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Buying A Coffee Machine For Home? 58mm vs 54mm Portafilters: Which Size Do You Need?

by Trenton Jamieson

What Is a Portafilter and Why Does Size Matter?

A portafilter is the handle that holds your coffee basket and locks into your espresso machine. The size — measured in millimetres (mm) — refers to the diameter of the basket. This directly impacts compatibility and the accessories you can use.

The three most common sizes for home baristas are 58mm, 54mm and 51mm While all can produce excellent espresso, the right choice depends on your goals as a home barista. If you're in the market to buy a new machine, hopefully the information below can help with your decision. 

58mm Portafilters

Features & Benefits

  • Commercial Standard: Most professional café machines use 58mm.

  • Larger Basket Capacity: Holds more coffee, which supports bigger doses and stronger extractions.

  • Wider Accessory Range: Compatible with the widest variety of tampers, distributors, and baskets.

  • Better for Experimentation: Great for those who want to fine-tune recipes and pull café-quality shots at home.

Popular Machines That Use 58mm

  • Rancilio Silvia

  • Gaggia Classic

  • La Marzocco Linea Mini

  • Rocket Espresso machines

  • Breville Duel Boiler and Oracle 

54mm Portafilters

Features & Benefits

  • Compact Size: Often found on home-focused machines.

  • Easier for Beginners: Smaller baskets can be more forgiving with grind and tamp consistency.

  • Affordable Machines: Usually paired with entry-level to mid-range machines, making it a common size for first-time home baristas.

Popular Machines That Use 54mm

  • Breville Barista Express / Pro / Touch

  • Breville Bambino Plus

  • Breville Infuser

  • Some De’Longhi models

58mm vs 54mm: Which Is Right for You?

Feature 58mm Portafilter 54mm Portafilter
Basket Capacity Larger, supports higher doses Smaller, more compact shots
Accessories Wide range available More limited, but growing
Learning Curve Higher — more precision needed Lower — forgiving for beginners
Machine Type Mid to high-end, café-style Entry to mid-range home machines

Should You Upgrade?

  • If you already own a Breville or similar with 54mm you don't need to necessarily upgrade your machine. Simply upgrading to a bottomless 54mm portafilter is the perfect way to improve your skills.

  • If you want more flexibility, consider moving to a 58mm machine in the future for access to a wider range of baskets and accessories.

👉 At Coffee Nerd, we stock both 54mm and 58mm bottomless portafilters, so you can upgrade no matter what machine you own.

FAQ: 58mm vs 54mm Portafilters

Q: Does portafilter size affect flavour?
A: Yes. Larger baskets (58mm) allow for more coffee and can produce a fuller-bodied shot. Smaller baskets (54mm) may taste brighter or lighter.

Q: Can I use a 58mm portafilter on a 54mm machine?
A: No. Portafilters must match the group head size of your machine. Always check compatibility before buying.

Q: Which size is best for beginners?
A: 54mm is easier to learn on, but 58mm offers more flexibility as your skills grow.

Final Thoughts

Both 58mm and 54mm portafilters can deliver excellent espresso. The best choice depends on your budget and current machine compatibility as well as your goals as a home barista. For those starting out with a with the most common machine - a Breville/Sage, a 54mm bottomless portafilter upgrade is an affordable step up. For enthusiasts aiming for café-quality precision, a 58mm machine and portafilter will give you the widest options.

👉 Explore Coffee Nerd’s full range of portafilters today and find the perfect upgrade for your espresso setup.

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