine’s group head, allowing pressurized water to pass through the coffee, extracting the rich flavors of espresso. The size of a portafilter is determined by the diameter of the basket, measured in millimeters (mm). The two most common sizes for home espresso machines are 58mm and 54mm.
58mm vs. 54mm: What’s the Difference?
58mm Portafilters
The 58mm portafilter is the industry standard, used in most commercial machines and high-end home espresso setups. This larger size offers a few advantages:
- More Accessory Options – Since 58mm is the standard, there are more third-party baskets, tampers, and puck screens available.
- Better Extraction Potential – The wider surface area allows for more even water distribution, which can contribute to better flavor extraction.
- Easier to Upgrade – If you want to move from a home setup to a commercial machine, sticking with a 58mm system makes for an easier transition.
54mm Portafilters (Used in Breville Machines)
Breville, a popular brand for home espresso machines, uses a 54mm portafilter in several of its models. The main reason? It allows them to design compact machines while still offering good performance. Some notable Breville machines with 54mm portafilters include:
- Breville Barista Express
- Breville Barista Pro
- Breville Barista Touch
- Breville Bambino Plus
- Breville Infuser
While Breville’s 54mm portafilters perform well, they do have some drawbacks:
- Fewer Accessories – Since 58mm is the industry standard, there are fewer third-party accessories available for 54mm portafilters. You may have to rely on Breville-specific accessories.
- Limited Basket Selection – Many precision baskets and bottomless portafilters are designed for 58mm setups, making customization harder.
- Less Room for Even Extraction – A smaller surface area can sometimes make it trickier to achieve perfectly even water flow through the coffee puck.
Which One is Better?
This is where the espresso community debates. Some argue that 54mm portafilters work just as well for home use, while others prefer the versatility of 58mm.
If you want maximum flexibility in upgrading and accessorizing your espresso setup, a 58mm portafilter is the better option. You’ll have access to a wider range of tampers, baskets, dosing cups, and puck screens. However, if you prefer Breville machines for their user-friendly design and don’t mind the slightly limited accessory selection, a 54mm portafilter can still make excellent espresso.
Popular Accessories for 54mm Portafilters
If you own a Breville machine with a 54mm portafilter, here are some accessories that can enhance your espresso workflow:
- Best 54mm Portafilter Baskets – Some third-party manufacturers make precision baskets that improve shot consistency.
- 54mm Portafilter Funnel – Helps reduce mess when dosing coffee grounds.
- Bottomless 54mm Portafilter – Allows you to see your espresso extraction and diagnose channeling issues.
- What Size Tamper for a 54mm Portafilter? – You’ll need a 53mm or 54mm tamper to properly compress your grounds.
- 54mm Portafilter Puck Screen – Helps distribute water evenly across the coffee bed.
If you’re getting into home espresso, one thing you’ll quickly realize is how important accessories are. When I first started, I didn’t pay much attention to things like tamper size, but now I see how much of a difference it makes. The Breville Bambino Plus, which I currently own, uses a 54mm portafilter, which significantly limits the variety of accessories available compared to the more common 58mm size. For example, while 58mm tampers are widely available in multiple shapes, weights, and materials, 54mm options are much more limited.
Final Thoughts
While 54mm portafilters work well in many home setups, 58mm remains the gold standard due to the broader selection of accessories and customization options. Looking back, I didn’t even know this was something I should have been considering. If I could go back and rechoose my starting espresso machine, I would have picked one with a 58mm portafilter instead of 54mm. The lack of available accessories for the 54mm size has been a big minus, and I now see why many enthusiasts prefer the 58mm standard. It offers so much more flexibility in terms of customization and accessory options, making the overall espresso experience much smoother.
If you’re serious about espresso and want to future-proof your setup, a 58mm machine is the way to go. However, if you love the convenience of Breville machines, a 54mm portafilter will still deliver excellent results.