What Size Portafilter Do I Need and How Do I Measure It?

Ever bought a new tamper or portafilter basket only to realise it doesn't fit your espresso machine?

If you're nodding along, I've been there. Measuring your portafilter properly is key to getting your espresso setup right. Let's sort out exactly how to figure out your portafilter size and avoid the frustration altogether.

Why Portafilter Size Actually Matters

You might be wondering, "Does a millimetre really make a difference?" Short answer: yes. I found that having the wrong size portafilter can ruin your espresso extraction completely. Espresso relies heavily on precision, and small mismatches in size can lead to uneven extractions or even damage your machine over time. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort to get this right.

Common Portafilter Sizes You Need to Know

The most common portafilter sizes are 51mm, 54mm, 57mm, and 58mm. I've seen many home baristas mistakenly assume their machine uses the standard 58mm size, only to find out it's actually smaller. Always double-check your espresso machine's manual or manufacturer's website to confirm. KitchenAid gives a good breakdown of portafilter sizes in this guide.

If you're unsure, using a pair of digital calipers is your safest bet. They're cheap, accurate, and simple to use. You measure the inside diameter of your portafilter basket, just under the rim, and that's your number. For more detail, I suggest checking out this detailed sizing chart.

How to Measure Your Portafilter at Home

Here's a simple step-by-step approach to measuring your portafilter:

1. Remove your basket from the portafilter handle.

2. Take your digital calipers and measure across the widest part of the basket's internal diameter.

3. Note the measurement to the nearest millimetre.

I've tried using a ruler before, but honestly, digital calipers make the job much easier and more accurate. A slight mismeasurement can mean ending up with incompatible tools, so I always recommend digital calipers.

Pairing Your Portafilter with the Right Tools

Once you've figured out your portafilter size, the next step is pairing it with the right accessories. A self-leveling tamper that perfectly matches your portafilter diameter can drastically improve your espresso shots. It helps ensure even compression of your coffee puck every single time.

[collection-carousel="self-leveling-tamper"]

Similarly, precision matters when selecting a portafilter basket. Precision baskets come with carefully measured hole sizes, resulting in better espresso extraction and flavour consistency. It's one of the easiest upgrades you can make.

[collection-carousel="precision-baskets"]

Common Mistakes I've Seen People Make

One of the biggest mistakes I've noticed is people assuming all portafilters from the same brand have the same size. For instance, Breville machines often come in different sizes: some use a 54mm basket while others, like the Breville Oracle, use 58mm. Double-check your specific model. I recommend having a look at Brewed Co's Breville collection or Oracle collection for the right tools.

[collection-carousel="breville-barista-express-collection"]

What to Do If Your Machine Size is Less Common

Sometimes your espresso machine doesn't fall into the typical size categories. Machines from brands like Gaggia or certain De'Longhi models might have unique sizes. If that's the case, don't panic. You'll usually find size-specific baskets and accessories tailored exactly for your machine, like those in Brewed Co's Gaggia and De'Longhi collections.

Need Help? Just Ask

If you're still unsure or can't find the size listed anywhere, don't hesitate to reach out. Brewed Co Coffee's friendly team will gladly help you measure or confirm your machine's specifics. It's always better to ask than risk wasting money on incompatible gear. Head over to the contact page to get in touch.

Wrapping Things Up

Getting your portafilter size right isn't complicated, but it's essential for making consistently delicious espresso at home. Measure carefully, choose your tools wisely, and if in doubt, ask. Your future coffee self will thank you.

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.