Basket design and hole patterns
How espresso basket design and hole patterns affect puck resistance, flow, and flavor consistency.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 1 min read
Article 5 of 12 in Puck Preparation & Distribution/
Basket Design Fundamentals
- Role of the Basket: Holds the ground coffee and defines puck geometry, depth, and flow resistance.
- Capacity: Double baskets typically hold 16–20 g; precision baskets are designed for specific doses.
- Shape:
- Straight-walled: consistent depth, uniform extraction.
- Curved-walled: older style, less precise, harder to distribute evenly.
Hole Patterns
- Number and Density:
- Standard baskets: ~500–700 holes.
- Precision baskets: 700–1000+ laser-cut holes for uniform flow.
- Distribution:
- Even hole spacing promotes symmetrical extraction.
- Poorly distributed holes create uneven flow and channeling.
- Diameter:
- Smaller holes → more resistance, higher pressure build.
- Larger holes → faster flow, reduced resistance.
Precision Baskets (e.g., VST, IMS, Pullman)
- Engineered for exact doses and flow resistance.
- Laser-cut for consistency, improving repeatability.
- Minimize variance between shots and across baristas.
Practical Considerations
- Match basket size to dose—overfilling reduces headspace, underfilling reduces puck depth.
- Clean baskets regularly; clogged holes change flow.
- Replace worn baskets—microscopic damage can affect flow dynamics.
Flavor Outcomes
- Precision baskets → more clarity, balanced extraction, higher consistency.
- Standard baskets → workable, but more prone to inconsistency.
Summary
Basket design and hole patterns directly influence how water flows through the puck. Precision baskets with optimized geometry and uniform hole distribution provide more consistent, balanced espresso, while standard baskets may increase variability.