Why some baskets darken with time. Inferior steel. Some baskets are made with a steel composition that costs a fraction of that used by OEM suppliers; we know because we tried them to find out. The finish, when new, looks great. It even seems a little shinier than most. After a few weeks they begin to discolor and no amount of cleaning can restore the shine. We don’t know if its a bad thing, or if it changes the taste of the coffee; we just know that its not enough of a savings to take the chance.

Ridges. Most baskets have ridges to allow the spring retainer of the portafilter to better hold the basket. Ridges that go in towards the coffee are easier to pop in and out; those that go out towards the portafilter are tougher, but allow for a tighter tamper fit. Ridge-less baskets are a no brainer, but need stronger springs and an occasional tweak of the wire to better stay in the holder. Inward facing ridges are standard.

Many Baskets Interchange. There is an extensive cross-over application for the most common baskets. Adding a decimal point and number will designate a different style of ridge, micro-fine filter screen, pod filter or blind basket.