Which Pesado HD Screen Is Right For You?

Pesado HD Shower Screen - 54mm vs 58mm: Which One Do You Need?

If you've decided you want to upgrade your Breville's shower screen with the Pesado HD V2, there's one question left: which version do you need? The 54HD for 54mm machines or the MV-HD set for 58mm machines? They're not interchangeable - and the differences go beyond just the size.

Here's a clear breakdown of everything that's different between the two, which machines each one fits, and how to work out which is right for you.

The Quick Answer

If you have a Bambino, Barista Express, Barista Pro, Barista Touch, or any other Breville machine with a 54mm grouphead - you need the 54HD.

If you have a Dual Boiler, Oracle, or Oracle Touch - you need the MV-HD set.

Not sure which grouphead your machine has? The easiest way to check is to look at your portafilter. If it's a smaller, lighter handle with a narrower basket — you're on 54mm. If it's a larger, heavier handle with a wider basket — you're on 58mm. You can also check the model number on the base of your machine against the compatibility lists below.

Side-by-Side Comparison

54HD — Breville 54mm Machines

The 54HD replaces the stock mesh shower screen on Breville's 54mm grouphead machines. It's a direct swap - remove the old screen, fit the Pesado HD, done.

Compatible machines:

• Bambino (BES450)
• Bambino Plus (BES500)
• Barista Express (BES870)
• Barista Express Impress (BES876)
• Barista Pro (BES878)
• Barista Touch (BES880)
• Barista Touch Impress (BES881)
• Duo-Temp Pro (BES810)
• The Infuser (BES840)

Important: The 54HD is compatible with double shot baskets only. If you primarily use a single shot basket, this upgrade is not suitable.

The 54mm machines don't have a separate diffuser plate behind the shower screen - the screen itself is the only water distribution component. That's why the 54HD is a screen-only upgrade.

MV-HD Set - Breville 58mm Machines

The MV-HD is a complete grouphead upgrade kit for Breville's 58mm machines. It includes the Pesado HD shower screen, a stainless steel diffuser plate, and a contact mesh — everything needed to replace the entire water distribution system in one go.

Compatible machines:

• Dual Boiler (BES920)
• Oracle (BES980)
• Oracle Touch (BES990)

Currently not compatible with: Oracle Jet. If you have an Oracle Jet, this upgrade will not fit your machine due to a difference screw size. However this will be coming soon. 

The reason the 58mm version includes a diffuser plate is that Breville's 58mm grouphead has an additional component sitting behind the shower screen - a plastic diffuser plate that takes the full force of near-boiling water under pressure on every shot. Over time, this plastic warps and degrades, compounding the distribution problem. Replacing the shower screen without replacing the diffuser plate leaves half the problem in place. The MV-HD set fixes both at once.

Is the Price Difference Worth It?

The MV-HD set is $11 more than the 54HD. Given that it includes three components instead of one - and that the diffuser plate replacement is arguably the more impactful fix on 58mm machines - it's excellent value. You're not paying a premium for the same thing in a different size. You're paying slightly more for a more comprehensive upgrade.

How to Install Either Version

54HD installation: Unscrew the centre bolt on your grouphead, remove the stock shower screen, fit the Pesado HD, refit the bolt. Run a rinse cycle before your first shot.

MV-HD installation: Same process as above, with one additional step - after removing the shower screen, lift out the plastic diffuser plate and replace it with the stainless version from the kit. Refit the shower screen and bolt. Run a rinse cycle. The whole job still takes under five minutes.

Which One Should You Buy?

The decision is simple once you know your machine. Check your model number against the compatibility lists above - if you're on the list for the 54HD, buy the 54HD. If you're on the list for the MV-HD, buy the MV-HD.

The only edge case is if you're unsure whether your machine uses a 54mm or 58mm grouphead. In that case, check the portafilter size (usually printed or stamped on the underside), or get in touch and we'll confirm it for you before you order.

Shop the Pesado HD 54HD for Breville 54mm machines →

Shop the Pesado HD MV-HD set for Breville 58mm machines →