La Marzocco Portafilter Holder Kit Version 2.0 for the KB90 – the grip that sets the pace
The KB90 is built for rush hour. The portafilter isn’t twisted in, it slides straight in – Straight-In. That saves one hand movement with every shot, and in a busy café it adds up to real time over the day. The prerequisite is a holder that guides and locks cleanly.
This very holder works thousands of times a week. At some point you can feel it: the portafilter no longer goes in snugly, it has play, it needs a second attempt. This kit is version 2.0 of the holder and brings the mount back to the condition it should be in.
When it’s due
When the portafilter no longer locks in cleanly or moves during extraction, when it only goes in with more force or at a certain angle, when the mount is visibly worn, or when water runs past the side of the portafilter after extraction even though the group head gasket is new. A holder with play isn’t a cosmetic issue: it brings movement into the sealing surface, and then the gasket suffers too.
At a glance
| Type |
Portafilter holder as a kit |
| Location |
Brew group, Straight-In mount |
| Fits |
La Marzocco KB90 |
| Scope of delivery |
one kit as supplied by the manufacturer |
| Part number |
1203 |
| Version |
Version 2.0 |
| Installation |
Installation by a qualified technician recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The holder sits directly on the brew group, a pressurised component. Before any work, the machine must be disconnected from power, depressurised and cooled down. We deliberately don’t provide step-by-step instructions: the mount has to be aligned exactly, otherwise the portafilter won’t lock cleanly and the sealing surface works unevenly. This belongs in the hands of a qualified technician – write to us and we’ll arrange it through our service.
Who it’s for
For high-volume cafés where the KB90 runs under load all day, and for service businesses restoring a KB90 to factory condition.
What goes with it
From the same group: the group head gasket including anti-shock plates, the shower screen with logo and the Straight-In locking hook kit. The matching portafilters are the Straight-In double and the bottomless Straight-In. More under La Marzocco KB90 spare parts and Service parts.
Tip from our workshop
We always check the play of the mount when the machine is cold and again once it’s up to temperature. Metal moves, and a holder that seems fine when cold can still have play when hot – that difference explains many a drip that only appears during rush hour. This is our routine from Bern and Zurich, not a manufacturer specification. Afterwards we dial in with Nutty Delight, for chocolatey notes Cozy Chocolate, for body Very Nutty. All roasts under Coffee beans.
No returns
Service parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are sourced specifically for each order and cannot be resold after installation or a test fitting on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a quick message and we’ll clarify the fit together. Your rights in the case of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is included in the kit?
The scope of delivery corresponds to the manufacturer’s kit with the number 1203. If you want to know exactly which individual parts are included before ordering, drop us a quick message – we’ll check with the manufacturer.
Does the kit fit every KB90?
It’s version 2.0. Send us your machine’s serial number and we’ll confirm the fit before you order.
My portafilter drips at the side. Is the holder to blame?
Possibly. First check the group head gasket. If it stays damp even with a new gasket and the portafilter has play, the mount is the likely cause.
Can I install the kit myself?
We don’t recommend it. The mount has to be aligned exactly, and it sits on a pressurised component.
Can I see the part in the showroom?
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.
Questions? Write to [email protected]. Delivery across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
