IMS Big Bang Precision Filter Basket for 58mm portafilters, 18-20g. double espresso (h23.5)

While cleaning my Isomac Millennium (E61) I decided, after 20 years of use, to try one of the puck screens folks are using these days. The puck screen on the Millennium is not at all easily removable so cleaning it well is a real pain involving tons of backflushing.When the puck screen came, I realized it wouldn't fit in the tapered OEM basket, so that led me down the path of getting a new basket with straight walls that would fit my portafilter. I'm happy to say that this basket fits perfectly in my portafilter and also accepts my 58.5mm puck screen (which does indeed help a lot with the grouphead screen staying clean). My espresso is also notably sweeter, though I'll have to spend more time with this basket before I can say it wasn't due to my latest cleaning. I did have to grind a bit finer with this basket, so I would expect some impacts to flavor.My tamper is 58mm, so it does leave a few fines around the edge, so I'll probably upgrade my tamper to 58.5mm next.Overall, the basket seems well made, looks cool if that's important, and my espresso tastes great.

Installed easily and shots pool to the center of this screen quickly. I was able to go a little finer with my grind since holes extended out further than my previous basket. No issues, good shots, cleans easily.

This basket is a good, general purpose basket that's good at creating "pretty" shots with the classic rat tail visual, due to its unusual hole distribution. It's also (purposely) not a high flow basket, so it's good at doing flow profile shots or darker roasts. It fits a variety of portafilters, and is easy to clean. A great basket if you need the features.

I liked this very much for anything over full city. Had to grind much finer than I was expecting but makes enjoyable sweet shots.

Not going to leave less than 3 stars.However please note that the quality of this is not 100%.I received my Very batista Big Bang basket with great anticipation only to find that the screen was stamped off-center and some of the filter holes weren't perforated fully through, while most others seemed maybe a bit too open for what I'm used to.I didn't bother using this basket due to the poor design and instead initiated a return.Based on other reviews I can only assume mine was an exception and that it somehow got past a quality control or check before being packaged.I'll maybe give this brand another try in the future.As with anything purchased through here, just be sure to inspect your product so you're satisfied with said purchase

I own several espresso baskets, but the IMS Big Bang has completely won me over. It’s been my go-to for over six months, and I haven’t felt the need to swap it out once! The consistency is outstanding, delivering even extractions every time. It’s also easy to clean, which is a huge plus. If you're serious about espresso, this basket is absolutely worth it!

Too big for my purposes, and not magnetic, so magnetic funnels won’t stick. But it’s well made, and the holes are consistent. I like IMS, but I’ve gravitated to their BaristaPro line.

I bought this for the ability to put 22gr + of grounds for that triple shot. I'm very happy with its size. It fits 22gr nicely and allows me to WDT without any of the grounds spilling over the edge. I don't think I could get 24 or even 23gr of grounds in this basket, without the grounds getting too close to the shower screen. Every coffee grinds different, though, so your coffee choice may give different results.I don't really see any difference in the way a shot comes out the bottom of the portafilter and I don't really notice any difference in coffee flavors. It solved my need for that XL basket. I liked it so much I bought the H25.5 for a spare 14-18gr basket.The only Con I have, is the graphics printed on the bottom interior of the basket. I would prefer no graphics just to have a cleaner look. It doesn't not hinder function in any way, though.Enjoy!