SWR Senior Member Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 80 Location: San Diego Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: QM Anita Grinder: Mazzer Mini E
Posted Sat Oct 14, 2006, 10:09am Subject: Let's talk PF baskets!
Who's using what PF baskets these days?
I'm curious to know who's using stock vs. other baskets (e.g., LM ridged and/or ridgeless). Single, double, or triple?
Lately I've been thinking of changing my stock QM Anita baskets for something deeper like the LM so I can get more puck clearance. If I updose to 18g with the stock double basket, the puck comes into contact with the screen.
Posted Sat Oct 14, 2006, 12:53pm Subject: Re: Let's talk PF baskets!
I've been using ridgeless baskets exclusively - and those seem to only be aftermarket. I have several ridgless doubles from all over and 2 ridgeless triples from Espresso Source (those are the only ridgeless triples I could find - and even then only after posting on a forum looking). Ridgeless baskets allow me to use a PF spring and knockbox but the baskets still slip in easily with no "click" to upset a puck.
This works best for me because I prefer to prepare my shot in the basket alone while the PF stays in the group.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,650 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Sat Oct 14, 2006, 5:00pm Subject: Re: Let's talk PF baskets!
Right now, the best basket I've ever used has to be the Synesso double basket. It's what I've been using for half a year now, and until something better comes along (and I'm hoping it will at some point, because there's a lot of work to do in baskets), it's got features I find valuable in proper extraction:
the steel used is thicker than most other filter baskets I have (and I have about 200), so less flex from tamping or pump pressure.
the hole pattern seems more consistent and less random than other baskets
the placing of the hole pattern overall is well centred in the bottom of the filter basket - LM baskets seem all over the map these days in this regard
there are no initial plugged holes in the filter baskets (I'd say about 50% of the filter baskets I have would show some manufacturing defects in the filter holes - some are simply not pressed all the way through)
almost all the filter holes are an even size to the naked eye - can't say the same about the 2 dozen or so LM double baskets I have.
Filter baskets need a LOT of work though. We're still using early 20th century technology in these things - time to really rethink things like
materials used
design size
more precise hole cutting, placement and orientation
creating a more "matrix" design methodology to the holes themselves (ie, perhaps have groupings of different precice hole sizes)
structural integrity of the baskets.
And a lot more.
But until this happens, the Synesso Cyncra double basket is my primary choice.
Mark PS For singles, I'm still rocking the LM single - which is a great single basket.
P.S. On a side note, I'll be at the HostEx Show 2006., Canada's largest hospitality trade show today. It starts @ 10:00am in 2¼ hrs & I'll be meeting/seeing Brad Ford, Canada's Intelly rep & Wicked Cafe owner. {:-D
HostEx 2006 International Centre Toronto, Ontario., Canada
Sunday, October 15 10:00am - 6:00pm. Monday, October 16 10:00am - 6:00pm. Tuesday, October 17 10:00am - 4:00pm.
There will be a Clover at the show & Brad's bringing a new La Spaziale Vivaldi S1!
Rumor has it that one of Alistar Durie's of the Elysian Room, crew (Matt) will be opening a shop in Toronto! {:-)
Looks like we need to get a group buy going to put together an order over $50 because orders under that amount are subject to a $15 handling fee. I would be in for 3 doubles and 2 triple baskets, anyone else interested in pitching in together?
OK - that's enough for me to contact Synesso - so I sent them a note and offered to buy some baskets. I'll keep you updated (and I will have a few extra so please chime in if anyone else is interested)
Posted Sun Oct 15, 2006, 8:17am Subject: Re: Let's talk PF baskets!
Hi Jon,
Just the other day I was thinking that it was about time to pick up a few new baskets. These Synesso ones sound like they'd be worth trying. If you've got one or two extra doubles and/or and extra tripple, I'll gladly purchase a few from you. Many thanks for coordinating this.
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 