IMS Precision 16-18g Filter Basket compatible with Delonghi La Specialista, DL2TH26E

Bought this to go with a ECP3420 i got recently. Didn't even bother with the stock set up and used this and a random 20 dollar portafilter holder. Working out just fine. Was worried reading some reviews about this getting stuck but I've done about 30 shots with this and haven't had it get stuck once.

it's expensive, but I was already splurging for the Normcore portafilter and funnel so I figured why not. And after I got more consistent with pulling shots I realized the basket can be a bigger factor than many in "the espresso community" don't frequently talk about.First there is the dosing factor. I like a 16 gram does because it's the perfect amount of caffeine for me. So getting the H26 size was perfect without leaving too much of a gap between the puck and the shower screen. BTW, this size is perfect for 16 gram darker roasts--18 grams tends to be a bit too full.And second is the pressure factor. The design and size of the basket filter matter for consistent water flow. I would guess that most baskets are good enough, but a poorly designed basket could definitely cause challenges. This one seems to be just right.Also, my 51mm Ikape tamper works fine with it.

Nicely made filter basket, however the basket does not fit the Stilosa EC260BK - the ID is the same as the OE basket but the OD of the top flange is about 1.5mm wider. The basket gets hung up on the brew head of the EC260BK machine.

This is a "2-1/2 shot" basket; if you want the "2 shot" then the 22 is the one to get. However, a bit more coffee never hurt, right?You DO need a decent grinder that can produce a good, even grind. The factory basket, if you remove the pressurization piece (it can be disassembled and removed) is a maybe 1-1/2 or 1-3/4 shot basket, so this (or the 22) is a definite improvement as the factory basket produces shots that IMHO are a bit thin in a double espresso cup. With this basket you can pull full double shots and get what you expect. This basket WILL fit in the factory portafilter with the plastic insert -- you will have to finagle the retaining spring a bit to hold the basket in place so knocking the puck out doesn't dislodge it (unless you toss both basket and puck in the sink to cool before dumping) but that's not a big deal. You DO NOT need a bottomless portafilter for this one; the taper is sufficient at the bottom to clear the factory plastic insert.Between either of these baskets, a decent tamper (the plastic one it comes with is garbage) to get a consistent tamp, a good roast (fresh please!) and even an inexpensive -- but burr -- grinder that can produce a consistent grind these machines will return very-acceptable shots with a decent amount of crema.Its not a Quickmill Vetrano but it also doesn't cost like one. A definite and worthwhile upgrade considering the modest price; I use one of these inexpensive Delonghi's as my "travel" machine (along with a grinder) and like it plenty for what it is.Recommended.

I use this almost daily in my machine. Makes a good double espresso. Holds 13-14 grams of very fine ground beans. One complaint, I wish it had a slightly more pronounced step to engage the clip on the portafilter. It doesn't stay engaged as well as the ones that came with the machine.

Great basket, I bought this one to upgrade the one that came in my portafilter. My espresso tastes great.

Something that experienced espresso makers repeat is that the grinder is more important than the espresso machine, and you can get good results with a good grinder and a less expensive espresso machine. It was time to upgrade our coffee grinder, so I retired our Capresso Infinity and ordered a Eureka Mignon Silenzio, I don't regret that purchase at all. This filter basket is a perfect fit in our Breville Cafe Roma espresso machine. I had the itch to try my hand at "real" espresso, so I needed a non-pressurized basket, which our machine did not come with.Based on my reading as well as my experience with two cheaper baskets (one for $1 from AliExpress which was terrible, and one for $10 from Amazon- better, but I still couldn't get shots dialed in because the holes were too big), I began looking for a precision filter. I finally contacted IMS in Italy and was referred to a representative in the US who alerted me to the upcoming offering through Amazon. There are other 51mm filters out there, but the Cafe Roma needs the ones with the flat flange like this one. It's specified as a 16-18 gram basket, but 16 grams seems to fill it to the top. This filter dropped into the porta-filter with no changes required, and it holds in there like the factory one did. I have to say I'm thrilled with how delicious our morning cappuccinos are. I tried some coffees from a local roaster and it's amazing how much flavor we are now getting in our cup, and it's easy to distinguish the Costa Rican coffee from the Brazilian or the Guatemalan. So, is the improvement all due to the filter? No, I'd credit the grinder first, followed by good coffee, followed by the filter basket. I paid 35 for this basket, which is a lot more than the generic baskets go for, but given that we are super happy with our espresso now, and therefore I have no urge to upgrade our espresso machine- that's a huge savings!If you have not gotten yourself a good espresso grinder, do that first. If you're good to go in that department, give one of these a try, they are good and will improve the quality and consistency of your espresso shots.

I am not sure if I can taste the difference between the precision hole basket and my cheaply stamped basket, however, thanks to its smaller draft angle, I can tamp deeper as the basket walls dont collide with the tamper until lower down! I thought I was buying horrible tampers, until I realized not all baskets have the same wall angles. Yes this was a little expensive for my needs, but its going to last. Delonghi dedica