Product Description
Watch the set-up and use video here. Note: The video features our original ARO Orbit™, but the set-up is the same for the new Orbit PRO - PortaStack Edition.
The Orbit PRO™ – PortaStack Edition is the next evolution of ARO's best-selling Orbit PRO™, designed to seamlessly integrate into the ARO PortaStack puck prep system. This version docks magnetically to the ARO PortaFunnel™ – PortaStack Edition, locking the tool into a centered, repeatable position before distribution begins.
We integrated the Orbit PRO™ into the PortaStack workflow to address the two most common pieces of feedback we received on the original Orbit PRO™:
- Guided pin entry during placement: The large PortaFunnel opening creates an easy, forgiving target that ensures all pins enter the basket cleanly, significantly reducing the risk of pins catching on the rim and bending during placement.
- Contained, spill-free distribution during removal: Stacking onto the PortaFunnel keeps grounds fluffed above the basket contained, eliminating spillover when the tool is removed.
The Orbit PRO – PortaStack Edition is a professional-grade spirographic espresso distribution tool engineered as a dedicated component of the PortaStack workflow. Crafted from durable aluminum and featuring precision ball bearings, it is designed for both dedicated home baristas and professional cafés that value repeatability and control. Every aspect of the tool has been optimized, from meticulously engineered gear ratios and pin paths to an ultra-smooth mechanism that spins effortlessly with the touch of a finger.
At the core of the Orbit PRO™ is spirographic motion. Hypotrochoids and epitrochoids are curves formed by tracing a point attached to a rolling circle as it moves along the inside or outside of a fixed circle. This mechanical geometry is used to sweep, mix, and redistribute coffee grounds throughout the basket, breaking up clumps and evening density across the puck. The result is a more consistent, repeatable extraction from shot to shot.
If you are looking for the standalone ARO Orbit PRO™ designed to be used directly on your portafilter basket without a PortaFunnel, it is available as an independent tool and can be purchased here.
If you already own a standalone Orbit PRO™ and would like to integrate it into the PortaStack workflow, a dedicated Orbit PRO™ PortaStack Upgrade Kit is available to add docking compatibility. It can be purchased here.
Key Features
- PortaStack-Compatible Magnetic Docking System: The base of the docking sleeve incorporates six custom arc magnets that align and attach to the steel docking ring in the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition. The connection is secure and stable, enabling controlled one-handed operation.
- Guided Pin Entry During Placement: The large PortaFunnel opening creates a forgiving target that ensures all pins enter the basket cleanly, reducing the risk of pins catching on the rim and bending during placement.
- Contained, Spill-Free Distribution: Using the PortaFunnel keeps grounds fluffed above the basket contained, eliminating spillover when the tool is removed and keeping the handoff to tamping clean and controlled.
- Fast, Repeatable Distribution: Spirographic mechanical motion fluffs and redistributes grounds in seconds, producing a uniform, level bed in 4 spins. Well suited for both home workflows and commercial environments where consistency matters.
- Precision Ball Bearings: Each gear is equipped with maintenance-free, sealed ball bearings for an ultra-smooth mechanism that effortlessly rotates with the touch of a finger.
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Novel and Innovative Gear Design: Three gears work in harmony for optimal mixing, distribution, and fluffing in as few as four spins.
- The Sweeper: An extended-arm gear that whips the pins through clumps at high velocity to break up compacted grounds.
- The Scrambler: A short-arm gear that moves the pins laterally across the basket, mixing and redistributing grounds to equalize density and promote a level bed.
- The Edge Dancer: A compact gear that pushes and pulls grounds near the basket edge to ensure complete coverage.
- Stainless Steel Pins with Spares Included: Uses 10 pins to trace dozens of hypotrochoid and epitrochoid paths. Twenty pins are included with every order.
- Adjustable Pin Depth: Pin height is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of basket depths.
- Durable Aluminum Construction: Built to endure demanding environments, the aluminum housing provides a sleek, professional appearance while ensuring strength and longevity. Finished with a premium, scratch-resistant satin anodize that resists wear and corrosion.
Selecting the Ideal Gear Material for Your Workflow
We are excited to offer the ARO Orbit PRO™ - PortaStack Edition with four unique gear options: plastic, silicone, aluminum, and brass. Choose the combination of look, feel, and value that best fits your workflow.
Plastic Gears: Our most affordable option. Lightweight, smooth, and quiet in operation. Made from additively manufactured PLA plastic with embedded stainless steel ball bearings. Choose plastic if you want the best value and do not mind minor layer lines from the manufacturing process.
Silicone Gears: A worthy upgrade over plastic. Silicone offers quiet and smooth rotation, absorbing vibrations for a softer feel. Molded from durable, food-grade silicone with embedded stainless steel ball bearings, these gears feature a subtle matte finish that blends with the body of the tool. Choose silicone if you want a more premium feel than plastic without stepping up to the cost of metal gears.
Aluminum Gears: Our flagship and most balanced option. Precision-machined from solid aluminum and anodized to match the Orbit finish, these gears look like they belong. Featuring press-fit stainless steel ball bearings, they deliver a crisp, mechanical feel with smooth, lightweight motion that feels refined and responsive. Choose aluminum if you want a blend of durability, aesthetics, and performance.
Brass Gears (plus matching Brass Lock Ring): Our heaviest and most premium option. Machined from solid Eco-Brass, a high-quality, 100% lead-free alloy selected for improved durability and tarnish resistance. Featuring press-fit stainless steel ball bearings, these gears deliver smooth, weighted rotation with a satisfying sense of control. The warm, brushed metallic finish adds a refined, high-end look that pairs with either black or silver Orbit bodies. Choose brass if you want the most substantial feel and a touch of luxury in every rotation. This version includes a matching brass lock ring for an added premium touch.
Please message us if you have any questions about what gear material to choose.
Set-Up Instructions
The Orbit PRO™ – PortaStack Edition requires the use of the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition. Follow the steps below to configure the tool before first use.
- Install Pins: Install 10 pins by inserting them into the holes in the gears. If a pin hole is difficult to reach, rotate the tool so the gears move into a new position. The sleeve can also be removed temporarily for easier access. Take your time. The pins have flat tips, but they are still sharp.
- Set Pin Depth: With an empty portafilter basket, attach the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition. Dock the Orbit PRO™ onto the funnel and inspect pin depth under bright light. If adjustment is needed, hold the jam nut and rotate the sleeve until the desired height is reached. Tighten the jam nut against the sleeve to lock in the pin depth.
Usage Instructions
The Orbit PRO™ – PortaStack Edition is designed to work as part of the PortaStack workflow for clean, consistent distribution.
- Dose: With the PortaFunnel attached to the basket, dose coffee into the portafilter using your preferred method.
- Dock: Set the Orbit PRO™ onto the PortaFunnel, allowing it to magnetically dock and self-center.
- Distribute: Spin the tool 4 to 8 times. There is no need to overwork the grounds.
- Lift and Stow: Lift the Orbit PRO™ straight up and off the PortaFunnel and place it in its stand.
- Tamp and Brew: Tamp using your preferred tamper. We recommend the ARO Auto-Level Tamper™. Proceed with extraction.
Watch the set-up and use video below. Note: The video features our original ARO Orbit™, but the set-up is similar for the new Orbit PRO – PortaStack Edition featured in this listing.
Compatibility
The Orbit PRO – PortaStack Edition is available in 58mm and 54mm sizes and is designed to dock to the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition.
PortaFunnel Requirement and Size Matching: The ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition is required for use with this version of the Orbit PRO™. The docking sleeve interfaces directly with the funnel’s embedded steel ring, and this version includes longer, stiffer pins and a taller stand to accommodate the added funnel height. You must select the same size Orbit PRO™ as your PortaFunnel.
If you do not already own a compatible PortaFunnel, you must add one to your order: ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition
Basket Compatibility: All Orbit PRO sizes are compatible with portafilter baskets with depths ranging from 20–28mm.
The PortaStack system works best with portafilter baskets that attract magnets. Weak magnetic attraction is acceptable, but baskets with little to no magnetic attraction may require two-handed operation.
If you have questions about compatibility, contact us and we’ll help confirm the right configuration before you order.
Pin Compatibility: Silicone and metal gear options are fully compatible with a range of pin diameters. Silicone gears use flexible pin holes, and metal gears use silicone sleeves to retain the pins, allowing the use of larger-diameter pins if desired. Plastic gears can also accommodate pins up to 0.35mm diameter, though pliers may be required to press the pins into the plastic holes.
The Orbit PRO ships with 0.25mm diameter pins, which testing has shown provide the best balance of performance and durability. Larger pin diameters are available separately for users who wish to experiment, and can be purchased here: Spare Pins for Espresso Distribution Tools
What’s in the Box?
- ARO Orbit PRO™ gear mechanism
- PortaStack-compatible magnetic docking sleeve
- Storage stand
- 20x pins (0.25mm diameter, 67mm long), including two pin storage tubes
PortaFunnel not included. Order here: ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition
Care and Maintenance
For daily maintenance, brush off loose grounds or wipe clean with a cloth. When you need a more thorough cleaning, remove the pins, sleeve, and lock nut from the gear mechanism. Wipe down the gear mechanism with a damp cloth while avoiding water inside the rotating parts. The pins, sleeve, lock nut, and stand may be hand washed with lukewarm water and soap. Rinse well and dry immediately. Not dishwasher safe.
Other Useful Info
The 58mm Orbit PRO has an outside diameter of 76mm, and the 54mm version has an outside diameter of 70mm.
The gears can be removed using a 1.5mm hex key inserted through the center holes. Proceed with caution as reassembling requires the gears to be attached with a specific orientation. See here for more details.
For the plastic geared version only, the three small gears are additively manufactured from PLA plastic. Keep away from extreme heat. Do not store on top of your espresso machine.