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  • #31
    Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

    I, too, was the lucky receiver of the two baskets from Talk Coffee (thanks, Chris!)

    They arrived on Tuesday, just in time to have a good play with them over the next five days, as I managed to score a couple of days leave after ANZAC Day.

    The first thing I did, of course, was to check the holes on both baskets and I was impressed. Every single hole was punched through on both baskets and extremely uniform - a much better job than was on my Musica baskets. After using them for five days straight, none of the holes have clogged up so far.

    One of the reasons I put my hand up for the baskets was because Id discovered that, when I sold my Maver and it was picked up, Pete had managed to give away the Synesso (or was it a VST?) ridgeless that I got with my Pullman Tamper, as well as my blind! > but I hadnt quite got around to replacing it, so saw this as a good win/win solution. For those that ask why it made much of an impact, it is because I find that pucks knock out so much more cleanly with a ridgeless basket, and I missed not having to wipe out the basket to get rid of leftover grinds - just a quick rinse under the tap and away I go!

    I have noticed that I need to grind a bit finer than I did with the NS baskets by one full turn on the Macap - not sure why? Maybe finer holes so more pressure build up? The coffee does come out nice and syrupy, though and seems to be less aerated than from the NS baskets.

    As far as in the cup goes, I havent noticed any major discernable difference, but I guess my pallete isnt as well honed as some peoples may be in that regard. To my way of thinking, to get an accurate comparison, youd have to go to great lengths to ensure everything was exactly the same for two side by side coffees and, with having to adjust the grinder, this would be nigh on impossible - particularly with two rugrats distracting you!

    So, in a nutshell, I have to say that I would have been more than happy to pay the money for these baskets and definitely wouldnt have been disappointed when theyd turned up.

    Much, much better than the supplied NS baskets, thats for sure, particularly when it comes to clean up time!

    Cheers
    Di

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    • #32
      Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

      Ive been using and comparing all three of my 18 gram baskets (EP, LaMarzocco and VST) over the past week, the EP and VST are nicely finished and the LM is a little industrial but to be quite honest there is very little between them when it comes to whats in the cup, I would be quite happy using any one of them, however having said that my preference is still for the LM, only because it knocks out cleaner and easier than either the EP or VST.
      As far as choosing between the EP and VST! there is very little between them, toss a coin.

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      • #33
        Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

        Well I was the lucky last to get in on Chris generous offer and I am the last to post my initial thoughts as per the deal. Ive been a tad busy with work and life in general so havent used the double a great deal and havent yet touched the triple.

        I should also point out that I dont have a lot of experience, having only ventured into the wonderful world of making good coffee around August last year. However, I was keen to take up the offer from Chris as I had been keeping an interest in the various discussions on CS around the various precision baskets and wondered if theyd make a difference for someone like me.

        My final disclaimer is that in my play with the EP baskets so far, I have also changed a couple of other variables from my normal routine including the use of a naked portafilter and a new (to me) Behmor-roasted bean.

        Ive probably highlighted all these disclaimers up front because the end result for me has so far been no discernible change. Ive actually found the double basket (dont use the single) that came with my Rocket Giotto Evo quite good (as compared to the tamp that came with it) and Ive become familiar with it. This familiarity can only come with practice and Im sure it will be the same with the EP baskets, or any other basket for that matter.

        My assessment is if you like to try new things or you have crappy baskets then an EP basket is a pretty inexpensive bit of kit that may provide you with some joy. However, if your coffees are crap now and you think that a new basket will magically solve your problems then you might need to think again!

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        • #34
          Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

          Thanks Jon., Di and xpanner for taking the time to reply in this thread. Im glad that youre experimenting and having fun. Do add any further comments f you feel so inclined.

          Seems they are doing well. Bernard aka Mr Bombora mentioned at MICE that the first shipment sold out in days and he had placed an order for more.

          I have continued to use mine and they have displaced the baskets in my LM at home as well.

          What I was looking for was a ridgeless basket that was better than my Synesso. I am happy that I have found one which suits a variety of dosing strategies and styles and is inclined to forgive rather than penalise. They also fit my Bogav tampers really well.

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          • #35
            Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

            I should state first that I have never used a Synesso nor VST, so I wont comment on comparisons between the performance of those against the EP.

            Got an EP basket from Chris yesterday, and had a play this morning.  Compared it against the light, the holes definitely look very consistent, cant spot any differences by eye.  The VBM basket I have on the other hand, though all punched through, I can already spot by eye a couple of holes that appear smaller than the rest.  The finish of the EP basket is beautiful compared to the VBM though.  I am guessing in therms of polished stainless steel, 180 grit finish on the side walls and 240-360 grit finish on the rest of the basket (no measuring instruments, just guessing).  Read: very nice finish.

            Wont be able to say this too without being accused of biasedness - it fits my tamper very well.  The new Assassins are machined to 58.5 rather than 58.3 and its perfect.  Any 58.5 tampers from other brands will do the same.  Dont know what future batches will be like though, depending if the internal diameter of the basket is part of the precision in the EP baskets.  Having said that, seeing that the holes do not go all the way to the edges of the basket, to a certain extent, I dont believe you need a snug tamper to make this basket work; the risk of channeling is reduced by the positioning of the holes itself.  Also love the straight walls and ridgeless, as this means your tamp will always be pressing on your puck rather than bottoming out on the tapering walls of the basket.  An essential feature if you have tampers machined larger than 58.0mm. 

            Now the important bit: in the cup.  Pulled three shots of double ristretto: 1) EP, 2) VBM, 3) EP.  All shots poured nicely, the second and third poured a tiny pinch better, prob because I didnt purge enough before pulling the first shot - old grinds left in the grinder. Did the milk in one jug so its as fair as I can make it, split before pouring into cups.

            Taste wise: I wouldnt say by a mile, but the EP wins on both counts.  1) & 3) were in my opinion showing floral/spice characteristics a little clearer (Ethiopian Yirgs Special Prep).  2) was great coffee too, but flavour was slightly clouded compared to 1) & 3).  Will I be able to tell the difference if not compared side by side?  Probably not.  But when done so, there is a difference.

            Did a test on the lovely missus too - she didnt see me pull the shots, had no idea what baskets I used for which shots.  She said 1) & 3) are sweeter and were her picks.  So I dont think it was Placebo paying me a visit. Could it be inconsistencies in my dosing/tamping that by fluke favoured 1) & 3)? Maybe.

            So theres my 2c worth.  Compared to the basic baskets, do I think the extra $3 odd for the EP is worth it?  Absolutely, I wouldnt even blink.  Even if I did fluke it and at the end of the day, it doesnt make a difference in the cup, the finish, the straight walls, and the positioning of the holes alone would be worth it. Would I spend up to $25 odd more to get the Synesso or VST?  At this point, no.  If i get a VST for free and shoot it out against the EP, then I can probably give a fairer conclusion, but at this point, its too much more money.

            Gavin.


            Comment


            • #36
              Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

              Hey guys, grabbed 3 of these last week and thought Id share my initial thoughts from working with these over the last 3 days.

              Probably put 20kg through them.  Im using a 3gp Linea, Robur-E, and a super Jolly for Single Origins and Unleaded. No preinfusion, medium roast espresso blend that usually displays heaps of sweetness, dry cocoa and some lovely sharp fruit notes in the background.


              I changed to the ridgeless Synesso baskets a few months ago simply because I felt the massive inner ridge caused some channeling, and there was I believe a definite increase in consistency. 

              The Espresso Parts baskets seem to offer the same level of consistency - but with a few important benefits over the Synessos:

              1) They dont slip out of the PF as easily as the Synesso baskets.  (No more digging in the knock in the knock tube)

              2) They seem to be more solid.  The Synessos would get battered quite easily.  This metal seems tougher.

              3) The cluster of holes is packed a little bit closer to the centre.  I use naked PFs, and I feel this is an advantage when making double piccs or machs or rists etc - the initial drips from the outside of the basket are less likely to miss or dirty the cup - this saves me time so I dont need to hold the cup so high, I can dose the next shot while watching the pour.

              4) I can get more coffee in em. Using the Mazzer timer - I had to add about 10% more to the dose to acheive a similar pour...and a similiarly full basket.  (Note that I reckon you can get about 10% more again in the standard ridged triple baskets that all site sponsers sell). NOTE: I have not weighed the doses - I just went by the doser number and by feel.

              IN THE CUP:  Most importantly there is no real change in the flavour for my customers.   The extra few grams of coffee adds a bit of length to the shot, and I think there may be a bit more BODY in the espresso...but the flavour profile is still the same(As you might expect - after all, these are just holes we are talking about...right  )

              Overall, these are really good solid baskets, they surprised me - I would never go back to the Ridged or the Synessos.

              Ill update again next week after a bit more testing ....Ill try some other familiar origins through these and I will also slip the old baskets in for comparison during quiet times too.





              Comment


              • #37
                Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

                Are any Sydney based sponsors stocking these baskets?

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

                  Originally posted by 1E253A222F384A0 link=1333414508/35#35 date=1339666894
                  IN THE CUP:  Most importantly there is no real change in the flavour for my customers.   The extra few grams of coffee adds a bit of length to the shot, and I think there may be a bit more BODY in the espresso...but the flavour profile is still the same(As you might expect - after all, these are just holes we are talking about...right   )
                  Correct you are Topher. We are not going to tell you that they will turn water into wine, coffee into vodka or any other such waffle. They are just a really good, high-quality ridgeless basket produced to a better standard than Synesso. No more, no less and no PhD required. They are very easy to use.


                  Originally posted by 3122372523500 link=1333414508/36#36 date=1339737390
                  Are any Sydney based sponsors stocking these baskets?
                  Hi Argus- as far as I know, were the only sponsor selling them at this point. $36 will get you a double and a triple via overnight express post- about line ball with the price of one of the others- before you factor in the cost of post.

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

                    Here is my take.
                    I have now had one of these baskets (triple) for 3 days, and have pulled roughly 20 shots on the Silvia.
                    So far, I have to give it a huge nod of approval.
                    My reasoning for needing one of these baskets was for the ridgeless form. I have been suspecting the ridge in my prior triple basket for causing the odd channeling (possibly me being lazy on occasion), and wanted to put the two side by side to see if I could notice anything.

                    So far, not one puck has shown channeling, and I am pleased with the results.
                    Here is a couple of todays extractions.




                    Comment


                    • #40
                      Re: Espresso Parts Precision Baskets

                      Been using the 21g EP baskets on our LM at work and loving them. Weve put our Synesso and VST baskets in storage for a nap. We tested a single EP for a week on our naked and it was heaven to use. Our espresso has improved since we made the switch.
                      Ive got an 18g EP at home for my Minore also 8-)

                      Comment


                      • #41
                        Just wanted to add to this. I've used a few different baskets over the past year. The relevant ones for the purposes of this discussion include:

                        Stock E61 basket
                        Breville BES900 basket
                        Espresso Part Double
                        VST 18g ridge & ridgeless
                        Synesso Double


                        In short, I cant tell the difference in results in the cup. And here's my thoughts on the following aspects:

                        In terms of look: VST ridgeless; the EP basket be next on the list - it would have been nicer to see more holes in the EP basket.
                        In terms of build quality: VST wins here, followed closely by Breville & EP in no particular order. Synesso would probably be last on this list - rough finish, holes around the edge arent fully punched in etc.
                        In terms of ease of use: Synesso + Stock E61

                        Comment


                        • #42
                          My new machine is a Quick Mill Achille 0996 which has been (surprisingly) a witch to tame. With standard double basket installed, shots were restricted to 16 gm or less of grounds. Shots EXTREMELY sensitive to bed preparation, light tamping and especially levelling. After a week or so of continually re-inventing basket preparation using trial and error to prevent channelling, I was getting a good shot most of the time. Not as good as a Cremina will deliver however.

                          I have been using an EP double basket in my new machine for almost a week now. I now prepare the EP basket in the Achille the same way that I do with my Linea. 18 gm...tamp N,S,E and West... level and a hearty tamp straight on...ensure it is level...pre-infuse for 12 seconds...tigerstripe GOLD...every time.

                          Nothing else has changed...just the basket. I bought a second for my Linea but haven't tried it yet...too busy loving the magic from the Achille.

                          I find it hard to believe that a simple basket has been the missing part of this puzzle for me...for this machine...but it has.

                          Thoroughly recommended by this user!

                          Comment


                          • #43
                            Glad you're happy Paolo,

                            We make no promises for the baskets other than that they are a really well made ridgeless basket with very even hole sizes.

                            What I do know is that they certainly don't make getting a perfect cup any harder than it needs to be. I have found them exceptionally forgiving and suitable for a broad spectrum of dosing techniques.

                            I hope you continue to enjoy your new baskets.

                            Chris

                            Comment


                            • #44
                              Originally posted by Talk_Coffee View Post
                              Glad you're happy Paolo,

                              We make no promises for the baskets other than that they are a really well made ridgeless basket with very even hole sizes.

                              What I do know is that they certainly don't make getting a perfect cup any harder than it needs to be. I have found them exceptionally forgiving and suitable for a broad spectrum of dosing techniques.

                              I hope you continue to enjoy your new baskets.

                              Chris
                              VERY happy Chris! Over a week with the new basket now and shots just keep getting better and better. Tigerstipes and lots of crema every time. As I get to know the Achille I am experimenting with pre-infusion here and there and can honestly say that since the new basket I have pulled an excellent shot each time without exception.

                              They are a very forgiving basket that should be included with every Quick Mill Achille 0996 sold IMHO. Best money I could have spent to raise standard of shots from unpredictable to exemplary...they are only $13 each!!!

                              Comment


                              • #45
                                Just put an order in for a pair of these...will see how they compare to my 5yo Bezzera baskets :P

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