I used my Breville (Sage) Barista Express Impress for a few weeks without any upgrade and I soon found out some problems with its included portafilter. I decided to switch to a bottomless portafilter and that is the best purchase for my coffee setup. Here are the 2 main reasons:
Easier Cleaning
This is probably the most important reason. The Breville portafilter has a black plastic insert that can trap coffee grounds and oils. A few days after rinsing it, the area around this plastic piece is still wet and dirty. With a bottomless portafilter, the brewing and cleaning process are much simpler. I just knock out the puck, rinse it under the tap, and wipe it down. Done.
Diagnosing Grind Distribution
A bottomless portafilter provides a clear view of my espresso extraction. If the coffee sprays unevenly or channels, I can adjust the grind size or tamping technique. This real-time feedback has helped me fine-tune my espresso and get better consistency over time. A good extraction looks like a steady, golden-brown stream converging into a single column. On the other hand, Breville’s portafilter can mask minor distribution flaws, so it is more difficult to improve my puck preparation.
Pulling a shot with a bottomless filter also looks much cooler. There’s something satisfying about watching that silky stream of espresso drip into the cup, especially when you’ve dialed everything in perfectly.
The double-spout setup of Breville’s portafilter is convenient and makes it easier to make espresso for beginners. However, switching to a bottomless portafilter has been one of the best upgrades I’ve made for my coffee station. You can get any affordable 54mm portafilter and it will work just fine. I got the one with rosewood handle as it could be more durable than walnut.
