Portafilter and Baskets

[wattgn]

Are naked portafilters worth getting for the BES900s?

I have to say I have never used one and don't want to. They are for the very particular people who want to see what is going on with the pour.

If you are that fussy I would get a decent machine and grinder first before paying out for a naked portafilter which is worth half the cost of your machine. You also need to check what portafilters will run on it. Portafilters are made in different diameters with different lug offsets so I'm sure someone here can help you.

[ultrasuede]

Are naked portafilters worth getting for the BES900s?

[wattgn]

I think there were a few factors with me. The standard handle is lovely with Wega logo embossed on the chrome end. It is also brass which I like better than Stainless and brass is an awesome conductor of heat. The portafilter curves so it throws the puck out easier too and finally the spout is broader so it doesn't spray water. I accept extraction may be less but it tastes just fine.

[Jono_Willmer]

I've tried to use the existing baskets on a few of my machines, but always ended back with the naked and vst baskets, maybe I just don't give the stock baskets enough time and never dialed them in well enough, but they didn't seem to be better so I went back.

[wattgn]

I bought a Pesado SS handle and an IMS basket a year ago and have been using it since then.

I then decided to go back to my Wega standard baskets and portafilters.

The Pesado with a nice wooden handle does look nice but the spout is narrow and so it will spurt water out of an HX machine when cooling for a shot. Not a big issue.

In fact I like the Pesado. Nice.

I also have an IMS 18gram basket and ironically that lead to the purchase of the Pesado as the IMS 18 gram Basket was too deep.

I have now gone back to the very nice brass Wega handle and standard basket. Yeah I like it. I also like brass in the handle as it holds the heat nicely and the spout is nice and wide so it doesn't ever spray water.

I understand the theoretical advantages with these high technology baskets but honestly, I'm happier just with the standard handle.

Anyone else here been through the same journey and gone back?