Hey Steve! OK, did this test for you. My scale is in 1g increments, so I had to estimate the 19.5 dose, but I'm pretty close I think.
In the 18g basket, the 19.5 results in overfilling, i.e. I had to scrape coffee off with my finger, and then tamp. Even then, the puck contacts the shower screen, and when you remove the PF before pulling a shot, half the puck stays on the screen. However, I will note that I pull shots like this every day with my Rancilio basket, and it makes terrific espresso. I'm not totally convinced that there needs to be space between the screen and puck in all cases, in other words. After the shot, the puck releases cleanly from the shower screen, and the screen imprint is visible on the puck. In the 20g basket, 19.5 is a slight underfill in my opinion. No coffee gets scraped off, and there is room around the pile still. After distribution and tamp, the puck easily passes the dime test--the dime is not pushed into the grind at all. I tried a nickel instead, and it just dents the puck ever so slightly. So I think if you're set on the 19.5g dose, the 20g basket is the right one for you. I have to say that, like Barry, I am already favoring the 18g basket. Not sure why, but I am finding it easier to get good results with it. I have been weighing doses as part of testing these baskets, but also like Barry, my normal SOP is to dose by volume, i.e. overfill and scrape. For whatever reason, that is going better with the 18g basket at this point. Anyway, they're both great, and I think you'll like either one, but will have to dose down if you get the 18g. Separately, to everyone concerned, the Pullman tamper was brought up a couple of times. Having used it for a week, it is worth the money. It has rings around the base that help with getting a level tamp (though I use my fingertips around the rim, between the tamper and the basket to do this by feel), and also has inserts for the handle that allow four different lengths (again, using fingertips, I like the handle short so I can "palm" the tamper and push with fingertips around the edges). There is a rubber cushion for your hand at the base, and also the fit is fantastic. I have never gotten such a beautiful polished puck prior to pulling the shot. best, bmc On Apr 7, 2012, at 7:56 PM, StevieG. wrote: > Ben, that would be great and very much appreciated. > > Thanks! > > > On Apr 7, 11:00 am, Ben McCafferty <[email protected]> wrote: > > If you like, I'll dose 19.5 into the 18 and the 20 and do the dime > test for you. > > VSTsays the 18 handles 17-19 g, and that the 20 handles 19-21. > > > Hi folks - where are you ordering these baskets from? I have been > wanting to get a new tamper for a while, as I have been using the > Espro click tamper for over 3 years now. As that is widely considered > to be a 'training tamper', I guess I should be able to feel the right > pressure by now :) > > I generally use Counter Culture Rustico beans, which call for 19.5 > grams for a double - this seems to be right in the middle of the > basketsizes, whichVSTsize would you suggest I get? I am concerned > about too much and too little head room with this dose and thebasket > sizes... > > Cheers, > Steve > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Brewtus" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/brewtus?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Brewtus" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/brewtus?hl=en.
