Espresso Baskets: Ridged Vs. Ridgeless – Which One Should You Get?

A ridged basket has an inner groove, whereas a ridgeless basket does not have it. Except for this key difference in appearance, their unique design can affect the brewing and quality of the espresso.

In this post, we will compare both baskets and discuss their pros, cons and conveniences.

Read and learn.

Comparison Chart: Ridged Vs. Ridgeless Baskets

This chart represents the differences between the two types of filter baskets.

The Differences in Design of Both Baskets

Ridged baskets feature circular grooves on the inside of the basket. This formation provides the basket with a secure fit within the portafilter so that it does not come out during extraction. Besides, the groove helps to hold the coffee grounds in place during tamping and extraction.

Ridgeless baskets have a flat design with no grooves on the inside of the basket. This shape lets you apply consistent tamping pressure because there is nothing to interfere with the tamper. It also ensures even water flow for different extraction processes.

In the next sections, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each design.

Benefits of Ridged Baskets

• They are more secure in the portafilter as the design prevents accidental displacement of the basket.
• The groove in the basket holds the coffee grounds in place during extraction. Thus, it helps produce a consistent flavor profile.
• Some baristas find the design very helpful in maintaining consistent tamping pressure effortlessly.
• The basket’s ridges also help properly distribute the coffee grounds and affect the quality of the espresso shot.

Drawbacks:

• It can be harder to clean when coffee oils and grinds get stuck in the groove.
• This design can prevent water from flowing through the coffee grounds unevenly and cause channeling.
• Due to the ridges in the basket, some users can face difficulty during tamping.

Benefits of Ridgeless Baskets

• They perform cleaner extraction and assist in easier puck ejection.
• The flat design lets you apply consistent tamping pressure and make a perfect coffee puck.
• It lessens the waste of coffee grounds since the basket has no ridge to catch them.
• Ridgeless baskets do not obstruct water flow which is good for a rich flavor profile in the espresso shot.

Drawbacks:

• It seems insecure in the portafilter as it can fall out because of high pressure during extraction.
• Many people use the groove as the ground leveling mark in the portafilter. Without the ridges, they can fall in difficulty for even distribution of the grounds.
• Ridgeless baskets can also produce more coffee waste because the ridges help hold the grounds in place.

Conveniences of Ridged and Ridgeless Baskets

The above points clarify that both baskets have pros and cons. Let’s discuss in short which item will be suitable for you.

Ridged baskets are more secure in the portafilter. The design prevents spillage and assists in distributing coffee grounds. So, the basket is suitable for users who need safe extraction and even distribution of coffee grounds.

Ridgeless baskets allow for easy puck ejection and even tamping. They are a good option for users who want a cleaner environment for preparing espresso. Besides, the simplicity of their design lets you tamp coffee grounds effortlessly.

Read: Pressurized vs Non Pressurised Portafilter Basket

Final Verdict

The gist of this article is – if you prioritize safety during extraction, go for a ridged basket. On the other hand, a ridgeless basket is a perfect choice when a cleaner environment and waste reduction become the precedence.

Frequently Asked Questions