When thinking about a new filter basket for your espresso machine there are a few important things to consider. How many coffees are you making? What is your budget? Would you prefer professional or competition precision at a better price point? In this article, we discuss what ‘precision’ means in terms of performance, review independent testing data, and introduce you to a new kid (basket) on the block from Bruer.
In a nutshell, the filter basket market is split into two categories which both offer variations in quality, performance and price. The first is standard OEM baskets, often packaged with new espresso machines, and the second is ‘competition-standard’ filter baskets; also known as Precision Filter Baskets.
‘Precision’ labelling represents the engineering and quality control approach utilised by manufacturers such as specific imaging technology, light transmission testing, and refined stamping and polishing. These processes result in filter baskets which offer greater consistency and reliability relative to standard filter baskets.
So, what specifically makes a Precision Basket so special? The key criteria to distinguish a Precision Filter Basket include the following:
1. Uniform Hole Size
Invariable, evenly-spaced holes ensure consistent flow rates and uniform extraction.
2. Precise Manufacturing Tolerances
The manufacturing process must maintain tight tolerances to ensure consistency across produced batches of filter baskets.
3. Optimal Hole Shape
Typically, round holes are preferred to achieve even extraction. However, some brands experiment with different shapes to pursue specific flavor profiles.
4. Quality Material
The basket must be made from high-quality stainless steel to ensure durability, temperature stability, heat-resistance, ease of cleaning, and resistance to corrosion.
Those familiar with available Precision Filter Baskets would recognise VST as the established market leader. Known for making quality baskets with high-level engineering processes and great testing results, VST commands top-tier pricing with a product to match. As a relative newcomer to the Precision Basket market, Bruer proposes exceptional value with both professional-level extraction and easily accessible pricing across the range of 18g, 20g, and 22g ridged baskets.
To investigate how Bruer Precision Baskets stack up against the best in the business, we had independent empirical testing conducted across three baskets: VST, Bruer, and another popular Precision Basket. Resulting data are shown in the tables below. Extractions were conducted with each of the three brands across four different coffee beans. Let’s take a look at the testing.
PRECISION BASKET TESTING: EQUIPMENT
- Espresso Machine: Modbar
- Grinder: Mahlkonig EK43
- Distribution: Autocomb
- Tamper: PuqPress
PRECISION BASKET TESTING DATA: BRUER
| FILTER BASKET | COFFEE TYPE | TIME (SEC) | RATIO | TDS | PREFERENCE | NOTES |
| Bruer | Aspen | 22 | 19-41 | 8.12 | 3rd | |
| Bruer | Candy | 22 | 19.5-41 | 8.61 | 2nd | Fruity, less intense, shorter aftertaste |
| Bruer | La Palma | 31 | 19.2-41 | 8.96 | 3rd | Too sharp, tannins exposed |
| Bruer | Ethiopia | 26 | 19-39 | 9.46 | 2nd | Really sharp, acidity |
PRECISION BASKET TESTING DATA: VST
| FILTER BASKET | COFFEE TYPE | TIME (SEC) | RATIO | TDS | PREFERENCE | NOTES |
| VST | Aspen | 24 | 19-41 | 8.47 | 1st | |
| VST | Candy | 23 | 19.5-41 | 9.03 | 1st | Most fruity |
| VST | La Palma | 31 | 19.2-41 | 8.99 | 2nd | |
| VST | Ethiopia | 25 | 19-39 | 9.63 | 1st | Tannins high but nicest expression |
PRECISION BASKET TESTING DATA: BROWN BOX
| FILTER BASKET | COFFEE TYPE | TIME (SEC) | RATIO | TDS | PREFERENCE | NOTES |
| Brown Box | Aspen | 25 | 19-41 | 8.48 | 2nd | |
| Brown Box | Candy | 21 | 19.5-41.2 | 8.83 | 3rd | Heavy bitterness |
| Brown Box | La Palma | 31 | 19.2-41 | 8.5 | 1st | Most rounded acidity |
| Brown Box | Ethiopia | 28 | 19-39 | 8.79 | 3rd | Unbalanced, very stringent |
WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?
To avoid any bias, third party participants judged using a randomized ‘double-blind’ method, with an unaffiliated barista dialling identical variables across shots for consistency. No visible channelling was found present and each basket responded well to manipulation of independent variables. To maximize the results when brewing using ‘Brown Box’ baskets, a coarser grind was required; typically 0.4-0.6 coarser on an EK43 grinder.
It was not surprising that VST was the overall preference, delivering the most rounded expression in terms of flavor, mouthfeel, acidity, and balance from cup to cup. Notably, Bruer baskets achieved a close second place whilst illustrating a significant increase in cup quality from the ‘Brown Box’ baskets.
Whether you’re a home barista wanting to dabble in your first Precision Basket for a more controlled extraction, or a roaster providing support to your customers, Bruer Precision Baskets are a fantastic option. If you see value in fine-tuning the balance between cost and benefit, Bruer offers a product proven to deliver consistency, competition-level cup quality, and flexibility in your brewing, without pushing you to the top end of your basket budget.
Do you wish to purchase one of our Bruer Precision Filter Baskets? Please head to our Resellers page to find your nearest Reseller.
