What Is an Espresso Basket?
The espresso basket (filter basket) is the removable insert in your portafilter that holds the ground coffee.
It directly influences water flow, extraction, and flavor.
Precision baskets: Made with tighter tolerances, more uniform holes, and higher build quality → designed to reduce channeling and create more consistent results.
OEM baskets (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Stock baskets included with your machine. Usable, but often less precise.
Diameters – The Most Common Basket Sizes
- 58 mm – The specialty coffee standard (E61 group machines: ECM, Rocket, La Marzocco, Profitec).
- 54 mm – Common on Breville/Sage models.
- 53 mm – Lelit & La Spaziale.
- 51 mm – Gaggia, De’Longhi, and entry-level machines.
- 49 mm – Lever machines like La Pavoni and some vintage models.
💡 Always check your portafilter size before buying – not every basket fits every machine.
Capacities & Dosing
Typical espresso basket capacities:
14 g – Traditional Italian “double.”
18 g – The most common specialty standard.
20–22 g – For larger doses and higher intensity.
👉 Always match your dose to the basket. Under- or overfilling leads to uneven extraction.
Espresso Basket Comparison – Brands & Options
| Brand | Model (example) | Price | Fit & compatibility | Key properties (geometry, build, extras) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM / Stock | Breville/Sage Standard Basket | Included | Designed for the machine it ships with | Solid starter; uniform round holes; ~mid hole count; benefits a lot from bottom paper filter. |
| Normcore | Precision Basket V2 (18–20 g) | ~€20–30 | Standard fit (check 58/54/51 mm) | Entry precision; laser-cut round holes; decent consistency; good price/performance. |
| IMS (Italy) | IMS Barista Pro / Competition (18–20 g) | ~€25–40 | Wide compatibility, diverse SKUs | Approx. ~650 holes; polished finish options; even distribution; popular “first upgrade”. |
| VST | VST 20 g Precision | ~€35–55 | 58 mm (also 54 mm variants) | ~730 holes; tight QC with measurement card; very uniform round holes; pairs well with bottom paper filter. |
| Pullman (AU) | Pullman 876 (19–22 g) | ~€50–70 | Mostly 58 mm; check fit | 876 holes (dense pattern); precision-machined; balanced extractions; robust feel. |
| Pesado | Pesado Precision 20 g (TiN/Gold options) | ~€40–60 | Standard 58 mm | Precision cut; optional hard coatings (titanium nitride, etc.) for durability & easy cleaning; design-forward. |
| Weber Workshops | Unibasket | ~€150–200 | Wide base; often needs replacement spring; not all portafilters | ~1.2 mm thick steel; ~1.1k round holes; holes spread near the wall for edge flow; very rigid. |
| SworksDesign | Standard Flow | ~€200 | Wide base; spring swap häufig nötig | ~1.2–1.3k very small laser-cut round holes (~0.2 mm); high rigidity; clean, even flow. |
| WAFÖ | SOE Classic / SOE Spirit | ~€200–220 | Beveled base fits most stock portafilters | ~3,000 slit/“rice” perforations; huge open area; can trap fines → clean thoroughly; easy fit due to bevel. |
Build Quality & Cleaning
- OEM / entry baskets: Thinner steel, fewer holes; easy to clean.
- Precision baskets (Normcore, Pesado): Laser-cut/machined holes, tighter tolerances, but still need regular cleaning.
- Premium baskets (Weber, Sworks, WAFÖ): Heavier, thicker bases → longer-lasting, but can trap fines depending on hole shape.
What is the best Espresso Basket?
- Beginner: OEM or Normcore → learn dosing, distribution, tamping first.
- Intermediate: IMS or VST or Normcore → reliable performance, strong value for money.
- Advanced home baristas: Pullman or Pesado → refined precision with style.
- Café or gear enthusiast: Weber, Sworks, WAFÖ → high extraction potential, faster shot times, and durability in commercial workflows.
Practical Tips
- Clean baskets regularly – coffee oils and fines clog holes over time.
- Always match tamper size to your basket diameter.
- Precision baskets don’t replace puck prep – WDT and proper tamping are still essential.
- If you’re on a budget, try adding a paper filter at the bottom of your basket – this can boost extraction without a €200 upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Espresso baskets are more than just small pieces of stainless steel – they are a key variable in the quality and consistency of your shots.
- OEM baskets are fine to start with, especially when learning the basics.
- Affordable precision baskets like Normcore and IMS already provide a noticeable improvement in consistency.
- Mid-tier options such as VST, Pullman, and Pesado deliver tighter tolerances and greater repeatability – a strong choice for serious home baristas.
- High-end baskets (Weber, Sworks, WAFÖ) push extraction potential to the maximum, but they are investments that make the most sense in professional or highly ambitious setups.
👉 The bottom line: a basket won’t replace puck prep. Good grinding, distribution, and tamping remain essential. But the right basket can unlock extra clarity, balance, and sweetness in your espresso – and help you enjoy a more consistent coffee routine.
7. FAQ:
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