Espresso Machine Baskets Explained 

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

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!

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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!!!

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

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!

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

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.

Merry Christmas James

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

Haha this is a fun coincidence. I just bought Christmas present for my sister from Tim Wendelboe. :D i hope she like it

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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...

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! 🙂

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.

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.

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

“He left annoyed which has me embarrassingly delighted” is the most British phrase I’ve heard in a long time! lol great video!

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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)

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

Excellent video. Just what I was looking for!

The look on James’ face when he says … well, delighted! Brilliant

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.

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

Informative, brief. Appreciated James.

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 :)

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.

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 :)

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

"...and that left me... embarrassingly... delighted." Sir, this is why I love your videos

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.

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.

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

impeccable explanations as always. Another great video

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.

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.

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!

Amazing content. Thanks for all the education

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.

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.

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

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!!!

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.

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.

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!

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).

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.

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.

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.

This was the inspiration I needed to get a new fancy basket

Who votes for a Gaggia Classic Pro full review?

I would of loved to be in the room when James made that espresso for Tim 🤣🤣

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 😁🤙🏼

I needed this one. Thanks James :)

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.

Is there a huge difference between 54 & 58mm portafilters? Is one better than the other? Please help. Thank you.

Excited to watch this content!

As a Norwegian, I had never heard of Tim Wendelboe, which probably shows how much of a novice I am when it comes to coffee....I found this video very helpful.