Everyone loves a new piece of coffee equipment. We completely get that. At Voltage, we love testing new gear, but “new” doesn’t always mean “better” in the long run. We’ve all seen a ton of new distribution tools and other releases that promise to deliver a higher extraction or better-tasting coffee, so when a new portafilter hits the scene that claims to offer less wrist strain and a more even tamping surface, we’re all in. Enter the Canal Hummingbird.
Canal was established with the goal of reimagining the portafilter, prioritizing the user experience, and aiming to develop professional-quality tools that cater to both expert baristas and home enthusiasts. Co-founders Spencer Bailey and Tim Thorpe bring together extensive professional backgrounds in engineering, manufacturing, and product development, with a strong emphasis on the premium espresso market. After years of development, the Hummingbird is transforming the way a portafilter is perceived and experienced.
Features of the Canal Hummingbird portafilter.
The Canal Hummingbird portafilter is designed to be compatible with a diverse array of 58mm espresso machines, including brands like La Marzocco, Synesso, and Sanremo. It boasts interchangeable and replaceable ear pads of varying depths, ensuring a snug and secure fit within the grouphead of almost every 58mm group machine on the market. This thoughtful design feature enhances the overall user experience by providing flexibility and adaptability to different setups. Canal also offers an optional, easy-to-remove polymer spout in case you’re looking to split your shot while still allowing visibility of the extraction as it takes place.
View of espresso extraction through the optional spout attachment.
The choice of materials allows the Hummingbird to introduce a vibrant touch to the portafilter. With options ranging from the rubber handle to the fiberglass-reinforced polymer, you can enjoy a spectrum of colors. These materials also make the Hummingbird 50 - 75% lighter than other portafilters. When compared with a standard, bottomless portafilter from La Marzocco, the difference is incredibly stark, with the Hummingbird weighing in at around 150g and the La Marzocco coming in at just over 530g. And due to the Delrin ear pads, it is far easier to lock the Hummingbird into the group. This might not seem like a big deal to some, but those baristas pulling hundreds of shots per day know that wrist strain and carpal tunnel syndrome are all too common in the world of espresso. If you prefer something with a tad more heft, Canal offers the Hummingbird in a titanium version instead of chrome-plated brass.
The Canal Hummingbird in Carbon Black, Nighttime Desert, Royal Davis, & Titanium.
So, we’ve discussed how the Canal Hummingbird can mitigate wrist strain and add a splash of color to the workspace, but what about extraction? Your customer will, undoubtedly, be looking for that same delicious espresso, so how can the Hummingbird compete in that arena? The answer is incredibly simple, but kind of revolutionary. The folks at Canal developed the Hummingbird to have a “lay flat” base to promote a more even tamp, so this portafilter does have a lot to offer where espresso preparation is concerned. The more evenly you can distribute and tamp the puck, the more even your extraction will be, ticking all the boxes where a new portafilter design is concerned.
Canal Hummingbird compatibility chart.
If you have any questions about the Canal Hummingbird, contact us! We love discussing all things coffee and espresso, and we would be delighted to help you get started on your journey to find the equipment that best suits your needs.