A strong development in one of the key elements in what helps to brew espresso -- the filter -- finally gets some major overhauling. Find out more in this exclusive look at VST's new espresso filters.
espressobecky Senior Member Joined: 12 Nov 2002 Posts: 671 Location: Northern BC Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: Mazzer Major, Baratza... Vac Pot: Hario TCA-3 Drip: French Press Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 9:47am Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
Great article, thanks for posting! This seems like a great new development in the filter department, but seems like it will definitely take some changes to necessary tools and technique.
If I was to start using these filters, I suppose I'd need to switch to a flat tamper instead of convex? Also, is there a Canadian source for those "Scottie tools"?
Fred_Astaire Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Posts: 177 Location: NY/NJ Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Isomac Tea Grinder: Solis Maestro; NS MCF Vac Pot: none Drip: Braun (love my drip) Roaster: Hottop
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 10:38am Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
Very informative. So, I've been doing it wrong all these years. Apparently I need a couple of millimeters of space between the grounds and the screen. Who knew. Thanks Mark.
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 1:47pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
I'll go ahead and guess there won't be much in the way of expansion here. That is to say, 58mm baskets will suit a lot of users, especially in cafes, so there won't be much call for other diameters. But man would I love a 49mm version of these babies. The last basket I bought for my Pavoni had the hole grid punched about a full quarter inch off-center.
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 1:56pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
Very interesting article (and great photography as well)! I predict that these basket are going to sell like hotcakes. I know that I will be buying the 7gm and 15gm baskets as soon as they are available.
Do you know if there will be a correlation between the basket/dose and grind? For example, will the grind that produces a 65% brew ratio on one basket (say the 21) produce the same thing (or close) on another basket (say the 15), or must the grinder be adjusted?
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,462 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 2:52pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
I'm hoping once Vince gets back from the SCAA he may pop in himself and answer some questions; some I cannot answer.
Right now, these baskets are exclusive to La Marzocco, with VST also being able to sell them. That means for the meantime, there will only be 58mm variants, the four sizes mentioned, and no designs for lower-sitting dispersion screens like E61 machines.
This of course, could change in the future, depending on what La Marzocco wants to do.
MarkPod, I don't feel confident answering your questions - I'm hoping Vince Fedele will chime in.
These baskets should work just fine in most 58mm machines. I tested the 58mm in a Silvia and it works, though I still don't know if it improves the shot compared to the Synesso basket. I suspect that preinfusion plays a big role here (which is why Bill Crossland's new machine, the CC1, with PID and preinfusion at the Silvia price is very interesting).
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 4:14pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
Erm, I don't mean to start a argument or anything. But I have a triple basket that can hold about 18g-20g that comes with my npf. To my untrained eye, the basket I have looks almost exactly the same as the one in the photos, in term of the hole sizes, straight wall, maximum holes spread etc. I wasn't really convinced that the basket is any more special though.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 5,462 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: Professional
Espresso: KvdW Speedster Grinder: Compak K10 WBC Vac Pot: A bit too many Drip: Clive Coffee Drip Stand Roaster: Hario Glass Retro Roaster
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 4:57pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
samuellaw178 Said:
Erm, I don't mean to start a argument or anything. But I have a triple basket that can hold about 18g-20g that comes with my npf. To my untrained eye, the basket I have looks almost exactly the same as the one in the photos, in term of the hole sizes, straight wall, maximum holes spread etc. I wasn't really convinced that the basket is any more special though.
Posted Fri Apr 29, 2011, 8:54pm Subject: Re: Can These Filters Change the World of Espresso? by Mark Prince
MarkPod Said:
Do you know if there will be a correlation between the basket/dose and grind? For example, will the grind that produces a 65% brew ratio on one basket (say the 21) produce the same thing (or close) on another basket (say the 15), or must the grinder be adjusted?
Vince Fedele published an interesting article in the April-May issue of Barista Magazine (available online here, pp.74-84) that discusses the new baskets. He states that there are grind adjustments for the different baskets, "slightly more coarse for the 22g filter and slightly more fine for the 15g filter, with the 18g filter midway in between".
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