cafeIKE wrote:IMO, the bottomless PF does not significantly improves one's ability to make good shots. Poor distribution is exposed just as mercilessly with a spouted filter.

Sorry Ian, gonna disagree on this one. The bottomless PF provides far richer visual feedback during the shot. It's not only a valuable tool for training and diagnostic purposes, but more practical than a regular PF in everyday use. Compared to a regular spouted PF, the bottomless PF is easier to clean, easier to tamp, and provides greater clearance for taller cups. Yes, you can split a shot with a spouted PF. But why would you want to split 20-30g of liquid into two even smaller portions? I want more espresso, not less!

I use a bottomless PF 99.9% of the time. My regular PF does yeoman service as eye candy.

Woodwork by the incomparable Dave Stephens.

RapidCoffee wrote:Yes, you can split a shot with a spouted PF. But why would you want to split 20-30g of liquid into two even smaller portions? I want more espresso, not less!

Um, a double spout is used to split a double into two singles...I am currently using 19g of coffee to produce two 30 ml shots with my double spout. How would you do that with a naked PF? Pull two shots using a single basket? Too much work...

spiffdude wrote:Um, a double spout is used to split a double into two singles...I am currently using 19g of coffee to produce two 30 ml shots with my double spout. How would you do that with a naked PF? Pull two shots using a single basket? Too much work...

As I said: I have not the slightest interest in splitting my doubles. I want my three fine sips, and "one and a half fine sips" just doesn't cut it. But yeah, if you must pull two singles in one pour, then a double spouted PF is probably the easiest way to go.

RapidCoffee wrote:The bottomless PF provides far richer visual feedback during the shot.

It does not tell what is wrong : 2g of stale coffee from yesterday, off level tamp, too much coffee, bad distribution, PF tapping...

RapidCoffee wrote:It's not only a valuable tool for training...

When training, prep defects are easy to spot and better corrected before lock in.

RapidCoffee wrote:...easier to tamp...

wish I had $ for every off level tamp witnessed on a BPF.

RapidCoffee wrote:I use a bottomless PF 99.9% of the time.

I try mine every so often and invariably go back to spouted, just as I try single dosing and invariably go back to weighted mini hopper. Different strokes...

I wonder if we've managed to scare off the OP?

spiffdude wrote:I wonder if we've managed to scare off the OP?

That's what I get for starting a post at 5 pm on Friday! I don't tend to spend as much time at the computer on the weekend, so I just got around to checking this now.

I would like to point out that I never intended to mean this as a question of whether or not bottomless portfilters are useful. I'd love to be able to have both, but as far as I can tell, "standard" portafilters do not fit the CC1. In particular, the comments on Seattle Coffee Gear's Crew Review seem to imply that they tried a bunch and none fit.

The question I had was whether or not it's a good idea, as a beginner, to chop the only one I have. I hadn't considered the "you will get sprayed in the face" aspect, so that's a pretty good reason not to do so, particularly on those mornings where I just don't have time for experimentation. Splitting the shot is something that I hadn't considered as well, though it's also something I haven't yet (in my whole week of ownership) felt a need to do.

In the end, this whole discussion may be moot, as I've heard from a reputable source that bottomless portfilters for the CC1 will shortly become available. In light of that, I think I will hold off on sacrificing the spouted one, but hopefully this discussion will be useful for others with the same question!