What is the problem is we overdose a filter basket?

[kwongheng]

Hi all,

I have an expobar leva with a standard 2 spout portafilter from expobar. According to the distributor, the double filter basket is only rated for 14 grams. However, I have been dosing 18 to 20 grams on them, plus the puck gets an impression from the shower screen. The main reason I am dosing 18-20 grams is that most of the specialty coffee recipe calls for 18-20 grams.

Is it okay to cotinue overdosing with this filter basket? Recently, I am gettting weird consistency problems such as grinding finer will increase flow rate instead of slowing it down. Is this common when overdosing a filter basket?

Kelvin

[herzog]

You can go above 14, but you need to leave a little headspace above the grounds for the brew water to disperse properly.

If you're hitting the screen at 18g maybe try a little less like 16.

[chippy]

Hi Kwon, a new filter basket would give you a bit more room to manouvre. Most site sponsors would carry them. I have a 14 gr and an 18 gr from Talk Coffee, only use the 18 gr with21 grs (usually). Both for $30 from memory. John

[chippy]

Hi Kwon, the finer grind faster pour sounds like channeling to me, a naked pota filter would help to check this. Naked porta filters are a popular / useful tool, you can purchase or convert one you have, just cut out the bottom section out of the porta filter with a holesaw but only if you are confident to do so. The larger basket I spoke of is listed as 18/21gms or as a triple basket. Somewhere on this site there is mention of a 5 cent test, you place a 5 cent coin on top of you tamped grinds, insert porta filter as normal then remove porta filter if there is a depression under the coin --- too much coffee, no depression--- is good. hope this helps John

[kwongheng]

Hi all,

Thanks all for the reply. Yeah, I found out that 18 g is way too much. The maximum dose is about 16-17 g depending on grind size.