Espresso baskets may be small, but their impact on extraction is immense. Yet, they’re often overlooked in favor of more visible brewing equipment. In recent years, however, attention has turned toward these vital tools, with advancements bringing both innovation and debate to the table.
A Revolutionary Shift: From Synesso to VST
Years ago, Synesso earned a reputation for offering baskets superior to standard machine inclusions. But the game changed when Vince Fedele introduced VST baskets, pushing the industry forward with an emphasis on precision. VST examined how hole size, shape, and overall geometry influenced extraction, creating a design that guaranteed consistent hole placement and size.
Before VST, many baskets had flaws such as irregular hole sizes and poor geometry that led to uneven flow. VST’s innovations addressed these issues, making them a favorite for those seeking optimal extraction. Despite being labeled as “unforgiving” by some baristas, their reliability under proper preparation ensured their dominance—until now.
The Rise of IMS: A New Contender
IMS, an Italian brand with roots in the espresso industry since the 1940s, has entered the scene with their Competition Filters. These baskets promise similar advantages to VST while presenting subtle differences in performance.
Putting VST and IMS to the Test
We compared VST and Espresso Baskets IMS baskets through a blind tasting, using Rwandan Cyanika and Tanzanian Hasambo Peaberry coffees. Both were light roasts, brewed on a Kees Van der Westen Mirage with consistent variables for basket size and manufacturer.
One notable finding was the need for grind adjustments. IMS baskets required a finer grind than VST for equivalent brew ratios and extraction times, likely due to differences in hole diameter. While precise measurements of hole size weren’t possible, the variance in grind settings highlighted a unique characteristic of IMS.
The Results: Subtle but Noticeable
Taste Espresso Baskets testing revealed a slight preference for IMS baskets, which offered more sweetness and nuance in the cup. However, the differences were subtle, unlikely to be discerned in milk-based drinks. The finer grind required for IMS may improve grind consistency, resulting in enhanced flavor clarity.
That said, IMS baskets have limitations. For light roasts and small double baskets, finer grind settings pushed some grinders, like the EK43, to their limits. This might not affect most espresso grinders, but it’s worth considering if you use specific burr types.
Single Baskets: A Unique Offering
IMS also introduced The Single, a Espresso Baskets basket designed for single shots while maintaining grind consistency with doubles. While requiring a minor coarser adjustment, these baskets deliver improved single-shot espresso compared to splitting doubles.
Which Basket Reigns Supreme?
Ultimately, the choice between VST and IMS comes down to personal preference and compatibility with your equipment. Both are exceptional tools that far surpass traditional espresso machine baskets.
The competition between these brands is a win for coffee lovers, driving innovation and raising the bar for espresso quality. As the industry continues to evolve, Espresso Baskets we can only anticipate more breakthroughs in the quest for the perfect extraction.
Opinions expressed in this article belong to the guest writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The aim is to encourage open discussion and diverse perspectives espresso Baskets within the coffee community.