How to Use Saint Anthony P70 Paper Filters for Cleaner Shots
By Whole Latte Love Canada | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Handleidingen
Learn how to place Saint Anthony Industries P70 paper filters at the bottom of your portafilter to reduce fines and improve espresso shot clarity, with step-by-step guidance and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Place a Saint Anthony Industries P70 Perfect Paper Filter at the bottom of your portafilter basket before adding coffee. This simple step filters out fine particles, reducing bitterness and improving shot clarity.
Why use a paper filter at the bottom of the portafilter?
A paper filter placed under the coffee puck acts as a secondary filtration layer, catching fine coffee particles (fines) that would otherwise end up in your cup. This can reduce harshness and muddiness, especially with light roasts or high-pressure profiles. It also helps keep the group head and shower screen cleaner by preventing grounds from being sucked back up.
The P70 filters are designed specifically for pour-over brewing, but their standard size makes them compatible with many 58mm portafilter baskets when used at the bottom. Note that Saint Anthony Industries does not explicitly list espresso as the intended use for these filters, so treat this as an experimental technique that works well for many users.
When paper filtration helps—and when it doesn’t
Paper filters are most beneficial when you’re chasing clarity in light-roast espresso or trying to tame fines from a grinder that produces inconsistent particle sizes. They can also help if you’re using a basket with large holes that tends to let more sediment through.
However, paper filters add a small amount of resistance and can slightly reduce body. If you prefer thick, syrupy shots with heavy mouthfeel, you may find the trade-off not worth it. Also, filters are single-use, so consider the ongoing cost and waste. For most home baristas, it’s a low-risk experiment that can be easily reversed.
Step-by-step: using P70 paper filters in your portafilter
- Prepare your basket and filter: Remove the portafilter basket from the portafilter and place a single P70 paper filter flat on the bottom of the basket. Ensure it sits evenly and covers the holes completely. Check that the filter is centered and not folded; a misaligned filter can cause channeling.
- Dose and distribute your coffee: Add your ground coffee on top of the filter, then distribute and tamp as usual. The filter should stay in place during tamping. Avoid tamping too hard or twisting the tamper, which can tear the paper.
- Pull your shot and observe: Insert the portafilter and pull your espresso shot as you normally would. Watch the flow for any signs of channeling or unusual resistance. If the shot runs significantly faster or slower than expected, adjust your grind slightly; the filter adds a small amount of resistance.
- Remove and dispose of the filter: After the shot, knock out the puck and carefully remove the used paper filter from the basket. Rinse the basket if needed before the next use. Never reuse a paper filter; a clogged or torn filter can negatively affect subsequent shots.
Product facts
- Saint Anthony Industries P70 Perfect Paper Filters: Saint Anthony Industries P70 Perfect Paper Filters are designed for pour-over coffee brewing. While intended for pour-over, their standard size fits many espresso baskets, making them a versatile option for experimenting with paper filtration in espresso.
Saint Anthony Industries P70 Perfect Paper Filters
