Rancilio Silvia Naked / Bottomless Portafilter

A naked portafilter is a portafilter that has the spout and bottom removed, exposing the basket and the espresso extraction. Some people use a naked portafilter for the following reasons:

• Help check the quality and evenness of espresso extraction, and adjust grinding, tamping, or distribution accordingly ¹.
• Provide a visual satisfaction of watching the espresso flow from the basket to the cup².
• Reduce the cleaning and maintenance of the portafilter, as there are no spouts or crevices to trap coffee grounds or oils³.
• It allows you to add a basket of any depth, a big plus for those who want to experiment with calibrated baskets.

However, using a naked portafilter also has some drawbacks, such as:

• Can be messy and splatter if the extraction is uneven or channeled¹.
• It can be hotter and harder to handle than a spouted portafilter³.

Ultimately, whether using a naked portafilter is a good idea depends on your personal preference and skill level. Some baristas swear by it, while others prefer the convenience and consistency of a spouted portafilter. The best way to find out is to try it yourself and see if you like the results.