SteveH wrote:Just got my Unibasket today finally. I plan to tinker quite a bit, but wondered what best practices people have found so far now that they've been out for a while.

They recommend using paper under and a screen on top, neither of which I use currently and ideally would like to avoid both. Anyone else running these without either? And are you guys dialing grind down to achieve the same shot times or running faster shots at similar grinds?

I used the Weber EPF 55mm with my VST to improve extraction by upping TDS - based on what I've read from experiments - and this supposedly made me get closer to the type of extraction you can get from this Unibasket.

When I got the Unifilter, I used it for a week or so without the Weber 58mm EPF they sent along with the basket. I tried the paper on the bottom and I just didn't feel like it mattered so I never use them. I never consider it anymore because I don't see a need.

I do use the top screen, I have 3 now that have just come with products I've purchased, but this is because I use a Flair 58 and not using the screen at the top is no good.

Still early days with this basket, but results seem promising.

Note: I am currently using the unifilter without a paper on the bottom. I need to use a magnifying glass and a horsehair brush to clean. I use the brush to poke bristles through some of the portafilter's holes to clear out stuck coffee particles. (I use this brush as I had it already: https://www.oehandgrinders.com/oe-anti- ... nder-brush )

Some spouted portafilter fitments:
- Bezzera Strega - fits well with Weber spring
- Cafelat XT (model for Rancilio) - fits a very little bit loose with Weber spring. Fits bottomless and with spout attachment.
- Elektra A3/Semiautomatica - doesn't fit, pf too shallow
- Vintage FAEMA E-61 (different from (most?) current E-61, also found on some vintage levers) - fits well with stock spring
- La Marzocco Micra - doesn't fit with spouts attached, pf too shallow. Fits with no spouts and Weber spring, but the spring holds the basket extremely tightly. Extremely.
- Modern lever group - fits a little loose with Weber spring
- Rancilio Silvia older style (stamped 20-112-210 or 010) - doesn't fit, pf too shallow
- Nuova Simonelli Program and similar NS/VA - doesn't fit, pf too shallow

YMMV.

baldheadracing wrote:Note: I am currently using the unifilter without a paper on the bottom. I need to use a magnifying glass and a horsehair brush to clean. I use the brush to poke bristles through some of the portafilter's holes to clear out stuck coffee particles.

I've had good results cleaning both baskets and puck screens with my steam wand. If I place the puck screen in a cup and use steam to clean, it's amazing how much stuff easily comes out.

On a different note, why are you choosing to using the Unifilter without a bottom filter? I'm simply curious.

Quester wrote:I've had good results cleaning both baskets and puck screens with my steam wand. If I place the puck screen in a cup and use steam to clean, it's amazing how much stuff easily comes out.

I don't have the steam boiler turned on with the machine that I'm using with the Unibasket .

Quester wrote:On a different note, why are you choosing to using the Unifilter without a bottom filter? I'm simply curious.

I have not used paper filters previously so there are too many variables for me to design a practical experiment - paper filters vs. none, wet the paper vs. not, wet the bottom of the basket vs. wet the paper, WDT, etc. - plus there is my inexperience with paper so I will not be consistent without practice. I want to figure out the impact of the basket itself first. (I'm not using Weber's puck screen either for the same reason.)

Moderator note: Discussion on extraction yields moved to: Extraction yields with the new precision baskets (Weber, SWorks, Wafo, Pesado, etc.)

Just received my 20g Unibasket.

Happy to report that it fits in the Cafelat XT convertible portafilter both in naked mode and with the bottom spout plate installed.

I don't think the larger 24g basket would fit with the bottom plate on.

Definitely needed to use the thinner/lighter spring that came with the Unibasket. It was way too tight trying to install with the stock Cafelat XT spring.

Only pulled a couple of shots so far, but have already noticed that I need to go a few steps finer on my Key than I had dialled in with my Pullman 19-21g basket (both using EPFs and puck screens).

[Posting mainly so anyone else Googling can find a answer as to whether the Unibasket fits this unique portafilter]

Happy to report that the buck+unibasket fits well in my profitec 300 with semi-saturated group head. Extractions have increased and definitely preferring the flavor over my VST, particularly with light roasts.
I'm having some trouble cleaning out tiny coffee particles from all the holes of my unibasket after each pull, even with use of the steam wand. I end up having to use a soft tip plastic brush and pick at each clogged hole one at a time, which gets the job done but not something I want to be doing every time. Does anyone else have a better or easier cleaning method for these baskets?

I've also noticed it to be a bit harder to knock the puck out after. Is anybody making it a routine to run extra water through the puck (after shot is complete) before pulling out the portafilter and trying to knock out the puck?

stelee987 wrote:Does anyone else have a better or easier cleaning method for these baskets?

I use a paper filter underneath the puck to stop them clogging in the first place (Pesado HE, but same concept)

stelee987 wrote: I'm having some trouble cleaning out tiny coffee particles from all the holes of my unibasket after each pull, even with use of the steam wand.

We may be grinding at different sizes, but after pulling three shots each day, I flip the portafilter over and use the steam wand to push any stuck particles back "up." I touch the bottom of the basket with the tip of the wand, and it gets every hole clear every time. Now that I'm used to making a circular pattern that covers all the holes, this only takes 5-10 seconds.

As others have said, I also use a paper filter on the bottom for some coffees, but often I prefer the shot taste and texture without paper.

I use a bottom paper filter to prevent the holes from getting clogged. I also use this rubber bulb (lcd blower) to eject the puck.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1520765803 ... at_4&pro=1

That 'puck ejector' doesn't work as advertised for me, at least with the Pesado HE. Usually the puck will move a little but still stay stuck in the basket. Then - as it is actually a tool to grab onto stuff - it'll suck the puck back when releasing, plus some liquid into the bulb. It'd need a bigger bulb and/or a one-way valve like actual blowers have.