What are VST filters why are coffee geeks raving about them?
Espresso coffee enthusiasts have been mostly in agreement about the virtues of the new VST filter baskets since their release just a few short months ago. So what are VST baskets, and how do they work? More to the point, is there a noticeable difference in the flavour of the coffee? You can buy VST filter baskets now in our web store, but if you want to learn more about them first then read on!
VST Baskets – Designed by La Marzocco & VST
Veteran italian espresso machine manufacturer La Marzocco teamed up with VST, designers of the popular ExtractMoJo device to produce a more accurate, more consistent way of extracting espresso shots. When put under the microscope (or even looking with your naked eye) most espresso filter baskets are manufactured such that the holes vary not only in size, but also in shape.
How are VST filters different?
VST filter baskets are manufactured with much lower tolerances, such that each and every hole is measured on every filter to ensure that they are all within a diameter limit of +/- 30 µm. That is, 30 microns, where a micron is 1/1000 of a millimetre. All VST filter basket holes are measured for a number of different parameters to ensure consistency, including circularity, area, placement and also checked that no holes are completely blocked. As you can imagine, the manufacturing process involved in the development of the VST filter took some time. Each VST filter is warranted for zero defects.
The VST filter also has much straighter sides top to bottom than some other brands, and the holes run closer to the edge of the filter. They are designed this way to ensure the water travels the same distance on the edge of the filter as it does in the middle, aiding in achieving consistent espresso extraction across the coffee puck.
VST filter – improved espresso extractions
VST filters allow for better consistency and this also means poor technique such as uneven tamping will show through in the shot. And so the VST becomes not only great for achieving better espresso day-to-day, but also for training purposes. Just as the naked portafilter allowed the barista to see the extraction, the VST filter helps the barista to further improve tamp and dosing technique.
Photo of the 18g VST filter basket in action:
Does the VST filter basket improve the taste of espresso coffee?
There are obvious caveats here – your technique must be reasonably good. You don’t need to be a world barista champion to get a lot out of the VST baskets, but you do need to tamp evenly and dose consistently, as with any espresso basket – but perhaps more so with the VST.
You may find you need to grind a little finer than with other baskets, since there are more holes. In general, many respected coffee professionals agree that espresso extracted well through the VST baskets tastes better. Some say it brings out more distinct flavours in the coffee. Extractions tend to be consistent not only shot to shot, but between different VST baskets, since they are all virtually identical.
Since VST baskets are still relatively new, you may still be using the portafilter basket which came with your espresso machine, and that’s okay! But if you wanted to try something new which could noticeably improve the taste and consistency of your espresso coffee at home, then VST baskets are worth a shot (no pun intended).
Which size VST filter basket should you buy?
Trying to decide which size to buy? VST filters should fit into most standard 58mm naked portafilters, while the 15g and 18g should fit most spouted portafilters.
If deciding between the three VST basket sizes (15g, 18g and 22g), it’s helpful to know how much coffee you currently dose into your existing basket. If you have digital scales, weigh your standard dose. Most double baskets fit at least 18g of coffee, while a triple can fit 22g or more. With this in mind, choosing between the VST filter basket sizes is relatively straight forward. The 18g VST seems to be the most popular size, and is great for a single shot of good strength.
According to VST, the 18g basket is 24.2mm high while the 22g basket is 28mm high. If you use a spouted portafilter, be sure to measure your existing basket so you have some idea of which size VST will fit. Obviously, all three sizes should fit in most naked portafilters.
VST filter baskets now in stock!
We’ve got them in stock now on our web store, in 15g, 18g and 22g sizes for $35 each.
