Portafilter Baskets: Does Size Really Matter?

In the last several years, trends in the espresso world tended to crest rapidly, and then folks are off to the next latest and greatest gadget or technique. For example, a 20g portafilter basket was the gold standard for a “large” espresso dose. But as with all things coffee, innovation never sleeps. Also, we never sleep, well, because of too much espresso. Now, we’re seeing baskets that hold 22g, 24g, and even a massive 28g. At first glance, oversized baskets might seem like pure espresso geekery (and to be fair, sometimes they are). But when used correctly, they bring some real benefits.

Do you actually need one? Let’s break down the perks, the limitations, and when a larger basket might be worth considering.

More Coffee, Less Effort

Perhaps not as apparent at first glance, but the most expedient reason to go big? More coffee. It's the same theory when folks switched from a 16 to 18g dose to an 18 to 20g dose—you get to push the limits of extraction for different coffees and expand your espresso recipe. 

Maybe your usual 20g morning shot just isn’t hitting the same anymore. A larger basket lets you up-dose without having to pull multiple shots. More coffee, same workflow; it’s an easy win if you’re chasing that extra caffeine kick.

A Deeper Coffee Bed = Less Chances For Channeling 

Larger baskets don’t just give you more coffee; they also give you a deeper puck. And this is where things get interesting. If you’ve ever struggled with channeling—the nasty business where water finds weak spots in your puck and rushes through unevenly—a deeper coffee bed will help. A deeper puck makes it harder for channels to form all the way through, encouraging a more even extraction.

Moreover, this is also a reason why smaller-diameter baskets (like 41mm, 49mm, and 53mm) are skyrocketing in popularity. But if you already have a large basket and are willing to bump up your dose, you can get some of the same benefits—a win-win. 

Turbo Shots & Large Baskets: A Match Made in Espresso Heaven

If there’s one reason to get stoked about oversized baskets, it’s turbo shots. A turbo shot is an espresso pulled at lower pressure (around 6 bars) with a coarser grind and a faster flow rate. Extraction time is much shorter, clocking in at around 20–25 seconds. Turbo shots (we're not keen on this name) are known for their clarity, sweetness, and almost filter-like qualities. Larger baskets work beautifully for turbo shots for two essential reasons:

• More Room for a Coarser Grind: Coarser grounds take up more space in the basket, and since turbo shots typically use a lower dose (often 15g), a larger basket lets you comfortably go beyond that and into 20g+ territory.

• Even Less Channeling: Turbo shots already reduce channeling by increasing flow. A deeper coffee bed amplifies this effect, making it even easier to get a clean, even extraction.

If you love the filter coffee-esque body of turbo shots, an oversized basket can help you fine-tune them to your specifications. Again, the turbo shot isn't necessarily a better way to make espresso; it's simply different, like spring lever profiles and Slayer shots. 

Do Larger Baskets Have Limitations?

Larger baskets don’t always have pure upside. If you're thinking of making the switch or just experimenting, here are a few limitations to keep in mind. 

• Down-dosing is a nightmare: If you try to use a smaller dose in a big basket, expect major channeling issues. These baskets are designed to be filled.
• They don’t always fit spouted portafilters: Many oversized baskets are too tall to work with them, so you’ll need to use a bottomless one.
• Not all bottomless portafilters fit them: Another caveat (sigh, we know). Even some bottomless portafilters don’t have the clearance for these massive baskets. Make sure yours can handle the added depth before purchasing a deeper basket. We're always able to lend our expertise to different portafilter suggestions and compatibility. 

A 28g basket might seem excessive—another gadget for gear collectors chasing the next big thing. And for some, that may be precisely what it is. But after some hands-on testing, there’s no denying these baskets offer more than just hype. The added depth and capacity open up new extraction possibilities, especially for turbo shots, where a higher dose and coarser grind can make all the difference. Are oversized baskets part of your routine? If so, how are you using them? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!