A cup holder, also known as a portafilter holder, is a professional café work surface accessory that ensures convenient and secure placement of portafilters between espresso preparation cycles in cafés, bars, restaurants and HoReCa businesses across Europe. A portafilter holder with a stable base and ergonomic retention mechanism prevents portafilters from falling off the work surface, which is a safety and hygiene concern in an intensive barista work environment. BHS offers cup holders as part of the Barista Accessories and Supplies range.
The BHS range includes cup holders made of stainless steel and wood in various sizes — for one or multiple portafilters — to suit different café styles and work surface organisation needs. BHS specialists help choose the most suitable model. Also explore tampers, used coffee grounds containers and other barista accessories.
A portafilter holder is a small but practical work surface organisation tool in a café — it prevents accidental placement of portafilters on unstable surfaces, allows the barista to perform other tasks with both hands while the portafilter is securely placed, and maintains work surface organisation. BHS offers cup holders to HoReCa businesses across Europe.
Types and design of cup holders
Single portafilter holders — the simplest option, holds one portafilter vertically or at an angle. Compact and affordable. Multi-portafilter holders (2–4 portafilters) — allow simultaneous placement of several portafilters, suitable for cafés with multiple espresso groups or several baristas. Magnetic portafilter holders — attachable to the metal side of the machine, keeping the counter surface free. Conveniently positioned right next to the machine. Wooden portafilter holders — a warmer, more aesthetic alternative in specialty coffee cafés with wooden interior elements. Stainless steel holders — more durable and hygienic for intensive commercial use, suitable for dishwashers. Combined holders with a tamper station — a portafilter holder that integrates a tamper holder and cleaning brush. BHS helps choose the appropriate type.
Ergonomics and work surface organisation
A well-organised barista work surface increases efficiency and reduces the number of movements between tasks. Cup holder placement: next to the coffee machine in the tamping zone — so the portafilter is immediately at hand after tamping and before attaching it to the machine. Combined with a tamper holder in one accessory — optimal work movement efficiency. Also suitable for training — a new barista sees a properly organised work zone and automatically adopts the workflow. BHS helps organise the barista work surface.
Material and durability
Stainless steel cup holders are more resistant to mechanical stress, water and disinfection cycles than plastic or wooden alternatives. Heavier weight ensures stable placement on the work surface even with accidental impact. Wooden holders require more careful maintenance — regular oiling with food-safe oil. A rubber or silicone base on the holder prevents slipping on the counter surface and protects the counter from scratches. BHS helps choose the most durable model based on café usage intensity.
HoReCa usage scenarios
In a specialty coffee café with one barista station, a wooden portafilter holder with a tamper holder creates an organised and aesthetically appealing work zone — customers at the bar counter see a professional barista workstation setup. In a café with a 3-group espresso machine and 2 baristas, a multi-portafilter holder ensures all portafilters are placed in the correct zone and none accidentally fall. In a bar with intensive espresso cocktail service, a cup holder reduces portafilter placement time between cycles, improving barista efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
Are cup holders suitable for all portafilter sizes? Most universal holders fit 57–58 mm portafilters, which are the standard for commercial machines. Some models have an adjustable slot for different diameter portafilters. BHS helps verify compatibility with a specific machine and provides recommendations for the most suitable models based on portafilter diameter.
Can cup holders be washed in a dishwasher? Stainless steel holders are usually dishwasher-safe. Wooden holders — hand washing only. For rubber or silicone elements, check the manufacturer’s instructions. BHS advises on cleaning and maintenance requirements for specific models in an intensive commercial café environment.
Why choose BHS?
BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.
Delivery
We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.