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Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions

Recommendations for first time espresso equipment buyers and upgraders.

Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by Bob_McBob on Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:48 am

As detailed at the end of this thread, I'd like to pick up some more double baskets so I can line up a few weighed shots to pull in quick succession. I've been dosing 18g into the original double that came with my Izzo Duetto to good result, so I'd probably like to stick with this, but I am open to ordering some smaller baskets as well.

I know the best thing to do is to order a few and see which ones I like, then order more of those. Unfortunately, I am really limited to one order because of the lousy selection from Canadian stores and ridiculous shipping cost from the States. Apparently nobody has heard of those awesome flat rate Priority boxes SM uses :( I'd like to avoid the mistake I made ordering a Rancilio double that JUST holds 14g and binds on my RB 58mm tamper and was essentially $20 down the toilet.

After looking around, the store that has the widest selection of everything I'd like to get is espressoparts. I am probably going to try the ridgeless LM style double baskets, and I'm open to other suggestions. I'd be ordering 4-6 baskets.

I would also like to get a selection of any miscellaneous espresso accessories I can't easily pick up in Canada. These black bar towels would be a nice change from my coffee-stained white ones. Nicely marked shot glasses like this are very difficult to find here. I'm also going to grab a Bumper tamper seat and perhaps one of their cheap tamping mats (I know, I know, but it's not worth $6 for me to find something else). Finally, they have some nice brushes for grinder clean-up that aren't too horribly priced vs. going to a local art store.

Is there anything else worth picking up in this order? I want to get my money's worth on the shipping, since it's going to cost $45 just for these few tiny items. I am set for cleaning supplies and have a nice tamper, but I don't have much in the way of espresso/cappuccino cups (though I'm sure they would add too much to the shipping). I can't think of much else, but that's why I made this post :)
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Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by caffeinatedjen on Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:34 pm

Hmm...how about steaming pitchers, do you already have enough of those? That really stinks about the shipping, it's not as if Canada is the other side of the earth.
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www.cafelat.com: cafelat (formally bumper) is the world's cup
www.cafelat.com: cafelat (formally bumper) is the world's cup

Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by Bob_McBob on Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:26 pm

I was wondering if anyone would ever reply to my wall of text :D

I am covered for steaming pitchers with a normal 20oz and half size one for individual drinks. As for the original post, I'm finally getting around to ordering the bits and pieces. I was after some ACF cups, and discovered that Great Infusions carries ridgeless PFs as well as the Bodum shot glasses I like for pulling shots. Unfortunately, they don't have much beyond the basic accessories, so I'll hold off on the rest until I see how the PF baskets work out. Their priority rates start lower than espressoparts, and the owner was very helpful and seemed to know his stuff about shipping to Canada (i.e. avoid courier ground services...).

One thing I really need to get is some sort of apron. I got a spritzer all over my shorts when I was fiddling with brew pressure earlier this evening :oops:
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Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by SlowRain on Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:59 am

I love spending someone else's money. How about one of these? Don't forget to add these.

EDIT: Here's a similar question that I asked.
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Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by JmanEspresso on Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:31 am

Basket-wise...

Those ridgeless marzocco style baskets are nice. 20gr doses are possible. The LAST basket on the page, the "Giant, 18gr (synesso) basket) is also a nice basket. Id recommend both of those. Also, the straight sided, 21gr LM triple basket. E-61 12gr & 14gr baskets are nice too.. I like the 12gr baskets for lighter dosed doubles.

IDK if EPNW has the "real" LM single basket... but imo, its the only single basket to use.

If you dont want them all, I suggest both ridgeless baskets and the E-61 baskets. Skipping the 21gr straight sided triple and single wont be the end of the world.

The Rattleware tamping mat, large, is nice... Big size, good for tamping, knocking the steaming pitcher, putting your tamper on.. etc etc.

Pallo Coffeetool and replacement bristles for sure. Trust me, I bought the Urnex Scoopz brush, and I really wish I could just change the bristle.. They can ware out quick if your anal like me. Maybe the Pallo grind-minder too.

Shot timers are always nice. So are thermometers.

Maybe some Joe-glo/Puro-caf/Cafiza.. Some people say Joe-glo doesnt foam as much as cafiza.. The cafiza does foam a decent amount, but it DOES work well.. prob as well as anything else.

OOOOO! An extra group gasket and shower screen. ALWAYS nice to have that on hand when u need it.

the Nuova Point Tulip espresso cups are awesome, Ive got a bunch. I love tulip cups, much more then the "bowl" style.

A bottomless PF? A nice wooden handle for your PF? How about a nice shirt?

And of course a 3-group GB5.
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Link to "Portafilter basket and other accessory suggestions"by Bluecold on Sun Jun 28, 2009 5:48 am

You can also use your old toothbrush as a grouphead brush.
Also, i like microfiber cloths more than towels.
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