Dosing coffee into a portafilter may look simple—until grounds start spilling everywhere, wasting precious espresso and leaving a mess. That’s where a dosing funnel steps in to save your shot and your counter.
Let’s look at what a dosing funnel is, what it does, and whether it’s worth adding to your espresso workflow.
What Is a Dosing Funnel?
A dosing funnel is a small ring—usually made of stainless steel or food-grade plastic—that fits on top of your portafilter basket. It acts as a guide to keep your coffee grounds from overflowing while dosing and distributing, especially when using a grinder or WDT tool.
Why Use a Dosing Funnel?
- Minimizes Waste: No more coffee grounds spilling onto your counter.
- Even Distribution: Helps with even leveling when using a WDT tool or shaking technique.
- Clean Workflow: Reduces the need for constant wiping and cleaning.
- Perfect for Single Dosing: Especially helpful for precision-based espresso prep.
Do You Really Need One?
If you’re aiming for precision and consistency, a dosing funnel can make a big difference—especially if:
- You use a narrow portafilter.
- You grind directly into the basket.
- You use a distribution or WDT tool.
But if your grinder already has perfect accuracy or you’re using a dosing cup system, you might not need it.
How to Choose the Right Funnel
- Size Compatibility: Most funnels come in 58mm or 53mm sizes. Match yours to your portafilter.
- Material: Stainless steel is durable; plastic is lightweight and cheaper.
- Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic: Some funnels have magnets to stay attached firmly during distribution.
Bonus: Funnel + WDT = Better Extraction
A dosing funnel works great in tandem with a WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tool, which helps break up clumps. The funnel ensures all coffee stays inside the basket as you groom the grounds for even extraction.
Final Thoughts
A dosing funnel might seem like an optional accessory, but once you’ve used one, it’s hard to go back. For anyone serious about dialing in their espresso, this little tool adds consistency, cleanliness, and confidence to your coffee ritual.
