What should my inventory of portafilter baskets include?

[jmatt]

I'm getting a new E61-based HX machine, and I plan on getting the Rancilio bottomless portafilter.

Which (& how many) portafilter baskets should I own?

I currently make double espresso's only. About 20% of the time I drink it as espresso. 80% of the time it becomes a latte.

I make 1 drink about 25% of the time. I make 2 drinks about 50% of the time. I may make 3-4 drinks the other 25%.

I currently own an old, cheap, crappy machine with only one portafilter and one double basket (the single basket never sees the light of day).

What should I get for a basic inventory of portafilter baskets? Any particular vendor of choice?

[another_jim]

I like the stock E61 baskets for ristretto singles and doubles, and the LM single and double (real thing with ridges) for normale singles and doubles. The single LM will require a 48mm tamper to tamp the inner basket (or the LM tamper has one on the other end). This was true for my Tea and has held up on the Elektra.

[HB]

I like to experiment with different baskets, although most of the time I use the stock Faema-style baskets. In addition to the Faema-style and LM doubles, I would recommend picking up a triple basket or the 18 grams ridgeless that EPNW has on special right now (the so-called "Synesso baskets"). They're good for the days when you want a seriously punchy cappuccino, or wish to post eye-bulging crema videos.

Since you have your wallet out, it's also nice to have a few extras so you can remove the portafilter clip and "drop in" baskets for (a) measuring the dose using a precise scale on days you're feeling anal, and (b) preparing drinks in rapid succession. Then again, you may wish to wait on extras until you decide on your favorite basket (I don't have favorite baskets, just "different" baskets).

[jmatt]

Thanks for the replies. I have some easy follow-up questions:

Does "LM" mean La Marzocco? Is the standard "Faema" type basket what espressoparts calls the "Standard Double Portafilter Basket" (F-870)?

I've read all the threads, but I still don't get it: What's the difference between ridged and ridgeless? Will the tamper simply fit further down in a ridgeless? What's the benefit?

Sorry to be so dense, but having never seen these products in person, it's hard to discern the differences.

Thanks

[DigMe]

I'm enjoying the LM ridgeless double but then again my only basket I had before that was the standard Gaggia double.

bc

[HB]

Does "LM" mean La Marzocco? Is the standard "Faema" type basket what espressoparts calls the "Standard Double Portafilter Basket" (F-870)? What's the difference between ridged and ridgeless? Will the tamper simply fit further down in a ridgeless? What's the benefit?

A1. Yes. A2. Yes. A3. The ridged baskets are held in more tightly by the portafilter retainer clip; they also provide a nice level indicator, or get in the way of your tamper, depending on your point of view. A4. Depends on how tightly the tamper fits, and whether the ridged basket is an "innie" or "outie". Most are outies. A5. I use both and have no strong preference.

[jmatt]

A1. Yes. A2. Yes. A3. The ridged baskets are held in more tightly by the portafilter retainer clip; they also provide a nice level indicator, or get in the way of your tamper, depending on your point of view. A4. Depends on how tightly the tamper fits, and whether the ridged basket is an "innie" or "outie". Most are outies. A5. I use both and have no strong preference.

You da man!!!! Thanks!

[cannonfodder]

left to right...
ridgeless single, ridgeless double (Gaggia Achille), ridge double (Faema sytle), ridgeless La Marzocco double, 51 mm La Pavone double.

[RapidCoffee]

What's the difference between ridged and ridgeless? Will the tamper simply fit further down in a ridgeless? What's the benefit?

Another nod towards ridgeless baskets. With a ridgeless basket, you can leave the portafilter locked into the grouphead until you're ready to pull the shot. Since there's no ridge to get caught on the spring clip, you grind/dose/distribute/tamp into the filter basket, and then slip it gently into the portafilter. This is very convenient, especially for multiple shots, and makes it easier to maintain a level tamp.

I use my 14g ridgeless doubles for the majority of my pulls these days. And yes, you can get just as good a pour from a ridgeless.
________
John