SuchBrewSoCoffee wrote:Any suggestions on how to replace the OPV silicone tube? I made a vac mode with a too big wye connector, so the tube from the connector to OPV tore a little. It's near the end but not at the end, so the tube is holding and I think it will hold for a while. The problem is that I already cut it too short and I am afraid there is no room left for cutting.
Meanwhile while I am waiting for a new 4x6mm tube and 3-5mm connector I am trying to figure if it's doable without removing the boiler.

Hi, I successfully replaced OPV tubes. It's actually quite simple once you put the machine on one side and unscrew the plate underneath. Just pull off the plate with the power cable a bit.

Hearing so much good reviews on EP HQ 14 basket for Strega so I decide to get one but got confused of which to choose. Is there any difference in performance for EP HQ 14 ridged basket vs ridgeless basket?

Also considering getting a triple basket EP HQ 21G basket. How does this basket perform with Strega? Or not recommended? Too much caffeine?

I like both the 14 and 21 for the strega. Ridgeless because they're easier to use

Here's the link https://www.espressoparts.com/espresso- ... ter-basket.

Thanks Erik. Yes, I saw those at the website that's why I asked which is better. I guess i will get the ridgeless as well.

As with tastewise, i guess no difference between these two right? Oh yes, should you overdose the basket with finer grinds to get better results?

The straight walls of the ridgeless basket seem to extract better then the sloped walls of the ridged basket. I didn't like the 21gr filterbasket with the Strega (owned one for 4 years). Just too big and muted flavours. I did like the Reneka microsieve basket for light roasted beans and smaller doses.

The HQ14 can hold up to 17-18gr where the Reneka wouldn't hold more then 15-16gr. The 21gr filterbaket is more like a 25gr basket with light roasted beans.

I have a reneka microsieve basket. I can dose to 17-17.5gr fine grinds. I tried lower dose but the taste is just too sour for lighter roast to my liking. What is your extraction rate for this basket? 15-16gr in and how much out in weight? Or maybe I have done it wrongly i dont know

Also, do you use stock shower screen or have you change it to other E61 shower screens like IMS' or Cafelat's? I am thinking of changing it as well. Will any of these competition screens help with taste? Like maybe IMS paired with HQ14 will taste better than pairing of say a particular screen and a particular basket? Has anyone tried a combination of those?

?? If I may ask-- where did you folks buy your Reneka micro sieve baskets????

I guess depending on where your location is. I got mine from a reseller in HK hazel and hershey https://www.hazelnhershey.com

Not sure for those in Europe or the US. I guess they will ship too, but surely more expensive in shipping cost.

Remember that there is an HQ 21 double & an Hq 21 triple basket. The 21 double works well with 19-20 gram doses. The 21 Triple will hold up to 25 grams. I have all 3 hqs but only use the Hq 14 & the Hq 21 double, both ridgeless.