Normcore 2 Packs 53.3mm Puck Screen with Stand - Reusable Contact Shower Screen with Silicone Holder - 1.7mm / 1.0mm Thickness 150μm Mesh - Compatible with Espresso Machine 54mm Portafilter Basket

I have enjoyed making espresso at home for years with significant investment in ECM, Profitec, Ceado, etc. The fun part for me is there are always products being introduced that take things to the next level. My 1st experience with a 58.5mm puck screen was with another brand sold through a well known NY retailer of everything coffee. I purchased most of my equipment through them over the years, but buy lots of accessories on Amazon. I was so pleased with the result that I bought three more Normcore screens with two of their round silicone base storage racks through Amazon. All are great quality and function perfectly. Why do you need these screens? In my opinion, the little extra time needed to add the puck screen after the tamp and cleaning the screen is absolutely worth it. Most importantly, you will be shocked how clean your E61 Group Head, shower screen, and portafilter end up after a pull. I could not believe it! Candidly, I do not notice better tasting coffee, reduced channeling, etc., but everything stays clean, clean, clean! Additionally, a Nanotec Precision Shower Screen and 8.5mm Blue Silicone E61 Group Head Gasket (both purchased on Amazon) were very low cost, high benefit part replacements on my ECM. Note: One of my new screens ended up being the wrong size (53.3mm) even though I ordered a 58.5mm screen. The sleeve containing the screen was marked wrong and Amazon immediately exchanged it for the correct size. Summary: Highly recommended...a no brainer.

Picked up the Normcore puck screen on sale, and it’s been a great addition to my espresso setup. The build feels solid, and it helps keep my group head clean after every shot. My pulls are more consistent, and it also helps avoid soupy pucks. Definitely worth it—especially if you can grab it on sale.

Just received the Normcore 58.5mm Puck Screen, and it's a beauty. Crafted from 316 stainless steel with a titanium PVD coating, its arrival in professional, no-fuss packaging impressed us from the start. The packaging itself is minimalistic and quality in its presentation alone. Unwrapping revealed the puck screen's sleek design, featuring a subtle Normcore label that's both stylish and understated. It fits our portafilter like a glove, adding not just to the aesthetics but significantly improving our coffee brewing process. It's been instrumental in reducing channeling and keeping things clean, making every brew smoother and more consistent. After a few uses, we're thrilled with its performance. It's not just a tool; it's an upgrade to our coffee setup, making each cup that much better and easier clean up as well. This puck screen is definitely a standout addition to our coffee-making process! Thank You!

What a great product. The difference in my used pucks when I use this and when I do not is remarkable. They are tighter, more compact 100% soaked through evenly and I’ve never ever had any channeling. I’m using this with a rancilio rocky and a gaggia classic eco pro at home. And at my work we have a rancilio Silvia and a rancilio md40 grinder. Dame results at both places. Biggest bonus is how clean the group head stays. These are one of the best things you can buy if you’re making espresso. Period.

✅ What it does well 1. Water distribution / reduction of channeling The manufacturer (Normcore) states that this puck screen “ensures even water distribution, preventing channeling for a more balanced espresso extraction.”  In practice, many users report improved flow uniformity and fewer blind spots in the puck. 2. Quality of materials • Made of 316 stainless steel mesh.  • Filter hole size around 150 µm with a thickness of ~1.7 mm (for the “Regular” version) in many specs.  These suggest durability and a “professional” feel. 3. Machine cleanliness / puck integrity Several sources mention that the puck screen helps protect the group head from getting coffee grounds sucked up and keeps the basket cleaner.  Also, some users find that the puck ejects more cleanly (less break apart) when using such a screen. 4. Value / accessibility The pricing (depending on retailer) suggests that for the materials and features, this puck screen is reasonably priced—especially in the context of espresso accessories (which can be pricey). For many home baristas, the cost barrier is moderate. ⸻ ⚠️ What to be mindful of 1. Volume/space inside the basket Because the puck screen adds thickness, it reduces the available space for coffee grounds slightly. One retailer notes: “using a puck screen will take up some volume inside the filter basket, limiting the amount of ground coffee that can be used by about ±1 g.”  If you’re dosing at the extreme top of your basket capacity, this could affect your workflow. 2. Effect size / returns are somewhat marginal While many claim better extraction or flow, others are more cautious. From one forum: “The puck screen does not improve espresso quality (backed by 2 comments).”  So: the benefit may depend heavily on your machine, basket, grinder, grind size, tamp technique etc. It’s not a guaranteed “magic fix”. 3. Fit / compatibility You must ensure you get the correct diameter and thickness for your setup. The Normcore screen comes in several sizes (51 mm, 53.3 mm, 58.5 mm) and thicknesses (Ultra-Slim 0.2 mm, Slim 0.8 mm, Regular 1.7 mm) depending on needs.  If your machine uses a different size or you already have very tight basket capacity, choosing the wrong variant could cause issues (overfilling, puck contact issues, etc). 4. Cleaning & maintenance While the material is durable, you still need to keep it clean. Normcore’s instructions: rinse after use, clean with appropriate detergents if stained.  If you skip cleaning, the mesh can clog, reduce flow or change the extraction behaviour. ⸻ 🎯 Who it’s good for & who may not benefit as much Good choice if you: • Are using a 53.3 mm (or 54 mm nominal) portafilter size and want to optimise extraction beyond basic setup. • Are experiencing inconsistent extractions, channeling or wish to upgrade your home espresso workflow. • Have a grinder/water/machine setup that allows you to fine-tune and will benefit from the incremental improvement in flow distribution. • Don’t mind spending a little time on setup and maintenance. Maybe less beneficial if you: • Already have very tight dosing or are maxing out capacity in your basket (so the added thickness is a burden). • Use an entry-level espresso machine with poor thermal stability / dispersion, where the puck screen’s benefit may be less noticeable (as some users report). • Are looking for a dramatic change in flavour on its own. It’s an optimisation tool, not a flavour revolution by itself. • Want a “plug-and-play” improvement without developing technique or changing other variables — because many gains depend on combining good grind/tamp/water quality. ⸻ 🔍 My overall verdict The Normcore Puck Screen is a solid accessory for home espresso setups that are already reasonably dialled in and where the user is seeking incremental improvements. It’s not a dramatic game-changer on its own, but it offers good build quality, useful functionality (especially for reducing channeling and keeping equipment cleaner) and decent value. If I had to summarise: • Strengths: durability, good design, potential for better extraction uniformity. • Weaknesses: reduced basket volume, incremental benefit (not revolutionary), requires correct fit and cleaning discipline.

LIFE SAVER. BUY! this will extend your espresso machine and your mental sanity. No longer have to clean where the portafilter goes on the machine because this screen prevents grounds from getting stuck. I know that shots aren't supposed to, but im no expert at pouring shots. Also - with preventing those grounds it will extend the life as you are caring for your machine after each shot. So affordable. I accidently threw mine out, and immediately repurchased. I was upset for the 3 days it took to ship

Works well, keeps my shower screen almost clean. I now know why the hole in the center would be useful and the shower screen nut bent the puck screen even with less grinds (1g less). Very sturdy and thick vs some of the ones on sale that look like they might ravel.

This puck screen works exactly as expected better water dispersion and less mess. It fits my 54mm portafilter perfectly and has made clean-up much easier. Solid quality. I have two already.