Keeps the spouts off the counter and free of coffee grinds.

Protects the counter and portafilter from damage.

Provides some cushioning and therefore less strain on the wrists. 

Allows you to tamp in a more comfortable and powerful position.

The overhang stops the mat from moving around on the counter if you just want to use it like a normal mat.

Use it to collapse the coffee in the basket and dislodge coffee from around the rim.