One Layer Under the Shower Screen: The Difference Made by Puck Screens

A puck screen is a thin component that sits on top of the tamped coffee layer to disperse the water from the group head and reduce the amount of coffee grounds sticking to the shower screen. However, if it's thicker than the basket's spare space, it can compress the puck when locking the machine, affecting extraction, and if it's too large in diameter, it may get stuck on the walls, while a smaller one may not cover the edges adequately. The mesh type and thin etched plates also differ in water flow and cleaning methods.

This list compares the actual products: Flair 58 basic mesh/etched type, Flair 49 PRO etched type, and Normcore standard mesh/ultra-slim type. The same 58mm designation can vary depending on the actual internal measurement of the basket, so it can be either 58.5mm or 58mm. The puck screen is not an essential piece of equipment, but rather a choice for management and consistency; thus, it's advisable to reduce dosing to create headspace and compare the flow and taste before and after using the screen.

If you want a thicker mesh to handle water dispersion and physical blocking, the Flair 58 Puck Screen or Normcore standard type is easy to understand. For reduced cleaning and headspace burden, a thin etched type or ultra-slim is advantageous, and it's safer for 49 PRO users to choose a dedicated diameter. Even if they appear similar in material, don't substitute them solely based on appearance as the hole structure and thickness vary.

After tamping, if you feel stronger resistance when locking the portafilter with the puck screen placed horizontally on top, separate it immediately and check the dosing and spare space. The screen will be very hot right after extraction, so cool it with water before removing it, and use running water and a soft brush to remove coffee oils between the mesh. If you see blockages, clean it with an approved method from the manufacturer and thoroughly rinse and dry it.