Product Description
The ARO Shaker™ is a precision-engineered espresso grounds agitator that breaks up clumps formed during grinding, helping fine and coarse particles mix evenly to support consistent water flow through the puck.
Coffee grounds do not exit the grinder uniformly. Static, burr geometry, and grind path create clumps and density variations that carry directly into the basket. Adding a simple shaking step before dosing into the basket helps separate and aerate the grounds, creating a more consistent starting point for distribution and tamping. This reduces the amount of correction needed later in the workflow and makes puck preparation more forgiving and repeatable.
Built as part of the ARO PortaStack system, the Shaker docks securely to the ARO PortaFunnel™ – PortaStack Edition for a controlled, spill-resistant workflow, while also functioning directly on a portafilter basket. Unlike generic shakers that sit too close to the basket and create mess, the ARO Shaker is designed with an elevated drop height. When stacked on the PortaFunnel, it positions the grounds approximately 16mm above the top of the basket, allowing grounds to fall and redistribute more evenly while eliminating spills.
Key Features
- PortaStack-Compatible Magnetic Docking System: The base of the shaker 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.
- Magnetically Secured Cap: The cap magnetically interfaces with the shaker body using the same arc magnet and steel target architecture as the PortaStack docking system. This magnetic connection helps keep the shaker spill-resistant during handling and workflow transitions. Hold the cap in place during shaking!
- Adjustable-Polarity Magnetic Plug: The plug unscrews into two halves to access a spring-retained magnet that can be flipped to change magnetic polarity. This allows compatibility with existing shaker landing zones, such as grinders or dosing stands with magnetic targets. The magnet can also be removed entirely when no magnetic attraction is desired.
- Intentional Magnetic Hierarchy: The magnetic strength between the shaker body and funnel is stronger than the cap-to-body connection. When removing the lid and plug, the shaker body remains securely attached to the funnel for an efficient workflow.
- Elevated Drop Height for Even Distribution: When stacked on the PortaFunnel, the shaker sits approximately 16 mm above the top of the basket. This added drop height allows grounds to flow more freely as they enter the basket, promoting a more even distribution.
- Dual-Use Base Design: The contoured base includes a seating lip that allows the shaker to rest directly on a portafilter basket without a PortaFunnel, enabling use as a standalone shaker or within any preferred workflow.
- Premium Aluminum Construction: Crafted from precision-machined aluminum, all components are anodized for a durable, scratch-resistant finish. A satin exterior helps hide fingerprints and smudges, while polished interior surfaces and the polished plug reduce grounds sticking and simplify cleaning. Like all ARO tools, it’s built for long-term use and premium feel.
Usage Instructions
The ARO Shaker is designed to work as part of the PortaStack system or as a standalone tool on a portafilter basket. Follow the steps below for a controlled, spill-resistant workflow.
- Dose: Remove the cap and leave the plug in place. Grind directly into the shaker.
- Shake: Replace the cap. Hold the shaker body with one hand and use one or two fingers to hold the cap in place. Shake vigorously for 4–8 seconds.
- Dock: Set the shaker onto the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition, or place it directly on top of your portafilter basket.
- Release Grounds: Remove the cap, lift the plug to drop the grounds, then rotate the plug handle and gently knock the bell-shaped bottom against the interior walls of the shaker to fling remaining grounds off the plug and into the basket.
- Detach and Proceed: Replace the plug and cap, then lift the shaker off the funnel or basket to continue with distribution or tamping.
Compatibility
The ARO Shaker is available in 58mm and 54mm sizes to support a wide range of portafilter basket standards.
The ideal use case is pairing the shaker with the ARO PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition , which provides optimal alignment drop height as part of the PortaStack workflow.
That said, the PortaFunnel is not required. The shaker can also be used directly on a portafilter basket with no funnel, or with other funnels, depending on your workflow preference.
Size Guidance
If you plan to use the shaker with the PortaFunnel – PortaStack Edition, choose the same size shaker and funnel. If you plan to use the shaker directly on your basket without a funnel, select the size based on your basket inner diameter or tamper diameter.
Choose the 58mm shaker if your basket inner diameter falls between 57mm and 58.5mm, covering E61, Lelit, and other standard 58mm machines.
Choose the 54mm shaker if your basket inner diameter or tamper size is between 53mm and 54mm. This includes systems such as Breville/Sage, Dalla Corte, San Marco, La Spaziale, 9Barista, and similar standards.
Please message us with any questions about compatibility.
Why Two Shaker Sizes?
We designed two shaker diameters to improve alignment and usability across both larger and smaller basket standards while maintaining appropriate internal volume for common dose ranges. The 58mm shaker is slightly wider and shorter at 76mm diameter and 78mm tall, while the 54mm shaker is slightly narrower and taller at 70mm diameter and 86mm tall. This dimensional tuning keeps capacity and performance consistent across both sizes without compromising fit or workflow.
What’s in the Box?
- ARO Shaker body
- Magnetic cap
- Two-piece magnetic plug with adjustable-polarity magnet
Care and Maintenance
Brush off loose grounds after use or wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. The plug can be disassembled for cleaning. Hand wash components with mild soap and lukewarm water if needed. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembly. Not dishwasher safe.