Should you remove the plastic insert inside a portafilter?

Have you ever wondered if that little plastic piece inside your portafilter actually makes a difference?

If you've bought a coffee machine, especially from popular Australian brands like Breville, you’ve probably noticed a black plastic insert inside your portafilter. It seems a bit strange, right? A plastic piece in something that's regularly exposed to high heat—should you keep it or bin it?

What exactly is this plastic insert anyway?

This insert is designed by manufacturers like Breville to help with heat retention and regulate pressure during extraction. It's there to stop your coffee from losing heat too quickly, helping you get an even extraction. But does this piece really help or could it be doing more harm than good?

Does the plastic insert affect your espresso?

I’ve noticed some baristas swear by leaving it in, claiming it helps keep shots consistent. They argue that removing the plastic could cause temperature drops and messy, uneven pours. This detailed guide mentions exactly why manufacturers include this plastic piece.

But personally, and after spending plenty of time talking to other coffee enthusiasts, I’ve also found many of us prefer it removed. Once removed, the espresso often flows faster and clearer—plus, some believe avoiding plastic contact might be healthier in the long run. Here's another helpful article covering removal steps if you're considering this.

Potential issues when removing the plastic insert

However, you should know there’s a bit of a risk. I've seen cases where removing this piece created more hassle than improvement. Without the insert, coffee can spurt messily or unevenly from the spouts, making your morning espresso more frustrating than relaxing. This could lead to inconsistent extraction, as detailed in this forum post from CoffeeForums.

If you're facing this kind of messy pour after removing the insert, I strongly recommend considering an upgrade to a bottomless or metal portafilter instead. They're specifically designed for this and eliminate the mess factor entirely. Check out our range of portafilters to see your options.

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Cleaning concerns with or without the insert

From a maintenance perspective, leaving the insert in might seem easier initially. Regular cleaning involves just a quick rinse and occasionally flushing with water. Without the insert, you might think deep cleaning gets easier—but you risk making those messier pours harder to manage if your espresso machine isn’t properly adjusted.

For better cleaning practices regardless of your decision, investing in a precision basket can drastically improve extraction quality and cleanliness. You can find them among our precision baskets collection.

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What about the warranty?

An important consideration, particularly for newer machines, is warranty coverage. Removing the plastic insert can technically void your machine's warranty, as manufacturers usually don't want users tinkering with their original design. If warranty preservation is a priority, keep it intact or upgrade to a dedicated portafilter like a bottomless one designed without plastic.

It’s not just about espresso quality—it’s also peace of mind. Always check your manual before making modifications. More details can be found in this insightful post on making the most out of your espresso machine.

Should Australians worry about microplastics?

We Aussies are increasingly conscious of the materials our food and drinks come into contact with. Some have raised concerns about whether the plastic insert in portafilters could release harmful microplastics, especially under high heat conditions. While there isn't concrete scientific proof specifically linking this plastic insert to health issues, it's understandable why some prefer metal or bottomless alternatives.

If you're particularly health-conscious, I'd recommend considering an upgrade. Check out our popular Breville 53mm collection for better alternatives.

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What's the final verdict?

Honestly, the best solution depends on your priorities. If ease, consistency, and maintaining your warranty are key, keep the insert in and clean it regularly. If, like me, you're chasing that clearer espresso flow and have the patience to deal with initial inconsistencies, remove the insert. Better yet, upgrade your gear altogether and save yourself the trouble.

If you're still unsure or need personalised advice, you can always reach out to us directly. We're here to help you make the most of your coffee experience.

Written By Laurie Nance

I'm the founder of Brewedco Coffee™, passionate about coffee, coffee tools, and helping others better understand how to utilize them. With years of experience in the coffee industry, I love sharing insights on brewing techniques, choosing the right equipment, and the science behind making the perfect cup.