How To: Espresso Filter Baskets and Portafilters
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- Опубліковано 22 січ 2020
- What you need to know about espresso filter baskets and portafilters. Types and sizes, how to determine which filter basket to use, bottomless portafilters and triple shots, what to look for in a portafilter, filter basket compatibility, pressurized vs. non-pressurized. Everything you need to know to help make the best espresso.
Cool products in the video
Baristapro filter baskets including nanotech: www.wholelattelove.com/collec...
IMS Curved Bottom 22g Filter Basket: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Portafilter Basket Ejector: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bottomless Portafilters: www.wholelattelove.com/collec...
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Hey Marc,
once again a great video. I only use a naked portafilter. As I always get an even extraction (also because of the distribution tool you recommended) I have no issues with a messy espresso. I feel like the bottomless portafilter gives me a more honest espresso and is of course way easier to clean. Another good side affect is that I can always have an eye on the extraction.
Hi Jonas, Thanks for the comment. Also thank you for participating and offering excellent advice to others in the comments! I try to respond to every comment personally. As the channel has grown it's become a lot more time consuming so I appreciate your input!
Marc
Wow so much fantastic info! Every time I watch one of these amazing videos my coffee making improves. Thank you!! xx
Hi AT, You are welcome and thank you for the kind comment!
Marc
I start about 3 years ago with the bottomless portaflters and that's the way I really learn my tamping pressure, nice vidéo, thanks
Hi Normand, You are welcome and thank you for the comment! I prefer those sexy naked extractions too!
Marc
Excellent summary. Very helpful.
I have found that different coffee roasts expand in the puck different amounts during and after extraction. Some will aggressively expand after extraction and push against the screen if the portafilter is not immediately removed after extraction. In this case a shower screen impression on the coffee puck is not an indication that you are using too much coffee. If I am using a coffee that does this, using an additional mesh screen prevents this from being an issue. Also, as Mark said, if you are using too much coffee and the coffee expands and pushes against the machine screen during extraction, the limited number of holes in the machine's screen can cause chanelling to occur. Using an additional mesh screen guards against this also.
Thanks for another great video. Being in the UK I would rarely shop at WLL but appreciate these videos 😎
Hi Dan, You are welcome and thank you for the comment!
Marc
The videos have gotten next level. Good work team
Hi Jay, Thanks for the comment - it's appreciated!
Marc
Moving to a bottomless was the best thing I did and I learnt a lot! It’s all I use now!
Hi Daniel, Thanks for the comment - also 1st! Bottomless PF's help a lot!
Marc
Also, changed from stock to an IMS basket and screen on my Profitec Pro500 PID - makes everything from extraction to cleaning all that much better! Love your videos and information, keep up the good work!
Marc. I got a bottomless portafilter with triple basket from cream. It doesn’t want to go all the way into my Expobar Office Control. I thought that this was the right portafilter when I bought it. Help. Bruce
Daniel Wilson Will keep it up 😂 The shower screen is amazing! Smooth, smooth flow.
Marc
@@wa8dpv Which triple basket make/model do you have?
Marc
Hi Marc, greetings from Brazil!
I just bought a new espresso machine (Breville Infuser Espresso) and I'm learning a lot from your channel! Thank you for the great videos!! Please keep them coming :-)
Hi LE, Greetings from currently snowy and cold North East US! Congrats on your new machine and thanks for your kind comments. We will keep the videos coming!
Marc
I love this guy. Enthusiasm and expertise.
Hi TLV, Thanks a whole latte for your comment!
That guy - Marc
Wow this video has a TON of comments and replies! Love your stuff Marc. Thanks for posting all of your vast knowledge out there for all of us getting in to this! My comment is that the single and double outlet portafilters which came with my machine wouldn't fit an 18g basket (height) so I had to buy a naked one to fit my machine. It's a bummer because the handle doesn't match the others, but I'll get over it I suppose.
The bottomless portafilter was one of my best byes. Not using it anymore, but I have learned a lot through it.
Hi e, Thanks for sharing your experience def a good learning tool!
Marc
Using it again. Can't resist the temptation of watching the process of extrusion.-)
What size porta filter can I use with my ultima cosa ?
Good hints. I'll have to look into the bottomless portafilters. Until this viewing I'd never heard of them.
Hi Richard, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
Just received my bottomless and it is amazing.
Hi n, So fun!
Marc
Absolutely awesome channel Marc. Your level of perfection and extensive knowledge is unique. I wish you sold to the uk
Hi Eliiot, Thanks so much for your kind comment. I hear from a lot of you from across the pond! Maybe we'll open a UK branch someday!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Would love to have you here in Canada as well.
Thank you Marc, I learned a lot from you.
Hi Nasser, You are welcome and thank you for the comment!
Marc
Your videos are awesome Mark!
Hey 1972, Thanks a whole latte for the comment!
Marc
this is literally so helpful!!!!! i just bought a espresso machine today!
Hey BV, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
Great video cheers from London England 👍😎🏴🇬🇧
Hi A, Thanks for the comment!
Marc
I have been binge watching your channel hopefully going to pick a machine out and order one. Not sure what one yet maybe the Gaggia Classic or just go all in and so i don't regret it later.
I adam, Thanks for the comment and watching! Good luck on your decision. If in US and you'd like one on one advice from a coffee pro to get into the right machine for your needs give us a call at 585-924-7170.
Marc
Thank you. I now understand. Great job
You are welcome!
Marc
thank you for the great video, very informative !
Glad it was helpful!
Marc
brilliant content as usual!
Hey c, Much appreciated!
Marc
I'm hailing your attempts to change what manufacturers deliver w/ new machine. Espresso industry, on one hand, is willing to adopt new tech - PIDs and flow control have quickly made their way into machines we use, but no one has been brave enough to break habit of supplying spouted PF's when bottomless clearly is a winner for all mentioned reasons plus bottom of PF and spouts is where coffee residue stays after shot and requires regular cleaning with a detergent.
As for baskets, these days I mostly drink americano and 20g basket is a minimum I'm willing to use. I can accept if anyone is drinking 7 espressos a day out of 7 dose, though, as long as they aren't forcing me to follow. Diversity is good!
Hi Event 42, Thanks for your comment and support! With the long history of espresso in Italy change can be slow. A few manufacturers of prosumer level machines like Rocket Espresso have started to include bottomless PFs in their high-end products while still including the single spout. Rocket and ECM now include a real tamper with some machines - does anyone use the plastic tampers that come with many machines? I know people are pulling singles in some parts of the world, but as mentioned in the video I don't know anyone in the US who does. Here they are a waste. Including a bottomless instead would be enticing to buyers here. They probably cost less to make and weigh less to ship!
We work closely with manufacturers to bring innovations based on feedback from comments here and from customers. A few from the past: Best in class 2 bar steam boiler pressure in ECM Synchronika, Profitec Pro 700 and 600, design concept of the dual boiler Expobar Brewtus with heat exchange in steam boiler feeding the brew boiler, flow control mushroom valve for ECM/Profitec E61 groups, shorter bean hoppers on a variety of grinders to fit under typical overhanging cabinetry and more.
We listen and pass comments and requests to manufacturers. We sometimes take things into our own hands. We now offer custom walnut wood accents on many Rocket Espresso machines. As part of the package we include a bottomless PF and triple basket with the wood knobs, group lever and PF handles.
Be sure I will pass on your opinions!
Thanks,
Marc
Marc, we all know terrible truth about single spout PF's - they require a dedicated tamping stand, which costs extra and what's worse - takes up valuable counter space! BL PF can be tamped almost anywhere and for most of people they are easier to hold level than spouted PF's without stand holding PF firmly in place.
Shops like WWL easily convince to order from them, offering expertise and knowledge which is plays big role as no machine itself is capable of producing excellent coffee. Pity I'm not in USA!
VERY helpful video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Marc
man, your Set is stunning and flawless!! Very attractive
Hey DrBrain, Thanks!
Marc
Nice video. I don't have any questions, just wanted to say I hadn't come across that rounded basket before. I may need to get my bottomless some curves
Hi DP, Thanks for the comment. Round bottom does help bring bottomless shots to a single stream.
Marc
0:21 wow~~ I want everything~
lol
Hey Mark, great video! I have the Delonghi Espresso Icona Eco 311.W and I want to make the best coffee I can from that machine since I can't buy a new one! I bought a grinder and a tamper, coffee beans and now I am looking to replace the basket but I can't figure out what basket to buy for that machine.
Great video. Thanks
You are welcome!
Marc
Great video, lots of valuable info condensed in only 7+mins, love it!
Hey VA, Thanks for the love!
Marc
Somehow I'm still looking for the verb in this YT title; How to.... choose? Upgrade? Shop for? Something? Haha, but great video and sharp glasses Marc.
Hi CM, I hate glasses so much so thanks for the comment! Hear you on the lack of verb - guess it's implied :)
Marc
Hi Marc
I really appreciate your channel. I’m learning so much. I have a Starbucks Barista by Saeco.
Can you please recommend a naked portafilter and double shot basket? Thanks
Hi v, Thanks for the question. I'm sorry I do not have a good recommendation. The product you have uses a pressurized portafilter. It's not designed to work with standard non-pressurized portafilter/filter baskets. I'm sure someone has hacked it or maybe a third party vendor makes one but IMO it will not work well. Here's a video on difference between pressurized appliance grade products and standard non-pressurized espresso machines: ua-cam.com/video/v-9qJbmCgCQ/v-deo.html
Marc
Awesome video, Marc, AKA "the guy in the video" :D
Thanks! That guy Marc 😁
Thanks Marc for all these videos and patience to answer every question. Do you need tamper station to level and tamp expresso with bottomless portafilter? There no spouts at the bottom of portafilter to sit when tamping esp. if one uses newer nano baskets (they are curved at bottom)? Does one damages basket over time. I am assuming curved shape will be flat over time?
Hi Acorn, You are welcome... I love answering the questions and helping others!
You do not have to have a tamping station for bottomless PFs. I often just put the circular basket containing portion on the edge of a counter with the handle hanging off then level and tamp away! You can use a tamping station if desired, but not required IMO. Use a rubber mat or similar to protect counter from repetitive use damage if needed.
The Baristapro NT baskets are flat bottom. Depending on size used and specific portafilter most do not extend beyond the bottom edge of the PF. We do have (and I use occasionally) IMS Competition baskets with curved bottoms like this one: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ims-curved-bottom-precision-portafilter-basket-18-22g
With some PFs the bottom of the basket may extend slightly beyond the bottom edge but it's relatively rare.
Hope that helps!
Marc
Hey there, great video. Could you do a video on the VST baskets? Heard a lot about them.
VST baskets have been around the longest; I think they were the first "precision" baskets to hit the market. From my experiences they tend to be far less forgiving of poor technique than even a BaristaPro/IMS basket. VST baskets have holes that extend further to the perimeter, which means that any slight imperfections in distribution/tamping will show up. Notice how the BaristaPro basket actually has wider margin between the edges and the perforations. The Competition basket seems to function similarly to a convex tamper, in that it promotes that "single stream" more easily, but it's very slightly slightly altering the density distribution of the coffee grounds.
Hi LD, Thanks for your input! Much appreciation!
Marc
great video!
can i use a non-pressurised filter basket on my at home appliance? it came with pressurised filter baskets
thanks
Love the videos, always a place for me to look for product knowledge and expand it.
I am having issues with my IMS 18g basket, getting rain drops effect instead of a single stream of coffee.. Any guidance on what I am doing wrong?
Hey neo, Thanks for the love! Sounds like you're doing bottomless extractions and espresso is not coming together into 1 stream? My guess is grind size issue. I can imagine raindrops if grind is too fine so the extraction is very slow. Flow rate out of the bottom is so slow there's not enough liquid for surface tension to bring the flow together. Can also imagine grind is too course so flow is far too fast and watery. If you have a scale you can weigh the extraction. You're looking for about 36g of espresso in 25-30 seconds from pump on. If you do not have a scale a liquid volume of about 45-65ml including any crema in the liquid volume measurement. If you are getting far more or far less in 25-30 seconds grind size is the issue and you will need to adjust grind finer to slow the extraction or coarser to speed it up. Hope that helps!
Marc
Fantastic !
Really pertinent Information..thank you !!!
Is there a machine that comes with a maximum equipment what is suggested and is it compatible with the baskets that you recommend?
Hi Eric, All of our Rocket Espresso machines with custom walnut wood accents ship with a bottomless portafilter and a triple shot 22g Baritapro Nanotech filter basket in addition to single and double spout portafilters and matching filter baskets. Like this Rocket R58: www.wholelattelove.com/products/rocket-espresso-r58-with-wood-accents
Also available on the Appartamento, Type V and Evo R Rocket machines.
Marc
Hi Marc,
Loved the video as always! I was wondering if you could help me figure out why do single shot baskets not make a good espresso at all than a double shot basket, despite all the parameters being taken as same (i.e grind size, time, proportion of dosage)? Is it because of the too much taper ?
Hi IS, Thanks for the kind comment. Singles are more difficult to use as they magnify any problems. So if you get a channel thru the coffee puck it's impact will be greater. One could argue the taper in a single basket changes an extraction at the base level.
Marc
Thanks, how about using bottomless basket with single spout Portafilter for avoiding channels mess?
Thanks for yet another excellent video!
I wanted to know how to match a bottomless portafilter to a specific machine, so that it lines up nicely at 6 o’clock…? (Mine is a pasquini Livia 90s). Thanks!
Hi GR, Thanks for the question. Get a bottomless designed to fit your machine. Getting a perfect clock-in to 6 is more a function of your group gasket being the right size. Filter basket may play a role as well as some have a slightly higher ridge that others. If you're clocking to far it may be time to replace your group gasket or add a shim behind it. If replacing your group gasekt consider a silicone version which last longer and those don't require as hard a clock-in to create a seal.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks again!
Whats the best Tampa station for a naked/bottomless portafilter 58mm, can you do a video to show the differences please
Hey Marc, great video! Can you recommend a ridged or ridgeless basket for a profitec portafilter? I‘m wondering if the Baristapro nano will fit tight enough. Thanks!
Michael
Hi Michael, Thanks for the comment and question. All Baristapro Nanotech baskets fit Profitec portfilters with the exception of the 22g which is just a little too deep and prevents the PF from clocking in fully.
Marc
Hi Marc, it was a nice video.
I have a concern about replacing the original aluminum portafilter of my spresso prima latte machine (a model made by Oster) by a stainless steel naked portafilter and I really appreciate your guide on it.
This low cost machine has an aluminum portafilter (as I said before) maybe fixed into an aluminum structure, beyond the plastic case, so, I'm thinking that replacing it with a stainless steel portafilter (made with a harder material) could increase the risk of broken the case of the machine.
I know the stainless steel is a far more thermal stable, so it would be better than aluminum to extract the coffee flavors, oils, etc... but considering the hardness differences, maybe it'd not be a good idea to replacing it.
I saw naked portafilters made in aluminum, but I'm not sure if these would work well. Maybe that'd be the way I must explore... (Sorry for my terrible english level) 😊
As usual, great information. I'd love to see a discussion about the intersection where shower screen meets filter basket. Does upgrading the basket make good sense without upgrading the shower screen? For example, with the Rancilio Silvia M's stock shower screen, is it worthwhile upgrading to an IMS basket? Upgrade both?
Hi s, Upgrading a basket can make a huge difference! Precision baskets usually have a higher flow rate meaning you'll generally use a finer grind which opens up deeper extractions. Especially true in comparison to the stock Silvia basket which is smaller than most and has a fairly low flow rate. If you upgrade the basket be aware the Silvia portafilter is fairly shallow so you'll be limited to an 18g capacity filter basket like this one: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-18g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket
Larger triple baskets and IMS competition baskets are too deep to fit in stock Silvia PF.
Upgrading a shower screen can help provide a more even flow of brew water onto the coffee. That improves consistency by reducing the chance of channeling. Upgraded shower screens also stay cleaner and are easier to clean when needed. Have a look at your stock screen. It's an actual screen texture with nooks and crannies where coffee oils/particles accumulate. Upgrade screens are smooth, often have non-stick coatings and have openings designed to create even flow of water onto the coffee.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Hey Marc, can't thank you enough for the detailed response. I've noted your recommendation for the basket. Do you also have a recommendation for upgrading the shower screen? If I'm going to upgrade one, might as well upgrade both. Thx/Rgds from western Canada. S>
Marc, do I have to step up my equipment to try the bottomless baskets?
I’m using a Brim 19 Bar machine with a 54mm handle
Thanks
thank you so much for the great review
I visited the website whole latte and ims webbsite for the shower screen and baskets. But got lost and didn't know what to purchase.
What would you recommend to buy for my rancilio silva pro x ? (looking for sahower screen with triple and double shots
and thank you so much
That’s a huge collection Marc! Why do the prosumer machines come with ridged baskets? Surely their R&D have proved these are the best? Penny for your thoughts.
Hi sc74, In some baskets ridges are reference for max fill. Things sometimes change slowly so years ago a company or two was making filter baskets and that's the way they were made. I was introduced to Baristapro baskets a few years ago by an Italian Cup Tasting champion who worked with the company to develop higher end basket resulting in Baristapro.
Marc
Hey Mark, just bought my first espresso machine wondering why you prefer ims competition basket versus regular basket?
Thanks Mark for this informative video. The filter baskets comes with different capacities (Baristapro offers 6 sizes). Does it affect the extraction time and why?
Hi Chung, You are welcome and thanks for the question. As mentioned in the video I pull doubles almost exclusively. All the Baristapro double baskets have 661 holes. If one were to use the same coffee dose weight and grind size in any of the double baskets timing would likely be about the same. Might be some slight differences due to changes in open space between top of coffee puck and the shower screen. Not mentioned in the vide: Baristapro single baskets are engineered with 269 holes such that the same grind size at half the dose weight used in a double will produce about the same timing in a single basket.
Marc
hi. thanks for the video. I am trying to understand something. are 58 mm portafilters 'better' than narrower portafilters because they let you grind finer? do they simply produce superior espresso with more texture?
very useful video! I think this is the very first one video talking about the portafilters and the filter baskets. I have one question. I am focusing on pulling an italian style espresso with 14g in a filter basket. However, it is hard to pull a espresso with rich of crema and it always looked under-extraction even if I try the grinder from coarse to fine. ( My setup: Lelit Bianca + Ceado E37S and Illy classico blend coffee bean ). Does anyone know what kind of filter basket italian use regularly to pull coffee in a caffe bar ?
Hi IC, Thanks for the comment and question. It's likely the filter basket which came with your machine is very similar to that used at bar in Italy. Lack of crema from an Italian style bean blend is usually due to improper grind size and/or the coffee. Small changes in grind will have a big affect! Illy Classico is 100% Arabica. Arabica coffees are trickier crema producers usually requiring a level of freshness and good technique to get the crema. If crema is what you desire you might try an Italian blend with some Robusta beans in the mix like Lavazza Super Crema: www.wholelattelove.com/products/lavazza-super-crema-whole-bean-espresso-coffee or one of my favorites (and used in this video) Maromas Orphea: www.wholelattelove.com/products/maromas-orphea-whole-bean-espresso
Perhaps you've done this already but if not I'd work at dialing in the grind size. Honestly I'd also go for a larger coffee dose. Here's a video covering dialing in grind and other tips for easy espresso success: ua-cam.com/video/D6lLYgx1Ow4/v-deo.html
Marc
try some fresh roasted beans /5 - 20 days after roast
Hi Marc, thank you for the great video. I have been using mostly the single curved basket for single espresso shots with my ECM. I now understand it would be better to use the double straight basket. What would be the recommended coffee dosage and am I right?
Hi DK, You are welcome and thank you for the question. It's not that you cannot use a single basket it's just they are far more difficult to be successful with on a consistent basis. Don't know what it's like where you are but pulling singles is incredibly rare in my area. Stock ECM double baskets have a capacity of ~18g. Personally I dose in the 17-18g range. If you see an impression of the shower screen in your puck after an extraction you've dosed too much. Hope that helps!
Marc
Hey Marc! Do you still prefer the bowl-bottom baskets over flat-bottom baskets?
Hey Mark,
I'm using my breville barista touch which has 54mm portafilter. I want to ask, can I use more than 18g dose to dial in my espresso or do I keep my dose at 18g and change grind size?
Marc I havee a profitec 700 Pro. I also have all 3 Porto filters and baskets. I even have there ims competition basket. I have a couple of questions 1)can you use and should you use the ims 18/22gram filter basket in you double group Porto filter or is it just for the bottomless Porto filter. 2)how many grams should my double shot in standard basket yeld liquid wise in your clear measuring cup with oz and mil.written on the side I purchased from you yeld. Figuring on 17 grams of espresso
Thanks for the video! Love the great content. What is the stock basket size for the Rocket Appartamento double portafilter? What size basket will the portafilter accomodate? 18g? 20g? Thanks!
Hi PO, Thanks for the kind comment and question. Appartamento comes stock with a single and double basket. Double capacity is ~18g. Portafilter can accommodate up to 22g Baristapro filter basket with a height of 28mm. This one: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-22g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket
Hope that helps!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the quick and helpful answer! Cheers!
Hey Mark! Thanks for the video. A couple of months ago I upgraded my basket to a 20gr barista pro with nano tech. I also changed the group head components (gasket, shower screen and brass holder) on my Gaggia classic pro. I'm getting beautiful shots indeed, however, I did notice that the puck is slightly more wet compared to when I use the basket that the Gaggia came with. What do you think this is due to?
Hi Andrea, Nice performance upgrades! The IMS Nanotech shower screen in the Classic flows nice compared to stock: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ims-nanotech-gaggia-classic-shower-screen
I wonder if larger coffee dose or more clearance between puck and shower screen might be resulting in a slightly wetter puck. Also, are you backflushing with something like Cafiza on a regular basis? Over time coffee gunk and oils build up in the solenoid release plumbing and can restrict water flow off the puck.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage interesting take - I do backflush every couple of weeks with the cafiza, however, I did not take into account the fact that the basket is bigger and thus I may need to up the dose slightly. I've been brewing with 18g pretty much since I got the Gaggia. I'll start using 19g as a test. Will report back with my findings. Thanks, Marc!
Great video! Lots learned.
Can I under fill a basket, meaning for instance filling a triple shot basket with only a dual shot worth of coffee?
May give you a soggy coffee puck afterwards, but should work. Just give it a shot
Hi Thomas, I don't have much experience with severely under filled baskets. But if using a basket rated to 22g capacity loading with 17g is probably fine.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks for answering his question. I just received my naked portafilter and it has a 21gram basket that I want to put 18 grams in. Hoping to not have soupy pucks.
Thanks for the informative video. Quick question, I recently picked up a Breville Oracle Touch. It comes with both Single and Double shot basket but I noticed that the machine is dosing the same amount of coffee about 22g regardless if you choose Single or Double shot. Do you know why and if there if a reason to use the Single Basket? Thanks
Hi g, Thanks for the question. Not sure why you are getting the same amount. I personally do not do single shots so I would not use it.
Marc
Thanks for this video, Marc. Any 51mm IMS baskets? Or do they only make 58mm baskets?
Hi Franco, You are welcome. IMS does make 51mm baskets but not that we carry :(
Marc
Great video again marc, i just bought the 22g IMS precision basket what the min grind dose you think works for the 22g can you get 20-21g and still pull a good shot?
Hi AF, Thanks for the kind comment and good question. Yes, you should be fine with 20-21g in basket rated for 22g. Overfilling to the point of leaving an impression of shower screen in coffee puck is not a good idea. About the worse that can happen from under-filling is a maybe a little more water left on the puck when all is done. Hope that helps!
Marc
Marc, "maybe different in the rest of world"....yeah..... Maybe....just maybe.
Great video, man!
Hi DPM, Thanks for th e comment!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Marc, keep those videos coming! I really enjoy them!
Great video! Very interesting point @4:42 about seeing the shower screen indent on the puck. I use a Breville Barista Express Espresso machine at home and have seen this imprint multiple times, I always use 18g with the double basket. how many grams of coffee do you suggest for someone using this machine?
Thanks!
Edit: The Breville Barista Express uses 54mm portafilters
Hi Lauren, Thanks for the comment and question! It's been awhile since I've used a Breville with 54mm baskets like the Barista Express. My guess is capacity depending on coffee used may be less than 18g. If seeing imprint of shower screen I would back off on dose weight until you no longer see an imprint.
Marc
Hi Mark, Great explanation. I use a 7 gr single shot VST basket, and a 18gr. Double shot. The double shot is easy to distribute and tamp, but the single shot a bit messy, as the tampers are not the right size for the smaller cake diameter. Any remedidy/suggestions?
Hi K, Not sure I understand... your single shot baskets have a smaller diameter than your doubles? Outside rim diameter should be the same. I understand singles have a taper towards center, but a proper dose in a single should result in the top of cake being same diameter as in a double basket.
I just received my DUOMO The Eight Distribution Tool. Because I have to set the depth, I would like to use the same basket for my all of my portafilters. So if you had to use the same one all the time, would you go with the Baristapro or the IMS curved? Thank you for the video, it was great, as always!
Hey Dean, Well, there's a bit of personal preference involved. I will say I get great results from the Baristapro baskets. IMS curved are a little more finicky in my experience.
Marc
So informative Mark. Thank you so much for creating these. So if I understand correctly, a double espresso would have about 18 grams of coffee, and a "triple" would have about 22 grams of coffee, is that correct? Thanks again.
@ John Arnold:
IIRC, "classic Italian" measurements are 7, 14 and 21 (single, double, triple). But nowadays it seems people tend to overdose...at least on the American espresso scene (and for a while now).
I use La Marzocco "Strada" baskets and a triple-shot basket in a bottomless (aka: "naked") portafilter to make my morning Lattes. I'm not that fussy about the "minutiae" when it comes to espresso, so the Strada baskets are fine for me. My tamper is a wood/stainless-steel Cafelat 58mm "VST" (58.3mm?) -- fits the Strada basket's diameter perfectly...
Bsides, I don't think I have the "cultured palate" for appreciating the nuances of taste that others possess, so prosumer-class equipment and a basic-intermediate skill at making espresso will do...until I can take a professional Barista class somewhere in the future! ;-(
-- BR
Hi John, Thanks for the comment and question. I recommend 17g for doubles because that's about what most stock 58mm double baskets will hold when filled and leveled prior to compressing the coffee. But, doubles can range from 14g (traditional Italian) to 19g+ (average barista dose according to SCA). I consider anything 21g or over a triple.
Marc
Hi Mark, would the 20mm NT fit a ECM’s Mechanika V Slim stock
I really want a dedicated video and research on the single-dose baskets out there.
I'm currently using the La Marzocco 7g + 41mm tamper and funnel for precise dosing in the middle of the basket with somewhat good results.
Although this is nothing you asked for: I recommend you use a double basket. I have used a single basket for a long time and switching to the double basket made things way easier. The things you can do wrong are way less (e.g. 0.1 gram difference in coffee is way worse on 7g than on 17g)
You have to get used to drink more espresso at once (for me it's ~35 ml per shot) but it will give you way more consistent shots
Hi J, With you 100%!
Marc
Hey Marc! I am upgrading the OEM filter basket of the Classika to an IMS. I typically tamp the puck with my distributor only (same as I saw you like to do) and my experience says that is totally valid. Q: given that distributors get a super flat surface, should I avoid curved bottom IMS baskets to keep puck thickness commonality at all times or you believe that is irrelevant?? Thanks!
Hi AM, Thanks for the comment and question. IME it's irrelevant. All kinds of variables involved but I see little difference with a flat puck surface in a curved basket. One thing that is a bit different is you'll likely use a slightly finer grind in the IMS vs the stock basket.
Marc
Fantastic ! Thank you!!
I do have 2 questions..of i may
1- how do you know if there is enough coffee in the basket ?
2- I noticed that my best espresso shot was when the stream was wider, coming out of my bottomless..
But I don't know how I did that and don't know how to do it again..
Thanks !!
Hi Eric, You're welcome!
1. Many baskets have a ridge line on the side wall of the basket which indicates a normal fill level after the coffee is compressed/tamped. You can use a little less or more with no problem. Just try to be consistent with the amount you use. If you see an impression of the shower screen in the coffee puck after an extraction you used too much coffee.
2. Bottomless shots are tricky but an excellent tool for improving your technique. Producing a good bottomless shot requires control of variables... being consistent with each from shot to shot. So get the grind size right, use the same coffee dose, good distribution in filter basket, level tamp with same pressure, controlling brew temperature etc.
Marc
Hi Marc - Great stuff as always. I bought the appartamento + the jack leveler from you guys. Noticing channeling. At least 3-5 holds. Any suggestions? What is the stock basket size on appatamento? I am using 17g/34g. Any suggestions to improve my extraction. Since I have the jack leverler, i dont tamp. Thanks
Hi TF, Thanks for the comment, question and your patronage! Stock double basket runs 16-18g capacity depending on coffee type. Towards the higher end for lighter roast specialty coffees and lower for darker roast blends. If you see any impression of the shower screen in the puck after an extraction you've exceeded the basket capacity. If not already doing so be sure and run a short cooling flush prior to an extraction to remove over-heated brew water. Without a cooling flush, in most cases the coffee will be hit by an initial shot of steam and over-heated water which increases chance of channeling. With the Jack set the depth as deep as possible without the depth adjustment slipping when spinning.
Hope that helps!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks Marc.
I would like to learn to do singles with the nanotech. I have one but the Asso distribution/tamping tool doesn't work with it. Otherwise my go-to is the nano 20g basket. I normally dose it to 19.2-19.5 grams of coffee.
Hi SS, I don't do singles but the Baristapro single baskets are much nicer than most stock single baskets as the dont have the heavy internal ridge.
Marc
Liked the video. Interesting though, no mention in the video even of the existence of 51 mm or 49 mm baskets, which are the most commonly used pf sizes in most lever espresso machines - and which, though "niche" machines, are decidedly not low-end appliance machines! (In fact, I bought both of my Gaggia Factory 106 lever machines from you in 2007 or 2008 - and both, with their 51mm baskets, are still going strong!) I almost exclusively use naked PFs in my two machines, ever since having two extra PFs "cut" just a few years after purchasing the machines. I don't think I've used the stock dual spout PFs more than a handful of times since then. I recently "retired" one of the "cut" naked PFs and replaced it with a "straight wall" naked PF so that I could experiment with a triple basket, as the triple baskets don't fit into "cut" PFs due to the slightly too small "cutout" hole. Can't say I've yet noticed any real improvement in the cup when using the triple basket, but I'm still experimenting with it - and enjoying the experimentation...
Hey Richard, Sorry I did not mention. And thank you for your patronage! As you're well aware 58mm is most common in commercial style non-lever machines. A few high-end machines like Dalla Corte use 54mm baskets. And yes, levers are a bit niche so I did not get into those. But they are most definitely not appliance grade! Those smaller lightweight aluminum baskets with lower capacity are the norm on the appliance grade machines and they are almost always pressurized to allow for use of subpar grind or pre-ground coffee.
Marc
Thanks for the video! I purchased a cheap non-pressurized filter to use with my entry level Delonghi. I’m definitely getting a better espresso out of it but I’m noticing coffee grinds in the espresso. Is this something I can reduce with tamping pressure/grind size or is it due to a low quality filter ? (Holes too wide?)
Hi Jonathan, Thanks for the question. I have not used a non-pressurized basket in an entry-level appliance grade product. I suspect the holes are too big and allowing some grind through. I doubt tamping pressure would do much and if you change grind size you will change your espresso quality.
Marc
Hi Marc. Great video. Thanks. What basket would you recommend for a Gaggia Classic (standard portafilter) please ? Would an IMS Nanotech 18g basket work well for double shots ? Thanks, Dave.
Hi Dave, Thanks for the comment and question. Yes, the Nanotech 18g works well with the Classic. Be aware you may need to grind a hair finer than with the Classic's stock basket.
Marc
Hey Marc, amazing easy information,
I own a Smeg ecf01 espresso coffee machine, and I think it haves 51mm filter, do you know is there is a bottomless portafilter and non-pressurized filter?
Thanks for the help!
Hi JR, Thanks for the kind comment. I am not aware of a bottomless for that machine. One might exist but my guess it would be made be 3rd party manufacturer as I'm fairly certain that machine was designed for pressurized basket only.
Marc
Solid video! On the Breville Barrista machine using the standard single shot basket, I find that the the basket frequently 'sticks' when I remove the portafilter so I then have to struggle with wedging it out. Any thoughts?
Hey RB, Thanks for the comment. Sticking basket happens to me even on higher-end prosumer level machines. One should always leave their portafilter attached to the machine when not in use so it stays warm. But when attaching lock it in loosely to prevent sticking. Also, keep the group gasket and filter basket clean. Coffee oils/residues can be kinda sticky. On many machines I'll switch out the stock rubber group gasket to silicone which is a bit more supple and less likely to grab the basket rim and cause sticking. Unfortunately I'm not aware of silicone gaskets available for the Breville Barista.
Marc
Hey Marc, thanks for all the information. Got a question on bottomless portafilters for you. I've seen them where the bottom edge of the portafilter is almost even with the bottom of the basket and then some where the portafilter is much deeper, with the bottom edge well below the basket. Aside from the former providing easier visual access to the bottom of the basket, does this make any difference? Are there any other considerations that would help determine which bottomless filter is better than another or is there one you recommend in the 51mm size?
Hi EA, You are welcome for the info! More metal in the portafilter = more heat retention. It's rare, but I've run into a few bottomless PF's which limit the size of the filter basket used as the bottom curvature prevents use of triple shot 22g capacity rated baskets. If you want to do triples - common when pulling naked extractions make sure the PF you choose will accommodate the depth of the filter basket. Unfortunately I have no recommendations for 51mm. Overwhelming majority are made for standard 58mm commercial size with a few available for 54mm.
Marc
Hi Marc, as usual, another helpful video. Can it be possible that there is a basket from IMS that can fit the Breville Barista Touch portafilter the same as you show at 6:57?
Hi AA, Thanks for the kind comment and question. The Barista Touch uses a 54mm filter basket. To the best of my knowledge IMS does not make a 54mm which fits the Barista Touch. :(
Marc
Whole Latte Love sad to here this. Thanks for the reply. Any suggestions?
I have a ecmp50 and I'm wondering if i can switch to a nonpressurized basket?
Hello, great video, many thx! I`m using a 15-16g dose, sometimes 18g, and i`m looking for a basket for Gaggia Classic Pro. VST baskets are out of my bugdet. can u please recommend one basket to go for? IMS seems like an option but it's pretty confusing with all the sizes and styles...I`m planning to buy a bottomless portafilter to go with it. Also, i got a 58mm tamper. With the stock basket from Gaggia, this one is a little small, should have bought a 58.3-4mm. Should i change the tamper also? Many thanks again!
Hi AD, Thanks for the question. Here's a selection of filter baskets from BIT, Barista Improving Taste: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets?_=pf&pf_v_brand=Barista%20Improving%20Taste
The "BoB" line are lower cost precision baskets designed by former Italian Cup Tasting Champion and manufactured by IMS. For your dose I'd select the 18g BoB filter basket currently $15: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets/products/barista-improving-taste-bob-filter-basket-18g
Here's the Gaggia Bottomless PF which includes a 21g triple shot basket: www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-bottomless-portafilter
For a tamper, this BIT tamper is 58.6mm and designed to work in tandem with the BoB filter basket: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bit-espresso-tamper
Hope that helps!
Marc
Hi Marc - Just started using a VST 20 / bottomless PF / Silvia / Rocky grinder. Amazing taste improvement, but extractions are very from the center and going watery before achieving 2oz. I use a PF funnel while grinding which leaves an indentation around the periphery and shake / bump the PF to fill the ridge and to settle the Rocky's somewhat clumpy grind. Since the VST is flat should I be using a domed tamper instead of the flat one I have? Any other tips? Thanks so much.
Hi Vic, Filter baskets can make a big difference! If finding your shots are developing mostly from center I think a convex based tamper would only increase that tendency. Convex leaves you with thinner coffee bed in center of puck so less resistance to flow there. I don't use the Silvia much but I wonder what your water distribution looks like from the shower screen. Do you get a nice even drip from all areas of the screen? Or does it focus toward the center. If using the stock screen and flow is center focused you might consider upgrading to an IMS screen. They tend to give a more even distribution of water onto the puck leading to a more dispersed/even flow through all areas of the puck. Here's the screen for Miss Silvia: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ims-nanotech-bezzera-rancilio-shower-screen
Another thought (and perhaps something you are already aware of) Be sure you're not hitting your puck with overheated flash boiling brew water. That blast of steam can blast through the coffee!
Hope that helps!
Marc
Hey Marc, great video, as always!
I have one question: do you know any double spout portafilter (fitting for the Rocket R91) which can take a 20g+ basket?
No problem with the bottomless, but i want to devide the amount of coffee for two cups.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Bob, Thanks for the comment and question. You are in luck! I have an R Nine One in the studio and I can confirm the Baristapro 20g basket fits in the double spouted portafilter and locks into the group normally. This one: www.wholelattelove.com/products/baristapro-20g-nanotech-precision-portafilter-basket
I checked the 22g and it's a little too tall.
Hope that helps!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thx alot, you are great!
Hello Marc,
Good video. I have a Breville Bambino Plus and I would like to know what bottomless basket and portafilter do you recommend.
Thank you,
Alex
Hi AH, Thanks for the question. As far as I know there is no recommended bottomless PF for the Bambino. It's designed to work with a pressurized filter basket and bottomless PFs are not pressurized.
Marc
Good Afternoon Marc! I recently just got into the making my own espresso game. We purchased a Delonghi EC702 (after watching this makes me feel I may have chosen wrong), I am wanting to use a bottomless setup, but it seems that my model is one of the small baskets? Could you please help and recommend a Portafilter and basket for us? When I look for measurements it seems to be 51mm IN and 58ID? I think. any help would be appreciated, because I am able to find loads of 58mm items, but not so much 51, so its making me think I am not doing something correctly. Thanks ahead of time, I am a new Subscriber and have been binge watching lots of video's , you are very knowledgeable and thorough keep em coming!
Hey PG, Thanks for the comment and question. So the machine you got is more at the appliance end of espresso makers. Nothing wrong with that if your just learning the ropes. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of bottomless portafilters for your machine. You are right it uses a smaller PF than standard commercial or prosumer level 58mm. That said, there's probably some company out there making a bottomless that'll fit. Honestly it's probably a low demand item. Your machine is designed to use a pressurized filter basket and all bottomless have to use a standard non-pressurized filter basket. Next time around move up to a machine grade product. My favorite premium entry-level machine is the Gaggia Classic Pro. It uses a commercial size 58mm portafilter and comes with both a pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets. Pressurized baskets are normally used with pre-ground coffee so you can make an okay espresso even if you don't have a grinder. Then add a quality espresso focused burr grinder down the road and you can make exceptional espresso in non-pressurized filter baskets. And the GCP can be upgraded with a bottomless portafilter and more. Hope that helps and thanks for subscribing and watching!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you So much Marc for replying, My Wife had mentioned the exact Machine you mentioned, I pulled the trigger to quick and had purchased the Delonghi, and came across your channel after the fact... you win some you lose some, I know better now ;)
Hey. Looking at the IMS Precision 14/20 v the Barista Pro 20g. Why does the IMS give a range but the barista pro does not?
P.s. I’m gonna aim closer to 20g dose for a double ristretto shot.
If I use 18g double shots
Should I be buying 18g basket
Or can I get a 19-20g basket which allows me option for higher dose
Do you need a special basket for a bottomless portafilter?
How does the shot flavor from a portafilter (from something like the entry level Gaggia) compare to a superautomatic?
Hi JK, Thanks for the question. One can do potentially better quality with a semi-automatic (portafilter) than a super-automatic bean to cup machine. But, It does take a bit of skill/knowledge, a decent grinder and of course a good coffee to get there. Super-autos offer consistent convenience. If you can push a button and set the grinder to fine that's about all you need to know.
Marc
Does IMS have a single shot filter basket?
Hello! Can you help me out ?
i am very new to this espresso world and i bought a very cheap home machine , philco 15 bar which came with a pressurised basket - but it doesn't "locks" in the portafilter, if i put the basket in the portafilter and turn it upside down, it falls... and i noticed that more professional portafilters has this wire inside... i want to know how does is work, how to put this wire in and out , so i could adapt my portafilter over here somehow... can you give me some explanation about this ?
Hi Marc and thanks for your video! I'm an absolute beginner and want to buy my first espresso machine. Can't decide between the Solis Barista Gran Gusto and the Gaggia Classic Pro. But my question is... you have mentioned the IMS Baristapro Nanotech and afterwards for naked portafilters the IMS competition. Where the difference or how should I use these ones? Couldn't I use the Baristapro with a naked portafilter? Sorry for the newbie questions :)
Hi Stefan, You are welcome for the video. Yes you can use any of the filter baskets in naked portafilters. I suggest starting with the Baristapro and getting your technique down before trying a competition basket which are less forgiving of technique problems.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks for your help! 😊
I just purchased a portafilter for delonghi stilosa and finding that I'm not getting a good extraction. I'm not getting any crema. What am I doing wrong?
Hey Marc,
Two questions. I have a Profitec Pro 800. I'm thinking about switching out one or more of the Stock Baskets for IMS Baristapro. I read in an earlier comment I may be capped at the 20g Basket. Is that only for the Single and Double Portafilters or including the Naked Triple Portafilter? Secondly do you know the size of the Stock Triple Basket and do you sell Naked Portafilters for the Pro 800 as I only see Pro 300-700 on the website? I appreciate all your videos and information. Thank you.
Hi Randy, Thanks for the questions. The parts diagram list the stock triple capacity at 21g. I have a Pro 800 in the studio and just tried the 22g Baristapro filter basket in the Pro 800 stock bottomless. It fits without issue. We do not carry an individual bottomless for the Pro 800 - probably because it comes with one and that portafilter will not fit other Profitec machines. Hope that helps!
Marc
Hey Marc!
Im looking for the bottomless portafilter holder (not basket) but couldnt find the one made from gaggia. I found the brand called CAPFEI(58mm) but not sure if this is compatible with Gaggia new classic.
Is there any of your recommended brands ?
Hey ck oh, here's the bottomless made by Gaggia: www.wholelattelove.com/collections/portafilters-and-filter-baskets/products/gaggia-bottomless-portafilter
Marc
What is the most important to upgrade first on a machine such as the Gaggia Classic; the shower screen, or the basket? Thank you in advance
Hi OONTC, Thanks for the question. I'd go with the shower screen first: www.wholelattelove.com/products/ims-nanotech-gaggia-classic-shower-screen Then choose a basket which fits your brewing needs.
Marc
Is there a sizeable difference between the various brands of precision baskets? At least one that a new home barista could tell? I see there is VST, IMS, Pullman and probably others I'm not aware of
Hey Toby, There are differences - not sure if a newbie would notice.
Some differences:
Flow rate through the basket. Depending on number, size and placement of holes in the basket the flow rate will change. Most precisions basket have a higher natural flow rate so grind needs to be a little finer
Shape of side wall. Some are vertical while others may have a slope toward the center.
Shape of bottom: Some flat, some have a curve
Coatings. Some have coatings which make them easier to clean and less likely to get dirty in first place. BaristaPro Nanotech baskets have a quartz coating - so kinda like a non-stick pan.
Hi Marc,
I just found this video after starting to get information about coffee baskets. My girlfriend and I have a Cafe Roma from Breville (pretty basic yes) and we are trying to get better shots. We bought a Breville Grinder (Dose Control) to get better at it and next step, I think we should change our basket. We currently have a double pressurized basket (the one that comes with the machine). Do you know where we could buy a good 51mm non pressurized basket ? Or maybe changing the portafilter ? Any ideas on how to get a good non pressurized basket for the Roma ? Thank you !
Hi m, Thanks for the question. I'm sorry I'm not familiar with the Roma. I did look it up and it is an extreme entry-level appliance espresso maker. I klnow Breville makes non-pressurized 54mm baskets that come with their other machines but I doubt they make a non-pressurized at 51mm. Honestly not certain the Roma would work all that well with a non-pressurized basket. Good on you for the grinder but I believe as you have found the pressurized basket will limit potential quality.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for the answer ! It's pretty rare to see a channel answering questions 2 months after uploading the video, that's great! Also, what would you recommend for a good entry level espresso machine that could replace our current one (the Roma is about 180$ but we are willing to spend more for a good machine.)
Hi Marc,
I just got a Breville Brista Pro and was wondering if you change the stock double filter basket will it make any difference, if so what size and kind to go for? Thank you.
Hi Scott, Thanks for the question. The Barista Pro uses a 54mm filter basket. Upgrading may help. At this time we do not carry any upgrades in 54mm. They can be hard to find!
Marc