TEST = AliExpress Single Shot Espresso Basket

Test report of the AliExpress single shot non-pressurized filterbasket, in combination with my DeLonghi ECP35.31 and Graef CM702 grinder.
HOW TO START DIALING IN
If I had to dial in without prior knowledge, I would start with determining the test dosage or pre-extraction weight. The minimum and maximum for baskets this size are usually in between 7 and 9 grams. I would thusly start with the median pre-extraction dose that the basket could hold, being 8 grams. This would give me some play to really fine-tune the shot later on, if needed.
Next, I would pull a shot with my grinder at the coarsest espresso grind setting, which is setting 25 with two 0.2mm washers installed. It would come out too fast but I would take note of the time. Then I would go to the other end of the spectrum, setting 5, and note the flowthrough time.
Now knowing both extremes, I would estimate where on the scale of 5-25 the desired time would lie: more coarse or more fine, and try that setting. From there it would be fine tuning by going a little finer or coarser depending on the output time.
I've had sessions of only 4 tries, up to 15 or more. In this case, I had to stop at 13 tries, when I confirmed that the basket + naked portafilter combination had a very specific malfunction.
For more on dialing in, see my other dialing in video here: • Dialing in Graef coffe...
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Filmed November 2020 at home
Camera: GoPro HERO5, handheld
Video edit: GoPro Studio
Voice recording: Samsung A70
Audio montage: Acoustica