E&B-LAB IMS Precision Basket 2T – 16/18 g, H24 (for 58 mm)
Eighteen grams, levelled off, the last clump just broken up with the WDT needle. The portafilter clicks into place, the pump starts – and what happens in the next few seconds is decided in the first millimetres of the puck. That's exactly where this basket does its work, at the finest point of the whole shot.
Nobody needs a competition basket for a good espresso – your machine's original basket does its job reliably. You want this one because you want to see how much evenness a hole pattern can hold. That's one of many possible decisions, and we respect it either way.
What makes this basket different
E&B-Lab is IMS's development lab, and this basket carries their patented Competition perforation: 715 holes, distributed hexagonally across the entire surface, each exactly 0.30 mm in diameter and cut with a conical cross-section – narrow on the inside, slightly widening toward the outside. After the initial punching, the pattern is relaminated and recalibrated so that every single opening matches in size and position. For you, that means the water finds the same path through the grounds in every part of the puck, instead of seeking out the fastest route – channeling has a harder time. The bottom is flat, the rim rimless, with no compression ring at all, giving the tamper a cleaner, more even seat.
Espresso stays a question of weight ratio – we like to work at 1:2 – but how calmly and evenly the water finds its way through the puck is decided at the basket. Retronasally, you end up perceiving that as density, sweetness and a round, long finish; taste and smell are inseparable anyway, and a large part of it only happens as you swallow. It's our observation that basket choice changes the aroma profile fundamentally – that's our view, one of many.
At a glance
| Manufacturer |
IMS / E&B-Lab, Italy |
| Material |
Stainless steel AISI 304, electropolished |
| Perforation |
715 holes, hexagonally distributed, conical cross-section, Ø 0.30 mm (patented, relaminated & recalibrated) |
| Dose |
16/18 g |
| Height |
24 mm (H24) |
| Design |
flat bottom, rimless (no compression ring) for a snug tamper fit |
| Fit |
58 mm portafilter · rim diameter 70 mm (B70) · 58 mm inner diameter for 58 mm tampers |
Who it's for
For everyone in Switzerland dosing in the classic double range of 16 to 18 grams and valuing maximum repeatability – every budget is welcome. The difference shows most clearly in a bottomless portafilter, but you also benefit from the more even flow with a spouted one. If you dose lighter, the 2T series also offers the 14/16 g version (H22) or the 12/14 g version (H20). You belong here because you love coffee – not because you run a particular basket.
What goes with it
The hole pattern shows itself best in a bottomless portafilter. To get the puck level before the water even starts flowing: affordable and precise with Normcore, with more material ambition with Weber Workshops. For clumps just before that, WDT Tools help. Add the right coffee grinder for an even grind.
Frequently asked questions
What is IMS's Competition perforation?
715 patented holes, distributed hexagonally, each exactly 0.30 mm in diameter with a conical cross-section. After punching, the pattern is relaminated and recalibrated so every opening matches in size and position.
What dose is the basket made for?
16 to 18 grams for darker roasts. For light roasts, IMS's own recommendation shifts slightly higher, to around 17 to 19 grams – a hint at how differently beans settle in the basket depending on roast level.
Is the basket rimless or does it have a rim?
Rimless, with a flat bottom. Without a compression ring, the tamper sits cleaner and more evenly on the puck.
Will the basket fit my machine?
It's made for 58 mm portafilters (rim diameter 70 mm, B70 standard) and fits many E61 and other 58 mm group heads – including La Marzocco, Rocket, ECM, Bezzera, Rancilio, Faema, Nuova Simonelli, Victoria Arduino, Wega.
What sets it apart from my machine's standard basket?
Stock baskets are usually punched, with fewer and less evenly distributed holes. The relaminated, recalibrated Competition perforation delivers more even flow through the whole puck.
Can I see the product before I buy it?
Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range – the display changes. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check whether the product you have in mind is currently there.
Roastery tip
An even basket rewards dense, aromatic beans the most. From our coffee roastery, Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight pull through rich-bodied and round. If you're after maximum body without any acidity, Very Nutty is the one; if you like it fruity, Wild Peach reveals a vivid peach note. Our recommendation – one of many.
