ECM Premium Stainless Steel Portafilter – solid portafilter for ECM machines with E61
It feels heavier in your hand than you'd expect, and when you lock it in, it clicks into the group with a firm, short resistance.
That weight is no coincidence. Made from solid stainless steel, the portafilter holds on longer to the heat it picked up during flushing – and temperature helps decide which compounds dissolve during the shot. Higher temperature brings more body, lower more complexity and aroma. A portafilter that doesn't cool down immediately on the counter simply gives you a calmer window between grinding, tamping and brewing.
Then there's what you see and feel: two ECM embossings, an evenly balanced weight distribution, a surface that doesn't look like an accessory. Feel and appearance influence enjoyment before the first sip – that's measurable, and for many it's the real reason. Nobody needs it. You want it, or you don't. If you want it, you know why. Our opinion is one of many.
Two versions, one portafilter
We offer this portafilter with one spout for a single shot and with two spouts for a double shot. ECM's range also includes a bottomless version with a 21-gram basket. What they all share is the deep body, which works especially well with deep baskets, and the precise fit for all ECM machines with an E61 group head.
One thing worth keeping in mind when buying: the round ECM aluminium tamping stations are not compatible with these portafilters, because the portafilter head sits too high. For these, ECM recommends the height-adjustable tamping station with item number AC100061-00. If you already own a fixed station, check this before ordering – or simply tamp directly on a mat, which works just as well.
The choice of basket changes the flavour profile fundamentally, and a deep body gives you room to play here: precision baskets with a different hole pattern and a different dose can be used without the puck sitting too close to the shower screen. Clean it by hand, not in the dishwasher – the stainless steel thanks you with a surface that stays the way it was delivered.
At a glance
| Material |
Solid stainless steel |
| Versions |
Single spout, double spout |
| Suitable for |
All ECM machines with E61 group head |
| Body |
Deep, ideal with deep baskets |
| Design |
Two ECM embossings |
| Cleaning |
By hand, not dishwasher-safe |
| Tamping station |
Only with the height-adjustable station (AC100061-00) |
| Item numbers |
AC100042-00 (single spout), AC100043-00 (double spout) |
Who it's made for
For everyone with an ECM machine and E61 group who wants to swap their everyday portafilter for one made from solid material. The single spout is for anyone who likes to brew individual cups or work precisely into a small vessel. The double spout is the everyday portafilter for two cups at once or for a double shot into one.
Both versions are right for any setup, no matter how long someone has been pulling espresso. Espresso is complex, but it isn't rocket science – enjoyment comes before perfection. If you want to compare the whole setup, you'll find the machines to go with it in the ECM Collection. We're a partner of ECM; the Home Line machines are handmade in Milan.
What goes with it
The basket belongs with the portafilter. Among the precision baskets and filter baskets you'll find the baskets from IMS and the versions with different doses – each one noticeably changes flow and flavour profile. And because the puck should sit loose and even before brewing, it's worth taking a look at the WDT tools: the tool from Normcore for everyone who wants it affordable and precise, the Moonraker from Weber Workshops for everyone who wants more.
Same picture with tamping: the Spring-Loaded Tamper from Normcore as the affordable, very good route – the tamper from Weber Workshops for everyone who wants more. No budget is just a beginning, and a good shot comes out of both.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines does the stainless steel portafilter fit?
All ECM machines with an E61 group head. For another brand, or if you're unsure, tell us your machine's article number and we'll clarify it in advance.
What's the difference between single spout and double spout?
The single spout guides the shot into one stream and therefore into one vessel. The double spout splits it across two spouts, so you can brew two cups at once. It makes no difference to the basket or the dose.
Does the portafilter fit my ECM tamping station?
Not the round aluminium tamping stations, because the portafilter head sits too high. For these, ECM recommends the height-adjustable tamping station with item number AC100061-00.
Is a basket included?
For the versions with one and with two spouts, ECM doesn't list a basket. You'll find suitable baskets among the precision baskets and filter baskets.
Can the portafilter go in the dishwasher?
No, ECM recommends cleaning it by hand. The portafilter is not dishwasher-safe.
Can I see the product before buying?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there. If you order online: delivery to Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 2 to 4 working days.
From the roastery
A heavy portafilter holds the temperature, and temperature shows most clearly with beans that have plenty of body. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight then come into the cup especially dense and round, with caramel and chocolate in the foreground. If you're looking for maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. And for everyone who wants to discover something different, Wild Peach is ready – fruity and lively. That's our recommendation, one of many; any other bean works just as well.
