Usage of different filter baskets
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: 8 years ago
hi guys,
I am always wondering why there are so many filter baskets in different sizes and if you guys use the size of a filter as another parameter and if you ever switch the basket (apart from single to double)?
Atm I use a 16g basket filled with 17g (of course depends on the coffee) for a double with my Bezzera and I am happy with the results but still curious. What I read so far there are different light roasts where you need to use more coffee because grind finer doesnt bring the taste so you can switch to higher basket filter (18 or 21 etc. ). Also maybe it makes sense to switch to a smaller basket when you have a really strong italian dark roast or a blend with high robusta share? Or is everything related to the machine and its technique? Rotary pumps need slightly coarser grind because of the lower pressure compare to vibration pump so the filter basket will overfill faster and I need another size anyway? Or do you just change the size when you recognize the taste could be better to give it a try in another size? I mean I tried already a lot of different roasts, single origins or blends and I was always able to get a good taste but that doesnt mean it's the right one and maybe I can always optimize with another basket.
Thanks for your thought and tipps.
I am always wondering why there are so many filter baskets in different sizes and if you guys use the size of a filter as another parameter and if you ever switch the basket (apart from single to double)?
Atm I use a 16g basket filled with 17g (of course depends on the coffee) for a double with my Bezzera and I am happy with the results but still curious. What I read so far there are different light roasts where you need to use more coffee because grind finer doesnt bring the taste so you can switch to higher basket filter (18 or 21 etc. ). Also maybe it makes sense to switch to a smaller basket when you have a really strong italian dark roast or a blend with high robusta share? Or is everything related to the machine and its technique? Rotary pumps need slightly coarser grind because of the lower pressure compare to vibration pump so the filter basket will overfill faster and I need another size anyway? Or do you just change the size when you recognize the taste could be better to give it a try in another size? I mean I tried already a lot of different roasts, single origins or blends and I was always able to get a good taste but that doesnt mean it's the right one and maybe I can always optimize with another basket.
Thanks for your thought and tipps.
- dominico
- Team HB
- Posts: 2007
- Joined: 9 years ago
Welcome to HB.
Many of your questions can be answered here: How filter baskets affect espresso taste and barista technique
Many of your questions can be answered here: How filter baskets affect espresso taste and barista technique
https://bit.ly/3N1bhPR
Il caffè è un piacere, se non è buono che piacere è?
Il caffè è un piacere, se non è buono che piacere è?
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- Posts: 309
- Joined: 10 years ago
Bezzere makes the Livia 90, and if the dispersal head anything like mine was, I don't see how you are getting 17 grams in a 16 gram basket. I was lucky if I got 15 and still have enough clearance.
As for the size basket, that depends on the flavor/strength coffee you want and how much of it. I find it's easier to make good shots with an 18 gram basket that a 15 gram. For a long time, if I was just making me a single cappuccino, I would use the 15 gram basket and do the 50 gram shot in about 25 seconds bit. Over the last couple of years, as I have learned a whole lot more about it, I've found using the 18 gram basket, and a 32 gram shot in about 25 seconds makes a whole lot better tasting drink. Not really any stronger, just a whole lot better flavor.
As for different coffees, I just adjust the grind and shot volume to get a flavor I like.
If I'm doing doubles, I might pull and extra couple of grams of liquid and just split it because most people I make cappuccino's don't like them very strong anyway.
As for grinding different for a vibe pump because it has more pressure, that's not quite right. I adjust my vibe pump to what ever pressure I want. For the past couple of years, I've been running it on 9-9.2 bar. Granted, when the machine came out of the box, it was set for 14 bar. The only major difference between the two pumps, the rotatory pump slams the pressure to the puck almost instantly, the vibe pump builds it's pressure several seconds into the extraction. Sort of a built in pre-infusion. Plus the rotatory pump is suppose to last longer for the many shots a day a bar/coffee shop would make.
However, it's all about getting a good shot, and if you are doing that now, then why try to fix what ain't broke, because I can almost guarantee you, it will be broke once you start trying.
As for the size basket, that depends on the flavor/strength coffee you want and how much of it. I find it's easier to make good shots with an 18 gram basket that a 15 gram. For a long time, if I was just making me a single cappuccino, I would use the 15 gram basket and do the 50 gram shot in about 25 seconds bit. Over the last couple of years, as I have learned a whole lot more about it, I've found using the 18 gram basket, and a 32 gram shot in about 25 seconds makes a whole lot better tasting drink. Not really any stronger, just a whole lot better flavor.
As for different coffees, I just adjust the grind and shot volume to get a flavor I like.
If I'm doing doubles, I might pull and extra couple of grams of liquid and just split it because most people I make cappuccino's don't like them very strong anyway.
As for grinding different for a vibe pump because it has more pressure, that's not quite right. I adjust my vibe pump to what ever pressure I want. For the past couple of years, I've been running it on 9-9.2 bar. Granted, when the machine came out of the box, it was set for 14 bar. The only major difference between the two pumps, the rotatory pump slams the pressure to the puck almost instantly, the vibe pump builds it's pressure several seconds into the extraction. Sort of a built in pre-infusion. Plus the rotatory pump is suppose to last longer for the many shots a day a bar/coffee shop would make.
However, it's all about getting a good shot, and if you are doing that now, then why try to fix what ain't broke, because I can almost guarantee you, it will be broke once you start trying.