What is an E61 group?
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Everything you want to know about the E61 brew group (and which portafilter and barista tools fit it)
Are you an espresso lover and about to choose a barista machine or upgrade? Then the E61 brew group is something you don't want to miss—and yes, the right portafilter size is important. Below, you'll find a clear and understandable explanation of what an E61 is and its corresponding portafilter diameter. At the end, you'll also find handy barista tools to complete your setup.
1. What is an E61 brewing unit?
The term “E61” refers to a classic brewing unit technology, first introduced by Faema in 1961 – hence the name.
In barista speak this means:
- A heavier brass or bronze brewing unit that retains heat well, keeping the temperature stable.
- Often equipped with a thermal coupling or heat exchanger to pre-heat the group (useful for consistent extraction).
- Thanks to this technical base, you get a crema, good flow and less temperature fluctuations — which means more flavor .
- The E61 group also has a lot of charm: it looks classic, feels solid and is appreciated by many enthusiasts.
In short: if you choose an espresso machine with an E61 group, you are choosing quality, durability and a good dose of barista feel.
2. Which portafilter diameter fits the E61?
An E61 brewing unit comes standard with a 58mm portafilter . This is the size used by virtually all professional espresso machines. This standard size allows you to choose from a wide range of barista accessories, such as tampers, filter baskets, and dispensing tools .
Good to know: although the filter basket is 58mm, the mounting ears (the "ears") of portafilters can vary slightly between brands. For example, some brands have slightly different angles or thicknesses of the metal. The good news? As long as you're aiming for a 58mm portafilter for an E61 group, you'll be fine 99% of the time—and you'll have access to a world of tools.
Tip : For a machine with an E61 group, choose a portafilter with a 58 mm basket, and look for accessories (tamper, leveler, etc.) that fit that size (often 58.5 mm for tamper/accessories).
3. Why is this important to you as a barista (or home barista)?
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Using the correct diameter (58 mm for E61) will give you a more stable extraction : larger surface area, better water flow, less chance of channel formation.
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You have easier access to high-quality accessories: tamper, leveler , filter baskets for 18-22 g shots, etc.
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It prevents frustration: the wrong size often means leakage, poor fit or irregular extraction = less good coffee.
4. Accessories that really complete your setup
Because we at The Barista Shop want to offer everything for your barista life, here are three accessories that are a perfect fit for a machine with an E61 group. You can subtly integrate these into your machine upgrade:
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Tamping Stations (Black & Silver) – A sturdy tamping station ensures a smooth tamp and prevents damage to your countertop or barista area. Ideal for the countertop next to your machine. (View the collection at: Tamping Stations )
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Knock-out bins and drawers – After brewing a shot, empty your used coffee from the portafilter. A good knock-out bin or drawer makes this neat and hygienic. (See: Knock-out bins & drawers)
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Vacuum canisters for specialty coffee beans – For when you really want to create a pro zone: store your beans airtight, prevent oxidation, and preserve aromas. Perfect for home use or small barista stations. (See: Vacuum Canisters )
These three accessories optimize your workflow: from tamping, extraction, waste processing, and bean storage. Super convenient!
5. Finally & quick checklist
Before you take the plunge, here's a checklist to ensure your E61 machine setup runs smoothly:
✅ Machine has a real E61 brewing group (check specifications).
✅ 58mm portafilter basket used (preferably non-pressurized for more severe extraction).
✅ Tamper and other tools fit 58 (or 58.5) mm size.
✅ Neatly furnished workspace with tamper station, knockbox + good bean storage.
✅ You know that make and model may have slight variations in “ears” or fitting size — check if necessary.
