Messbrücke - Depth Gage

The headspace in the portafilter can be determined easily and precisely with the functionally designed measuring bridge.
It helps you to specifically optimize the fill quantity of your coffee puck and to better understand typical extraction problems.

The headspace – the distance between the tamped coffee puck and the shower screen – has a major influence on flow, resistance, and the consistency of extraction.
Even 0.5 g of coffee powder can significantly change the height of the coffee bed. Different coffee varieties, regions of origin, and roast levels often require an adjustment of the grind size – which changes the coffee volume and thus directly influences the headspace.

This is how you determine the headspace with the help of the measuring bridge

1.    Determine the penetration depth of the shower screen into the basket (e.g., approx. 9.8 mm for the Linea Micra)

2.    Measure the depth from the basket rim to the tamped surface 

3.    Headspace = Pkt.2 minus Pkt. 1

>> In the video, you can see how easily and quickly the tool is used in practice. <<

Too little headspace (too much coffee in the basket):
The coffee is very close to the shower screen, which prevents the water from wetting the puck evenly. This increases the risk of irregular extraction and channeling, as water preferentially finds areas with less resistance.

Result: inconsistent shots, often with underextracted notes.

Too much headspace (too little coffee in the basket):
The water hits the puck with more "free space" and can swirl more strongly. This creates turbulent flows that guide the water uncontrollably through the puck.

Result: Channeling, uneven extraction, and a tendency toward over-extracted or "washed-out" shots.

This measuring bridge helps you to avoid precisely these effects and to consistently pull better shots.

Product features

• Measuring bridge for easy and precise headspace determination
• Bridge made of fiber-reinforced plastic (3D printed)
• Lightweight, robust, and durable
• Includes standard measuring parts & Allen key

Care

Clean with a damp cloth
Not dishwasher safe

Origin

Development – Switzerland
Measuring bridge – Switzerland (3D printed)
Other parts including Allen key – various countries

Swiss Made Development – more control over espresso preparation.