How to Use a Bottomless Portafilter on DeLonghi

By Kaffeemacher.de | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use a bottomless portafilter on DeLonghi Dedica machines. Step-by-step guide with tips, common mistakes, and product recommendations.

Quick Answer

Using a bottomless portafilter on a DeLonghi Dedica lets you see extraction in real time, helping you dial in grind size and dose for better espresso. Follow these steps to get started.

Why Use a Bottomless Portafilter?

A bottomless portafilter removes the spouts, giving you a direct view of the coffee puck during extraction. This lets you spot channeling, uneven extraction, or a bad grind setting immediately. It's a powerful diagnostic tool for home baristas who want to improve their espresso quality.

Compatibility Note

Not all bottomless portafilters fit all machines. The DeLonghi Dedica EC 685 and EC 885 use a 51mm basket, so you need a portafilter designed for that size. The Siebträgerhalter from Kaffeemacher.de is specifically made for these models and works with our bottomless portafilter.

Steps to Use a Bottomless Portafilter

Prepare your coffee: Grind your coffee fresh. For a standard double shot, aim for 14–18 grams of coffee. Use a 51mm tamper to distribute evenly and tamp with consistent pressure. Common mistake: uneven tamping leads to channeling. Use a leveling tool or your finger to distribute grounds before tamping.
Lock in the portafilter: Attach the bottomless portafilter to the group head. Make sure it's fully engaged – you should feel resistance. The Siebträgerhalter can help keep it stable. Checkpoint: if the portafilter feels loose, re-seat it. A poor seal will cause water to bypass the puck.
Start the extraction: Place your cup under the portafilter and start the shot. Watch the flow: it should start as a few thin streams and then become a steady, even flow. If you see spraying or uneven streams, your grind is too fine or too coarse. Common mistake: spraying indicates channeling. Adjust grind size finer if the flow is too fast, or coarser if it's too slow.
Stop at the right volume: Stop the shot when you have 1:2 to 1:2.5 ratio of coffee to water. For 18g of coffee, aim for 36–45g of espresso in 25–30 seconds. Checkpoint: if the shot runs too fast or slow, adjust grind size by one step and repeat. Don't change dose unless you're also adjusting grind.
Clean up: Remove the portafilter and knock out the puck. Rinse the basket under hot water to remove oils. Wipe the group head with a cloth. Common mistake: leaving wet grounds in the basket can cause off flavors next time. Always rinse immediately.

Product Facts

Siebträgerhalter - für DeLonghi Dedica EC 685/885: Made from recycled ABS plastic, this holder fits De'Longhi Dedica EC 685 and EC 885 (not EC 890). Includes adhesive strips for easy attachment. It securely holds the portafilter in place, so you can focus on your technique without worrying about the portafilter slipping during use.
Siebträgerhalter - für DeLonghi Dedica EC 685/885