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Theres nothing quite like a fresh cup of espresso to start (or end) your day.

They can also be called double-walled and single-walled baskets.

a red smeg espresso machine with burr grinder is photographed against a blue background

What are pressurized coffee baskets?

Non-pressurized baskets use the coffee puck itself to regular water flow through multiple holes rather than just one.

Theyre harder to use for beginners and come with a higher margin of error.

All the attachments that come with the Philips Barista Brew Espresso Machine

How do pressurized baskets work?

So how, exactly, do pressurized baskets work, and how does that impact your finished brew?

Pressurized baskets restrict water flow through a smaller opening or secondary wall, creating artificial resistance, explains Chan.

a black espresso machine by kitchenaid photographed against a blue background with silver chrome buttons and a pressure dial and steam wand

Using a pressurized basket also prevents channeling.

When should I use a pressurized basket?

As previously mentioned, many modern espresso machines have both a pressurized and a non-pressurized basket.

a black espresso machine by kitchenaid photographed against a blue background with silver chrome buttons and a pressure dial and steam wand

So, how do you know which one to use?

Not every espresso you make is going to be a dialed-in, carefully curated puck, says Chan.

It’s handy to have a pressurized around, especially a double-spouted one.

CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar

Double-walled or pressurized baskets are also great for coffee makers that don’t come with a built-in grinder.

So while having a pressurized basket is a good failsafe, it’s not the real deal.

The Casabrews is our top pick of thebest budget espresso machine.

Casabrews Espresso Machine CM5418

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