Next-gen portafilter baskets to hit Aussie shores

Barista Group will soon introduce a new generation of portafilter baskets by WAFO Espresso to Australia, designed to expand the range of possible espresso styles.

The baskets are designed with an oblate round geometry, meaning they feature a slightly flattened shape to improve water flow and surface contact. This allows for a new level of control over water flow, surface area, and extraction yield and are engineered to deliver optimal results across a broader spectrum of brew ratios.

The result, according to Barista Group Founder Joe Chalhoub, is a more consistent espresso shot that can be made with less coffee while delivering more flavour.

There are two series in WAFO’s product line of baskets. The SOE series focuses on even extraction, which Joe says creates clean, clear flavours with a narrow range. The Spirit basket, which has 2916 elongated holes, highlights smooth sweetness and subtle acidity, while the Everest basket provides clarity and bold flavours.

The BLEND series uses asymmetric hole patterns for uneven extraction and allows for a wider flavour range. The Origin basket enhances sweetness with balanced acidity, and the Checkmate delivers a bittersweet profile ideal for milk-based drinks. Meanwhile, the Solar System series, with off-centre holes, creates unique flavour profiles based on hole placement.

Traditionally, espresso is brewed with a 1:2 ratio with about 20 grams of coffee to 40 grams of output. But with the WAFO basket, baristas can experiment with extended brew ratios, such as 1:2.5 or even 1:3, creating more complex and nuanced flavour profiles.

This allows baristas to create something experimental, such as a more elongated brew, akin to an AeroPress-style extraction.

This increased extraction is beneficial for specialty coffee, where subtle flavours and complex aromas define a standout brew. Joe says the added surface area helps baristas highlight those delicate flavours without the risk of under- or over-extracting.

And due to their highly-specialised design, Joe recommends using them for single origin espresso only. He also cites limitations in cleaning, as the baskets require an ultrasonic cleaner.

“Barista Group is planning to stock these ultrasonic cleaners, and WAFO is also introducing a new range that requires less cleaning,” says Joe.

Despite this, Joe says Barista Group has seen the value of these baskets firsthand.

Barista Group will debut the baskets at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) from 20 to 22 March 2025. 

For more information, visit baristagroup.com.au