jone9081 wrote:Hi Dano, you've inspired me to lighten my dose in the double basket a bit. I'll try the 12 instead of 16 and see how it works for me.

I routinely dose between 11 and 12 gms. and the shots are always yummy! It has also helped to make sure the group bell is at around 180° and the grind fairly loose so the pour is nice and even with firm, but not hard, resistence. Sweet Maria's "New Classic Espresso" is my go-to blend and is always satisfying.

DanoM wrote:Here's my current methodology, and it works quite well for me.

• I use the MCAL basket these days, loaded with 12g.
  
  
  It's a pretty good machine once you learn how to work with it! Enjoy.

@danoM - What is the MCAL basket?

Thanks for the tip

RioCruz wrote:I routinely dose between 11 and 12 gms. and the shots are always yummy! It has also helped to make sure the group bell is at around 180° and the grind fairly loose so the pour is nice and even with firm, but not hard, resistence. Sweet Maria's "New Classic Espresso" is my go-to blend and is always satisfying.

11-12 grams would barely come up to half of my basket once I tamp it. I usually fill it so 2/3 of the basket is filled 16-18 grams.

roanjohn wrote:@danoM - What is the MCAL basket?

Thanks for the tip

Elektra microcasa a leva 49mm basket
http://www.orphanespresso.com/Elektra-A ... _1533.html

Thanks @shawndo!

shawndo wrote: Elektra microcasa a leva 49mm basket
http://www.orphanespresso.com/Elektra-A ... _1533.html

Also in stock at a great price from Stefano:
http://www.espressocare.com/products/it ... ble-basket

Note the important caveat about it not quite fitting some stock LP portafilters. If you're bottomless there should be no issue.

I am surprised you are able to get 18 grams into the stock double basket and only fill it halfway. Something isn't right there. Are you weighing with a .1 gram scale after you grind your beans?

I find 16 grams to be about the max my La Pavoni Pro likes with the MCAL basket which I also bought from Stefano and highly recommend. Are you weighing your output in grams, too? you mentioned 1.5 ounces by volume but grams would be good to know and allows you to shoot for a weight ratio that works for you.

I have a first gen Europiccola, so not a Pro as the OP is asking about, but...yeah, I get the best results for my taste with 14g in the stock double basket. The PF easily holds an MCAL double basket but I never like those shots as much.

Yeah, on my MCAL basket 12g only fills it to half when tamped. That's not a problem though. By the time the group has depressurized I still have a nice dry puck, the group screen and surrounding area stays far cleaner too.

rittem1 wrote:I am surprised you are able to get 18 grams into the stock double basket and only fill it halfway. Something isn't right there. Are you weighing with a .1 gram scale after you grind your beans?

I find 16 grams to be about the max my La Pavoni Pro likes with the MCAL basket which I also bought from Stefano and highly recommend. Are you weighing your output in grams, too? you mentioned 1.5 ounces by volume but grams would be good to know and allows you to shoot for a weight ratio that works for you.

18 grams will be about 2/3 of the way full. 16 grams at half or a bit more than half. I know for sure 12-14 is a bit low. And I have the pro model so it is with the 51 mm basket. Not sure if that is different from the 49 version.