Dosing Tools that Send Every Single Coffee Bean into the Basket

When transferring coffee grounds from the grinder to the portafilter, spilling can lead to a difference between the measured amount and the actual dosing. A dosing cup is a container for receiving ground coffee, while a funnel increases the wall height over the basket to reduce overflow during WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) or direct grinding. Magnetic funnels attach quickly but need to be aligned correctly with the basket rim and magnetic position, and the protruding lip inside can disturb the coffee layer when removed.

This list compares Flair 49 PRO and 58 funnels, Normcore's magnetic funnel and dosing cup, and Fellow's 58mm magnetic funnel. While they may look similar, the portafilter diameters and locking mechanisms differ, so they should not be considered universal. It's essential to check not only the nominal diameter of your machine but also the interference between the basket rim and the portafilter ears, as well as the total height when placed on the grinder, for a smoother workflow.

For users of Flair 49 PRO and 58, compatibility is simplified with dedicated funnels of the same product line. If you want to adjust the height and magnetic strength in a standard 58mm basket, Normcore V2 is a good candidate, and if you're measuring the beans first and then flipping them in, the Magnetic Dosing Cup serves a different purpose. The Fellow funnel is well-suited for those who want magnetic alignment within the same espresso system.

When performing WDT with the funnel in place, move the needle gently so it doesn't scrape the funnel walls too hard, and check that the coffee layer is beneath the rim before removing it. Dosing cups should be wiped frequently with a dry cloth as coffee oils can cause grounds to stick, and cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions only when necessary. Fine iron filings and coffee particles can accumulate around the magnets, so check the grooves, and make sure to remove the funnel before extraction.