Pucks & Screens

Q: What is a diffuser plate and do I need one?

A diffuser plate (also called a grouphead diffuser) sits between the shower screen and the grouphead and further disperses water pressure before it reaches the coffee. The stainless steel diffuser plate is a popular upgrade for Breville and Sage 58mm machines — it replaces the plastic stock component with a higher-quality stainless steel version that improves water distribution and durability. If you're on a Breville 58mm machine, it's a well-regarded upgrade that pairs well with a high diffusion shower screen.

Shop espresso puck screens, high diffusion shower screens, stainless steel diffuser plates and precision filter baskets for De'Longhi, Breville, Gaggia and E61 machines. Everything on this page works from the same principle — controlling how water flows through your coffee puck for a more even, consistent extraction.

Which product is right for me? +

Puck Screen — sits on top of your tamped puck inside the portafilter. Distributes water evenly, reduces channelling, keeps your grouphead cleaner. Best first upgrade for most machines. Available in 51mm, 53.5mm and 58.5mm.

High Diffusion Shower Screen — a permanent grouphead upgrade that replaces your stock shower screen. Precision-engineered hole pattern for more even water distribution from the machine side. Available for Breville 54mm, Breville 58mm, and Gaggia.

Stainless Steel Diffuser Plate — replaces the plastic stock diffuser plate on Breville/Sage 58mm machines with a higher-quality stainless steel version. Pairs well with the high diffusion shower screen.

Precision Filter Basket — replaces your stock basket with a precision-cut version for more even water flow and better extraction consistency. Available in 54mm and 58mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a puck screen and a shower screen?

A puck screen sits on top of your coffee puck inside the portafilter before you lock it in — it distributes water evenly across the puck surface during extraction. A shower screen (also called a grouphead screen) is a permanent upgrade that replaces the stock screen inside your machine's grouphead — it improves water dispersion from the machine side. Both do a similar job but from opposite ends. Many home baristas use both together for maximum extraction consistency.

What does a puck screen do and is it worth it?

A puck screen is a thin metal mesh disc that sits on top of your tamped coffee puck before locking in the portafilter. It distributes the initial burst of water evenly across the puck surface instead of blasting directly into it, which reduces channelling and keeps your grouphead shower screen significantly cleaner. For most home baristas it produces noticeably more consistent shots — and at under $30 it's one of the best value upgrades in the range.

What is a high diffusion shower screen and how is it different from the stock screen?

The stock shower screen that comes with most Breville and Gaggia machines is a basic stamped metal disc with a simple hole pattern. A high diffusion shower screen has a precision-engineered hole pattern designed to distribute water more evenly across the entire puck surface from the grouphead side. The result is more even extraction, reduced channelling, and a cleaner grouphead. It's a permanent upgrade that replaces the stock screen and is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your machine.

What is a diffuser plate and do I need one?

A diffuser plate sits between the shower screen and the grouphead and further disperses water pressure before it reaches the coffee. The stainless steel diffuser plate is a popular upgrade for Breville and Sage 58mm machines — it replaces the plastic stock component with a higher-quality stainless steel version that improves water distribution and durability. If you're on a Breville 58mm machine, it's a well-regarded upgrade that pairs well with a high diffusion shower screen.

What size puck screen do I need for my machine?

Match your puck screen to your portafilter basket size. De'Longhi Dedica and similar 51mm machines need a 51mm puck screen. Breville Barista Express, Barista Pro, Bambino and Bambino Plus use a 53.5mm puck screen. Breville Oracle, Dual Boiler, Gaggia Classic Pro, and E61 machines use a 58.5mm puck screen. Our product listings clearly state compatibility for each size.

Can I use a puck screen and a shower screen together?

Yes — and many home baristas do. The puck screen sits in the portafilter on top of the coffee puck, while the shower screen is fixed inside the grouphead of your machine. They work from opposite ends to achieve the same goal: even water distribution through your coffee puck. Using both together gives you the most consistent extraction possible and also significantly reduces cleaning frequency on both the portafilter and grouphead.

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