Espresso Machine Baskets Explained

Let's get a little nerdy about baskets. I've talked about them before but I thought it was worth putting all the info in just one place!
Recommended sources for precision baskets
VST: store.vstapps.com
Pullman Coffee: shop.pullman.coffee/
IMS: www.imsfiltri.com
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[@AudreyHepburnCHick]

I literally just received a Gaggia Classic that I ordered from ebay and it came with a whole pile of baskets that were confusing me no end. This video comes at exactly the right time. Thank you!

[@Lucier123456]

@@sonacphotos id Say a vst basket make a huge difference also

[@MereCashmere]

@@sonacphotos wrong, don’t listen to this joker

[@PanSangex]

@@sonacphotos Gaggia classic is a great starter machine. Eventually, everyone gets into PID and and pressure mods but you can indeed enjoy a good cup of coffee w/o modding.

[@rever6612]

I'm in the same boat, I received mine yesterday and this video was on time for me.

[@goldencalf5144]

@@sonacphotos If the baskets are anything like the ones that came with the Rancilio Silvia, then they will be the biggest roadblock to making good Espresso. The 6g single basket was a cruel joke that was impossible to pull a shot with.

[@clintow]

When is "The James Hoffmann Cozy Sweater Club" going to be coming??

[@nopy99]

Keep an eye out for the square space microsite

[@johncfalk]

I love his jumpers. Fantastic.

[@Bradtheone]

The James Hoffmann sweater club has to happen 😃👏

[@danielkemp4860]

Hoffmannia ?

[@DC-Aust]

I'm guessing you didn't get the invite?

[@terryhur]

Thank you for clarifying the importance of baskets, especially with magnified shots. I always wondered how much difference is there when people say ‘basket is not precise’, but had no idea they could look so different!

[@richardshaw4713]

I just love these presentations. I watch every video with absolute concentration. The detail, the nerdiness the humour fantastic. The chance of doing 90% of this is very low. I use a simple Melita bean to cup machine, but one day the fact that JH has developed my inner coffee nerd will force me to actually do something. Thank you Mr Hoffman. Keep up the great work.

[@DarkBlood666]

James's timing is impeccable. I was looking for grinder a while back, and he made a video on hand grinders at the same time. A few days ago I ordered my flair 58, and am currently looking for baskets.... and James makes a video on them He knows all.

[@jpeyos]

The Big Brother?? :)

[@19Cluj]

Same here, the previous video came just when I was seriously considering buying a $500,000 grinder. Genius.

[@yeahthisisshit]

I bought a 22g VST with my Flair 58 last month. I figure if I'm going to all that effort I'd like a big shot out of it. Works an absolute treat.

[@d00dEEE]

@@19Cluj You can't leave us hanging, did you buy one?

[@davidjauregui3569]

🐐

[@cjlhessing]

Thanks so much for this video! I recently switched from my very overkill Mazzer to a Niche Zero so I can play around with different coffees - got it all setup properly to run on my r58 using what was either a stock basket or a better alternative that I bought at same time as the machine at launch and then I decided to order some properly sized baskets from Decent Espresso and I got the shock of my life. Puck was coming out wet whereas before they were dry and 'perfect' and my grind was going way way finer to get where I wanted to be. I panicked. I went back to my old basket, even though Decent kindly emailed me pretty much exactly what The Hoff has said in this video lol. But wow, when The Hoff says chill out this is normal - I feel better about the world. Gonna go back and get that all set now. Thanks Hoff!!!

[@AdrewHogan]

Great video. I’ve been working in coffee for around 7 years now and this is a topic that you hear about vaguely but never see much information on. And running cafes doesn’t give me much time to research. This was a fun and informative watch. Thanks!

[@isaiahpinkerton3445]

This gives me so much validation, I thought I was the only one having trouble with the one-shot basket the puck kept expanding and was muddy and wet, horrible extraction.

[@caleschley]

He said in the video that at wet puck is not an indicator of a bad extraction.

[@Chef_PC]

“A blunt and fussy man.” I want this as my epitaph.

[@fizzysausage]

What a legend. Thank you. I need clarity, you deliver clarity. I want to brew finer, you explain in brilliant detail what to expect. Hats off sir.

[@bluesfishes8491]

Bought a VST 19g with ridge for my Rancilio SIlvia about 9 months ago on your insistence Mr Hoffmann! Thank you so much. Completely changed our coffee experience. Creating a reliable puck is so much easier. The finished product is of a completely different order. Even the simple act of knocking out the puck is better/easier. Best $$ I've spent on coffee making equipment in a very long time.

[@jaylo1214]

This explains so much! Thank you! I was using a precision 20g filter and dialed in what I liked perfectly. I bought a new machine (another gaggia) and was using the stick 18 g filter. The flow rate plummeted even though everything else was identical (grinder, grind size, etc). This explains other things as well.

[@TripleJ85]

I bought a VST basket for my Sunbeam EM7000 a couple of months ago - my experience is inline with James' expectations. Definitely a lot less resistance compared with the stock basket, more consistent results and better flavour. Excellent bang-for-buck upgrade!

[@MastaLBC]

I‘m normally pretty picky when it comes to my coffee and prepping it, but that‘s 100 Percent how I feel about quality baskets. I personally use them because they work better for lighter to medium roasts. Nice Job, well done.

[@brandony8691]

10:45 I was actually blown away by this fact. After switching to an IMS basket, I thought I was crazy how fast my shot was pulling, but realized after putting a stopwatch to it that my shot was pulling a full 8 seconds faster than it was when I was using my earlier stock basket. It's taken a bit of time to dial it in, but I've since been grinding quite a bit finer with this basket and now get excellent (and perhaps just as important, more consistent) shots every day. EDIT: I'll add that the shots I pull are in fact much sweeter and complex, particularly for lighter roasts (as Mr. Hoffmann mentions).

[@benmorgan5511]

Love this. Especially the history. I would love to see more videos in the future about the history of espresso and coffee!

[@ozespresso]

That's a good idea!

[@BenVeenstra]

My second hand Rancilio Silvia (revised with the usual kit) and came with one original and one IMS basket. I'm a beginner and came from the small (cheap second hand) Breville espresso experience witch was not great and inconsistent. With the Silvia original basket pullen consistent shots and adjusting was just more difficult then the IMS basket. I did not know the difference was so big but now I understand. I might pick up a new one sinds I don't know the age of my IMS 17g basket. I love this community and greetings from the Netherlands!

[@bigjohn2811]

To keep the precision and prevent damaging of the holes, make sure nothing hard touches the holes. If the puck remains stuck in basket, don't use silverware to extract the puck. Use something something softer like a nylon handle from a coffee scoop and hand wash only. Basically treat it like other precision kitchen instruments like your kitchen knives.

[@dirkl216]

Just knock it hard...I've never had a puck just not come out and I have to "scrape" it out. come on...! if the knock doesn't work just run some water on it and it will easily release.

[@isocle]

What about WDT needles? Those won't damage it, will they?

[@SherryDC]

@@isocle 7 months to late but maybe still useful - they wont damage it but they will scratch the surface of it making it less shiny over time if that relevant for you

[@TravelGeeq]

Always insigiteful and informative. Thanks for all the work you do to keep us interested. Merry Christmas!

[@kennypelling7631]

I personally would love to see a video, devoted to single baskets. Keep up the great videos 😊

[@jeanburger5946]

This would be great. Ive tried many Single Baskets and none of them really worked.

[@DSB1234567890]

@@jeanburger5946 Try the VST 7g single if you haven't. You'll need a 41mm tamper, and a bit of patience sweeping the grounds into the inner "well". I can get pretty good coffee and I definitely like it more than the "conical" IMS The Single baskets. Those act almost like pressurized portafilters, I can make huge changes to the grind with little change in shot time. P.S. if you find an old-style LM precision single basket, the one with the "stepped cylinder" design, it's a VST without the quality certificate and about half price. The new LM precision singles are IMS The Single's.

[@sciencescience9102]

Yes, please do one!

[@peterszilvasi6807]

Hi James. When you said Italians made single shots, bacause that allows them to drink more espressos throughout the day it made sense to me. Having a nice espresso machine and grinder kinda makes me want to do brew more than one shot a day, which is a little bit too much caffeine for me if I use the double basket. I tried to research the topic a bit but could not really find great ideas about making singles. People were trying to use the basic, funny shaped single baskets as you mentioned without much success. I remembered seeing an older video on a Hungarian coffee channel and they used a funnel that was specifically manufactured for 7g LM baskets. It also requires a smaller, 41mm tamper, but using these two paired with a good quality, straight walled single filter seemed to produce pretty good results. I found a German shop, called tidaka, who sell these funnels exclusively for LM 7g single baskets, they’re not cheap, but considering the advantages I decided to give it a go. It would be lovely to have more info on these or possibly a video in the future. It could be interesting for a lot of people, as I think the art of making single espressos is neglected for some reason. Thanks!

[@oligilkes6355]

100% I have a 2007 Gaggia Classic and the biggest difference made to the taste was upgrading to a VST basket. Great video as always James.

[@Supreme_Clientele]

Id argue that changing the OPV to 9 bars form the stock 15 bars would have the biggest impact out of any upgrade you can do to a gaggia classic.

[@dirkl216]

@@Supreme_Clientele tastes are subjective so i think (ppl may not care) they are both just paths to the same destination. until a person's taste preferences align with the roaster/basket designer intentions both will get you where you need to be if you keep striving for a tasty cup, one cup at a time.

[@svetacoyne953]

Thank you so much, very informative as usual! Really like how you treat your audience with respect and believe that everyone can be good barista!

[@davidolsen2455]

I bought a VST basket for my Silvia and I bought a high quality tamper at the same time. These two items made a monumental difference, it was like I had a completely different machine that suddenly started producing shots 10 times better than before.

[@DmitrijPaskevic]

I've started using the IMS Precision one over a year ago. Massive difference I'd say (compared to Gaggia's original one).

[@davethetaswegian]

Same here, I am using a 18g VST basket. Much better than the original Gaggia one.

[@StableNomad]

Same. Switched from Gaggia to VST and it's markedly better. Cleaner, more flavor, better pull. Very much easier to dial in

[@henloitsdiego]

this is my sign to upgrade my basket

[@Mike-lp5gv]

@@henloitsdiego go for it! Actually the VST basket doesn't really improve the taste, but it's more the consistency of brewing your espresso. Which results in a better taste :-) The standard I have use just a few days to quickly replace foe the VST.

[@zmtroger]

We just got an 18gr IMS basket for our classic and I'm honestly blown away by the difference. Not night and day necessarily, but I'm skeptical about lots of gear upgrades (looking at you shower screen!) in general and this one was instantly noticeable. Makes sense when you think about (and see!) the inconsistencies in the churned out baskets.

[@movieman77777]

Love your channel! I’ve learned quickly many aspects of brewing espresso I had no idea about. Your explanations are fantastic and detailed but also digestible for a new coffee fan like myself. I’d be Very interested in a video about the “Lelit Bianca” espresso machine with the flow control paddle. Seems like a whole realm of possibility to control pressure and flow by hand.

[@mareknovotny7808]

I switched from original 18g NS baskets to VST 18g ridgeless baskets at our cafe and the difference in flowrate was mindblowing for me. Went from 30 to 15 seconds. Also the difference in taste and body for the same recipe between those two baskets was incredible!

[@str8shooter160]

Your help with ridged vs ridgeless and size of basket was extremely helpful. Always great content. Thx!

[@scotlandgee]

I purchased a Precision VST 20g basket about a month ago and the increase in quality of my espresso is astounding! Cannot recommend it enough. For reference, I was using the standard Breville/Sage Dual Boiler basket.

[@aj_they]

I don't even like coffee but I really enjoy your videos! It's so interesting to see the different aspects of coffee, how it works and what tastes good.

[@user-yf6vc8lv6c]

this might be one of the best (if not the single best) videos on the topic. thank you!

[@roballan4661]

Thanks James - I've just got a Gaggia Pro for the home and upgraded to a VST with a bottomless portafilter. While I'm still dialling it in I was amazed to see the difference in flowrate with the VST and have been able to drop my grind size quite a bit. I've had one or 2 great shots out of it but still some work to do. Thanks for validating the experience :)

[@27bit]

My IMS 54mm was a huge game changer. Although it was a bit tougher, more sensitive, the coffee has much more body and such a fuller taste. It was a great advice from one of the reviews.

[@dirkl216]

definitely, I agree, the VST is more forgiving for "poor" techniques and machine variances. Also there is a different in the grind size for the same sized basket.

[@27bit]

@@dirkl216 I find it that you have ti grind more precise and finer.

[@ruscalable]

i tried getting into espresso making almost 20 years ago, but ended up selling all of my gear (Rancilio Silvia, Rocky, Reg Barber Tamper) because i always had such incredibly inconsistent results. ended up getting a Nespresso because the coffee was super consistent and about as good as 60% of the home shots i was getting. i came across your video tasting all the Nespresso pods a month or so ago and it peaked my interest and i've been following your videos ever since. feel like i finally know how to make consistently good shots; just need to save up enough cash to get a new setup so i can try putting it all into action.

[@donh1572]

Get a flair, it is so much more forgiving then my temperamental Rancilio Silvia. If you like nespresso. Explore turbo shot techniques or go higher ratio espresso. 1 to3 or higher. I believe nespresso is 1 to 4.5

[@bosch992]

Give yourself time. I make about 2 espressos a day. Made some of the bigger adjustments earlier on. Some smaller incremental adjustments in recent months. Now, after almost a year, I'm pretty happy about getting consistently good espresso. If something tastes bad, give it time. Eventually you'll figure out what to change about it.

[@NorwegianSpirit]

I got my first espresso machine yesterday and find your channel is so very helpful and entertaining. Was wondering if I should use the single shot basket or the larger one for both single and double shot. And bam; there is your video. I have learned so much from you in just 24 hours. Thank you!

[@scottroberts3078]

In the past, before brewing light esppresso exclusively, I had noticed a marked difference in volume between the same mass of ground darker, medium, and light roast. I used to use the depth of the shower screen screen screw depression in the puch to gauge if I was over my basket's max capacity. Ahh... memories. I've come to really appreciate your videos @jameshoffman, and was semi expecting another scientific analysis of such phenomenon. Fortuntately, I was greeted by something else I had wondered about... Is there a standard for basket hole size and coverage. Glad I was correct to assume not. I had been suspecting less resistance would be useful for my lighter roasts, but hadn't yet done the research to see who makes such a basket. Off to VST I go. Then, more trials to again better dial in the GS/3 :--) Thanks again for a great viewing experience.

[@lukelomax9848]

Merry Christmas James

[@brandonjoice1835]

I'm definitely interested in single baskets, I found I was having trouble getting good shots with a weird box store machine I got, and practice on the really hard single basket made me better at using the machine in general.

[@petrolpixie]

I went from a tapered double basket to an ims double basket and actually noticed the extraction time decrease. I thought I had done something wrong and went back to my tapered baskets. Now I know that was normal. I'm going to give the ims baskets another go and dial them in. Thanks James!

[@eamobyrne1]

Mr Hoffman. You sir are an absolute legend. I can't tell you enough how helpful your videos are. I've a profitec pro 700 on order with a eureka mignon libra. I can't wait to start pulling shots

[@JoshuaParks]

This is a fantastic video - textbook example of why James Hoffmann is such a good information source. Thank you!

[@jameshelms3580]

Great overview of baskets, I definitely am challenged by the small one shot basket...7 grams in and my tamper can touch the metal on the bottom of the basket..and soupy mess! The espresso can be good though but I usually end up dosing 8-9 grams to feel a good tamp. I would love to watch a video about using a one shot basket. That also brings up the topic of the ongoing trend toward larger baskets and dosages.

[@nouasabdelatif6029]

Have you found a solution or a good video explaining this topic, single shot is the norm in my country, if it's really bad i might use the 12g basket for single shot i don't know

[@irenalovesart4064]

I will watch any twot you post. I have bought a delonghi machine and got rid of the pod machine and can actually tell the difference between beans and grounds!! I feel very smug indeed. Thank you hoffcoff

[@borcz100]

I got an IMS basket on your recommendation before my Gaggia Classic Pro came in the door. I am still working of brewing my first 20 shots and feel blessed to have such knowledgeable parasocial friends.

[@precisionsoundworksstudio]

Excellent! Got a good laugh out of your gloating on the shot that could not be replicated!

[@tonysayer1658]

I’d love to see a video on getting the best out of single baskets. I have an 18g VST that I can get great shots with but I use the single that came with my Breville Dual Boiler as my daily.

[@marcelcukier]

I find your videos to be really pleasant and informative to watch. It's like brewing pleasure with knowledge.

[@DavidJVMusic]

James, you just hit all of my questions so well!!! "Embarassingly delighted," hehehe! I've always checked my baskets out really well when washing them and I have never found any with weird blemishes. Even thogh I have only had pretty cheap machines. Yay, I problem I have not run into!!!

[@LlewellynConnolly]

Switched to a 54mm Precision basket which I use on my Breville Pro. Went from 7 to 4 on grind size to achieve same shot pull time. Much more uniform as well. Probably best investment per unit of return I have made.

[@royceyork3248]

can you link the basket you got?

[@Nanoniak]

I would love to see a video about getting the best results with a single basket. Sounds like a great way to enjoy espresso more often without having a heart attack, but it is hard to work with.

[@verryvernando3903]

Totally 😭

[@slowbot68]

I started with the single basket on my machine, not knowing double was more common. Now I can get a good espresso with the single basket but lose it completely when i switch to the double. I find it's enough coffee and you can have a couple during the day without feeling you had too much. Also if you mess it up you didn't waste so much coffee.

[@8leggedsquirrel521]

Exactly what I've been looking forward to you making! 10/10

[@Feiw622]

I actually just changed to a VST 20g basket from a stock 18g Rancilio basket a few days ago. The flow is so much quicker. Then i had to mess with the grind size. However, the coffee cake seems to be more wet compared to my stock basket. still trying to get used to the VST basket. Amazing video as always!

[@ImranShamsul]

Yep, changed out the stock breville 54mm basket with an IMS basket and the flow increased! Trying out the IMS shower screen too. Interested to see a discussion about that!

[@nickhart4870]

where did you get the basket from mate?

[@royceyork3248]

can you provide links?

[@wolfetrax]

7:05 This made me realize that I was under dosing my espresso for a few months! I had no idea that under dosing was why my pucks were much wetter before upping my dosing amount than after. Thanks James!

[@kenibarwick]

We has another video on the puck looks like afterwards and what it means

[@mLyonJE]

I'm relatively new to the idea of looking in more detail at the machines etc., and this video is a MUST WATCH to understand why baskets are even mentioned at all, and what some of the factors might be. Even though my interests aren't as fine-tuned or as involved, I enjoy the videos anyway and like to be able to take what matters to me from watching -- but that's hampered hugely by the lack of the most basic knowledge about baskets! One or two other aspects, too, of a jargon and technical sort, but many details can be gleaned in context or looked up. But the first time I heard about VST, for example, I had no clue whether that was an abbreviation for a technique or a design type or a brand or what. It would spoil other videos to have jargon overly explained along the way -- so finding this succinct introduction into the topic of baskets was a huge benefit to me.

[@adamjanoska4365]

I've got a Lelit Victoria last week, dialed a lighter roast in, have nice flavours used with the commercial basket. First things first, ordered 58 mm gadgets (bottomless portafilter, IMS superfine basket, distributor, tamper). The brew time dropped immediately 8 sec (18 g dose), dialed the coffee again and got much more complex results than before, cant believe it. Now make sense, thank you!

[@ninal5027]

Santa, remind James we need a tiramisu recipe for Christmas 🎄

[@Webfra14]

Okay, okay, you convinced me to buy a precision basket. Now I just need a video how to use a precision basket with a french press...

[@meson183]

LOL. I love it.

[@JakeEarp]

IMS baskets made a HUGE difference when pulling shots on my Appartamento 🤘🏼 Excellent video, been wanting to watch something like this to better understand all the different basket types 😁🤙🏼

[@Itsa-sh]

I'm just about to buy a new basket, this video helps so much. After your video about dosage i started questioning my baskets because my extraction seems too fast, the puck is generally wet the coffee doesn't taste bad though, I compare it to the independent coffee shops i go to, and that gives me a great benchmark to work towards. I think i have a couple of tweaks to do though. Oh and on that note, i'm also that annoying customer who asks a lot of questions to baristas, since they're the professionals 😂 but in a way I've felt they've also enjoyed the conversations.

[@xander1052]

Irrelevant to the video, but I love your jumper James! (and the opening scene is really well done in how you've got everything laid out in frame)

[@adi2082]

54mm IMS basket greatly improved my coffee coming from a Bambino plus, it required grinding noticeably finer and reduced channeling also. Definitely recommend these for anyone with a 54mm Breville.

[@pandapig1174]

Where did you find it. I’m in US and can’t find one.

[@jobopening5085]

You may already have one, as the bambino plus comes with one.

[@NANA-wn7sr]

I’ve been waiting for this video. For so damn long. The stock Sage/Breville 54mm baskets have the slight tapered profile that narrows and makes it impossible to accommodate an puck screen when dosing at 16g because the taper blocks the screen for sitting evenly on the puck. That’s not to say it’s PuckScreen or bust, but I found that I was led to use them due to this consistent channeling caused water flowing down the taper sides first (evident when using longer pre infusion). James THANK YOU!! For putting this topic under the microscope (literally and figuratively) cheers from central FL and the House of Mouse.

[@HusainiUjang]

i just bought my 20gm vst basket yesteday based on this video heheh.... its for my current vbm digital jr. come 2nd shot, I was able to dial in with a much finer grind setting and I can say it is a game changer! Thanks!!!

[@fpvjulez2741]

I dont want to drink too much caffine everyday, so I prefer to drink single basket shots based on the amount of coffee. But yes the workflow is way harder there. I switched to a VST 7gr LM1 basket with straight edges. Disadvantage is that you need a funnel and a 41mm tamper. But with this, my results are as consistent as with my 18g vst.

[@carsiotto]

Man, I want to get a single. I take that approach to coffee consumption too

[@Yirgamalabar]

You don't need a funnel. Just be little less ocd about some stray coffee remaining around the "target". It doesn't even amount to 1/10th of a gram, so just let it be.

[@jackr.4953]

I'm a bit of a blasphemer, here. I only drink decaf now. It's much harder to find a quality, specialty decaf, but it is what it is!

[@dominikdrnek2529]

I have the same setup (vst7, funnel, 41mm tamper) and totally agree with you. I fill it with 8g.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

@@carsiotto What about something like a 12 g double and put in 9g?

[@actualreplyguy]

I think many makers have taken notice. All my ECM/Profitec baskets have impeccable machining and workmanship. I was surprised, given they come standard with their machines, how well done they were when examined with a 10X loupe with ample backlighting.

[@hyperspaced77]

I agree. Just bought a Profitec Go and even stock basket looks impeccable under a magnifying glass. My only concern is Profitec does not include straight baskets, as they are slightly conical.

[@actualreplyguy]

@@hyperspaced77 I believe the only straight-walled baskets they make are for triple shots -- and I don't believe they include it with any of their machines, has to be bought as an accessory.

[@louferraro6976]

new to the channel and the world of brewing.. ! I just upgraded to an IMS basket and panic set in when my flow rate changed .. you explained it well.. great info, great channel thank you

[@mrwezbo]

This was way more informative than I thought it would be opening the vid while I am eating lunch. Thank you!

[@alexisrdevitre]

Thank you for this video. I had difficulty pulling a decent shot with the Gaggia Classic until I gave up on the single shot and started using the double shot basket. I'm curious to check the holes of those baskets now :)

[@colewalliser]

I bought precision baskets the moment I upgraded to 58mm portafiler. It was one of the reasons I wanted to upgrade my machine lol.

[@h4st3didk7]

I was wondering why i get lot more issues with single baskets and you gave me the answer. It multiplies the chances of failure, especially if you are a noob in coffee (like i'm). Thanks for this video (and for you overall work, it helps a lot when you start dealing with coffee).

[@MrIacovelli]

This is a great channel. Would love to see a video on how to get a good pull from one of those conical single-shot baskets. Your comments have validated my years of struggling with one! 🙂

[@joe190375]

I went to a 18 g 54 mm IMS basket, and it has Made a significant difference. Almost to the point where I had to start from scratch on pulling shots. Had to change the grind size, and then figure out flow rates. Still a work in progress.

[@robertmontano8026]

I’m in the same boat, got a 54mm ims for my breville, still trying to get dosage/grind spot on

[@chingwa888]

@@robertmontano8026 Took me about 6 bags of coffee at huge expense to get my dosage and grind right. Then I tried a bottomless portafilter and had to start all over again (perhaps due to the basket rather than the fact it is bottomless).

[@-eMpTy-]

@@chingwa888 6 bags??? wtf

[@harlothompson]

As a fairly inexpensive tool that eliminates another variable to consider when brewing, precision baskets are a no brainer. I bought and 18g IMS basket for my E1 Prima and haven't given it a second thought since. If the flow rate seems off, I know my basket's not an issue.

[@VincentGroenewold]

But is it such a big difference I wonder, would be nice to measure.

[@harlothompson]

James definitely seems convinced they improve the quality and consistency of espresso, and I think consistency is where the impact is most perceivable. Precision baskets won't make bad coffee taste better, but it will help you pull the same shot consistently over and over again which is important to some.

[@jamiethomson8456]

As much as I love to see baristas and cafe owners push down this path, it’s a shame that more coffee companies haven’t done there research and put their wholesale customers in the best place to succeed. If you are putting in $20,000 in a machine, $4000 per grinder spend the extra $30-40 and make the whole thing better.

[@harlothompson]

@@jamiethomson8456 Couldn't agree more. Honestly, I don't think there was anything wrong with the baskets provided with my machine (VA E1 Prima). The main reason I ended up buying precision baskets is because it came with two portafilters and a selection of baskets that were all different sizes, so I decided to buy matching precision baskets for when I'm hosting or doing events. What would be great is to see manufactures and suppliers offer a selection of accessories upfront rather than providing parts the end user doesn't need. The choice of having bottomless portafilters, for instance, and choice of baskets. It would also eliminate waste as I am not using any of the baskets I received with my machine.

[@levlehn2795]

Thanks so much James! I've been waiting for that for a long time!

[@ME-tt3gc]

Yeees! Finally, thanks 🙏🏻 I use Lelit Anna with pid control and pressure gage. I started using IMS basket and it helped with the taste slightly I would say. However, once I started using IMS shower screen too, the results were much much more consistent which was a problem for me before.

[@kennyhills8002]

I had to redial my espresso when I made the change to my 20g VST basket. The espresso I'm able to produce now is definitely more complex with a better mouth feel and sweeter too. I'm still learning to dial in and your videos are definitely helping me to understand fresh coffee and roasting level's. I'm definitely more of a fan of light to medium roasts as most dark roasts I've had just taste of ash or burnt plastic. Probably a dialing in issue but most chain cafés serve dark roasts and I'll never know why. I definitely prefer the acidity and fruity notes of a good fresh light/medium roast.

[@henrika1408]

I'd love to see a dual vs. single basket comparison!

[@tl924]

This was exactly the video I needed at this moment! Thank you so much.

[@ivanwyttenbach3549]

Thx for your tipps and tricks. I never thought about the basket quality. Love your videos. Cheers from Switzerland.

[@carlesmiquel]

I lived in Italy for a long time and walked to Uni everyday. I sipped maybe 4 ristrettos on my way and they were always made in one of those tiny conical 7-gram baskets. It was heaven. Today, I'm brewing my own at home with 18-gram baskets. I can't match, yet, what they did! I've tried the 7-gram ones and these things are freaking difficult to master! You should make a video on VST and IMS technologies... it's fascinating.

[@stevehoge]

I would have expected to hear more about the relationship between nominal basket capacity or open area and the optimum tamping pressure - for instance, how under-loading a higher capacity 20 or 22g basket with a 16 to 18g dose affects the amount of pressure that should be applied.

[@caleschley]

You can't really tamp too hard, and James has said so in his videos. As long as you tamp hard enough to fully compress the coffee, that's what matters.

[@RM-hy4so]

Excellent video. Just what I was looking for!

[@wendybaryl6867]

Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent ❤💜

[@GraemeRobinson]

Living with my elderly mother a double shot is too much coffee for her, so I've spent a lot of time making singles and have finally nailed it. The quintessential point with making singles is accurate dosage sensitivity is much greater than with doubles. My mark is 16gm of coffee weighed before grinding. Anything over and more than .2gm under and the shot is ruined. And this with only the same coffee beans roasted by the same roaster. Use another bean and all bets are off and recalibration would be needed. I'm happy with the stock baskets that came with my Isomac machine but am curious to try one of these VST baskets - if only they didn't cost so much.

[@stumpunboxing1320]

Bruv, in most definitions I'm aware of, 16g is a double shot not a single!

[@renatoa]

Change the machine to one that favor less coffee. For this reason my favorite shots are now done on a flair, using 14 grams dose, 1:3 ratio, i.e. 42 out, without absolutely any issue for quantity, grinding or tamping, I can vary any of them wildly, and still get a good shot, because the lever handling allows me to counteract any preparation defect.

[@A-Spoto]

I work in a cafe in Minnesota and I've noticed our espresso heads pour at different rates for the same grind. They are very old and after watching this video, probably not well machined. Unfortunately, there is little that I can do other than recommend new brew baskets to the manager.

[@henrywiltcher]

Would be a shame if the old ones were to mysteriously disappear

[@shawzy620]

Thanks, James! As usual bang on. VST basket in my Gaggia classic running 6.5 bar has been a revelation!

[@krimke881]

Dark or light roasted coffee? And what grinder do you have ?

[@chrisversteegen1368]

The VSTs were an absolute game changer and were quickly adopted across the specialty coffee scene, how amazing that you were one of the people who helped pioneer it! I personally use an 18g VST ridgeless on my Breville dual boiler (adjusted to 9bar), however I found better results pulling shots with 20g in, 44g out. Flies in the face of most of what I've seen and read (former barista) but at the end of the day, it's the taste that counts.

[@CriticalTechReviews]

Hey, I'm a newbie to all of this, but I've shotgunned dozens and dozens of his videos for the past several weeks since getting my Breville "The Infuser." What do you mean by "adjusted it to 9 bar?" Is that something with the machine, or is that through puck prep, ie grind etc? And is the 44g out reached with something to do with the machine, or is it again puck prep? Thanks. Also what type of coffee are you using, I'm using a local medium roast.

[@isodoubIet]

@@CriticalTechReviews Machines often have a part called an "overpressure valve" that sets the maximum allowed pressure. That part is often user-adjustable so you can set it up so it brews at 9 bar, 8 bar, etc. For whatever reason a lot of machines are factory-set to 11 or 12 bar which is way high. 20 g in, 44g means 20 grams of coffee grounds in the basket and 44 grams of liquid in the cup.

[@danomara4196]

Quite a bit of analysis went into the Breville basket quality over at the Espresso Aficionado discord from microscopes and pattern analysis. The result was that the Breville stock baskets are pretty good. Not a huge upgrade to go precision if you have a Breville/Sage.

[@lufeacbo8]

Good to know. Thanks for the information.

[@marcusannegarn8497]

For those with Breville machines, the stock Breville baskets are actually fantastic! So 'upgrading' isn't necessary but different baskets may give you different results.

[@EdthePlumber]

I just got out my basket and did the light check, I think it looks great, even clean holes. It would be interesting to see if a “fancy” basket makes a noticeable difference

[@marcusannegarn8497]

@@EdthePlumber different precision baskets can taste quite different even if they are all high quality. But at that point I think it's down to personal preference etc

[@gedog77]

I'd say the stock ones look well engineered, putting the IMS competition one next to it, there are some differences - more holes mostly.

[@marcusannegarn8497]

@@gedog77 yup hole number, size, spacing, and arrangement could all affect taste and flow rate.

[@billeterk]

Our Breville basket looks good. Not so sure about the group shower screen but I guess it’s less critical?

[@cienfuegos9583]

This is some extremely valuable information. I can really work with this , Thank You !

[@DICEMAN60]

After watching the coffee spray all over the place from my bottomless portafilter I figured it was time to upgrade. I picked up a 7, 15, and 20 mm basket from VST. Thanks for the tip.

[@cs5250]

Crazy to think that I was just fine drinking instant coffee at work a year ago and now I'm only buying fresh beans and am about to check the holes on my portafilter basket with a magnifying glass.

[@3888Orbost]

😁😁 many can relate I reckon 😁

[@cameronstiglic6277]

Who votes for a Gaggia Classic Pro full review?

[@edipisreks5535]

I use an IMS competition basket with my Flair 58. I didn’t even bother with the stock basket, which looks perfectly okay, but the precision of course has a very different hole count. One thing I like about this basket is that the bottom is slightly convex, and I think that helps the puck pop out more cleanly if it’s slightly wet.

[@pizzatimechannel]

impeccable explanations as always. Another great video

[@bobgruner]

I bought a VST basket a while ago, but I have to say that the hole distribution and uniformity on the Breville double basket that came with their dual boiler machine is really very good. The weird thing is that their instructions have you prep the puck by using their Razor tool after tamping. I had to look online to see that the basket is meant for 19-22 grams of coffee. Anyway, I like the VST.

[@akbg]

Hi! Given that the basket with the BDB is fairly decent (I've also read similar reports online), do you still suggest buying a VST one? Also: which size did you buy? 18g? I've read the 20g might not fit the p/f

[@bobgruner]

@@akbgIf you're happy with the espresso you're getting, then it's probably not necessary. But I am still struggling with my puck technique - I have trouble getting the pressure to 9 bars and liking the result - so I was OK with spending the money. The 20g VST basket fits the Breville portafilter just fine; it's only a little deeper than the Breville one. I had the same concern as you before I got it and spent a lot of time trying measure the depth of the portafilter. lol

[@akbg]

@@bobgruner thanks! I do like the results but it's hard to say if I'm missing out to better, more delicious results :-) I do not have trouble reaching 9 bars though, and I don't use anything fancy when preparing the puck (no WDT or things like that); could it be the grinder does not grind fine enough?

[@bobgruner]

​@@akbg I have been using a Baratza Sette 270Wi grinder, and it should be able to grind fine enough, so I've been assuming it's my puck prep. The biggest issue is that my wife doesn't like plain espresso so much, and I'm too lazy to make pourover for her and expresso for me so I don't get as much practice as I would like. I've been trying to get my espresso dialed in before I worry about frothing milk (since she will drink caps or lattes).

[@akbg]

@@bobgruner exact same grinder as I have! Definitely capable of chocking the machine with any blend you throw at it, weird you can't get up to 9 bars

[@juanmey6089]

I bought my espresso machine 2 weeks ago Sunbeam em7200 using the standart basket i went with 13gr 10 grind size with 30sec pull time changed to 15gr vst basket and the result was shock me 15gr dose 3 grind size with 28sec pull time that change in grind size was crazy the espresso taste more strong sharp and better , result literally night and day

[@RedRoverTW]

First thing I did when I bought my ECM Synchronika was replace the stock E61 gasket with a silicone gasket, the stock baskets with IMS Barista Pro Nanotech baskets, and the stock showerhead screen with an IMS screen. I'd say the biggest difference I immediately saw was with the screen upgrade, which resulted in a much more even shower. The filter baskets definitely helped achieve a nice even extraction. Very pleased with IMS quality.

[@tgrandy2001]

Shawn, May I ask what size basket you replace with? Still using the stock portafilter?

[@3888Orbost]

The Breville I had used a silicone gasket and the PF would sometimes start to “undo” from brewing pressure, and even spat it off several times, making a mess. I have an ECM too (Mechanika V5) and wondering if you see any of this tendency with your Synchronika as I’m thinking about the silicone gasket too when mine needs replacement?

[@Fuuntag]

Informative, brief. Appreciated James.