A round filtration system, sometimes constructed from stainless-steel mesh or the same permeable materials, measuring 51 millimeters in diameter. This implement is positioned atop the tamped espresso grounds inside an espresso machine portafilter previous to extraction. It acts as a barrier between the group head and the espresso puck. For instance, a barista would possibly use this implement after tamping the espresso to make sure even water dispersion.
The implementation of this barrier provides a number of benefits through the espresso-making course of. It promotes a extra uniform saturation of the espresso grounds, doubtlessly decreasing channeling and resulting in a extra balanced extraction. Additional, it aids in protecting the espresso machine’s group head cleaner by stopping espresso grounds from backflushing into it. Traditionally, such strategies aimed to enhance extraction consistency and gear upkeep have been employed in varied types throughout the specialty espresso trade.