The Saeco semi automatic espresso machine comes with a pressurized portafilter. This gives the beginner a system which is less sensitive to grind quality, quantity and tamping pressure. It extends the extraction time by closing a membrane, allowing the pump to build up pressure and then releases the shot after a certain pressure.

Once you are a little more advanced, you want to experiment and control all the variables that make an even better espresso. This can be achieved by sourcing an after market non pressurized porta filter. Prices range from $40.00 to $60.00, or find one on ebay.

The alternative is to depressurize the standard porta filter. There are many articles out there explaining in detail how this is done.

In short:

Remove the 3 screws at the bottom of the porta filter. Remove the membrane, spring and mechanism. You end up with a traditional porta filter. This takes less then 2 minutes. Remember how the parts fit together in case you are not successful pulling great shots and want to revert to the PPF.