Portafilter

The portafilter is the holder with the filter basket that is fitted into the group head of classic espresso machines. The freshly ground coffee goes into the basket after being tamped. The hot water runs through this coffee bed under pressure.

Basket size determines the amount of ground coffee for one or two cups. Machines with a portafilter give more control over quantity, grind and tamping pressure than fully automatic machines, but also require more practice.