IMS Big Bang Precision Filter Basket 58 mm – 23.5 mm High
The espresso flows evenly across the whole puck and the cup turns sweeter and rounder: that is the idea behind the IMS Big Bang filter basket for 58 mm portafilters.
Nobody needs a special basket for good espresso – the original basket does its job. You want one because the effect of the hole pattern interests you. It's one of many possible choices, and we respect it either way. You can buy all baskets and shower screens from IMS online from us in Switzerland or see them in our showrooms in Bern and Zurich.
Features of the Big Bang filter basket
The Big Bang perforation
The Big Bang is the first IMS filter with its own name. Instead of evenly spaced holes, IMS uses increasing hole spacing: it starts at 1.5 mm in the centre and grows towards the edge, visually like an explosion. According to IMS, this gives a more balanced extraction across the whole puck and an espresso that tastes noticeably sweeter and more complex, with less acidity and a silky body. On the B70 with a height of 23.5 mm there are 497 holes with a diameter of 0.30 mm across a perforated area of Ø 44 mm, relaminated and recalibrated to competition standard.
The details in everyday use
The basket is cylindrical, has a flat bottom and no ridge (ridgeless), and the rim measures 70 mm. The surface is electropolished, wet vibro-finished with ceramic media and passivated. This makes cleaning easier and improves hygiene.
Taste and smell are inseparable: much of what you experience as aroma arises retronasally as you swallow. We describe extraction by weight. We grind fine, start at 14.5 g and work our way up, usually to 17 g, at a ratio below 1:2. Our observation is that the choice of basket fundamentally changes the aroma profile.
At a Glance
| Manufacturer | IMS, Torre d'Isola (Italy) |
|---|
| Model / code | Big Bang B70, B702TFH23.5BB |
|---|
| Material | stainless steel |
|---|
| Perforation | 497 holes, Ø 0.30 mm, hole spacing increasing from 1.5 mm in the centre towards the edge |
|---|
| Perforated area | Ø 44 mm |
|---|
| Shape | cylindrical, flat bottom, ridgeless |
|---|
| Rim | Ø 70 mm |
|---|
| Height | 23.5 mm |
|---|
| Dose according to IMS | dark roast 16–18 g, medium 17–19 g, light 18–20 g |
|---|
| Tamper | Ø 58–58.5 mm |
|---|
| Fit | 58 mm portafilters |
|---|
| Surface | electropolished, vibro-finished, passivated |
|---|
| Other heights | 21.5 mm, 25.5 mm, 27.5 mm |
|---|
Who it's made for
For everyone with a 58 mm portafilter who pulls the classic double in the 16 to 20 g range, depending on the roast. IMS describes the effect as sweeter, more complex and with less acidity, which particularly suits full-bodied roasts. If you want to emphasise the fruity side of light roasts, you will find more baskets among our precision baskets and filter baskets.
Our opinion is one of many, and every budget is welcome. If you are planning your setup as a whole, take a look at our advice tool.
What goes with it
The flow shows best in a bottomless portafilter from our collection Portafilters and Bottomless Portafilters. For a level puck: for everyone who wants it affordable and precise, tampers and WDT tools from Normcore; if you want more, choose Weber Workshops. You will find all models among the tampers and WDT tools, puck screens from both brands under Puck Screens. Plus the right grinder from our coffee grinders.
Ordering and delivery
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days, Click and Collect in Bern and Zurich. If you have questions, reach us at [email protected], via coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Big Bang hole pattern do?
The spacing between the holes starts at 1.5 mm in the centre and increases towards the edge. According to IMS, this gives a more balanced extraction across the whole puck and an espresso that tastes sweeter and more complex, with less acidity and a silky body.
Which dose fits the 23.5 mm basket?
For this height IMS specifies 16–18 g for dark, 17–19 g for medium and 18–20 g for light roasts. For a smaller dose there is the Big Bang at 21.5 mm (14–18 g), for more at 25.5 mm (18–22 g) and 27.5 mm (20–24 g).
Which roasts does the Big Bang suit?
IMS gives doses for dark, medium and light roasts. The described effect, more sweetness and less acidity, particularly suits full-bodied roasts. With light roasts it pays to play with dose and ratio.
Does the Big Bang fit my portafilter?
It is designed for 58 mm portafilters with a 70 mm rim diameter, and the tamper should measure 58 to 58.5 mm. IMS lists La Marzocco, Rocket Espresso, ECM and Profitec among others as compatible brands. If in doubt, write to us at [email protected].
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.
Tip from the roastery: The Big Bang emphasises sweetness and tones down acidity, as if made for full-bodied roasts. From our coffee roastery, Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight work well, and for maximum body without any acidity Very Nutty. For the curious, a shot with Wild Peach, our fruity roast, is also worth it. Other beans work just as well. That's our recommendation, one of many.
