IMS Big Bang Precision Filter Basket 58 mm – 21.5 mm, 14–16 g (Bottomless Portafilter)
In a bottomless portafilter, the espresso gathers towards the centre and runs calmly, almost velvety – the Big Bang steers the flow right there. Even with a lean 14–16 g dose, you can taste what it's all about: sweetness that comes to the fore.
Nobody needs a special basket for good espresso – the original basket does its job. You want one because the cup becomes sweeter, rounder and more even. It's one of many possible choices, and we respect it either way.
What makes this basket special
The Big Bang is IMS's newest idea: 585 holes concentrated towards the centre of the basket – the spacing between the holes increases towards the rim. This steers the flow deliberately to the centre and lets water pass through the whole puck exceptionally evenly, which helps prevent channelling. You taste the result as noticeably more sweetness, while acidity steps back – caramel, chocolate and nut come to the fore. The holes are Ø 0.30 mm with a conical cross-section; the basket is ridgeless, has a flat bottom and an electropolished, easy-to-clean surface. Espresso is extraction by weight ratio, usually 1:2; taste and smell are inseparable, and much of it happens retronasally. It's our observation that the choice of basket fundamentally changes the aroma profile.
At a Glance
| Manufacturer |
IMS Big Bang (B702TFH21.5BB), Italy |
| Material |
Stainless steel, electropolished |
| Perforation |
585 holes (Big Bang pattern), Ø 0.30 mm, conical · perforated area Ø 49 mm |
| Bottom / Design |
Flat · cylindrical, ridgeless |
| Dose |
14–16 g |
| Height |
21.5 mm |
| Fit |
58 mm portafilters, E61 · Tamper Ø 58–58.4 mm · Rim Ø 70 mm |
Who it's for
For anyone who loves a sweet, round espresso – especially lovely with medium to darker roasts. Developed for the bottomless portafilter; the low 21.5 mm height usually fits standard portafilters too. If you want to bring out the fruity acidity of light roasts, another basket will often serve you better – we'll be honest about that. Every budget is welcome.
What goes with it
At its best in a bottomless portafilter. For a level puck: the tamper collection – affordable with Normcore, premium with Weber Workshops. Against clumps beforehand: WDT tools. Plus the right grinder. All other baskets: the precision basket collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Big Bang hole pattern do?
The 585 holes are concentrated towards the centre; the spacing between them increases towards the rim. This steers the flow to the centre, ensures a very even extraction, helps prevent channelling and brings out sweetness while acidity steps back.
Which roasts does the Big Bang suit?
Medium to darker roasts come out especially well. With very light, citrusy coffees, a little experimenting pays off – the Big Bang deliberately tones down acidity.
Standard or bottomless portafilter?
Developed for bottomless portafilters. The low 21.5 mm height usually fits standard portafilters with a base too.
Can I see the basket 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
The Big Bang emphasises sweetness and tones down acidity – as if made for full-bodied roasts. From our coffee roastery, Cozy Chocolate, Nutty Delight and – for maximum body without any acidity – Very Nutty work especially well. If you're after the fruity side of light roasts, the Big Bang will give you less of that – we'd rather say so honestly. Our recommendation, one of many.
