A Screen Between Water and Coffee
A puck screen is a fine metal disc that sits on top of the tamped coffee before you lock in the portafilter. It breaks the incoming water into an even spray and keeps grounds off the shower screen. Simple, and one of the cheapest upgrades that changes your shot.
58.5mm, Not 58mm
The half-millimetre matters. At 58.5mm the screen sits snugly against the wall of precision baskets like IMS or VST, closing the gap where water could otherwise bypass the coffee down the side.
Two Versions
Stainless Steel — 0.8mm
The thicker option. Extra mass helps hold water temperature steady as it contacts the puck, and the rigidity means it stays flat over years of use.
Titanium Coated — 0.2mm
The thinner option, finished in black titanium coating. The coating gives a harder, more non-stick surface — coffee oils release more easily, so cleaning takes less effort.
Both do the same job. The choice comes down to whether you want the thermal mass of the thicker screen or the easier cleaning of the coated one.
What It Does
- Even distribution: disperses the water stream so it saturates the whole bed at once
- Less channelling: no forceful jet punching into one spot of the puck
- Cleaner group head: grounds and oils stay off the shower screen, so you backflush less often
- Cleaner basket: the puck comes out drier and in one piece
Using It
- Distribute and tamp as usual
- Place the screen flat on the tamped surface
- Lock in and extract
Care
Rinse under hot water after each use. Soak periodically in an espresso cleaning solution — a clogged screen restricts flow and works against you.
Common Questions
Does it change extraction time?
Slightly. Most people find they need to adjust grind marginally finer or coarser after adding one. Dial in once and it stays consistent.
Does the titanium coating affect flavour?
No. It's inert and food-safe. It exists for durability and easier cleaning.
3 Bomber puck screens — available now at Armista Kuwait.
