I saw a lot of buzz over the Internet about step down baskets but I didn't want to get something which required new tools just to use the basket so I liked the idea of a 58mm to 32mm so I could still use my very expensive high-grade tools. I just had to adjust the height of my Leveler and my "IKape WDT Rotary V3" tool then it was all perfect.
I needed to grind quite a lot coarser such as going on my (Option-O Lagom 01) from 1.5 to 2.8 and I can definitely see the difference as it used to be like super thin flour while now it has many "white particles" and looks more like something you'd put in a pour over so it's weird at first to consider that it's still good for espresso. I don't know if it taste sweeter and better than before but I feel like it's easier to calibrate once you dialed in and it's more forgiving. I don't have to constantly do micro-adjustement and somehow most coffee beans I get can be grinded at the same value or only within 0.1 on the grinder while I had to be extremely precise before on a precision basket.
I already had top-end basket before so it's not like if I came from stock garbage so it isn't night & day difference but I think it is better. Even if it wouldn't taste better, just the fact it's more forgiving and easier to dial between the various beans I have at home is a nice touch as I always have 2-3 different beans at home. At least 1 decaf and 1 with caffeine. So far I like it and the price/quality is really good.
My first ever espresso machine as a filter coffee enjoyer. It was difficult at first when I just start. I had problem screw on the portafilter, so it was not well align and spill water sometime. With 51mm I find it more suitable to use lower dose and not too fine grind because it may choke the shot. After a few use and got my dose and grind size dialed in the result is great! But still I cannot grind too fine and only get moderate amount of crema.
Another problem is that the tamper coming with the machine can get stuck in basket sometime if you fill in too little of coffee
Easy to use n good distribution
The tool is well made good quality of materials, it’s heavy, it feels professional on your hands. Dimensions are just perfect 58.35 mm like any other professional tool. Nice tamper/leveler.
This is the best tamper I’ve ever bought. It’s so ergonomic—no more wrist fatigue! That satisfying click gives such a great haptic feel, and it’s been a lifesaver for preventing channeling.
