cafeIKE wrote:Repeat after me : Pucks are compost.

Sometimes they're building materials too!

Update:

I've changed a couple of things about how I dose, and it's made a big difference to the shot-to-shot consistency. First, I bought a 500 x 0.1g scale, and removed the spring clip from my bottomless PF for easy basket removal. I settled on 18g for doubles in my original Izzo basket. There is lots of head space in the basket, but I can see an impression of the dispersion screen on the puck when it's finished.

I also completely changed the way I distribute the grinds with the doser on my M4. In the past, I was just grinding enough coffee for a double, then dosing it out in a couple of sweeps. I realized this would be much more effective if I constantly dosed into the PF basket as I ground, which I've been doing ever since. I end up with a nice mound of fluffy grinds that I flatten/distribute with my finger and tamp.

Now that I've eliminated some of the variables, I can dial in the grind a lot more easily and get nice consistent pours. I still get more blonde gushers than I'd like, but things have improved to the point that I'm able to make milk drinks without worrying about watching every shot like a hawk.

I am still interested in picking up some other PF baskets. My main motivation now is to be able to line up a few pre-dosed shots and pull them back to back, instead of dosing, weighing, adjusting, weighing, etc. for every shot. I'll probably order from somewhere like espressoparts so I can pick up a few other assorted items at the same time. Can anyone suggest a good basket to continue my 18g dosing? I just don't want to end up with another useless basket like the Rancilio.

Check this one:

http://stores.shop.ebay.ca/CAFFE-FORTE_ ... mit=Search

Shipping fees are reasonable.

Thanks, that is a good option if I just skip the other bits and pieces I was thinking of getting. They're described as Le Marzocco ridgeless doubles, but I'm not sure they are the same as the ones espressoparts sells (though neither are actually LM products). I've read the espressoparts one holds 19-20 grams updosed, like the double basket I'm using right now, which is what I'm looking for. Do you have any experience with the ebay ones?

The seller is pretty helpful and offered to ship 4 or 5 in a small flat rate priority box.

Ian's aked all the pertinant questions, but if I may I like to suggest a basket as wello. My espresso (with my Anita) improved significantly after purchasing a couple of Synesso baskets..a double and triple.
Not being an engineer, I can only speculate the hole pattern matched my distribution/tamping style.
Just make sure your tamps are level.Even more importantly, have a CONSISTENT method of distributing the grind evenly in the basket after grinding and before tamping, including leveling the grind.

Bob,

I do not have experience on any other basket than my Silvia original basket. I have one basket from this ebay seller in shipping now, it should arrive shortly. I ordered a LM 14gr ridgeless to make some test.

I'll let you know.