Normcore Bottomless Portafilter REVIEW: Why get one?

[@LOGANNICHOLE]

I just got one of these portafilters about 2 weeks ago. I love it. The Normcore does an amazing job and has an perfect fit for the Dedica. Cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Couldn't agree more, Logan! Glad you like it too!

[@thedylangirl]

The Normcore double spout is absolutely gorgeous as well. I have it for the Dedica.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, but it's expensive. Neouza makes one very similar with a wooden handle: amzn.to/4arIKMc (affiliate link to Amazon)

[@thedylangirl]

@@TomsCoffeeCornerthat’s a great recommendation! I may grab that one for my son’s Delonghi. I do really enjoy Normcore’s styling. There are many more options in 51mm than people assume. Style up the Dedica and devote more funds to grinding and beans! PS: Normcore offers their attractive handles a la carte so we can mod other, less expensive spouts to match if that’s desired.

[@Anonymous-mf8ii]

I finally got a decent grinder, so I can start experimenting with a standard basket. The bottomless portafilter is good for diagnostics, but I’d prefer a spouted portafilter. The ideal thing, if anyone has found it, would be a two piece portafilter with a removable lower spout section.

[@peterwood2633]

Yeh theres a hybrid one from an Australian company forgot the name begins with P i think lol

[@Anonymous-mf8ii]

@@peterwood2633 Pesado? I’ve had one for several months now.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

► Normcore Portafilter 🇺🇸 amzn.to/3vrpo7X 🇦🇺 amzn.to/38B69Ql 🇨🇦 amzn.to/3MDQAWQ ► Normcore Puck Screen 🇺🇸 amzn.to/3vSA7av 🇦🇺 amzn.to/36Zb6ll 🇨🇦 amzn.to/37U57Pk In this video, we look at the beautiful Normcore bottomless portafilter. This fits the Delonghi Dedica EC680, EC685, and EC685. Normcore also makes a 54mm version for Sage/Breville machines, and several 58mm versions for E61 brew groups. 0:00 Intro 1:22 Normcore Bottomless for Sage, Breville, E61, too! 2:00 Haptic Opinion 4:28 Mystery Unboxing 4:46 Bottomless Portafilter in Action 5:43 Physical Comparison DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. Affiliate commissions help fund videos like this one.

[@phillipzx3754]

I stopped using a bottomless rig because my Dedica was doing the exact same thing as yours...spraying espresso out towards the side. What I'm using now is the stock unit with a trimmed down plastic liner so my non-pressurized basket would fit. No more spraying. :-)

[@warlikepoet]

Looking forward to the puck screen video. Been seeing them recommended to me on Amazon and wondered if they were just a fad to keep the machine clean

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I have read a lot about them. Some people say that it makes their shots more consistent. Most people agree, that it makes the puck easier to knock out, and keeps their shower screen clean. 👍🏻

[@PaulLemars01]

I use one on every shot and here's my take. Yes, it keeps the whole system clean, which is a huge plus. Pucks appear to be diffused correctly and channeling is a thing of the past. Pucks eject compacted and clean. Here's what I think is happening. All beans have different densities, so when you weigh out say a 20g shot the volume of the grind will change depending on the bean/roast. Even if you tamp consistently the volume of the puck will change from bean to bean. One of the big variables in consistency is the distance from the group head shower screen to the top of the tamped puck because that distance controls turbulence in the puck and can encourage channeling. By using a puck screen, you effectively have a shower screen/diffuser in direct contact with the top of the puck so there is no possibility of turbulence. Hence complete diffusion, reduced or no channeling and clean puck ejection. An alternative is to adjust the size of the shot so you can see a slight imprint of the shower screen and retaining nut in the dry puck before pulling it, so you know there's no space for turbulence. Most people (or maybe just me) can't be bothered to do that. Hence the puck screen solves that whole process by always placing a shower screen directly on top of the puck. Of course, this could all be B.S. but it works for me on my La Spaziale Lucca A53.

[@AadilKhan-wy5ls]

Hi Tom. Love the videos. How many gram basket is that?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

16 grams.

[@aronekelow540]

What dose do you use for your 51mm? I do 18g on my smeg with the 51mm:)

[@andresvalle1611]

Hi Tom! I bought a similar portafilter and I'm having some leaks while extracting. I can see you have a little bit too with the Normcore, could you give some recommendations for this issue? The other option would be to use the botomless basket with the original portafilter. Thanks for all the tips! Me and my Dedica really appreciate your content! =)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Andres, do you mean some spraying, or squirting? This is an indicator of the bean, grind and puck preparation. Ideally, it shouldn't spray, but that takes some practice. You could use the new basket in the original portafilter, and just remove the plastic piece, so that the basket fits. Have fun! Tom

[@nathanbriggs1149]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Do you have any advice how to stop this, as i'm facing the same issue with the spraying?

[@zdonp]

Tom, we can see that coffee splash next to the mug. Isn't better use non pressurized basket with original Dedica portafilter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I do use non pressurized, in a bottomless, which can also squirt. Cheers!

[@abhisheksharma21387]

Beautiful Tom! Wish I could get one here in India.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Abhishek, can you order one from Amazon in Australia or America? I ended up importing from Amazon US. Cheers! ☕️

[@Ferdinando1194]

Hi Tom, which difference is between Normcore and Fenteer Portafilter? Thanks!!

[@Ferdinando1194]

Hi Tom! Do you still recommend the puck screen by Normcore?

[@xavialvarez]

I have Dedica machine with Normcore portafilter. Is it better the 51mm or 51'5mm normcore tamper for this setup? thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

It depends on your basket. I think the 51.5mm would fit though, it might be a tight fit.

[@robpowell9162]

Hi Tom, I love your videos! They are so enjoyable. I have a La Specialista and occasionally if I don't clean and dry the basket and bottom removable plate, my machine goes overpressure and doesn't make coffee. I know a bottomless portafilter won't help, but is there a replacement basket you'd suggest that's all in one, as I suspect a fleck of coffee is blocking the bottom pin hole? Does this bottomless portafilter come with a non-pressurised basket? What did you do to the grind and tamp to adjust for depressurised? Keep making these gorgeous videos

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thanks! I'd suggest a traditional, non pressurized basket for better extractions, and then you won't have the clogging issue. Yes, the Normcore comes with a basket.

[@robpowell9162]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thankyou Tom, I really appreciate this so much! The Normcore one looks so beautiful but it's £70GBP, have you tried Neouza before? It's £40 but includes the wire plate, just wondering if that is good or if I just need to bite the bullet for Normcore (sadly not a major brand here so stuck with a single vendor!)

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I like the Neouza just as well. I have it on a couple of other machines. @@robpowell9162

[@hootmin]

Hi Tom! Just curious, what is the recommended amount of coffee beans for the basket that comes with the normcore 51mm portafilter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

16 grams is what I use.

[@plzno5399]

Hello Tom, does this fit the new dedica maestro plus? Also, i'm not so well-versed in the coffee world so i'd like to ask you if the basket that comes with it is pressurized or non-pressurized

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Not this one, but this one: amzn.to/3Uqlw21 (affiliate link)

[@plzno5399]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner i see. Thank you Tom. Is the basket that comes with that one pressurized or non-pressurized?

[@mariomerinogranados7494]

Hello!! Thanks for all your great content! Would you tell me how tall is the basket that comes with the portafilter? I just want to know if my basket will look that leveled with the bottom or not! Thanks from Spain! Hoping to see the puck screen review!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Mario, it is exactly 1" or 25.4 mm. Cheers!

[@Ferdinando1194]

Tom, I have a question. I have bought the Normcore Portafilter. I know that it comes with a basket. Do I need to buy the IMS basket or i can use the Normcore one? Is there any difference? Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

You can use the one that comes with, but I do like IMS a bit better. For some people they make more of a taste difference than others, but it’s just a much higher quality basket.

[@Ferdinando1194]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks💪💪

[@hjd4260]

Loving your videos! Just got my Dedica, and this portafilter looks perfect, however, I cannot find any UK Links?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello there! After much deliberation, I ended up ordering this from Amazon US, and importing to Germany. The good thing is, the import duties are calculated before purchasing. That added about another $20 for me.

[@hjd4260]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Ah thank you so much!

[@arlokkkk]

Hi Tom, thanks for the video. Is it still worth getting this normcore portafilter after two years that you made this video? Also, if it worth paying $67 for it? Thanks mate, cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I like it, but yes it's expensive. You could also get a Neouza, for half the price.

[@arlokkkk]

@@TomsCoffeeCornergood to know. Thank you!

[@arlokkkk]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner just got my bottomless portafilter and normacore filter for my breville barista touch. Pulled my first shot. Not too many squirts but my ratio doubled. When changing to a different portafilter, do I have to change all the settings again? Like grind it way more finer so it wont flow as fast as it did now?

[@sarkstk]

hi Tom! very nice video. how can i avoid the spraying? 😢

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Freshly roasted beans, good grind, decent puck prep (distribution) should help.

[@junaydsaleem]

Hi Tom. I just got this portafilter and its been exciting to use it- fits nicely and works well. What is the grind size you are using here? Thanks again for your videos. Very helpful! Cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi there, well the grind setting depends on your grinder. Which grinder do you have? Maybe I could give you a ballpark. Cheers!

[@junaydsaleem]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner currently using a timemore c3 pro

[@pablomorenojimenez9398]

Curious about this too bcause im using this setup, portafilter hasnt arrived yet tho

[@Jrmcg10]

Hi Tom. Appreciate the videos. I recently got the Normcore 51mm portafilter too and noticed that my 51mm tamp from Amazon is slightly too large despite being perfect for the Delonghi portafilter provided as standard. What size of tamper did you find suits this portafilter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Jack! This is the tamper I use: amzn.to/3D45Ee8 Cheers, Tom

[@chrispygingerpie]

My machine arrived yesterday and I setup this morning, how do you not get a caffeine high trying out all these cool gadgets?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well I can’t drink them all, so some get saved for cold drinks, and some have to get poured down the drain. 😢

[@chrispygingerpie]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Good point, didn't think to save for cold drinks. My wife only likes cold coffee.

[@warlikepoet]

If you like baking you could try making some coffee cakes. Even if you have a lot, you can freeze cake

[@petrvozab2061]

Hi Tom, thank you for great videos. Don't you know if IMS B60 baskets fit in this 51 mm portafilter? I think they shloud, but not sure.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi there! This is the one that fits: amzn.to/3Obrpgy

[@enesvekshari4395]

Tom, have you ever used a puck screen for the portafilter? I am looking at some videos and it looks like it helps a lot with the channeling but I havent tried it. Actually I have been using some paper filter, like the aero ones, and I believe it makes a little difference but I am quite intriged by this puck screen.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Enes, I get the best results from using a paper filter underneath the Gaggia's puck, but have not tried it yet on the Delonghi. I will experminet with the Normcore 51mm puck screen, and let you know.

[@randommusings48]

Hey Tom, I got a secondhand Smeg ECF01 which is just the Dedica in a Smeg shell. I really like the Smeg portafilter cos it's quite heavy. I just weighed it for you and it's a whopping 514g without a basket. Would you still get a Normcore bottomless filter or modify the Smeg portafilter? I originally bought it cheap for parts to repair my Dedica but end up fixing it. So two machines and two portafilters.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Michael, wow I wonder if the Smeg built theirs from stainless, because it looks the same as the Dedica. If it is stainless, it will be a bit harder to chop the bottom off. I find the Normcore to be one of the nicest portafitlers I've held, since it is an all metal construction. The Smeg has a plastic handle, right?

[@christopherrodrigues5941]

Tom, I have a question. Does the IMS DL2TH24E fit in the Normcore 51mm Portafilter? Hope it does as the Normcore looks great and with great reviews. Thank you!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes it does! Cheers! Tom

[@christopherrodrigues5941]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner excellent Tom, thank you and thank you for the videos 👍🏻

[@utiuandy99]

I know this is an old video, but how does the quality of the Normcore bottomless portafilter compared to a VIP Lelit portafilter? I’m looking for a bottomless porta filter that is made out of stainless steel. I enjoy the feel of the VIP line of port filters from Lelit but somewhat dislike the plastic handle. Thank you very much.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The handle is nicer on the Normcore. It's made of metal. To be honest though, I like the feel of wooden PFs even more. Cheers!

[@jasontan4086]

Hi Tom, does this fit tightly and perfectly? I bought one which is supposed to fit on a EC685 (according to the seller) but it turns out slightly loose and the portafilter came off mid brewing and created a big mess! So now I have to hold on to it whenever I start brewing.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes it does! I have been using it for months with no issues. It fits tight and well. Cheers!

[@jasontan4086]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks!

[@charlesdarwin430]

@@jasontan4086 I have ordered this one after facing the same issue. I have changed the gasket and the filter basket earlier, I hope this will fix that issue🤞🏼

[@ivancanales9634]

Hello Tom! Thanks for the video. Would you happen to know if the basket it comes with is tapered ( smaller diameter at the bottom than the top)?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi Ivan, yes it is slightly tapered. At the top it measures 52.5mm and at the bottom 49.8mm.

[@ivancanales9634]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks! Do you recommend a tamper with the Normcore 51mm basket?

[@Nhope_Music]

Hi Tom! How work the puck strainer? Is it necessary or I can make a good coffee only with the Normcore Portafilter? Thanks!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

No, the puck screen is really just to keep the group head cleaner, and also the pucks knock out easier with it.

[@Nhope_Music]

thanks! @@TomsCoffeeCorner

[@salihkumus5129]

Hello Tom, I just bought the normcore portofilter. He makes coffee without cream, can you tell me what I'm doing wrong?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello there! Yes, your beans are probably too old - or in other words roasted too long ago. These videos may help: How to extract the perfect espresso: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppqyZ5ZsbpqCppo How to Get Crema: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGxhHpvaZpsl5o Why Supermarket Coffee Beans are RUINING your Espresso! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3PKfn6nqp2ZgKs

[@JustinTheriot]

Do you know if this fits ec885?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes it does!

[@Hollyferris]

Does this fit the EC885?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes Holly, it does! Cheers :)

[@AronBlumkin]

Do they have a 2 ear portafilter?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

This one is 3 tabbed.

[@jackclark3]

Hi Tom just purchase one of these on your recommendation… can I use this as is for single shot ? Thank you.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sure you can, but you need to get the appropriate basket. Check these here: geni.us/GraefSiebe

[@jackclark3]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thank you !

[@joecavanaugh5762]

Do you know what size the portafilter basket is? Like how many grams it holds?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, it is 51mm, and it holds between 14 (darker roast) to 16 (lighter roast) grams of coffee.

[@archellios]

Is it normal that coffee splashes to the sides? Cos i have the same problem. I tried to change grinding and quantity, but to no avail

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I mean, it depends on puck preparation, grind size, and coffee quality. I normally get better extractions than this from better beans. But I just used some supermarket beans for this example.

[@MrRobravens]

I cant for the life of me find the basket size on the normcore basket. Im on the gaggia classic 19 and 18g is looking like too high of a dose oddly

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Maybe try an IMS basket? They are sold with basket heights in their product names. Cheers!

[@DrDingus]

I can't seem to get any crema or good tasting shots from this machine for some reason using either the default portafilter or the new bottomless portafilter.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Have you tried temperature surfing? How freshly roasted are your beans? Temp Surfing: kzbin.info8GO1b94CgN4

[@DrDingus]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I have not tried temperature surfing, but I'm suspecting the issue is related to the time. I'm using freshly roasted beans (home roasted) that taste excellent through my Saeco superautomatic and aeropress. They are ground immediately before brewing. I recently bought a scale and have been trying to diagnose the issue. The first glaringly obvious thing I've discovered is I'm getting much much more output in grams in less than the recommended time for the amounts I am using ( I read 25-30 seconds is average and I need to grind more finely and/or tamp with more pressure, and I just attempted both, but with the same results.) I used the finest 'espresso' setting on my Breville smart Grinder Pro (setting 11). I used 13.6g of freshly roasted coffee (seems to be the most I can fit inside this bottomless portafilter), I carefully hand-level it then tamped it with about as much pressure as I could (using metal tamp). I held the double shot button and started the timer. I read 1:1.5 - 1:3 is a normal ratio, so let's say 1:2, which should yield 27.2g out. I hit 27g in about 10 seconds ( I ended it here the first time to go by ratio, and it was terrible tasting), second time I decided to go by timing and let it go for 25 seconds, yielding 69g of espresso, also tasting bitter and under extracted, but slightly better than the first shot. I'm not sure how to slow it down any further. I could go even finer, but it seems to be ridiculously fine at this point. One thing I've been questioning.. am I out of line to think I can get a shot as good as my Saeco from this machine? Are my expectations too high?

[@wahyuditan1801]

Hiii Tom, is this fits into ec885 as well?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes sir!

[@anujphadke9785]

I bought all accessories u suggested for delonghi ec685 .got today in India.. but found normcore bottomless porta is freaking tight .. specially after putting ims baskets .. the default basket of normcore is still ok to fit along with porta filter.. will it easy after few days of use ? With use of normcore filter n ims baskets

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

If your Dedica is new, then it might be a tight fit for a few days.

[@anujphadke9785]

I have found now ims baskets r pain .. first of all due to long lip no proper dosing basket fit on it .. even it fits then magnet r damn weak for this ims basket .. default basket of Normcore is good for all also it fits not freaking tight as ims

[@brunoflauta]

Hello Tom! I wrote you on instagram because i have a problem with the portafilter and the tamper of normcore. Can you help me, please? 😢

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hi! I didn't get a message...what's the problem?

[@visancristian504]

have you done the preasure mode?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hey Visan, I did do that, but then I reverted. After I installed in in-line Manometer, I realized that the machine under normal circumstances with a non pressurized basket, does get about 8 to 9 bar.

[@visancristian504]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner wow, good to know then :)

[@vgama]

Does the original cut Delonghi portafilter squirt like that?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hehe, it’s a function of puck prep and the freshness of the bean. Not the portafilter. I’m still trying to dial in a Lavazza bean in this case. Which isn’t ideal. Cheers! ☕️

[@nikon255]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner which one?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

@@nikon255 Lavazza Rosso. It has an estimated roast date of 3/30/2022, so crema is possible, but I haven't nailed it yet. It is also a medium/light roast, which might make a difference, too.

[@nikon255]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner As I remember all coffees were good from moka pot. From dedica its crazy different. Got lavazzas crema, rosso and espresso. Kinda old like 6 months. Crema and rosso are similar, bitter that long last. Espresso is crazy sour. Im so disappointed. Lastly got some local coffee. Little sour, little bitter both wanish quickly. ALOT of crema. I dont know if I get ever sweet tasting one haha. You are lucky with so fresh roasted lavazza :)

[@giotto4321]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner But the question was: does the Delonghi portafilter squirt like that too? The basket is the last element the espresso comes through so could it be that that's causing the spraying?

[@Benanonsafety]

Is there a link for Germany?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sorry Ben, I had to import mine from amazon.com. The good thing is though at least, Amazon takes calculates the duties so you know what the total will be upon ordering. But it’s a bit pricey.

[@Benanonsafety]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Hi Tom, thank you for your answer.

[@zillaquazar]

it is a little messy

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, I thought it was pretty good for Lavazza Rosso. I could take another video with some super fresh beans. Cheers! ☕️