1) Normcore 51mm Naked Bottomless Portafilter for Delonghi Dedica EC680/EC685 (3 Ears) — £51.31, 4.4★

This is the closest sibling to the main product, but it’s made for Delonghi Dedica machines with a 3-ear fit rather than the 2-ear ECP/EC155/BCO430/EC260 group. What’s better: it’s cheaper, still includes the basket, and gives you the same bottomless learning experience for spotting channeling and improving puck prep. What’s worse: if your machine is one of the 2-ear Delonghi models, it simply won’t fit. Choose this only if you own a Dedica EC680/EC685 or a compatible SMEG/EUPA machine and want the same Normcore build quality without paying extra.

2) Normcore 58mm Bottomless Portafilter for Breville Sage Dual Boiler — £59.99, 4.4★

This is not a direct substitute in size, but it is a strong alternative if you’re moving into a more serious espresso setup. The 58mm basket standard generally offers a bit more room for even distribution, and on a machine like the Sage Dual Boiler with PID control and a proper dual-boiler design, it can deliver excellent consistency. What’s better: it suits higher-end machines and gives you a platform that’s easier to scale with better grinders and precision baskets. What’s worse: it won’t fit Delonghi 51mm machines at all. Pick this if you’re upgrading your espresso machine and want a bottomless portafilter that matches a more advanced workflow.

3) Rechargeable Mini Coffee Scale with Timer, Maestri House Espresso Scale — £28.43, 4.4★

Not a portafilter, but arguably one of the best value alternatives if your real goal is better espresso. A bottomless portafilter helps you see extraction issues, but a 0.1g accurate scale with a built-in timer helps you control dose, yield, and shot time — the fundamentals of dialling in. What’s better: it works with any machine, costs less than the Normcore, and instantly improves consistency. What’s worse: it doesn’t solve fitment or give you the visual feedback of a naked portafilter. Choose this instead if you’re still refining grind size, pressure, and extraction and want the biggest performance gain per pound.

4) KC Kitchen & Co. Coffee Can Airtight for 1 kg Coffee Beans — £25.95, 4.6★

Again, not a direct portafilter replacement, but a very sensible buy if the Normcore is out of budget. Fresh beans matter more than many people realise: stale coffee makes even a great 15-bar machine, PID-controlled setup, or premium basket taste flat. What’s better: it’s far cheaper, keeps beans fresher, and helps maintain flavour for longer. What’s worse: it won’t improve extraction mechanics or help you diagnose channeling. Choose this if you already have a serviceable portafilter and want to protect bean quality first.

5) Airscape Coffee Storage Canister (1.1 kg Dry Beans) — £51.99, 4.7★

This is the premium storage option in the list, and it’s the best alternative for people prioritising freshness over hardware. The two-way valve lid pushes excess air out, which is excellent for preserving aroma and crema potential. What’s better: excellent build, strong freshness retention, and a higher rating than the Normcore. What’s worse: it’s almost the same price as the portafilter, but it doesn’t help with espresso extraction or fit your Delonghi machine. Choose it if you buy beans in kilo bags and want to keep them tasting their best for longer.

Overall, if your priority is learning espresso on a 51mm Delonghi machine, the Normcore-style bottomless portafilter is still the most directly useful upgrade. But if you’re not ready to spend that much, a scale or airtight canister may deliver better day-to-day value.