Blue Star coffee sources generic portafilters mainly from Milan, Italy from the same factories that make the original portafilters. Blue Star coffee portafilers are made from chrome plated brass which is both strong and durable and keeps the temperature of the portafilter stable. We have put together these questions and answers to help you choose the best Gaggia Classic Portafilter.
OEM (or original equipment manufacturer) portafilters are made specially for the brand and model. They usually are the same quality but will have the original stamp on the product. When you buy an original branded portafilter you are assured it will fit your brand perfectly. Blue Star Coffee sells both original and generic portafilters - the generic portafilters are made in Milan Italy ( so quality is assured), will fit the same, and are the same quality.
A: Espresso coffee portafilters come in many sizes 53mm 54mm 57mm and 58mm and most manufacturers will produce 2-5 different sizes. So when looking for a portafilter to suit your machine, you should know the model name, brand, and the year your machine was made.
Gaggia uses different portafilters for their various models. They use pressurized portafilters for some home models - such as Gran Gaggia and Gaggia Classic and the pumps are 14 bars. The commercial and home models use non-pressurised portafilters and machines use pumps set at 9 bars. Naked portafilters can only be used on models with 9-bar pumps.
A: While most coffee portafilters are made from chrome-plated brass, Pesado, Ascaso, and bluestarcoffee produce portafilters made from stainless steel as well. Blue Star Coffee E61 Stainless Steel Portafilter and Blue Star Coffee E61 Stainless Steel bottomless Portafilter. The main advantage of a stainless steel portafilter is it will hold the temperature for longer than brass and does not contain lead or chrome. Stainless steel does not lose the chrome plated finish nor does it tarnish, unlike stainless steel. You can enhance your espresso experience by changing your handle or spout. Some Portafilter handles are glued at the factory so the handle does not come loose, but glue can be removed by using boiling water. To remove a factory-glued handle - immerse the portafilter in boiling water - taking care not to immerse the wooden handle. The glue will soften or the steel will contract, so the handle can be unscrewed. Portafilter Spouts can be glued as well or just tightened, they can be removed by unscrewing anti-clockwise or immersing in boiling water to release the thread lock glue.
Gaggia mainly uses 58mm portafilters - such as Gaggia classic and commercial machines. Gaggia also uses pressurized home models such as Gran Gaggia which uses 53mm portafilters.
A: Espresso coffee portafilters come in many sizes 53mm 54mm 57mm and 58mm and most manufacturers will produce 2-5 different sizes. So when looking for a portafilter to suit your machine, you should know the model name, brand, and the year your machine was made.
While portafilters are strong and last a long time, they are made from brass - the fins wear over time - causing the portafilter to sit at 5 o clock instead of 6 o clock.
A: One of the best modifications you can make to any portafilter is to change your stock filter basket to a competition basket. ascaso, IMS, Barista Pro, or E&B are all made in Europe and will improve the quality of the espresso.
At Blue Star Coffee, we offer a wide selection of Gaggia Classic Portafilters. Browse our selection today to enhance your espresso making.