Portafilter diameters 58mm or are other sizes better?

UNM

sorry, I meant to expand on my previous post last night when I got home, but circumstances conspired against me. while other sized baskets may well produce excellent results, the vast majority in use are 58mm. This means: there is far more collective experience for people to draw on when trying to improve their extraction technique or exchanging tips with others - different sizes WILL behave differently. If looking for precision baskets they are easier to get in 58mm size. much wider selection of tampers in 58mm

C-man

Interesting, thanks

conikal

C-man wrote:

Besides the E61 looking the goods, how is there a difference in performance? cheers!

Apart from the 58mm PF, I assume you are aware oF the unique internal design features of the "E61" group head that set it apart from other group designs. ?

C-man

conikal wrote:

Apart from the 58mm PF, I assume you are aware oF the unique internal design features of the "E61" group head that set it apart from other group designs. ?

there must be something better about them, they are usually more expensive machines.

mycuppa

C-man wrote:

there must be something better about them, they are usually more expensive machines.

The answer is not found on a keyboard.

Koffee_Kosmo

I personally dont care what size a basket is I will always find a way to find its best or sweet spot The same question can also be asked ? What basket is best 9 gram or 21 gram capacity KK

Kelsey

C-man wrote:

there must be something better about them, they are usually more expensive machines.

And marketers all over the world rejoice!

C-man

I still don't know why E61 group head is better? some pre infusion is all I read Is there really any difference in the taste?

Kelsey

It's not better. There are a whole heap of grouphead types, some more common than others - E61 just happens to be the most common type. Not saying there's anything wrong with it, but if you've ever heard the story of how QWERTY came to dominate DVORAK (although the story is apparently untrue) or VHS came to dominate Betamax, then you know that 'best' doesn't always come to market dominance. E61 has certain advantages going for it both technical and in terms of compatibility. I love my electrically heated Bezzera grouphead, even if it is a pain to find portafilters for. While these things can and do make a difference, the difference is much less than that caused by the beans, the grind and the nut behind the portafilter.

Bottom_Line

C-man wrote:

I still don't know why E61 group head is better? some pre infusion is all I read Is there really any difference in the taste?

How do you test this? Same machine and swap heads? What about other variables like the jet size? I have a 2 group Promac and have repaired a Rancilio Epoca. Basically the same machine, different panels and e61 heads on the Promac. When I had them side by side the shots from the Promac were better. More body, complexity and smoother. But other variables? Shot temp, shot pressure etc....

C-man

what is wrong with using a puck twice? I start one in the beginning of the week and change it about Friday.

galumay

Some of my best shots come out of the little 43mm PF on the Caravel! The Izzo is 55mm, the ES-2 is 49mm, so many variations.

coffeehorse

the E61 has the 'standard modern' extraction. high in body, slightly lacking in clarity, and it's very temperature stable and well behaved. But who actually needs temperature stable? A Slayer is a modern espresso machine designed (at a basic level) to replicate the pressure profile of a lever machine - preinfusion accompanied by a gradual pressure tail-off as the shot ends. The question as to whether the Slayer or the vintage lever produces better coffee is a strange one. While my E61's produce very good coffee, I know I prefer the cup out of the Lever for a variety of reasons - one being the lighter body and juicier espresso aggravates my stomach ulcer less, others being that I can taste more 'terroir' and that it's more forgiving in terms of dose & grind.

C-man

Thanks CH that's pretty much what I was asking. I am guessing with 'terroir' you are referring to the earthy tastes or tones? and juicier to me seems more "lively" is that what you are describing? nothing to do with acid balance? I have also heard that levers pull a "softer shot" whatever that means. With my pressure control mod I can stretch out an extraction for any length of time keeping the mouse tail as thin as I want as I drop the pressure.

Lwowiak

coffeehorse wrote:

A Slayer is a modern espresso machine designed (at a basic level) to replicate the pressure profile of a lever machine - preinfusion accompanied by a gradual pressure tail-off as the shot ends. The question as to whether the Slayer or the vintage lever produces better coffee is a strange one. While my E61's produce very good coffee, I know I prefer the cup out of the Lever for a variety of reasons - one being the lighter body and juicier espresso aggravates my stomach ulcer less, others being that I can taste more 'terroir' and that it's more forgiving in terms of dose & grind.

You obviously have a preference for vintage levers, but I am curious if you believe modern levers also deliver the goods? I prefer the taste from a lever, but also the control and variables available to me. I have a preference for espresso with lots of body and find like you, that while "juicy" espresso has its place, it can be hard to stomach. Mind you, my tastes change and I love experimenting, but in the end look for coffees with balance. I do have a soft spot for a good Kenyan though, and use a triple basket to help concentrate the flavour.